U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form 10-Q
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þ
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Quarterly Report Under Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
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For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2006
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o
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Transition Report Under Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
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For the transition period ended
Commission File Number 000-33227
Southern Community Financial Corporation
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
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North Carolina
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56-2270620
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(State or other jurisdiction of
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(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
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incorporation or organization)
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4605 Country Club Road
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Winston-Salem, North Carolina
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27104
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(Address of principal executive offices)
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(Zip Code)
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Registrants telephone number, including area code (336) 768-8500
Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Exchange Act:
Common Stock, No Par Value
7.95% Cumulative Trust Preferred Securities
7.95% Junior Subordinated Debentures
Guarantee with respect to 7.95% Cumulative Trust Preferred Securities
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
þ
No
o
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or
a non-accelerated filer. See definition of accelerated filer and large accelerated filer in Rule
12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer
o
Accelerated filer
þ
Non-accelerated filer
o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the
Exchange Act). Yes
o
No
þ
As of May 1, 2006 (the most recent practicable date), the registrant had outstanding 17,659,077
shares of Common Stock, no par value.
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Page No.
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Part I.
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FINANCIAL INFORMATION
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Item 1 -
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Financial Statements (Unaudited)
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Consolidated Balance Sheets
March 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005
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3
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Consolidated Statements of Operations
Three Months Ended March 31, 2006 and 2005
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4
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Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
Three Months Ended March 31, 2006 and 2005
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5
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Consolidated Statement of Stockholders Equity
Three Months Ended March 31, 2006
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6
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Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Three Months Ended March 31, 2006 and 2005
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7
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
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8
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Item 2 -
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Managements Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and
Results of Operations
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15
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Item 3 -
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Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about
Market Risk
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19
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Item 4 -
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Controls and Procedures
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20
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Part II.
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Other Information
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Item 1A -
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Risk Factors
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20
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Item 2 -
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Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use
of Proceeds
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20
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Item 6 -
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Exhibits
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21
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Signatures
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22
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- 2 -
Part I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1 Financial Statements
SOUTHERN COMMUNITY FINANCIAL CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited)
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March 31,
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December 31,
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2006
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2005 *
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(Amounts in thousands,
except share data)
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Assets
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Cash and due from banks
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$
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25,807
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$
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24,606
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Federal funds sold
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596
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648
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Investment securities
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Available for sale, at fair value
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203,250
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203,808
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Held to maturity, at amortized cost
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87,366
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88,108
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Loans
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921,195
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868,827
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Allowance for loan losses
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(12,211
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)
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(11,785
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)
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Net Loans
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908,984
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857,042
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Premises and equipment
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36,226
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31,259
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Goodwill
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49,792
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49,792
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Other assets
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30,104
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30,261
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Total Assets
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$
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1,342,125
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$
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1,285,524
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Liabilities and Stockholders Equity
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Deposits
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Demand
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$
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112,341
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$
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111,226
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Money market, savings and NOW
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347,034
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315,112
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Time
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536,979
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514,263
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Total Deposits
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996,354
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940,601
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Short-term borrowings
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48,161
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9,186
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Long-term debt
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152,825
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192,551
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Other liabilities
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8,402
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7,780
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Total Liabilities
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1,205,742
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1,150,118
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Stockholders Equity
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Preferred stock, no par value, 1,000,000 shares authorized; none
issued or outstanding at March 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005, respectively
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Common stock, no par value, 30,000,000 shares authorized; issued and
outstanding 17,673,077 shares at March 31, 2006
and 17,612,472 shares at December 31, 2005, respectively
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122,338
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122,490
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Retained earnings
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17,457
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16,128
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Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
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(3,412
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)
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(3,212
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)
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Total Stockholders Equity
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136,383
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135,406
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Commitments and contingencies
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Total Liabilities and Stockholders Equity
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$
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1,342,125
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$
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1,285,524
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*
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Derived from audited consolidated financial statements
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See accompanying notes.
- 3 -
SOUTHERN COMMUNITY FINANCIAL CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)
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Three Months Ended
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March 31,
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2006
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2005
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(Amounts in thousands, except share
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and per share data)
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Interest Income
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Loans
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$
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16,259
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$
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12,302
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Investment securities available for sale
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2,140
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2,204
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Investment securities held to maturity
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854
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822
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Federal funds sold
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21
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12
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Total Interest Income
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19,274
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15,340
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Interest Expense
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Money market, savings, NOW deposits
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2,097
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765
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Time deposits
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4,883
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3,422
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Borrowings
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2,320
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2,117
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Total Interest Expense
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9,300
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6,304
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Net Interest Income
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9,974
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9,036
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Provision for Loan Losses
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475
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395
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Net Interest Income After Provision for Loan Losses
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9,499
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8,641
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Non-Interest Income
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1,823
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1,746
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Non-Interest Expense
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Salaries and employee benefits
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4,484
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3,978
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Occupancy and equipment
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1,608
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1,342
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Other
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2,340
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2,577
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Total Non-Interest Expense
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8,432
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7,897
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Income Before Income Taxes
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2,890
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2,490
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Income Tax Expense
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|
1,033
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890
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Net Income
|
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$
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1,857
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$
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1,600
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Net Income Per Share
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Basic
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$
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0.11
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$
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0.09
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Diluted
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0.10
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0.09
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Weighted Average Shares Outstanding
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Basic
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17,624,034
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17,867,222
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Diluted
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17,857,395
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18,251,528
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See accompanying notes.
- 4 -
SOUTHERN COMMUNITY FINANCIAL CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited)
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Three Months Ended
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March 31,
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2006
|
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2005
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(Amounts in thousands)
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Net income
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$
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1,857
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$
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1,600
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Other comprehensive income (loss):
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Securities available for sale:
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Unrealized holding gains (losses) on
available for sale securities
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(345
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)
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(3,050
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)
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Tax effect
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|
133
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1,177
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Net of tax amount
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(212
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)
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(1,873
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)
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|
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Cash flow hedging activities:
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Unrealized holding losses on
cash flow hedging activities
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|
9
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Tax effect
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(3
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)
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Reclassification of gains (losses) recognized in net income
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|
10
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|
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(110
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)
|
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Tax effect
|
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(4
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)
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42
|
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|
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|
|
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Net of tax amount
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|
12
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|
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|
(68
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)
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|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
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Total other comprehensive income (loss)
|
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|
(200
|
)
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|
|
(1,941
|
)
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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Comprehensive income (loss)
|
|
$
|
1,657
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|
$
|
(341
|
)
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See accompanying notes.
- 5 -
SOUTHERN COMMUNITY FINANCIAL CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY (Unaudited)
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Accumulated
|
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|
|
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|
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|
|
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Other
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Total
|
|
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|
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Common Stock
|
|
|
Retained
|
|
|
Comprehensive
|
|
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Stockholders
|
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|
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Shares
|
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Amount
|
|
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Earnings
|
|
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Income (loss)
|
|
|
Equity
|
|
|
|
|
(Amounts in thousands, except share data)
|
|
|
Balance at December 31, 2005
|
|
|
17,612,472
|
|
|
$
|
122,490
|
|
|
$
|
16,128
|
|
|
$
|
(3,212
|
)
|
|
$
|
135,406
|
|
|
Net income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,857
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,857
|
|
|
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(200
|
)
|
|
|
(200
|
)
|
|
Common shares repurchased
|
|
|
(70,400
|
)
|
|
|
(659
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(659
|
)
|
|
Stock options exercised
|
|
|
131,005
|
|
|
|
496
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
496
|
|
|
Stock-based compensation
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11
|
|
|
Cash dividends of $.03 per share
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(528
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(528
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at March 31, 2006
|
|
|
17,673,077
|
|
|
$
|
122,338
|
|
|
$
|
17,457
|
|
|
$
|
(3,412
|
)
|
|
$
|
136,383
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See accompanying notes.
- 6 -
SOUTHERN COMMUNITY FINANCIAL CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended
|
|
|
|
|
March 31,
|
|
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
|
|
(Amounts in thousands)
|
|
|
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income
|
|
$
|
1,857
|
|
|
$
|
1,600
|
|
|
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided
by operating activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
944
|
|
|
|
978
|
|
|
Provision for loan losses
|
|
|
475
|
|
|
|
395
|
|
|
Stock-based compensation
|
|
|
11
|
|
|
|
93
|
|
|
Net increase in cash surrender value of life insurance
|
|
|
(96
|
)
|
|
|
(119
|
)
|
|
Realized loss on sale of premise and equipment
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4
|
|
|
Deferred income taxes
|
|
|
(147
|
)
|
|
|
(9
|
)
|
|
Realized (gain) loss on sale of foreclosed property
|
|
|
(11
|
)
|
|
|
18
|
|
|
Changes in assets and liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Increase in other assets
|
|
|
(510
|
)
|
|
|
(74
|
)
|
|
Increase in other liabilities
|
|
|
622
|
|
|
|
(157
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Adjustments
|
|
|
1,288
|
|
|
|
1,129
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities
|
|
|
3,145
|
|
|
|
2,729
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Increase) decrease in federal funds sold
|
|
|
52
|
|
|
|
(1,675
|
)
|
|
Purchase of:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Available-for-sale investment securities
|
|
|
(5,265
|
)
|
|
|
(10,462
|
)
|
|
Held-to-maturity investment securities
|
|
|
(141
|
)
|
|
|
(17,000
|
)
|
|
Proceeds from maturities and calls of:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Available-for-sale investment securities
|
|
|
5,327
|
|
|
|
19,334
|
|
|
Held-to-maturity investment securities
|
|
|
872
|
|
|
|
2,257
|
|
|
Net increase in loans
|
|
|
(52,417
|
)
|
|
|
(14,381
|
)
|
|
Purchases of premises and equipment
|
|
|
(5,748
|
)
|
|
|
(540
|
)
|
|
Proceeds from disposal of premises and equipment
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
Proceeds from sale of foreclosed assets
|
|
|
135
|
|
|
|
134
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Cash Used by Investing Activities
|
|
|
(57,185
|
)
|
|
|
(22,332
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net increase (decrease) in deposits
|
|
|
56,146
|
|
|
|
(7,791
|
)
|
|
Net increase in short-term borrowings
|
|
|
38,975
|
|
|
|
5,779
|
|
|
Net increase (decrease) in long-term borrowings
|
|
|
(39,189
|
)
|
|
|
24,972
|
|
|
Net proceeds from the issuance of common stock
|
|
|
496
|
|
|
|
585
|
|
|
Common stock repurchased
|
|
|
(659
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash dividends paid
|
|
|
(528
|
)
|
|
|
(2,140
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities
|
|
|
55,241
|
|
|
|
21,405
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Increase in Cash and Due From Banks
|
|
|
1,201
|
|
|
|
1,802
|
|
|
Cash and Due From Banks, Beginning of Year
|
|
|
24,606
|
|
|
|
17,758
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and Due From Banks, End of Period
|
|
$
|
25,807
|
|
|
$
|
19,560
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See accompanying notes.
- 7 -
Note 1 Basis of Presentation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Southern Community Financial
Corporation (the Company), and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Southern Community Bank and Trust and
its wholly-owned subsidiary, VCS Management, L.L.C., the managing general partner for Salem Capital
Partners L.P., a Small Business Investment Company. All intercompany transactions and balances
have been eliminated in consolidation. In managements opinion, the financial information, which
is unaudited, reflects all adjustments (consisting solely of normal recurring adjustments)
necessary for a fair presentation of the financial information as of and for the three-month
periods ended March 31, 2006 and 2005, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted
in the United States of America.
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes requires management
of the Company to make estimates and assumptions relating to reported amounts of assets and
liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated
financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the period. Actual
results could differ significantly from those estimates and assumptions. Material estimates that
are particularly susceptible to significant change relate to the determination of the allowance for
loan losses. To a lesser extent, significant estimates are also associated with the valuation of
securities, intangibles, and derivative instruments, determination of stock-based compensation and
income tax assets or liabilities, and accounting for acquisitions. Operating results for the
three-month period ended March 31, 2006 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be
expected for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2006.
The organization and business of Southern Community Financial Corporation, accounting policies
followed by the Company and other relevant information are contained in the notes to the
consolidated financial statements filed as part of the Companys 2005 annual report on Form 10-K.
This quarterly report should be read in conjunction with the annual report.
Recently issued accounting pronouncements
Effective January 1, 2006, the Company adopted the
provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (revised 2004)
Share-Based
Payment
(SFAS No. 123R). See Note 3 for additional information regarding the impact of the adoption
of the provisions of SFAS No. 123R.
Note 2 Net Income Per Share
Basic and diluted net income per share are computed based on the weighted average number of shares
outstanding during each period. Diluted net income per share reflects the potential dilution that
could occur if stock options were exercised, resulting in the issuance of common stock that then
shared in the net income of the Company.
Basic and diluted net income per share have been computed based upon the weighted average number of
common shares outstanding or assumed to be outstanding as summarized below.
- 8 -
Note 2 Net Income Per Share (Continued)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended
|
|
|
|
|
March 31,
|
|
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
Weighted average number of common
shares used in computing basic net
income per share
|
|
|
17,624,034
|
|
|
|
17,867,222
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Effect of dilutive stock options
|
|
|
233,361
|
|
|
|
384,306
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average number of common
shares and dilutive potential common
shares used in computing diluted net
income per share
|
|
|
17,857,395
|
|
|
|
18,251,528
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (in thousands)
|
|
$
|
1,857
|
|
|
$
|
1,600
|
|
|
Basic
|
|
|
0.11
|
|
|
|
0.09
|
|
|
Diluted
|
|
|
0.10
|
|
|
|
0.09
|
|
For the three months ended March 31, 2006 and 2005, net income for determining diluted
earnings per share was equivalent to net income. Options to purchase shares that have been
excluded from the determination of diluted earnings per share because they are antidilutive (the
exercised price is higher than the current market price) amount to 511,773 and 464,165 shares for
the three months ended March 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively.
Note 3 Stock-based compensation
Effective January 1, 2006, the Company adopted SFAS No. 123 (revised 2004), Share-Based Payment,
(SFAS No. 123R) which was issued by the FASB in December 2004. SFAS No. 123R revises SFAS No. 123
Accounting for Stock Based Compensation, and supersedes APB No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued
to Employees, (APB No. 25) and its related interpretations. SFAS No. 123R requires recognition of
the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments in the
financial statements over the period the employee is required to perform the services in exchange
for the award (usually the vesting period). SFAS No. 123R also requires measurement of the cost of
employee services received in exchange for an award based on the grant-date fair value of the
award. SFAS No. 123R also amends SFAS No. 95 Statement of Cash Flows, to require that excess tax
benefits be reported as financing cash inflows, rather than as a reduction of taxes paid, which is
included within operating cash flows.
The Company adopted SFAS No. 123R using the modified prospective application as permitted under
SFAS No. 123R. Accordingly, prior period amounts have not been restated. Under this application,
the Company is required to record compensation expense for all awards granted after the date of
adoption and for the unvested portion of previously granted awards that remain outstanding at the
date of adoption.
Prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 123R, the Company used the intrinsic value method as prescribed
by APB No. 25 and thus recognized no compensation expense for options granted with exercise prices
equal to the fair market value of the Companys common stock on the date of grant.
The
Company has adopted share-based compensation plans and an employee stock purchase plan, which are
described below. The compensation cost that has been charged against income for those plans was
approximately $11 thousand and $70 thousand for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2006 and
2005, respectively. The income tax benefit recognized for share-based compensation arrangements
was approximately $1 thousand and $25 thousand for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2006 and
2005, respectively.
- 9 -
Note 3 Stock-based compensation (Continued)
Stock Option Plans
During 1997 the Company adopted, with stockholder approval, the 1997 Incentive Stock Option Plan
and the 1997 Nonstatutory Stock Option Plan. Both plans were amended in 2000 and in 2001, with
stockholder approval, to increase the number of shares available for grant. Each of these plans
makes available options to purchase 875,253 shares of the Companys common stock. During 2002 the
Company adopted, with stockholder approval in 2003, the 2002 Incentive Stock Option Plan with
350,000 options available and the 2002 Nonstatutory Stock Option Plan with 150,000 options
available. In 2004, in connection with the acquisition of The Community Bank, the Company assumed
three stock option plans: the 2001 Stock Option Plan for Directors, with 97,428 options available,
The Community Bank Amended And Restated Stock Option Plan For Key Employees, with 26,000 options
available, and The Community Bank Stock Option Plan with 267,927 options available. The exercise
price of all options granted to date is the fair value of the Companys common shares on the date
of grant.
All options had an initial vesting period of five years. During the first quarter 2005, the
Company vested all unvested stock options. As a result of this decision 623,725 non-vested options
were accelerated from their established vesting over a five-year period from date of grant to being
fully vested. Stock options granted after December 31, 2005 and stock options granted to advisory
board members vest over a five-year period. All unexercised options expire ten years after the
date of grant.
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
On December 19, 2002, the Board approved the creation of, and on February 20, 2003 the Board
adopted, the 2002 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the 2002 ESPP). An aggregate of 1,000,000 shares
of common stock of the Company has been reserved for issuance by the Company upon exercise of
options to be granted from time to time under the 2002 ESPP. The purpose of the 2002 ESPP is to
provide employees of the Company with an opportunity to purchase shares of the common stock of the
Company in order to encourage employee participation in the ownership and economic success of the
Company.
The 2002 ESPP provides employees of the Company the right to purchase, annually, shares of the
Companys common stock at 85% of fair market value. As a result of changes in income tax
regulations, for the 2005-2006 plan year and beyond, the purchase price has been changed in the
plan to 95% of fair value. The number of shares that can be purchased in any calendar year by any
individual is limited to the lesser of: (1) shares with a fair market value of $25 thousand; or (2)
shares with a fair market value of 20% of the individuals annual compensation. Shares purchased
through the 2002 ESPP must be held by the employee for one year, after which time the employee is
free to dispose of the stock.
For the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004, employees of the Company purchased 21,059 and
22,350 shares, respectively, under the ESPP.
The fair value of each option award is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes
option pricing model. The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury rate for the
expected life at the time of grant. Volatility is based on the average volatility of the Company
based upon the previous four years trading history. The expected life and forfeiture assumptions
are based on historical data. Dividend yield is based on the yield at the time of the option
grant.
- 10 -
Note 3 Stock-based compensation (Continued)
The following table illustrates the assumptions for the Black-Scholes model used in determining the
fair value of options granted to employees for the three months ended March 31, 2006 and 2005.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31,
|
|
|
|
2006
|
|
2005
|
|
Assumptions in estimating average option fair values:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Risk-free interest rate
|
|
|
4.67
|
%
|
|
|
3.73
|
%
|
|
Dividend yield
|
|
|
1.30
|
%
|
|
|
1.09
|
%
|
|
Volatility
|
|
|
28.67
|
%
|
|
|
30.56
|
%
|
|
Expected life
|
|
7.5 years
|
|
7 years
|
A summary of option activity under the stock option plans as of March 31, 2006 and changes during
the three months ended March 31, 2006 is presented below.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted
|
|
|
Average
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Average
|
|
|
Remaining
|
|
|
Aggregate
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exercise
|
|
|
Contractual
|
|
|
Intrinsic
|
|
|
|
|
Shares
|
|
|
Price
|
|
|
Term
|
|
|
Value
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(in thousands)
|
|
|
Outstanding December 31, 2005
|
|
|
1,271,917
|
|
|
$
|
7.51
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Granted
|
|
|
45,000
|
|
|
|
9.27
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exercised
|
|
|
(131,005
|
)
|
|
|
3.78
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forfeited or expired
|
|
|
(14,760
|
)
|
|
|
8.61
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding March 31, 2006
|
|
|
1,171,152
|
|
|
|
7.98
|
|
|
5.6 years
|
|
$
|
2,238
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exercisable March 31, 2006
|
|
|
1,118,150
|
|
|
|
7.92
|
|
|
5.4 years
|
|
|
2,236
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The weighted-average grant-date fair value of options granted during the three months ended March
31, 2006 was $3.32 per share. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the three
months ended March 31, 2006 was $685 thousand. There were no shares that vested during the three
months ended March 31, 2006.
As of March 31, 2006, there was $172 thousand of unrecognized compensation cost related to
nonvested share-based compensation arrangements granted under the plans. That cost is expected to
be recognized over a weighted average period of 3.9 years.
Cash received from option exercises under all share-based payment arrangements for the three months
ended March 31, 2006 was $496 thousand. There was no tax benefit realized for tax deductions from
option exercise of the share-based payment arrangements during the three months ended March 31,
2006.
The adoption of SFAS No. 123R and its fair value compensation cost recognition provisions are
different from the nonrecognition provisions under SFAS No. 123 and the intrinsic value method for
compensation cost allowed under APB No. 25. The adoption of the provisions of SFAS No. 123R for
the three months ended March 31, 2006 resulted in the recognition of $8 thousand of share-based
compensation expense related to employee awards that would have resulted in no expense under the
provisions of APB No. 25, and $3 thousand of share-based compensation expense to related to
advisory board member awards that would have resulted in a similar expense under the provisions of
APB No. 25. The impact on net income and earnings per share of the adoption of the provisions of
SFAS No. 123R during the first quarter of 2006 was insignificant.
- 11 -
Note 3 Stock-based compensation (Continued)
During the first quarter 2005, the Company vested all unvested stock options. As a result of this
decision 623,725 non-vested options were accelerated from their established vesting over a 5 year
period from date of grant to being fully vested. At the date the decision was made to accelerate
the vesting, some of the options had exercise prices below market value. In accordance with the
provisions of APB No. 25, compensation expense of $70,000 ($45,000 net of tax effect) has been
recognized in the three months ended March 31, 2005 to reflect the effects of the accelerated
vesting. The Company applied certain assumptions in the determination of the expense recognized
during the period which were based on historical employee attrition rates.
The decision to accelerate the vesting of these options, which we believe to be in the best
interest of our stockholders, was made primarily to reduce non-cash compensation expenses that
would have been recorded in future periods following our application of SFAS No. 123R. Because we
accelerated these options, we expect to reduce our non-cash compensation expense related to these
options by approximately $1.6 million (pre-tax) between the first quarter of 2006 and 2009, based
on estimated value calculations using the Black-Scholes methodology.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended
|
|
|
|
March 31, 2005
|
|
|
|
(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)
|
|
Net income:
|
|
|
|
|
|
As reported
|
|
$
|
1,600
|
|
|
Add: Total stock-based employee
compensation expense included
in reported net earnings,
net of related tax effects
|
|
|
45
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deduct: Total stock-based employee
compensation expense determined
under fair value method for all awards,
net of related tax effects
|
|
|
(1,515
|
)
|
|
Pro forma
|
|
$
|
130
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic earnings per share:
|
|
|
|
|
|
As reported
|
|
$
|
0.09
|
|
|
Pro forma
|
|
|
0.01
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Diluted earnings per share:
|
|
|
|
|
|
As reported
|
|
$
|
0.09
|
|
|
Pro forma
|
|
|
0.01
|
|
- 12 -
Note 4 Loans
Following is a summary of loans at each of the balance sheet dates presented:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At March 31,
|
|
|
At December 31,
|
|
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Percent
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Percent
|
|
|
|
|
Amount
|
|
|
of Total
|
|
|
Amount
|
|
|
of Total
|
|
|
|
|
(Dollars in thousands)
|
|
|
Residential mortgage loans
|
|
$
|
230,223
|
|
|
|
25.0
|
%
|
|
$
|
244,177
|
|
|
|
28.0
|
%
|
|
|
|
Commercial mortgage loans
|
|
|
317,316
|
|
|
|
34.5
|
%
|
|
|
286,658
|
|
|
|
33.0
|
%
|
|
Construction loans
|
|
|
182,409
|
|
|
|
19.8
|
%
|
|
|
156,900
|
|
|
|
18.1
|
%
|
|
Commercial and industrial loans
|
|
|
165,014
|
|
|
|
17.9
|
%
|
|
|
151,950
|
|
|
|
17.5
|
%
|
|
Loans to individuals
|
|
|
26,233
|
|
|
|
2.8
|
%
|
|
|
29,142
|
|
|
|
3.4
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Subtotal
|
|
|
921,195
|
|
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
|
|
868,827
|
|
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less: Allowance for loan losses
|
|
|
(12,211
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(11,785
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loans
|
|
$
|
908,984
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
857,042
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
An analysis of the allowance for loan losses is as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended
|
|
|
|
|
March 31,
|
|
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
|
|
(Amount
in thousands)
|
|
|
Balance at beginning of period
|
|
$
|
11,785
|
|
|
$
|
12,537
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Provision for loan losses
|
|
|
475
|
|
|
|
395
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Charges-offs
|
|
|
(113
|
)
|
|
|
(321
|
)
|
|
Recoveries
|
|
|
64
|
|
|
|
13
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net charge-offs
|
|
|
(49
|
)
|
|
|
(308
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adjustment on allowancwe for acquired loans
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(491
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at end of period
|
|
$
|
12,211
|
|
|
$
|
12,133
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The following is a summary of nonperforming assets at the periods presented:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31,
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
March 31,
|
|
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
|
|
(Amounts in thousands)
|
|
|
Nonaccrual loans
|
|
$
|
2,058
|
|
|
$
|
1,408
|
|
|
$
|
7,910
|
|
|
Foreclosed assets
|
|
|
129
|
|
|
|
280
|
|
|
|
885
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
nonperforming
assets
|
|
$
|
2,187
|
|
|
$
|
1,688
|
|
|
$
|
8,795
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- 13 -
Note 4 Loans (Continued)
Management estimates the allowance balance required using past loan loss experience, the nature and
volume of the portfolio, information about specific borrower situations, estimated collateral
values, economic conditions, and other factors. The allowance consists of several components. One
component is for loans that are individually classified as impaired and measured under FASB
Statement No. 114. The other components are for collective loan impairment measured under FASB
Statement No. 5. Allocations of the allowance may be made for specific loans, but the entire
allowance is available for any loan that, in managements judgment, should be charged off.
During the first quarter of 2005, management completed an extensive review of the allowance for
loan losses related to the loan portfolio acquired in the first quarter of 2004 in connection with
The Community Bank acquisition. This review was completed during the one year allocation period,
and as a result, management determined the allowance for loan losses as recorded in the preliminary
purchase price allocation should be adjusted downward. A purchase price allocation adjustment of
$491 thousand was recorded as a reduction of the allowance for loan losses and a reduction of
goodwill, net of tax, of $302 thousand.
As of March 31, 2006, the Company had recorded investment in loans considered impaired in
accordance with SFAS No. 114 of $2.3 million with a corresponding valuation allowance of $533
thousand.
Note 5 Non-Interest Income and Other Non-Interest Expense
The major components of other non-interest income are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended
|
|
|
|
|
March 31,
|
|
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
Service charges and fees on deposit accounts
|
|
$
|
1,035
|
|
|
$
|
839
|
|
|
Presold mortgage loan fees
|
|
|
214
|
|
|
|
250
|
|
|
Investment brokerage fees
|
|
|
115
|
|
|
|
208
|
|
|
SBIC management fees
|
|
|
130
|
|
|
|
108
|
|
|
Other
|
|
|
329
|
|
|
|
341
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
1,823
|
|
|
$
|
1,746
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The major components of other non-interest expense are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended
|
|
|
|
|
March 31,
|
|
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
Postage, printing and office supplies
|
|
$
|
189
|
|
|
$
|
265
|
|
|
Telephone and communication
|
|
|
243
|
|
|
$
|
204
|
|
|
Advertising and promotion
|
|
|
235
|
|
|
|
202
|
|
|
Data processing and other outsourced services
|
|
|
167
|
|
|
|
138
|
|
|
Professional services
|
|
|
332
|
|
|
|
454
|
|
|
Other
|
|
|
1,174
|
|
|
|
1,314
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
2,340
|
|
|
$
|
2,577
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Note 6 Common Stock Repurchase Programs
The Company announced a plan to repurchase up to 300,000 shares of its common stock in March 2005,
and to repurchase an additional 600,000 shares of its common stock in September 2005. Through
March 31, 2006, the Company had repurchased 531,200 shares at an average price of $9.28 per share
under the two plans, including 70,400 shares at an average price of $9.36 purchased during the
first quarter of 2006.
- 14 -
Item 2. Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q may contain certain forward-looking statements consisting of
estimates with respect to our financial condition, results of operations and business that are
subject to various factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from these
estimates. These factors include, but are not limited to, general economic conditions, changes in
interest rates, deposit flows, loan demand, real estate values, and competition; changes in
accounting principles, policies, or guidelines; changes in legislation or regulation; and other
economic, competitive, governmental, regulatory, and technological factors affecting our
operations, pricing, products and services.
Summary of First Quarter
During the first quarter, the Company achieved record loan growth while maintaining excellent
credit quality. On the funding side, we continued efforts to build local deposits to improve our
funding mix, and our initiatives resulted in record deposit growth. For the quarter, total loans
grew by a record $52.4 million or 6.0% to end the period at $921.2 million. Total deposits were
$996.4 million at March 31, 2006, an increase of $55.8 million over the prior quarter-end, driven
by increases of $33.1 million of non-maturity deposits and $22.7 million of time deposits. With an
increased level of earning assets coupled with increases in variable interest rates, total interest
income increased by $605 thousand, or 3.2% on a linked-quarter basis. Continued strong loan
demand, funded with growth in deposits and the resulting improvement in funding mix, contributed to
a fifteen basis point expansion in our net interest margin, to 3.42% from 3.27% compared with the
quarter ended December 31, 2005. Compared with the first quarter of 2005, net interest income
increased $938 thousand, or 10.4%. The increase in net interest income combined with improvements
in non-interest income to produce net income of $1.9 million, an increase of $257 thousand or 16.1%
over the first quarter of 2005. Earnings per fully diluted share were $0.10 and $0.09 for the three
months ended March 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively. Excluding the after-tax impact of
approximately $255 thousand of unusual expenses incurred in the first quarter of 2005, earnings for
the first quarter of 2006 were consistent with those of the same period a year ago.
In March 2005, the Company announced a plan to repurchase up to 300,000 shares of stock. In
September 2005, the Company announced a plan to repurchase up to 600,000 additional shares of
stock. During the fourth quarter of 2005, the Company completed the repurchase program under the
first authorization and began to repurchase shares under the second authorization. Through March
31, 2006, the Company had repurchased 531,200 shares at an average price of $9.28 per share,
including 70,400 shares repurchased during the first quarter of 2006 at an average price of $9.36
per share.
On April 27, 2006, Southern Community Financial Corporation announced that its Board of Directors,
at their regular meeting on April 19, 2006, declared a quarterly cash dividend of three and
one-half cents ($0.035) per share on the Corporations common stock. The dividend is payable on
June 1, 2006 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on May 15, 2006. This dividend
represents a 16.7% increase over the previous quarterly dividends of $0.03 per share, and is the
fifth consecutive quarterly dividend, following a former practice of annual dividends. The
Companys first cash dividend was paid in March 2004.
Financial Condition at March 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005
During the three-month period ending March 31, 2006, total assets increased by $56.6 million, or
4.4%, to $1.3 billion. The Companys loan portfolio, net of allowance for loan losses, increased
to $908.9 million, a $51.9 million, or 6.1% increase for the first three months. Emphasis on
growing local deposits netted an increase in non-maturity deposits of $33.1 million, or 7.7% during
the period, with time deposits increasing by $22.7 million, or 4.4%.
The Company experienced strong loan demand in the first quarter, in our existing markets and from
the opening of our Guilford County regional office in Greensboro in December 2005 and our banking
office in Raleigh in February 2006. At March 31, 2006, gross loans totaled $921.2 million, an
increase of $52.4 or 6.0% from December 31, 2005. Commercial mortgage loans, which total $317.3
million or 34.5% of gross loans, continue to comprise the largest segment of the portfolio.
Commercial mortgage loans also experienced the most growth during the quarter increasing by $30.7
million. Loans secured by residential mortgages and the commercial and industrial portfolio
represent 25.0% and 17.9% of gross loans, respectively. Construction lending experienced the
second largest portfolio growth during the quarter, increasing $25.5 million to end the period at
$182.4 million or 19.8% of the total loan portfolio.
- 15 -
We utilize various funding sources, as necessary, to support balance sheet management and growth.
Asset growth during the period was funded primarily by increases in deposits and wholesale
borrowings. Customer deposits continue to be our primary funding source. At March 31, 2006,
deposits totaled $996.4 million, an increase of $55.8 million or 5.9% from year-end 2005. Core
deposits accounted for the majority of the deposit growth during the period, increasing $112.4
million or 20.1% over the last twelve months and $36.9 million or 5.9% over the last three months.
Our capital position remains strong, with all of our regulatory capital ratios at levels that make
us well capitalized under federal bank regulatory capital
guidelines. At March 31, 2006, our
stockholders equity totaled $136.4 million, an increase of $977 thousand from the December 31,
2005 balance. The increase is primarily the result of earnings of $1.9 million offset by $528
thousand of cash dividends declared and paid during the period, a $212 net decrease in the fair
market value of available-for-sale securities, and the repurchase of $659 thousand, or 70,400
shares, of the Companys outstanding common stock during the period.
Results of Operations for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2006 and 2005
Net Income
.
Our net income for the three months ended March 31, 2006 was $1.9 million, an increase
of $257 thousand, or 16.1%, from the same three-month period in 2005. Net income per share was
$0.11 basic and $0.10 diluted for the three months ended March 31, 2006 as compared with $0.09
basic and diluted for the same period in 2005. Net interest income for the first quarter of 2006
was $10.0 million, up $938 thousand, or 10.4% compared with the first quarter 2005, the result of
higher levels of interest-earning assets and an improved net interest margin. The rising interest
rate environment and the repositioning of our balance sheet contributed to the 15 basis point
expansion of our net interest margin to 3.42% for the first quarter of 2006, from 3.27% in each of
the first and the fourth quarters of 2005. Non-interest expense increased $536 thousand compared
with the same quarter a year ago. Results for the first quarter of 2005 included pre-tax expenses
of $345 thousand incurred as a result of the departure of two members of senior management and $70
thousand associated with the Companys decision to vest all outstanding unvested options.
Excluding the impact of these expenses, earnings for the first quarter of 2006 were consistent with
those of the same period a year ago. The increase in non-interest expense was primarily the result
of the continued expansion of our franchise and investment in our infrastructure to support our
growth.
Net Interest Income
.
During the three months ended March 31, 2006, our net interest income was
$10.0 million, an increase of $938 thousand or 10.4% over the first quarter 2005. As a result of
the balance sheet changes and the positive effects of rising short-term interest rates on our
floating rate loan portfolio, our net interest margin expanded by 15 basis points to 3.42% for the
first quarter of 2006, compared to 3.27% for the first quarter of 2005. Our efforts in
repositioning our balance sheet by reducing our level of investment securities to total assets
while increasing our focus on deposit growth are reflected in the mix of interest-earning assets
and liabilities and the resulting expansion of our net interest margin. With continued strong loan
demand, our average loans increased $82.2 million, or 10.2%, more than offsetting the $19.2 million
decrease in average investment securities, when compared with the first quarter 2005. Proceeds of
$11.7 million from the sales of investment securities in the fourth quarter of 2005 and cash flows
from maturities, calls and repayments of mortgage backed securities are being reinvested in
higher-yielding loans, positively impacting our net interest margin. Allowing the investment
portfolio to run-off, combined with sales of $11.7 million of lower-yielding investments in the
fourth quarter of 2005, has resulted in a reduction in our investment portfolio from 25.4% of total
assets one year ago to 21.7% as of March 31, 2006. Rising interest rates have also impacted our
funding costs. Our cost on average interest bearing liabilities for the first quarter of 2006
increased 101 basis points to 3.58% compared the first quarter of 2005. However, strong local
deposit growth has allowed us to reduce our level of wholesale borrowings and mitigated rising
funding costs as the wholesale markets reacted to anticipated Federal Reserve rate hikes. As of
March 31, 2006 deposits and borrowings represented 83.2% and 16.8% of total funding, respectively,
compared with 76.0% and 24.0% of total funding, respectively, as of the end of the first quarter of
2005.
The rates earned on a significant portion of our loan portfolio adjust when index rates, such as
prime, change. As a result, interest rate increases generally result in an increase in our
interest income on loans. Between March 2005 and March 2006, the Federal Reserve increased the
targeted federal funds rate by 200 basis points, to 4.75%,
causing a corresponding increase in the prime rate. However, a flattened yield curve has impacted
fixed rate loan and investment portfolio yields, and they have not kept pace with the increase in
short-term interest rates. Our average yield on interest-earning assets in the first quarter of
2006 increased by 105 basis points above that of the first quarter 2005 to 6.60%. Our net interest
margin in the future will be impacted by actions taken by the Federal Reserve Board with respect to
interest rates and competition in our markets. As our balance sheet is slightly asset-sensitive,
we would expect to see some compression in our margins if interest rates stop increasing or begin
to decline, as some of our lower-rate funding
- 16 -
reprices at higher levels. In addition, continued
robust loan growth may outpace our ability to attract lower-cost local deposits. As such, we will
seek to fund this growth as efficiently as possible through our ready access to correspondents and
other wholesale market funds.
Average Yield/Cost Analysis
The following table contains information relating to the Companys average balance sheet and
reflects the average yield on assets and cost of liabilities for the periods indicated. Such
annualized yields and costs are derived by dividing annualized income or expense by the average
balances of assets or liabilities, respectively, for the periods presented. The average loan
portfolio balances include nonaccrual loans.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31, 2006
|
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31, 2005
|
|
|
|
|
Average
|
|
|
Interest
|
|
|
Average
|
|
|
Average
|
|
|
Interest
|
|
|
Average
|
|
|
|
|
balance
|
|
|
earned/paid
|
|
|
yield/cost
|
|
|
balance
|
|
|
earned/paid
|
|
|
yield/cost
|
|
|
Interest-earning assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loans
|
|
$
|
887,704
|
|
|
$
|
16,259
|
|
|
|
7.43
|
%
|
|
$
|
805,497
|
|
|
$
|
12,302
|
|
|
|
6.19
|
%
|
|
Investment securities available for sale
|
|
|
206,850
|
|
|
|
2,140
|
|
|
|
4.20
|
%
|
|
|
224,342
|
|
|
|
2,204
|
|
|
|
3.98
|
%
|
|
Investment securities held to maturity
|
|
|
87,532
|
|
|
|
854
|
|
|
|
3.96
|
%
|
|
|
89,253
|
|
|
|
822
|
|
|
|
3.74
|
%
|
|
Federal funds sold
|
|
|
1,845
|
|
|
|
21
|
|
|
|
4.62
|
%
|
|
|
1,428
|
|
|
|
12
|
|
|
|
3.44
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total interest earning assets
|
|
|
1,183,931
|
|
|
|
19,274
|
|
|
|
6.60
|
%
|
|
|
1,120,520
|
|
|
|
15,340
|
|
|
|
5.55
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other assets
|
|
|
122,602
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
116,392
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets
|
|
$
|
1,306,533
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
1,236,912
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest-bearing liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deposits:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NOW, Money Market, and Savings
|
|
$
|
325,575
|
|
|
$
|
2,097
|
|
|
|
2.61
|
%
|
|
$
|
238,788
|
|
|
$
|
765
|
|
|
|
1.30
|
%
|
|
Time deposits greater than $100K
|
|
|
310,794
|
|
|
|
3,072
|
|
|
|
4.01
|
%
|
|
|
279,311
|
|
|
|
2,020
|
|
|
|
2.93
|
%
|
|
Other time deposits
|
|
|
208,301
|
|
|
|
1,811
|
|
|
|
3.53
|
%
|
|
|
219,858
|
|
|
|
1,402
|
|
|
|
2.59
|
%
|
|
Short-term borrowings
|
|
|
43,255
|
|
|
|
458
|
|
|
|
4.29
|
%
|
|
|
72,933
|
|
|
|
436
|
|
|
|
2.42
|
%
|
|
Long-term debt
|
|
|
166,223
|
|
|
|
1,862
|
|
|
|
4.54
|
%
|
|
|
181,974
|
|
|
|
1,681
|
|
|
|
3.75
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total interest bearing liabilities
|
|
1,054,148
|
|
|
|
9,300
|
|
|
|
3.58
|
%
|
|
|
992,864
|
|
|
|
6,304
|
|
|
|
2.57
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Demand deposits
|
|
|
108,089
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
98,458
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other Liabilities
|
|
|
8,792
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,114
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stockholders equity
|
|
|
135,504
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
135,476
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total liabilities and stockholders equity
|
|
$
|
1,306,533
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
1,236,912
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net interest income and net interest spread
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
9,974
|
|
|
|
3.02
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
9,036
|
|
|
|
2.98
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net interest margin
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.42
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.27
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ratio of average interest-earning assets
to average interest-bearing liabilities
|
|
|
112.31
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
112.86
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- 17 -
Provision for Loan Losses
.
In evaluating the allowance for loan losses, we consider factors
that include growth, composition and industry diversification of the portfolio, historical loan
loss experience, current delinquency levels, adverse situations that may affect a borrowers
ability to repay, estimated value of any underlying collateral, prevailing economic conditions and
other relevant factors. The provision for loan losses at March 31, 2006 totaled $475 thousand,
compared to a provision of $395 thousand for the three months ended March 31, 2005. During the
three months ended March 31, 2006 net loan charge-offs totaled $49 thousand, a decrease from $308
thousand of net charge-offs during the three months ended March 31, 2005. On an annualized basis,
our percentage of net loan charge-offs to average loans outstanding declined fourteen basis points
to 0.02% for the three months ended March 31, 2006 compared to 0.16% reported for the three months
ended March 31, 2005. Non-performing assets at March 31, 2006 increased to $2.1 million or 0.16%
of total assets from $1.4 million or 0.13% of total assets at December 31, 2005 but were down
significantly from $7.9 million or 0.71% of total assets as of March 31, 2005. The allowance for
loan losses at March 31, 2006 represented 1.33% of loans outstanding, compared with 1.36% at
December 31, 2005 and 1.50% at March 31, 2005. The allowance for loan losses as a percentage of
loans outstanding have declined as a result of trends in the economy and the loan portfolio and
continued strong credit quality. We believe that the Companys allowance is adequate to absorb
probable losses inherent in our loan portfolio.
Non-Interest Income
.
For the three months ended March 31, 2006, non-interest income increased by
$77 thousand or 4.4% to $1.8 million from $1.7 million for the same period in the prior year. The
increase was due to the higher levels of service charges and fees on deposit accounts from a larger
deposit base, partially offset by declines in our mortgage banking and wealth management services
revenues. We expect a continued positive trend in service charge fee income in the future as we
continue to expand our branch network and deposit base. We have recently hired a mortgage banking
veteran to lead our mortgage operations, and reorganized our brokerage and trust services into a
wealth management group. We believe the changes made in these areas will have a positive impact on
non-interest income in the future. In addition, as Salem Capital Partners portfolio matures, we
anticipate some fluctuation in our non-interest income as our share of gains and losses on their
investments are recognized.
Non-Interest Expense
. We strive to maintain non-interest expenses at levels that we believe are
appropriate given the nature of our operations and the investments in personnel and facilities that
have been necessary to support and service our growth. From 1998 forward through the current
three-month period, we have consistently maintained our ratio of non-interest expense to average
total assets below 3.0%. Because of our growth, we have consistently seen increases in every major
component of our non-interest expense. For the three months ended March 31, 2006, our non-interest
expense increased $536 thousand or 6.8% over the same period in 2005. On a consolidated basis,
salaries and employee benefit expense increased $506 thousand or 12.7%. Occupancy and equipment
expense increased $266 thousand, or 19.9%. Other expenses decreased $237 thousand or 9.2% to $2.3
million. The first quarter of 2005 included $345 thousand of expenses incurred as a result of the
departure of two members of senior management and $70 thousand associated with the Companys
decision to vest all outstanding unvested options. Due to our strong asset growth, our annualized
ratio of non-interest expenses to average total assets increased slightly to 2.62% as compared with
2.59% for the same three months in 2005. During 2006, we anticipate some variability within our
non-interest expense due to the move of our operations and certain other administrative departments
into a new facility in the second and third quarters.
Provision for Income Taxes
.
Our provision for income taxes, as a percentage of income before
income taxes, was 35.7% for the three months ended March 31, 2006 and 2005.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Market and public confidence in our financial strength and in the strength of financial
institutions in general will largely determine our access to appropriate levels of liquidity. This
confidence is significantly dependent on our ability to maintain sound asset quality and
appropriate levels of capital resources.
Liquidity is defined as our ability to meet anticipated customer demands for funds under credit
commitments and deposit withdrawals at a reasonable cost and on a timely basis. Management
measures our liquidity position by giving consideration to both on- and off-balance sheet sources
of funds and demands for funds on a daily and weekly basis.
Sources of liquidity include cash and cash equivalents, net of federal requirements to maintain
reserves against deposit liabilities; investment securities eligible for pledging to secure
borrowings from dealers and customers pursuant to securities sold under repurchase agreements,
investments available for sale, loan repayments, loan sales, deposits, and borrowings from the
Federal Home Loan Bank and from correspondent banks under overnight federal funds credit lines.
- 18 -
In
addition to interest rate-sensitive deposits, the Companys primary demand for liquidity is
anticipated fundings under credit commitments to customers.
Federal funds sold and investment securities aggregated $291.0 million at March 31, 2006, a
decrease of $1.4 million from $292.6 million at December 31, 2005. While we have reduced the size
of our investment portfolio in response to the current and expected near-term interest rate
environment, we believe our liquidity is adequate to fund expected loan demand and current deposit
and borrowing maturities. Supplementing customer deposits as a source of funding, we have
available lines of credit from various correspondent banks to purchase federal funds on a
short-term basis of approximately $73.0 million. We also have the credit capacity to borrow up to
$334.5 million, as of March 31, 2006, from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta (FHLB), with
$127.3 million outstanding as of that date. At March 31, 2005, we had FHLB borrowings outstanding
of $172.8 million. We also had repurchase agreements with total outstanding balances of $23.8
million at March 31, 2006. Of this balance, $3.8 million represented accommodations for our
deposit customers and $20.0 million was with our correspondent banks. Securities sold under
agreements to repurchase generally mature within ninety days from the transaction date and are
collateralized by U.S. Government Agency obligations. We have repurchase lines of credit
aggregating $130 million from various institutions. The repurchases must be adequately
collateralized. At March 31, 2006, our outstanding commitments to extend credit consisted of loan
commitments of $223.4 million and amounts available under home equity credit lines, other credit
lines and letters of credit of $76.7 million, $12.5 million and $14.3 million, respectively. We
believe that our combined aggregate liquidity position from all sources is sufficient to meet the
funding requirements of loan demand and deposit maturities and withdrawals in the near term.
Throughout our nine-year history, our loan demand has exceeded our growth in core deposits. We
have therefore relied heavily on certificates of deposits as a source of funds. While the majority
of these funds are from our local market area, the bank has utilized brokered and out-of-market
certificates of deposits to diversify and supplement our deposit base. During 2005, the bank began
initiatives to increase demand and other non-interest bearing deposit accounts to improve our
funding mix. As a result of those initiatives, non-maturity deposits at March 31, 2006 increased
$109.7 million or 31.4%, compared to March 31, 2005, and have had a positive impact on our net
interest margin. Certificates of deposits represented 53.9% of our total deposits at March 31,
2006, a decrease from 58.2% at March 31, 2005. Brokered and out-of-market deposits increased by
1.6% at the end of the first quarter 2006. Time deposits of $100,000 or more totaled $326.6 million
and $272.7 million at March 31, 2006 and March 31, 2005, respectively. Large certificates of
deposits are generally considered rate sensitive. While we will need to pay competitive rates to
retain these deposits at their maturities, there are other subjective factors that will determine
their continued retention. At March 31, 2006, our Tier I capital to average quarterly asset ratio
was 9.8%, and all of our capital ratios exceeded the minimums established for a well-capitalized
bank by regulatory measures. Our Tier I risk-based capital ratio at March 31, 2006 was 12.8%.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
Market risk reflects the risk of economic loss resulting from adverse changes in market prices and
interest rates. This risk of loss can be reflected in diminished current market values and/or
reduced potential net interest income in future periods.
The Companys market risk arises primarily from interest rate risk inherent in its lending,
deposit-taking and borrowing activities. The structure of the Companys loan and liability
portfolios is such that a significant decline in interest rates may adversely impact net market
values and net interest income. The Company does not maintain a trading account nor is the Company
subject to currency exchange risk or commodity price risk.
Our asset and liability committee is responsible for reviewing our liquidity requirements and
managing our sensitivity to changes in interest rates. Interest rate risk arises because the
interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities of the bank have different maturities and
characteristics. In order to measure this interest rate risk, we use a simulation process
quarterly that measures the impact of changing interest rates on net interest
income. The results of the most recent analysis indicated that the Company continues to be slightly
asset sensitive, and that if interest rates increased or decreased by two percentage points, our
net interest income over a one-year time frame could increase by 1.3% or decrease by 7.7%,
respectively.
- 19 -
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
Southern Community Financial Corporations management, with the participation of the Chief
Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the companys
disclosure controls and procedures as of March 31, 2006. Based on that evaluation, the companys
Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the companys disclosure
controls and procedures were effective, as of March 31, 2006, to provide reasonable assurance that
information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports filed or submitted by it under
the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified
in the SECs rules and forms, and to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be
disclosed by the Company in such reports is accumulated and communicated to the Companys
management, including its principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as
appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
The Company assesses the adequacy of its internal control over financial reporting quarterly and
enhances its controls in response to internal control assessments and internal and external audit
and regulatory recommendations. No such control enhancements during the quarter ended March 31,
2006 or through the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q have materially affected, or are
reasonably likely to materially affect, the Companys internal control over financial reporting.
Part II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1A. Risk Factors
There have been no material changes in our risk factors from those disclosed in our Annual Report
on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
On March 29, 2005, the Company announced a plan to repurchase up to 300,000 shares of its common
stock. On September 23, 2005, the Company announced a plan to repurchase up to 600,000 additional
shares of its common stock. The table below sets forth information with respect to shares of
common stock repurchased by the Company during the three months ended March 31, 2006. See Note 6 to
the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding our share repurchase
program.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Number of
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
|
|
|
Purchased as
|
|
Maximum Number of
|
|
|
|
Number of
|
|
Average
|
|
Part of Publicly
|
|
Shares That May Yet
|
|
|
|
Shares
|
|
Price Paid
|
|
Announced
|
|
Be Purchased Under
|
|
Period
|
|
Purchased
|
|
per Share
|
|
Programs
|
|
the Programs
|
|
January 1, 2006 to January 31, 2006
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
439,200
|
|
|
February 1, 2006 to February 28, 2006
|
|
|
31,621
|
|
|
$
|
9.44
|
|
|
|
31,621
|
|
|
|
407,579
|
|
|
March 1, 2006 to March 31, 2006
|
|
|
38,779
|
|
|
$
|
9.31
|
|
|
|
38,779
|
|
|
|
368,800
|
|
- 20 -
Item 6. Exhibits
(a) Exhibits.
|
|
|
|
|
Exhibit 10.1
|
|
Employment agreement with F. Scott Bauer
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exhibit 10.2
|
|
Employment agreement with Jeff T. Clark
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exhibit 10.3
|
|
Employment agreement with David W. Hinshaw
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exhibit 31.1
|
|
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exhibit 31.2
|
|
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exhibit 32
|
|
Section 1350 Certification
|
- 21 -
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Company has duly caused
this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SOUTHERN COMMUNITY FINANCIAL CORPORATION
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Date: May 10, 2006
|
|
By:
|
|
/s/
F. Scott Bauer
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F. Scott Bauer
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Date: May 10, 2006
|
|
By:
|
|
/s/
David W. Hinshaw
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
David W. Hinshaw
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
|
|
|
- 22 -
Exhibit 10.1 Employment agreement with F. Scott Bauer
Employment Agreement
This
Employment Agreement
is entered into effective as of this 28th day of April,
2006, by and among Southern Community Financial Corporation, a North Carolina corporation, Southern
Community Bank and Trust, a North Carolina-chartered bank and wholly owned subsidiary of Southern
Community Financial Corporation (the
Bank
), and F. Scott Bauer, Chief Executive Officer of
Southern Community Financial Corporation and the Bank (the
Executive
). Southern Community
Financial Corporation and the Bank are referred to in this Employment Agreement individually and
together as the
Employer
.
Whereas
, the Executive is the Chief Executive Officer of the Employer, possessing
unique skills, knowledge, and experience relating to the Employers business, and the Executive has
made and is expected to continue to make major contributions to the profitability, growth, and
financial strength of the Employer and affiliates,
Whereas
, the Employer and the Executive desire to set forth in this Employment
Agreement the terms and conditions of the Executives employment,
Whereas
, the Executive and the Bank are parties to an Employment Agreement dated as
of November 18, 1996, but the Executive and the Bank intend that this Employment Agreement
supersede and replace the previous employment agreement in its entirety, and
Whereas
, none of the conditions or events included in the definition of the term
golden parachute payment that is set forth in Section 18(k)(4)(A)(ii) of the Federal Deposit
Insurance Act [12 U.S.C. 1828(k)(4)(A)(ii)] and in Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Rule
359.1(f)(1)(ii) [12 CFR 359.1(f)(1)(ii)] exists or, to the best knowledge of the Employer, is
contemplated insofar as the Bank or any affiliates are concerned.
Now Therefore
, in consideration of these premises, the mutual covenants contained
herein, and other good and valuable consideration the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby
acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows.
Article 1
Employment
1.1
Employment
. Effective on the date and for the term specified in section 1.4, the
Employer hereby employs the Executive to serve as Chief Executive Officer according to the terms
and conditions of this Employment Agreement. The Executive hereby accepts employment according to
the terms and conditions of this Employment Agreement.
1.2
Duties
. As Chief Executive Officer, the Executive shall serve under the
direction of the Employers board of directors and in accordance with the Employers Articles of
Incorporation and Bylaws, as each may be amended or restated from time to time. The Executive
shall report directly to the board of directors. He shall serve the Employer faithfully,
diligently, competently, and to the best of his ability, and he shall exclusively devote his full
working time, energy, and attention to the business of the Employer and to the promotion of the
Employers
interests throughout the term of this Employment Agreement. Without the written consent of the
board of directors of each of Southern Community Financial Corporation and the Bank, during the
term of this Employment Agreement the Executive shall not render services to or for any person,
firm, corporation, or other entity or organization in exchange for compensation, regardless of the
form in which the compensation is paid and regardless of whether it is paid directly or indirectly
to the Executive. Nothing in this Article 2 shall prevent the Executive from managing his personal
investments and affairs, provided that doing so does not interfere with the proper performance of
his duties and responsibilities as Chief Executive Officer.
1.3
Service on the Board of Directors
. The Executive is currently serving as a
director of each of Southern Community Financial Corporation and the Bank. Southern Community
Financial Corporation shall nominate the Executive for election as a director at such times as
necessary so that the Executive will, if elected by stockholders, remain a director of Southern
Community Financial Corporation throughout the term of this Employment Agreement. The Executive
hereby consents to serving as a director and to being named as a director of Southern Community
Financial Corporation in documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The board of
directors of each of Southern Community Financial Corporation and the Bank shall undertake every
lawful effort to ensure that the Executive continues throughout the term of his employment to be
elected or reelected as a director of the Bank. The Executive shall be deemed to have resigned as
a director of each of Southern Community Financial Corporation and the Bank effective immediately
after termination of the Executives employment under Article 5 of this Employment Agreement,
regardless of whether the Executive submits a formal, written resignation as director.
1.4
Term of Employment
. The initial term of employment under this Employment
Agreement shall be for the period commencing upon the April 28, 2006 effective date of this
Employment Agreement and ending three calendar years from the effective date of this Employment
Agreement. On each anniversary of the effective date of this Employment Agreement, the term of
this Employment Agreement shall automatically be extended for one additional year period beyond the
then-effective expiration date unless written notice from the Employer or the Executive is received
90 days prior to an anniversary date advising the other that this Employment Agreement shall not be
further extended. If the board decides not to extend the term of this Employment Agreement, this
Employment Agreement shall nevertheless remain in force until its then-current three-year term
expires. The boards decision not to extend the term of this Employment Agreement shall not by
itself give the Executive any rights under this Employment Agreement to claim an adverse change
in his position, compensation, or circumstances or otherwise to claim entitlement to severance
benefits under Articles 4 or 5 of this Employment Agreement, absent some other reason that entitles
Executive to such benefits pursuant to either or both of such Articles. References herein to the
term of this Employment Agreement shall refer to the initial term, as the same may be extended.
Unless sooner terminated, the Executives employment and the term of this Employment Agreement
shall terminate when the Executive attains age 65.
Article 2
Compensation and Other Benefits
2.1
Base Salary
. In consideration of the Executives performance of his obligations
under this Employment Agreement, Southern Community Financial Corporation shall pay or cause to be
paid to the Executive a salary at the annual rate of not less than $315,000,
payable in equal or approximately equal monthly installments. The Executives salary shall be
reviewed annually by the Employers board of directors or by the board committee having
jurisdiction over executive compensation. The Executives salary shall be increased no less
frequently than annually to account for cost of living increases. The Executives salary also may
be increased beyond the amount necessary to account for cost of living increases at the discretion
of the committee having jurisdiction over executive compensation. However, the Executives salary
shall not be reduced. The Executives salary, as the same may be increased from time to time, is
referred to in this Employment Agreement as the
Base Salary
.
2.2
Benefit Plans and Perquisites
. The Executive shall be entitled throughout the
term of this Employment Agreement to participate in any and all officer or employee compensation,
bonus, incentive, and benefit plans in effect from time to time, including without limitation plans
providing pension, retirement, medical, dental, disability, and group life benefits, and to receive
any and all other fringe benefits provided from time to time, provided that the Executive satisfies
the eligibility requirements for the plans or benefits. Without limiting the generality of the
foregoing
(a)
Participation in Stock Plans
. The Executive shall be eligible to participate in any
stock-based compensation, incentive, bonus, or purchase
plans existing on the date of this
Employment Agreement or adopted during the term of this Employment Agreement.
(b)
Club Dues
. During the term of this Employment Agreement, the Employer shall pay or cause
to be paid the Executives membership dues in civic clubs. Without limiting the generality of the
foregoing, the Executive shall be reimbursed for dues and expenses associated with his membership
in and use of the private country club of his choice in Forsyth County, but the Executive shall be
solely responsible for club membership assessments.
(c)
Use of Automobile.
The Executive shall have the use of an automobile titled in the
Employers name for use by the Executive to carry out his duties for the Employer, the insurance
and maintenance expenses of which shall be paid by the Employer. As additional compensation, the
Executive may use such automobile for personal purposes, provided that the Executive renders an
accounting of his business and personal use to the Employer in accordance with regulations under
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
(d)
Long-Term Care and Disability Insurance
. The Employer shall purchase and maintain
long-term care insurance for the benefit of the Executive, which policy shall be fully paid no
later than the date on which the Executive attains age 60. The Employer shall reimburse the
Executive for the Executives cost to purchase and maintain disability insurance coverage on
himself during the term of this Employment Agreement. The amount reimbursed by the Employer shall
be grossed up to compensate the Executive for federal and state income taxes imposed as a result of
the Employers reimbursement of the Executives cost. The disability insurance policy and
long-term care insurance policy shall be owned by the Executive exclusively.
(e)
Life Insurance
. In addition to any split dollar life insurance agreement associated with
a salary continuation agreement or supplemental retirement plan agreement existing as of the date
hereof or entered into hereafter by the Employer and the
Executive, the Employer shall use its best efforts to enter into a separate split dollar agreement
with the Executive granting to the Executive the right to designate a beneficiary or beneficiaries
of a portion of the total death benefits payable at the Executives death under an insurance policy
or policies held by the Employer on the Executives life. The amount of the death benefit for
which the Executive shall be granted the right to designate a beneficiary or beneficiaries shall be
no less than $500,000. The split dollar agreement and the Executives right to designate a
beneficiary or beneficiaries shall survive termination of the Executives employment, unless
termination of employment is a termination for Cause, as defined in Article 3. If the Executive is
not insured through a BOLI (bank-owned life insurance) financing within the year after the
effective date of this Employment Agreement, the Employer agrees to maintain term life insurance
coverage throughout the term of this Employment Agreement providing $500,000 of term life insurance
coverage for the Executive.
(f)
Reimbursement of Business Expenses
. Upon submission of appropriate documentation by the
Executive and approval by the board of directors or by a board committee appointed for such
purpose, the Employer agrees to reimburse the Executive for all out-of-pocket expenses incurred
performing his obligations under this Employment Agreement, including but not limited to all
reasonable business travel and entertainment expenses incurred while acting at the request of or in
the service of the Employer and reasonable expenses for attendance at annual and other periodic
meetings of trade associations. Except for club dues under section 2.2(b), to be reimbursable each
expense must be of a nature qualifying it as a proper deduction on the Employers income tax
returns as a business expense rather than deductible compensation to the Executive. The records
and other documentary evidence submitted by the Executive to the Employer with each request for
reimbursement shall be in the form required by applicable statutes and regulations issued by
appropriate taxing authorities for the substantiation of expenditures as deductible business
expenses of the Employer rather than deductible compensation to the Executive.
2.3
Vacation
. The Executive shall be entitled to five weeks of paid time off (PTO)
per calendar year, effective on January 1 of each year, to be
used for vacation. Executive may not
carry over any accrued but unused vacation into the next successive year.
2.4
Taxes
. All compensation of the Executive shall be subject to withholding and
other employment taxes imposed by federal, state, and local law.
2.5
Indemnification and Insurance
. (a)
Indemnification
. The Employer shall
indemnify the Executive or cause the Executive to be indemnified with respect to his activities as
a director, officer, employee, or agent of the Employer or as a person who is serving or has served
at the request of the Employer (a
representative
) as a director, officer, employee, agent, or
trustee of an affiliated corporation, joint venture trust or other enterprise, domestic or foreign,
in which the Employer has a direct or indirect ownership interest against expenses (including
without limitation attorneys fees, judgments, fines, and amounts paid in settlement) actually and
reasonably incurred by him (
Expenses
) in connection with any claim against the Executive that is
the subject of any threatened, pending, or completed action, suit, or other type of proceeding,
whether civil, criminal, administrative, investigative, or otherwise and whether formal or informal
(a
Proceeding
), to which the Executive was, is, or is threatened to be made a party by reason of
the Executive being or having been such a director, officer, employee, agent, or representative.
The indemnification provided herein shall not be exclusive of any other indemnification or
right to which the Executive may be entitled and shall continue after the Executive has ceased to
occupy a position as an officer, director, employee, agent or representative with respect to
Proceedings relating to or arising out of the Executives acts or omissions during his service in
such position. The indemnification provided to the Executive under this Employment Agreement for
the Executives service as a representative shall be payable if and only if and only to the extent
that reimbursement to the Executive by the affiliated entity with which the Executive has served as
a representative, whether pursuant to agreement, applicable law, articles of incorporation or
association, by-laws or regulations of the entity, or insurance maintained by such affiliated
entity, is insufficient to compensate the Executive for Expenses actually incurred and otherwise
payable by the Employer under this Employment Agreement. Any payments for such Expenses in fact
made to or on behalf of the Executive directly or indirectly by the affiliated entity with which
the Executive served as a representative shall reduce the obligation of the Employer hereunder.
(b)
Exclusions
. Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, however, nothing in this
Section 2.5 requires indemnification, reimbursement, or payment by the Employer, and the Executive
shall not be entitled to demand indemnification, reimbursement, or payment
(1) if and to the extent indemnification, reimbursement, or payment constitutes
a prohibited indemnification payment within the meaning of Federal Deposit
Insurance Corporation Rule 359.1(l)(1) [12 CFR 359.1(l)(1)], or
(2) for any claim or any part thereof as to which the Executive shall have been
determined by a court of competent jurisdiction, from which no appeal is or can be
taken, by clear and convincing evidence, to have acted with deliberate intent to
cause injury to the Employer or with reckless disregard for the best interests of
the Employer, or
(3) for any claim or any part thereof arising under Section 16(b) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as a result of which the Executive is required to
pay any penalty, fine, settlement, or judgment, or
(4) for any obligation of the Executive based upon or attributable to the
Executive gaining in fact any personal gain, profit, or advantage to which he was
not entitled, or
(5) any proceeding initiated by the Executive without the consent or
authorization of the Employers board of directors, but this exclusion shall not
apply with respect to any claims brought
by the Executive (a) to enforce his rights
under this Employment Agreement, or (b) in any Proceeding initiated by another
person or entity whether or not such claims were brought by the Executive against a
person or entity who was otherwise a party to such proceeding.
(c)
Insurance
. The Employer shall maintain or cause to be maintained fidelity and Directors &
Officers
liability insurance covering the Executive throughout the term of this Employment Agreement.
Article 3
Termination of Employment
3.1
Termination by the Employer
. (a)
Death or Disability
. The Executives
employment shall terminate automatically on the date of the Executives death. If the Executive
dies in active service to the Employer, for twelve months after the Executives death the Employer
shall provide the Executives family with and pay the premiums for continuing health care coverage
under COBRA substantially identical to that provided for the Executive before his death.
By delivery of written notice 30 days in advance to the Executive, the Employer may terminate
the Executives employment if the Executive is disabled. For purposes of this Employment
Agreement, the Executive shall be considered
disabled
if for health or medical-related reasons he
is unable to and does not perform his duties hereunder for a period of 90 consecutive days. The
Executive shall not be considered disabled, however, if he returns to work on a full-time basis
within 30 days after the Employer gives him notice of termination due to disability.
(b)
Termination Without Cause
. With written notice to the Executive 60 days in advance, the
Employer may terminate the Executives employment without Cause. Upon such event, the compensation
and benefits after termination provisions of Sections 4.4 and 4.5 shall apply, in addition to any
other applicable post-termination payments or benefits provided for in this Employment Agreement.
(c)
Termination with Cause
. The Employer may terminate the Executives employment with Cause.
The Executive shall not be deemed to have been terminated for Cause unless and until the Employer
delivers to the Executive a copy of a resolution duly adopted at a meeting of the board of
directors called and held for such purpose, which resolution shall (1) contain findings that, in
the good faith opinion of the board, the Executive has committed an act constituting Cause, and (2)
specify the particulars thereof. The resolution of the board of directors shall be deemed to have
been duly adopted if and only if it is adopted by the affirmative vote of the directors of Southern
Community Financial Corporation then in office or the directors of the Bank then in office, in
either case excluding the Executive, at a meeting duly called and held for that purpose. Notice of
the meeting and the proposed termination for Cause shall be given to the Executive a reasonable
amount of time before the boards meeting. The Executive and his counsel (if the Executive chooses
to have counsel present) shall have a reasonable opportunity to be heard by the board at the
meeting. Nothing in this Employment Agreement limits the Executives or his beneficiaries right
to contest the validity or propriety of the boards determination of Cause. Upon such event, the
Executive shall not be entitled to any further compensation or other benefits beyond his effective
termination date in accordance with Section 4.1, except such benefits which by the terms of their
plan document continue after such termination or except as may be otherwise provided for in this
Employment Agreement.
(d)
Definition of Cause
. For purposes of this Employment Agreement,
Cause
means any of the
following
(1) an intentional act of fraud, embezzlement, or theft by the Executive in the
course of his employment. For purposes of this Employment Agreement, no act or
failure to act on the part of the Executive shall be deemed to have been intentional
if it was due primarily to an error in judgment or negligence. An act or failure to
act on the Executives part shall be considered
intentional if it is not in good
faith and if it is without a reasonable belief that the action or failure to act is
in the best interests of the Employer, or
(2) intentional violation of any law or significant policy of the Employer
committed in connection with the Executives employment, which in the Employers
judgment has a material adverse effect on the Employer, or
(3) the Executives gross negligence or gross neglect of duties in the
performance of his duties to the Employer, or
(4) intentional wrongful damage by the Executive to the business or property of
the Employer, including without limitation the reputation of the Employer, which in
the Employers sole judgment causes material harm to the Employer, or
(5) a breach by the Executive of his fiduciary duties as an officer or director
of the Employer or misconduct involving dishonesty, in either case whether in his
capacity as an officer or as a director of the Bank or Southern Community Financial
Corporation, or
(6) a breach by the Executive of this Employment Agreement that, in the sole
judgment of the Employer, is a material breach, which breach is not corrected by the
Executive within 30 days after receiving written notice of the breach which the
Employer shall provide, or
(7) removal of the Executive from office or permanent prohibition of the
Executive from participating in the Banks affairs by an order issued under section
8(e)(4) or (g)(1) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, 12 U.S.C. 1818(e)(4) or
(g)(1), or
(8) conviction of the Executive for or plea of
nolo contendere
to a felony or
conviction of or plea of
nolo contendere
to a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude,
or the actual incarceration of the Executive.
3.2
Termination by the Executive
. The Executive may terminate his employment with
written notice to the Employer 60 days in advance, whether with or without Good Reason. If the
Executive terminates with Good Reason, the termination will take effect at the conclusion of the
60-day period unless the event or circumstance constituting Good Reason is cured by the Employer or
unless the notice of termination for Good Reason is revoked by the Executive within the 60-day
period. Upon such event, the compensation and benefits after termination provisions of Sections
4.4 and 4.5 shall apply, in addition to any other applicable post-termination
payments or benefits provided for in this Employment Agreement. For purposes of this Employment
Agreement,
Good Reason
means any of the following events occur without the Executives written
consent
(a)
Reduced Base Salary
: reduction of the Executives Base Salary,
(b)
Participation in Benefit Plans Reduced or Terminated
: reduction of the Executives bonus,
incentive, or other compensation award opportunities under the Employers benefit plans, unless a
company-wide reduction of all officers award opportunities occurs simultaneously, or termination
of the Executives participation in any officer or employee benefit plan maintained by the
Employer, unless the plan is terminated because of changes in law or loss of tax deductibility to
the Employer for contributions to the plan, or unless the plan is terminated as a matter of policy
applied equally to all participants in the plan,
(c)
Reduced Responsibilities or Status
:
(1) assignment to the Executive of duties that are materially inconsistent with
the Executives position as the Employers principal executive officer or that
represent a reduction of his authority,
(2) failure to appoint or reappoint the Executive as Chairman of the Board and
Chief Executive Officer of Southern Community Financial Corporation and the Bank,
(3) failure to nominate the Executive as a director of Southern Community
Financial Corporation, or
(4) failure to elect or reelect the Executive or cause the Executive to be
elected or reelected to the board of directors of the Bank in accordance with
Section 1.3 of this Employment Agreement,
(d)
Failure to Obtain Assumption Agreement
: failure to obtain an assumption of the Employers
obligations under this Employment Agreement by any successor to the Employer, regardless of whether
the entity becomes a successor to the Employer as a result of a merger, consolidation, sale of
assets, or other form of purchase, sale or reorganization,
(e)
Material Breach
: a material breach of this Employment Agreement by the Employer that is
not corrected within 30 days after receiving written notice of the breach from the Executive, or
(f)
Relocation of the Executive
: relocation of the Banks principal executive offices, or
requiring the Executive to change his principal work location, to any location that is more than 15
miles from the location of the Banks principal executive offices on the date of this Employment
Agreement.
3.3
Notice
. Any purported termination by the Employer or by the Executive shall be
communicated by written notice of
termination to the other. The notice must state the specific termination provision of this
Employment Agreement relied upon. The notice must also state the date on which termination shall
become effective, which shall be a date not earlier than the date of the termination notice. If
termination is for Cause or with Good Reason, the notice must state in reasonable detail the facts
and circumstances forming the basis for termination of the Executives employment.
Article 4
Compensation and Benefits After Termination
4.1
Cause
. If the Executives employment terminates for Cause, the Executive shall
receive the salary to which he is entitled through the date on which termination becomes effective
and any other benefits to which he may be entitled under the Employers benefit plans and policies
in effect on the date of termination.
4.2
Termination by the Executive Other than for Good Reason
. If the Executive
terminates employment other than for Good Reason, the Executive shall receive the salary to which
he is entitled through the date on which his termination becomes effective and any other benefits
to which he may be entitled under the Employers benefit plans and policies.
4.3
Termination Because of Disability
. If the Executives employment terminates
because of disability, the Executive shall receive the salary earned through the date on which
termination becomes effective, any unpaid bonus or incentive compensation due to the Executive for
the calendar year preceding the calendar year in which the termination becomes effective, any
payments the Executive is eligible to receive under any disability insurance program in which the
Executive participates, and such other benefits to which he may be entitled under the Employers
benefit plans, policies, and agreements.
4.4
Termination Without Cause and Termination for Good Reason
. If the Employer
terminates the Executives employment without Cause or if the Executive terminates employment for
Good Reason, the Executive shall continue to receive his most recent Base Salary level for the
unexpired term of this Employment Agreement, but he shall not be entitled to continued
participation in the Employers or a subsidiarys retirement plans or any stock-based plans unless
the terms of any applicable plan document allow such participation. The Employer and the Executive
acknowledge and agree that the compensation and
benefits under this Section 4.4 shall not be
payable if compensation and benefits are payable or shall have been paid previously to the
Executive under Article 5 of this Employment Agreement.
4.5
Post-Termination Insurance and Medical Coverage
. If the Executives employment
terminates involuntarily but without Cause or voluntarily but with Good Reason, or if the
Executives employment terminates because of disability, the Employer shall continue or cause to be
continued at the Employers expense life, disability, medical, and long-term care insurance
benefits in effect during the two years preceding the date of the Executives termination,
including the disability and long-term care insurance reimbursement benefit specified in Section
2.2. The life, disability, and medical insurance benefits shall continue until the first to occur
of (1) the Executives return to employment with the Employer or another employer, (2) the
Executives death, or (3) the end of the term remaining under this Employment Agreement at the time
of the Executives termination. Nothing in this Section 4.5 diminishes the Employers obligation
under Section
2.2 to provide the Executive with a fully paid long-term care insurance policy owned exclusively by
the Executive, and any remaining policy premiums shall be paid in full if the Executives
employment terminates involuntarily but without Cause or voluntarily but with Good Reason or
because of disability. Likewise, nothing in this Section 4.5 diminishes the Employers obligation
under Section 2.2 to provide the Executive with a split dollar insurance benefit that survives the
Executives employment termination.
4.6
Salary Continuation Agreement
. The Bank and the Executive shall use their best
efforts to finalize and enter into a Salary Continuation Agreement and Endorsement Split Dollar
Agreement, replacing the supplemental executive retirement plan arrangement currently in force.
The Salary Continuation Agreement shall provide for an annual benefit of $188,504 payable to the
Executive in equal monthly installments for his lifetime, beginning with any termination of service
by the Executive from the Bank on or after attaining age 60. Unless the Salary Continuation
Agreement or Endorsement Split Dollar Agreement explicitly provides otherwise, whether benefits are
properly payable to the Executive under the Salary Continuation Agreement or the Endorsement Split
Dollar Agreement shall be determined solely by reference to those agreements, except that the
Executive shall forfeit all benefits under the Salary Continuation Agreement and Endorsement Split
Dollar Agreement for violation of the covenant against competition in Section 7.3 of this
Employment Agreement. The split dollar insurance benefit provided by the Endorsement Split Dollar
Agreement referred to in this Section 4.6 shall be in addition to the split dollar life insurance
benefit provided to the Executive under Section 2.2.
Article 5
Change in Control Benefits
5.1
Change in Control Benefits
. (a) If a Change in Control occurs during the term
of this Employment Agreement, the Employer shall make or cause to be made a lump-sum payment to the
Executive in an amount in cash equal to three times the Executives annual compensation. For this
purpose, annual compensation means (1) the Executives Base Salary when the Change in Control
occurs plus (2) any bonus or incentive compensation earned for the calendar year ended immediately
before the year in which the Change in Control occurred, regardless of when the bonus or incentive
compensation earned for the preceding calendar year is paid and regardless of whether all or part
of the bonus or incentive compensation is subject to elective deferral. Annual compensation shall
be calculated without regard to any deferrals under qualified or nonqualified plans, but annual
compensation shall not include interest or other earnings credited to the Executive under qualified
or nonqualified plans. The amount payable to the Executive hereunder shall not be reduced to
account for the time value of money or discounted to present value. The payment required under
this paragraph (a) is payable no later than five business days after the Change in Control. The
Executive shall be entitled to benefits under this paragraph (a) on no more than one occasion.
(b)
Benefit Plans
: In addition to insurance and medical benefits under Sections 2.2 and 4.5
of this Employment Agreement and any benefits to which the Executive may be entitled under the
Salary Continuation Agreement and Endorsement Split Dollar Agreement referred to in Section 4.6 of
this
Employment Agreement, if a Change in Control occurs during the term of this Employment
Agreement the Employer shall (1) cause the Executive to become fully vested in any qualified and
non-qualified plans, programs, or arrangements in which the Executive participated if the plan,
program, or arrangement does not address the effect of a change in control,
and (2) contribute or cause to be contributed to the Executives 401(k) plan account, if any, the
matching and profit-sharing contributions, if any, that the Executive is entitled to based upon all
W-2 income earned by the Executive for the plan year.
5.2
Definition of Change in Control
. For purposes of this Employment Agreement,
Change in Control
means any one or more of the following events occurs
(a)
Merger
. Southern Community Financial Corporation merges into or consolidates with another
corporation, or merges another corporation into Southern Community Financial Corporation, and as a
result less than a majority of the combined voting power of the resulting corporation immediately
after the merger or consolidation is held by persons who were holders of Southern Community
Financial Corporations voting securities immediately before the merger or consolidation. For
purposes of this Employment Agreement, the term
person
means an individual, corporation,
partnership, trust, association, joint venture, pool, syndicate, sole proprietorship,
unincorporated organization, or other entity,
(b)
Acquisition of Significant Share Ownership.
after the date of this Employment Agreement a
report on Schedule 13D, Schedule TO, or another form or schedule (other than Schedule 13G) is filed
or is required to be filed under Sections 13(d) or 14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, if
the schedule discloses that the filing person or persons acting in concert has or have become the
beneficial owner of 25% or more of the combined voting power of Southern Community Financial
Corporations voting securities outstanding (but this paragraph (b) shall not apply to beneficial
ownership of voting shares held by the Employer in a fiduciary capacity or beneficial ownership of
voting shares held by an employee benefit plan of the Employer),
(c)
Change in Board Composition
. during any period of two consecutive years, individuals who
constitute Southern Community Financial Corporations board of directors at the beginning of the
two-year period cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority thereof;
provided, however
,
that for purposes of this paragraph (c) each director who is first elected by the board (or
first nominated by the board for election by stockholders) by a vote of at least two-thirds
(
ƀ
) of the directors who were directors at the beginning of the period shall be deemed to
have been a director at the beginning of the two-year period, or
(d)
Sale of Assets
. Southern Community Financial Corporation sells to a third party all or
substantially all of Southern Community Financial Corporations assets. For this purpose, sale of
all or substantially all of Southern Community Financial Corporations assets includes, but is not
limited to, sale of the Bank alone.
5.3
No Multiple Severance Payments
. If the Executive receives payment under Section
5.1 he shall not be entitled to any benefits under Section 4.4 of this Employment Agreement.
5.4
Gross-Up for Taxes
. (a)
Additional Payment to Account for Excise Taxes
. If the
Executive receives the lump sum payment under Section 5.1 of this Employment Agreement and
acceleration of benefits under any other benefit, compensation, or incentive plan or arrangement
with the Employer (collectively, the
Total Benefits
), and if any part of the Total Benefits is
subject to the Excise Tax under
section 280G and section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code (the
Excise Tax
), the Employer shall
pay or cause to be paid to the Executive the following additional amounts, consisting of (
x
) a
payment equal to the Excise Tax payable by the Executive under section 4999 on the Total Benefits
(the
Excise Tax Payment
) and (
y
) a payment equal to the amount necessary to provide the Excise
Tax Payment net of all income, payroll, and excise taxes. Together, the additional amounts
described in clauses (
x
) and (
y
) are referred to in this Employment Agreement as the
Gross-Up
Payment
Amount
. Payment of the Gross-Up Payment Amount shall be made in addition to the amount
set forth in Section 5.1.
Calculating the Excise Tax. For purposes of determining whether any of the Total Benefits
will be subject to the Excise Tax and for purposes of determining the amount of the Excise Tax,
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(1)
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Determination of Parachute Payments Subject to the Excise Tax
: any
other payments or benefits received or to be received by the Executive in
connection with a Change in Control or the Executives termination of
employment (whether under the terms of this Employment Agreement or any other
agreement or any other benefit plan or arrangement with the Employer, any
person whose actions result in a Change in Control, or any person affiliated
with the Employer or such person) shall be treated as
parachute payments
within the meaning of section 280G(b)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code, and all
excess parachute payments
within the meaning of section 280G(b)(1) shall be
treated as subject to the Excise Tax, unless in the opinion of the certified
public accounting firm that is retained by Southern Community Financial
Corporation as of the date immediately before the Change in Control (the
Accounting Firm
) such other payments or benefits do not constitute (in whole
or in part) parachute payments, or such excess parachute payments represent (in
whole or in part) reasonable compensation for services actually rendered within
the meaning of section 280G(b)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code in excess of the
base amount (as defined in section 280G(b)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code),
or are otherwise not subject to the Excise Tax,
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(2)
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Calculation of Benefits Subject to Excise Tax
: the amount of the Total
Benefits that shall be treated as subject to the Excise Tax shall be equal
to the lesser of (a) the total amount of the Total Benefits reduced by the
amount of such Total Benefits that in the opinion of the Accounting Firm are
not parachute payments, or (b) the amount of excess parachute payments
within the meaning of section 280G(b)(1) (after applying clause (1), above),
and
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(3)
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Value of Noncash Benefits and Deferred Payments
: the value of any
noncash benefits or any deferred payment or benefit shall be determined by
the Accounting Firm in accordance with the principles of sections 280G(d)(3)
and (4) of the Internal Revenue Code.
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Assumed Marginal Income Tax Rate
. For purposes of determining the Gross-Up Payment Amount, the
Executive shall be deemed to pay federal income taxes at the highest marginal rate of federal
income taxation in the calendar years in which the Gross-Up Payment Amount is to be made and state
and local income taxes at the highest marginal rate of taxation in the state and locality of the
Executives residence on the date of the Change in Control or termination of employment, net of the
reduction in federal income taxes that can be obtained from deduction of such state and local taxes
(calculated by assuming that any reduction under section 68 of the Internal Revenue Code in the
amount of itemized deductions allowable to the Executive applies first to reduce the amount of such
state and local income taxes that would otherwise be deductible by the Executive, and applicable
federal FICA and Medicare withholding taxes).
Return of Reduced Excise Tax Payment or Payment of Additional Excise Tax
. If the Excise Tax
is later determined to be less than the amount taken into account hereunder when the Change in
Control occurred or when the Executives employment terminated, the Executive shall repay to
Southern Community Financial Corporation when the amount of the reduction in Excise Tax is
finally determined the portion of the Gross-Up Payment Amount attributable to the reduction (plus
that portion of the Gross-Up Payment Amount attributable to the Excise Tax, federal, state and
local income taxes and FICA and Medicare withholding taxes imposed on the Gross-Up Payment Amount
being repaid by the Executive to the extent that the repayment results in a
reduction in Excise
Tax, FICA and Medicare withholding taxes and/or a federal, state or local income tax deduction).
If the Excise Tax is later determined to be more than the amount taken into account hereunder
when the Change in Control occurred or when the Executives employment terminated (due, for
example, to a payment whose existence or amount cannot be determined at the time of the Gross-Up
Payment Amount), Southern Community Financial Corporation shall make an additional payment to the
Executive for that excess (plus any interest, penalties or additions payable by the Executive for
the excess) when the amount of the excess is finally determined.
(b)
Responsibilities of the Accounting Firm and Southern Community Financial Corporation
.
Determinations Shall Be Made by the Accounting Firm
. Subject to the provisions of Section 5.4(a),
all determinations required to be made under this Section 5.4(b) including whether and when a
Gross-Up Payment Amount is required, the amount of the Gross-Up Payment Amount and the assumptions
to be used to arrive at the determination (collectively, the
Determination
) shall be made by
the Accounting Firm, which shall provide detailed supporting calculations both to Southern
Community Financial Corporation and the Executive within 15 business days after receipt of notice
from Southern Community Financial Corporation or the Executive that there has been a Gross-Up
Payment Amount, or such earlier time as is requested by Southern Community Financial Corporation.
Fees and Expenses of the Accounting Firm and Agreement with the Accounting Firm
. All fees and
expenses of the Accounting Firm shall be borne solely by Southern Community Financial Corporation.
Southern Community Financial Corporation shall enter into any agreement requested by the Accounting
Firm in connection with the performance of its services hereunder.
Accounting Firms Opinion
. If the Accounting Firm determines that no Excise Tax is payable by
the Executive, the Accounting Firm shall furnish the Executive with a written opinion to that
effect, and to the effect that failure to report Excise Tax, if any, on the Executives applicable
federal income tax return will not result in the imposition of a negligence or similar penalty.
Accounting Firms Determination Is Binding; Underpayment and Overpayment
. The Determination
by the Accounting Firm shall be binding on Southern Community Financial Corporation and the
Executive. Because of the uncertainty in determining whether any of the Total Benefits will be
subject to the Excise Tax at the time of the Determination, it is possible that a Gross-Up Payment
Amount that should have been made will not have been made by Southern Community Financial
Corporation (
Underpayment
), or that a Gross-Up Payment Amount will be made that should not have
been made by Southern Community Financial Corporation (
Overpayment
). If, after a Determination
by the Accounting Firm, the Executive is required to make a payment of additional Excise Tax, the
Accounting Firm shall determine the amount of the Underpayment that has occurred. The Underpayment
(together with interest at the rate provided in section 1274(d)(2)(B) of the Internal Revenue Code)
shall be paid promptly by Southern Community Financial Corporation to or for the benefit of the
Executive. If the Gross-Up Payment Amount exceeds the amount necessary to reimburse the Executive
for his Excise Tax according to Section 5.4(a), the Accounting Firm shall determine the amount of
the Overpayment that has been made. The Overpayment (together with interest at the rate provided
in section 1274(d)(2)(B) of the Internal Revenue Code) shall be paid promptly by the Executive to
or for the benefit of Southern Community Financial Corporation. Provided that his expenses are
reimbursed by Southern Community Financial Corporation, the Executive shall cooperate with any
reasonable requests by Southern Community Financial Corporation in any contests or disputes with
the Internal Revenue Service relating to the Excise Tax.
Accounting Firm Conflict of Interest
. If the Accounting Firm is serving as accountant or
auditor for the individual, entity, or group effecting the Change in Control, the Executive may
appoint another nationally recognized public accounting firm to make the Determinations required
hereunder (in which case the term Accounting Firm as used in this Employment Agreement shall be
deemed to refer to the accounting firm appointed by the Executive under this paragraph).
Article 6
Confidentiality and Creative Work
6.1
Non-disclosure
. The Executive covenants and agrees that he will not reveal to
any person, firm, or corporation any confidential information of any nature concerning the Employer
or its business, or anything connected therewith. As used in this Article 6, the term
confidential information
means all of the Employers and its affiliates confidential and
proprietary information and trade secrets in existence on the date hereof or existing at any time
during the term of this Employment Agreement, including but not limited to
(a) the whole or any portion or phase of any business plans, financial information,
purchasing data, supplier data, accounting data, or other financial information,
(b) the whole or any portion or phase of any research and development information,
design procedures, algorithms or processes, or other technical information,
(c) the whole or any portion or phase of any marketing or sales information, sales
records, customer lists, prices, sales projections, or other sales information, and
(d) trade secrets, as defined from time to time by the laws of the State of North
Carolina.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, confidential information excludes information that as of the date
hereof or at any time after the date hereof is published or disseminated without obligation of
confidence or that becomes a part of the public domain (1) by or through action of the Employer, or
(2) otherwise than by or at the direction of the Executive. This Section 6.1 does not prohibit
disclosure required by an order of a court having jurisdiction or a subpoena from an appropriate
governmental agency or disclosure made by the Executive in the ordinary course of business and
within the scope of his authority.
6.2
Return of Materials
. The Executive agrees to deliver or return to the Employer
upon termination, upon expiration of this Employment Agreement, or as soon thereafter as possible,
all written information and any other similar items furnished by the Employer or prepared by the
Executive in connection with his services hereunder. The Executive will retain no copies thereof
after termination of this Employment Agreement or termination of the Executives employment.
6.3
Creative Work
. The Executive agrees that all creative work and work product,
including but not limited to all technology, business management tools, processes, software,
patents, trademarks, and copyrights developed by the Executive during the term of this Employment
Agreement and in the course and scope of his duties hereunder, regardless of when or where such
work or work product was produced, constitutes work made for hire, all rights of which are owned by
the Employer. The Executive hereby assigns to the Employer all rights, title, and interest,
whether by way of copyrights, trade secret, trademark, patent, or otherwise, in all such work or
work product, regardless of whether the same is subject to protection by patent, trademark, or
copyright laws.
6.4
Injunctive Relief
. The Executive acknowledges that it is impossible to measure
in money the damages that will
be suffered by the Employer if the Executive fails to observe the obligations imposed on him by
this Article 6. Accordingly, if the Bank institutes an action to enforce the provisions hereof,
the Executive hereby waives the claim or defense that an adequate remedy at law is available to the
Employer and the Executive agrees not to urge in any such action the claim or defense that an
adequate remedy at law exists.
6.5
Affiliates Confidential Information is Covered; Confidentiality Obligation Survives
Termination
. For purposes of this Employment Agreement, the term
affiliate
includes
Southern Community Financial Corporation, the Bank, and
any entity that directly or indirectly
through one or more intermediaries controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with
Southern Community Financial Corporation or the Bank. The rights and obligations set forth in this
Article 6 shall survive termination of this Employment Agreement.
Article 7
Competition After Employment Termination
7.1
Covenant Not to Solicit Employees
. The Executive agrees not to solicit the
services of any officer or employee of the Employer for one year after the Executives employment
termination.
7.2
Covenant Not to Compete
. (a) The Executive covenants and agrees that he will
not, without advance written consent of the Employer, compete directly or indirectly with the
Employer for two years after termination of his employment, plus any period during which the
Executive is in violation of this covenant not to compete and any period during which the Employer
seeks by litigation to enforce this covenant not to compete. For purposes of this section
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(1)
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the term compete means
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(a) providing financial products or services on behalf of any financial
institution for any person residing in the territory,
(b) assisting (other than through the performance of ministerial or
clerical duties) any financial institution in providing financial products
or services to any person residing in the territory, or
(c) inducing or attempting to induce any person who was a customer of
the Employer at the date of the Executives termination of employment to
seek financial products or services from another financial institution.
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(2)
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the words directly or indirectly means
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(a) acting as a consultant, officer, director, independent contractor,
or employee of any financial institution in competition with the Employer in
the territory, or
(b) communicating to such financial institution the names or addresses
or any financial information concerning any person who was a customer of the
Employer at the Executives termination of employment.
(3) the term customer means any person to whom the Employer is providing financial
products or services on the date of the Executives termination of employment.
(4) the term financial institution means any bank, savings association, or bank or
savings association holding company, or any other institution, the business of which
is engaging in activities that are financial in nature or incidental to such
financial activities as described in section 4(k) of the Bank Holding Company Act of
1956, other than the Employer or one of its affiliated corporations.
(5) financial product or service means any product or service that a financial
institution or a financial holding company could offer by engaging in any activity
that is financial in nature or incidental to such a financial activity under section
4(k) of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 and that is offered by the Employer or
an affiliate on the date of the Executives employment termination, including but
not limited to banking activities and activities that are closely related and a
proper incident to banking.
(6) the term person means any individual or individuals, corporation, partnership,
fiduciary or association.
(7) the term territory means all of Forsyth, Guilford, Iredell, Rockingham, Surry,
Stokes, and Yadkin Counties in North Carolina and the area within a 15-mile radius
of any full-service banking office of the Bank at the date of the Executives
termination of employment.
(b) If any provision of this section or any word, phrase, clause, sentence or other portion
thereof (including, without limitation, the geographical and temporal restrictions contained
therein) is held to be unenforceable or invalid for any reason, the unenforceable or invalid
provision or portion shall be modified or deleted so that the provisions hereof, as modified, are
legal and enforceable to the fullest extent permitted under applicable law.
7.3
Remedies
. Because of the unique character of the services to be rendered by the
Executive hereunder, the Executive understands that the Employer would not have an adequate remedy
at law for the material breach or threatened breach by the Executive of any one or more of the
Executives covenants set forth in this Article 7. Accordingly, the Executive agrees that the
Employers remedies for a material breach or threatened breach of this Article 7 include but are
not limited to (a) forfeiture of any money representing accrued salary, contingent payments, or
other fringe benefits due and payable to the Executive, (b) forfeiture of any severance benefits
under Sections 4.4 and 4.5 of this Employment Agreement, (c) forfeiture of benefits under the
Salary Continuation Agreement and Endorsement Split Dollar Agreement referred to in Section 4.6 of
this Agreement, and (d) a suit in equity by the Employer to enjoin the Executive from the breach or
threatened breach of such covenants. The Executive hereby waives the claim or defense that an
adequate remedy at law is available to the Employer and the Executive agrees not to urge in any
such action the claim or defense that an adequate remedy at law exists. Nothing herein shall be
construed to prohibit the Employer from pursuing any other remedies for the breach or threatened
breach.
7.4
Article 7 Survives Termination But Is Void After a Change in Control
. The rights
and obligations set forth in this Article 7 shall survive termination of this Employment Agreement.
However, Article 7 shall become null and void effective immediately upon a Change in Control.
Article 8
Miscellaneous
8.1
Successors and Assigns
. (a)
This Employment Agreement Is Binding on The
Employers Successors
. This Employment Agreement shall be binding upon the Employer and any
successor to the Employer, including any persons acquiring directly or indirectly all or
substantially all of the business or assets of the Employer by purchase, merger, consolidation,
reorganization, or otherwise. But this Employment Agreement and the Employers obligations under
this Employment Agreement are not otherwise assignable, transferable, or delegable by the Employer.
By agreement in form and substance satisfactory to the Executive, the Employer shall require any
successor to all or substantially all of the business or assets of the Employer to expressly assume
and agree to perform this Employment Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent the
Employer would be required to perform if no such succession had occurred.
(b)
This Employment Agreement Is Enforceable by the Executive and His Heirs
. This Employment
Agreement will inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Executives personal or legal
representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs, distributees, and legatees.
(c)
This Employment Agreement Is Personal in Nature and Is Not Assignable
. This Employment
Agreement is personal in nature. Without written consent of the other parties, no party shall
assign, transfer, or delegate this Employment Agreement or any rights or obligations under this
Employment Agreement except as expressly provided herein. Without limiting the generality or
effect of the foregoing, the Executives right to receive payments hereunder is not assignable or
transferable, whether by pledge,
creation of a security interest, or otherwise, except for a
transfer by the Executives will or by the laws of descent and distribution. If the Executive
attempts an assignment or transfer that is contrary to this Section 8.1, the Employer shall have no
liability to pay any amount to the assignee or transferee.
8.2
Governing Law, Jurisdiction, and Forum
. This Employment Agreement shall be
construed under and governed by the internal laws of the State of North Carolina, without giving
effect to any conflict of laws provision or rule (whether of the State of North Carolina or any
other jurisdiction) that would cause the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than the
State of North Carolina. By entering into this Employment Agreement, the Executive acknowledges
that he is subject to the jurisdiction of both the federal and state courts in the State of North
Carolina. Any actions or proceedings instituted under this Employment Agreement shall be brought
and tried solely in courts located in Forsyth County, North Carolina or in the federal court having
jurisdiction in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The Executive expressly waives his rights to have
any such actions or proceedings brought or tried elsewhere.
8.3
Entire Agreement
. This Employment Agreement sets forth the entire agreement of
the parties concerning the employment of the Executive. Any oral or written statements,
representations, agreements, or understandings made or entered into prior to or contemporaneously
with the execution of this Employment Agreement are hereby rescinded, revoked, and rendered null
and void by the parties. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the parties hereto
acknowledge and agree that this Employment Agreement supersedes in its entirety the Employment
Agreement dated as of November 18, 1996, entered into by the Executive and the Bank, as amended or
supplemented. The November 18, 1996 Employment Agreement shall hereafter be void and of no force
or effect.
8.4
Notices
. All notices, requests, demands, and other communications hereunder
shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given if delivered by hand or mailed,
certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, with postage prepaid. Unless otherwise
changed by notice, notice shall be properly addressed to the Executive if addressed to the address
of the Executive on the books and records of the Employer at the time of the delivery of notice,
and properly addressed to the Employer if addressed to the Board of Directors, Southern Community
Financial Corporation, 4605 Country Club Road, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27104.
8.5
Severability
. In the case of conflict between any provision of this Employment
Agreement and any statute, regulation, or judicial precedent, the latter shall prevail, but the
affected provisions of this Employment Agreement shall be curtailed and limited solely to the
extent necessary to bring them within the requirements of law. If any provision of this Employment
Agreement is held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be indefinite, invalid, void or voidable,
or otherwise unenforceable, the remainder of this Employment Agreement shall continue in full force
and effect unless that would clearly be contrary to the intentions of the parties or would result
in an injustice.
8.6
Captions and Counterparts
. The captions in this Employment Agreement are solely
for convenience. The captions in no way define, limit, or describe the scope or intent of this
Employment Agreement. This Employment Agreement may be executed in several counterparts, each of
which shall be deemed to be an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same
instrument.
8.7
No Duty to Mitigate
. The Employer hereby acknowledges that it will be difficult
and could be impossible (a) for the Executive to find reasonably comparable employment after his
employment terminates, and (b) to measure the amount of damages the Executive may suffer as a
result of termination. Additionally, the Employer acknowledges that its general severance pay
plans do not provide for mitigation, offset, or reduction of any severance payment received
thereunder. Accordingly, the Employer further acknowledges that the payment of severance benefits
under this Employment Agreement is reasonable and shall be liquidated damages. The Executive shall
not be required to mitigate the amount of any payment provided for in this Employment Agreement by
seeking other employment. Moreover, the amount of any payment provided for in this Employment
Agreement shall not be reduced by any compensation earned
or benefits provided as the result of
employment of the Executive or as a result of the Executive being self-employed after termination
of his employment.
8.8
Amendment and Waiver
. This Employment Agreement may not be amended, released,
discharged, abandoned,
changed, or modified in any manner, except by an instrument in writing signed by each of the
parties hereto. The failure of any party hereto to enforce at any time any of the provisions of
this Employment Agreement shall not be construed to be a waiver of any such provision, nor affect
the validity of this Employment Agreement or any part thereof or the right of any party thereafter
to enforce each and every such provision. No waiver or any breach of this Employment Agreement
shall be held to be a waiver of any other or subsequent breach.
8.9
Payment of Legal Fees
. The Employer is aware that after a Change in Control
management could cause or attempt to cause the Employer to refuse to comply with its obligations
under this Employment Agreement, or could institute or cause or attempt to cause the Employer to
institute litigation seeking to have this Employment Agreement declared unenforceable, or could
take or attempt to take other action to deny Executive the benefits intended under this Employment
Agreement. In these circumstances, the purpose of this Employment Agreement would be frustrated.
It is the Employers intention that the Executive not be required to incur the expenses associated
with the enforcement of his rights under this Employment Agreement, whether by litigation or other
legal action, because the cost and expense thereof would substantially detract from the benefits
intended to be granted to the Executive hereunder. It is the Employers intention that the
Executive not be forced to negotiate settlement of his rights under this Employment Agreement under
threat of incurring expenses. Accordingly, if after a Change in Control occurs it appears to the
Executive that (a) the Employer has failed to comply with any of its obligations under this
Employment Agreement, or (b) the Employer or any other person has taken any action to declare this
Employment Agreement void or unenforceable, or instituted any litigation or other legal action
designed to deny, diminish, or to recover from the Executive the benefits intended to be provided
to the Executive hereunder, the Employer irrevocably authorizes the Executive from time to time to
retain counsel of his choice, at the Employers expense as provided in this Section 8.9, to
represent the Executive in connection with the initiation or defense of any litigation or other
legal action, whether by or against the Employer or any director, officer, stockholder, or other
person affiliated with the Employer, in any jurisdiction. Notwithstanding any existing or previous
attorney-client relationship between the Employer and any counsel chosen by the Executive under
this Section 8.9, the Employer irrevocably consents to the Executive entering into an
attorney-client relationship with that counsel, and the Employer and the Executive agree that a
confidential relationship shall exist between the Executive and that counsel. The fees and
expenses of counsel selected from time to time by the Executive as provided in this section shall
be paid or reimbursed to the Executive by the Employer on a regular, periodic basis upon
presentation by the Executive of a statement or statements prepared by such counsel in accordance
with such counsels customary practices, up to a maximum aggregate amount of $500,000, whether suit
be brought or not, and whether or not incurred in trial, bankruptcy, or appellate proceedings. The
Employers obligation to pay the Executives legal fees provided by this Section 8.9 operates
separately from and in addition to any legal fee reimbursement obligation the Employer may have
with the Executive under any separate severance or other agreement. Anything in this Section 8.9
to the contrary notwithstanding however, the Employer shall not be required to pay or reimburse
Executives legal expenses if doing so would violate section 18(k) of the Federal Deposit Insurance
Act [12 U.S.C. 1828(k)] and Rule 359.3 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation [12 CFR 359.3].
8.10
Consultation with Counsel and Interpretation of this Employment Agreement
. The
Executive acknowledges and agrees
that he has had the assistance of counsel of his choosing in the negotiation of this Employment
Agreement, or he has chosen not to have the assistance of his own counsel. Both the Employer and
the Executive have participated in the negotiation and drafting of this Employment Agreement, and
they hereby agree that there shall not be strict interpretation against either party in connection
with any review of this Employment Agreement in which interpretation thereof is an issue.
8.11
Compliance with Internal Revenue Code Section 409A
. The Employer and the
Executive intend that their exercise of authority or discretion under this Employment Agreement
shall comply with section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. If when the Executives
employment terminates the Executive is a specified employee, as defined in section 409A of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, and if any payments under this Employment Agreement, including
Articles 4 or 5, will result in additional tax or interest to the Executive because of section
409A, then despite any provision of this Employment Agreement to the contrary the Executive will
not be entitled to the payments until the earliest of (a) the date that is at least six months
after termination of the Executives employment for reasons other than the Executives death, (b)
the date of the Executives death, or (c) any earlier date that does not result in additional tax
or interest to the Executive under section 409A. As promptly as possible after the end of the
period during which payments are delayed under this provision, the entire amount of the delayed
payments shall be paid to the Executive in a single lump sum. If any provision of this Employment
Agreement does not satisfy the requirements of section 409A, such provision shall nevertheless be
applied in a manner consistent with those requirements. If any provision of this Employment
Agreement would subject the Executive to additional tax or interest under section 409A, the
Employer shall reform the provision. However, the Employer shall maintain to the maximum extent
practicable the original intent of the applicable provision without subjecting the Executive to
additional tax or interest, and the Employer shall not be required to incur any additional
compensation expense as a result of the reformed provision. References in this Employment
Agreement to section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 include rules, regulations, and
guidance of general application issued by the Department of the Treasury under Internal Revenue
Code section 409A.
In Witness Whereof
, the parties have executed this Employment Agreement as of the
date first written above.
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Executive
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Southern Community Bank and Trust
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/s/ F. Scott Bauer
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By:
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/s/ David W. Hinshaw
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F. Scott Bauer
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Its:
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EVP & Chief Financial Officer
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Southern Community Financial Corporation
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By:
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/s/ David W. Hinshaw
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Its:
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EVP & Chief Financial Officer
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Exhibit 10.2 Employment agreement with Jeff T. Clark
Employment Agreement
This
Employment Agreement
is entered into effective as of this 28th day of April,
2006, by and among Southern Community Financial Corporation, a North Carolina corporation, Southern
Community Bank and Trust, a North Carolina-chartered bank and wholly owned subsidiary of Southern
Community Financial Corporation (the
Bank
), and Jeffrey T. Clark, President of Southern Community
Financial Corporation and the Bank (the
Executive
). Southern Community Financial Corporation and
the Bank are referred to in this Employment Agreement individually and together as the
Employer
.
Whereas
, the Executive is the President of the Employer, possessing unique skills,
knowledge, and experience relating to the Employers business, and the Executive has made and is
expected to continue to make major contributions to the profitability, growth, and financial
strength of the Employer and affiliates,
Whereas
, the Employer and the Executive desire to set forth in this Employment
Agreement the terms and conditions of the Executives employment,
Whereas
, the Executive and the Bank are parties to an Employment Agreement dated as
of November 18, 1996, but the Executive and the Bank intend that this Employment Agreement
supersede and replace the previous employment agreement in its entirety, and
Whereas
, none of the conditions or events included in the definition of the term
golden parachute payment that is set forth in Section 18(k)(4)(A)(ii) of the Federal Deposit
Insurance Act [12 U.S.C. 1828(k)(4)(A)(ii)] and in Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Rule
359.1(f)(1)(ii) [12 CFR 359.1(f)(1)(ii)] exists or, to the best knowledge of the Employer, is
contemplated insofar as the Bank or any affiliates are concerned.
Now Therefore
, in consideration of these premises, the mutual covenants contained
herein, and other good and valuable consideration the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby
acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows.
Article 1
Employment
1.1
Employment
. Effective on the date and for the term specified in section 1.3,
the Employer hereby employs the Executive to serve as President according to the terms and
conditions of this Employment Agreement. The Executive hereby accepts employment according to the
terms and conditions of this Employment Agreement.
1.2
Duties
. As President, the Executive shall serve under the direction of the
Employers Chief Executive Officer and in accordance with the Employers Articles of Incorporation
and Bylaws, as each may be amended or restated from time to time. The Executive shall report
directly to the Chief Executive Officer. He shall serve the Employer faithfully, diligently,
competently, and to the best of his ability, and he shall exclusively devote his full working time,
energy, and attention to the business of the Employer and to the promotion of the Employers
interests throughout the term of this Employment Agreement. Without the written consent of the
board of directors of each of Southern Community Financial Corporation and the Bank, during the
term of this Employment Agreement the Executive shall not render services to or for any person,
firm, corporation, or other entity or organization in exchange for compensation, regardless of the
form in which the compensation is paid and regardless of whether it is paid directly or indirectly
to the Executive. Nothing in this Article 2 shall prevent the Executive from managing his personal
investments and affairs, provided that doing so does not interfere with the proper performance of
his duties and responsibilities as President.
1.3
Term of Employment
. The initial term of employment under this Employment
Agreement shall be for the period commencing upon the April 28, 2006 effective date of this
Employment Agreement and ending three calendar years from the effective date of this Employment
Agreement. On each anniversary of the effective date of this Employment Agreement, the term of
this Employment Agreement shall automatically be extended for one additional year period beyond the
then-effective expiration date unless written notice from the Employer or the Executive is received
90 days prior to an anniversary date advising the other that this Employment Agreement shall not be
further extended. If the board decides not to extend the term of this Employment Agreement, this
Employment Agreement shall nevertheless remain in force until its then-current three-year term
expires. The boards decision not to extend the term of this Employment Agreement shall not by
itself give the Executive any rights under this Employment Agreement to claim an adverse change
in his position, compensation, or circumstances or otherwise to claim entitlement to severance
benefits under Articles 4 or 5 of this Employment Agreement, absent some other reason that entitles
Executive to such benefits pursuant to either or both of such Articles. References herein to the
term of this Employment Agreement shall refer to the initial term, as the same may be extended.
Unless sooner terminated, the Executives employment and the term of this Employment Agreement
shall terminate when the Executive attains age 65.
Article 2
Compensation and Other Benefits
2.1
Base Salary
. In consideration of the Executives performance of his obligations
under this Employment Agreement, Southern Community Financial Corporation shall pay or cause to be
paid to the Executive a salary at the annual rate of not less than $230,000, payable in equal or
approximately equal monthly installments. The Executives salary shall be reviewed annually by the
Employers board of directors or by the board committee having jurisdiction over executive
compensation. The Executives salary shall be increased no less frequently than annually to
account for cost of living increases. The Executives salary also may be increased beyond the
amount necessary to account for cost of living increases at the discretion of the committee having
jurisdiction over executive compensation. However, the Executives salary shall not be reduced.
The Executives salary, as the same may be increased from time to time, is referred to in this
Employment Agreement as the
Base Salary
.
2.2
Benefit Plans and Perquisites
. The Executive shall be entitled throughout the
term of this Employment Agreement to participate in any and all officer or employee compensation,
bonus, incentive, and benefit plans in effect from time to time, including without limitation plans
providing pension, retirement, medical, dental, disability, and group life benefits, and to receive
any and all other fringe benefits provided from time to time, provided that the Executive satisfies
the
eligibility requirements for the plans or benefits. Without limiting the generality of the
foregoing
(a)
Participation in Stock Plans
. The Executive shall be eligible to participate in any
stock-based compensation, incentive, bonus, or purchase plans existing on the date of this
Employment Agreement or adopted during the term of this Employment Agreement.
(b)
Club Dues
. During the term of this Employment Agreement, the Employer shall pay or cause
to be paid the Executives membership assessments and dues in civic clubs. Without limiting the
generality of the foregoing, the Executive shall be reimbursed for assessments, dues, and expenses
associated with his membership in and use of the private country club of his choice in Forsyth
County.
(c)
Use of Automobile.
The Executive shall have the use of an automobile titled in the
Employers name for use by the Executive to carry out his duties for the Employer, the insurance
and maintenance expenses of which shall be paid by the Employer. As additional compensation, the
Executive may use such automobile for personal purposes, provided that the Executive renders an
accounting of his business and personal use to the Employer in accordance with regulations under
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
(d)
Disability Insurance
. The Employer shall reimburse the Executive for the Executives
cost to purchase and maintain disability insurance coverage on himself during the term of this
Employment Agreement. The amount reimbursed by the Employer shall be grossed up to compensate the
Executive for federal and state income taxes imposed as a result of the Employers reimbursement of
the Executives cost. The disability insurance policy shall be owned by the Executive exclusively.
(e)
Reimbursement of Business Expenses
. Upon submission of appropriate documentation by the
Executive and approval by the board of directors or by a board committee appointed for such
purpose, the Employer agrees to reimburse the Executive for all out-of-pocket expenses incurred
performing his obligations under this Employment Agreement, including but not limited to all
reasonable business travel and entertainment expenses incurred while acting at the request of or in
the service of the Employer and reasonable expenses for attendance at annual and other periodic
meetings of trade associations. Except for club dues under section 2.2(b), to be reimbursable each
expense must be of a nature qualifying it as a proper deduction on the Employers income tax
returns as a business expense rather than deductible compensation to the Executive. The records
and other documentary evidence submitted by the Executive to the Employer with each request for
reimbursement shall be in the form required by applicable statutes and regulations issued by
appropriate taxing authorities for the substantiation of expenditures as deductible business
expenses of the Employer rather than deductible compensation to the Executive.
2.3
Vacation
. The Executive shall be entitled to four weeks of paid time off
(PTO) per calendar year, effective on January 1 of each year, to be used for vacation. Executive
may not carry over any accrued but unused vacation into the next successive year.
2.4
Taxes
. All compensation of the Executive shall be subject to withholding and
other employment taxes imposed by federal, state, and local law.
2.5
Indemnification and Insurance
. (a)
Indemnification
. The Employer shall
indemnify the Executive or cause the Executive to be indemnified with respect to his activities as
a director, officer, employee, or agent of the Employer or as a person who is serving or has served
at the request of the Employer (a
representative
) as a director, officer, employee, agent, or
trustee of an affiliated corporation, joint venture trust or other enterprise, domestic or foreign,
in which the Employer has a direct or indirect ownership interest against expenses (including
without limitation attorneys fees, judgments, fines, and amounts paid in settlement) actually and
reasonably incurred by him (
Expenses
) in connection with any claim against the Executive that is
the subject of any threatened, pending, or completed action, suit, or other type of proceeding,
whether civil, criminal, administrative, investigative, or otherwise and whether formal or informal
(a
Proceeding
), to which the Executive was, is, or is threatened to be made a party by reason of
the Executive being or having been such a director, officer, employee, agent, or representative.
The indemnification provided herein shall not be exclusive of any other indemnification or
right to which the Executive may be entitled and shall continue after the Executive has ceased to
occupy a position as an officer, director, employee, agent or representative with respect to
Proceedings relating to or arising out of the Executives acts or omissions during his service in
such position. The indemnification provided to the Executive under this Employment Agreement for
the Executives service as a representative shall be payable if and only if and only to the extent
that reimbursement to the Executive by the affiliated entity with which the Executive has served as
a representative, whether pursuant to agreement, applicable law, articles of incorporation or
association, by-laws or regulations of the entity, or insurance maintained by such affiliated
entity, is insufficient to compensate the Executive for Expenses actually incurred and otherwise
payable by the Employer under this Employment Agreement. Any payments for such Expenses in fact
made to or on behalf of the Executive directly or indirectly by the affiliated entity with which
the Executive served as a representative shall reduce the obligation of the Employer hereunder.
(b)
Exclusions
. Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, however, nothing in
this Section 2.5 requires indemnification, reimbursement, or payment by the Employer, and the
Executive shall not be entitled to demand indemnification, reimbursement, or payment
(1) if and to the extent indemnification, reimbursement, or payment
constitutes a prohibited indemnification payment within the meaning of Federal
Deposit Insurance Corporation Rule 359.1(l)(1) [12 CFR 359.1(l)(1)], or
(2) for any claim or any part thereof as to which the Executive shall have
been determined by a court of competent jurisdiction, from which no appeal is or can
be taken, by clear and convincing evidence, to have acted with deliberate intent to
cause injury to the Employer or with reckless disregard for the best interests of
the Employer, or
(3) for any claim or any part thereof arising under Section 16(b) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as a result of which the Executive is required to
pay any penalty, fine, settlement, or judgment, or
(4) for any obligation of the Executive based upon or attributable to the
Executive gaining in fact any personal gain, profit, or advantage to which he was
not entitled, or
(5) any proceeding initiated by the Executive without the consent or
authorization of the Employers board of directors, but this exclusion shall not
apply with respect to any claims brought by the Executive (a) to enforce his rights
under this Employment Agreement, or (b) in any Proceeding initiated by another
person or entity whether or not such claims were brought by the Executive against a
person or entity who was otherwise a party to such proceeding.
(c)
Insurance
. The Employer shall maintain or cause to be maintained fidelity and Directors
& Officers liability insurance covering the Executive throughout the term of this Employment
Agreement.
Article 3
Termination of Employment
3.1
Termination by the Employer
. (a)
Death or Disability
. The Executives
employment shall terminate automatically on the date of the Executives death. If the Executive
dies in active service to the Employer, for twelve months after the Executives death the Employer
shall provide the Executives family with and pay the premiums for continuing health care coverage
under COBRA substantially identical to that provided for the Executive before his death.
By delivery of written notice 30 days in advance to the Executive, the Employer may terminate
the Executives employment if the Executive is disabled. For purposes of this Employment
Agreement, the Executive shall be considered
disabled
if for health or medical-related
reasons he is unable to and does not perform his duties hereunder for a period of 90 consecutive
days. The Executive shall not be considered disabled, however, if he returns to work on a
full-time basis within 30 days after the Employer gives him notice of termination due to
disability.
(b)
Termination Without Cause
. With written notice to the Executive 60 days in advance, the
Employer may terminate the Executives employment without Cause. Upon such event, the compensation
and benefits after termination provisions of Sections 4.4 and 4.5 shall apply, in addition to any
other applicable post-termination payments or benefits provided for in this Employment Agreement.
(c)
Termination with Cause
. The Employer may terminate the Executives employment with
Cause. Upon such event, the Executive shall not be entitled to any further compensation or other
benefits beyond his effective termination date in accordance with Section 4.1, except such benefits
which by the terms of their plan document continue after such termination or except as may be
otherwise provided for in this Employment Agreement. The term
Cause
means any of the
following
(1) an intentional act of fraud, embezzlement, or theft by the Executive in
the course of his employment. For purposes of this Employment Agreement, no act or
failure to act on the part of the Executive shall be deemed to have been intentional
if it was due primarily to an error in judgment or negligence. An act or failure to
act on the Executives part shall be considered intentional if it is not in good
faith and if it is without a reasonable belief that the action or failure to act is
in the best interests of the Employer, or
(2) intentional violation of any law or significant policy of the Employer
committed in connection with the Executives employment, which in the Employers
judgment has a material adverse effect on the Employer, or
(3) the Executives gross negligence or gross neglect of duties in the
performance of his duties to the Employer, or
(4) intentional wrongful damage by the Executive to the business or property
of the Employer, including without limitation the reputation of the Employer, which
in the Employers sole judgment causes material harm to the Employer, or
(5) a breach by the Executive of his fiduciary duties as an officer or
director of the Employer or misconduct involving dishonesty, in either case whether
in his capacity as an officer or as a director of the Bank or Southern Community
Financial Corporation, or
(6) a breach by the Executive of this Employment Agreement that, in the sole
judgment of the Employer, is a material breach, which breach is not corrected by the
Executive within 30 days after receiving written notice of the breach which the
Employer shall provide, or
(7) removal of the Executive from office or permanent prohibition of the
Executive from participating in the Banks affairs by an order issued under section
8(e)(4) or (g)(1) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, 12 U.S.C. 1818(e)(4) or
(g)(1), or
(8) conviction of the Executive for or plea of
nolo contendere
to a felony or
conviction of or plea of
nolo contendere
to a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude,
or the actual incarceration of the Executive.
3.2
Termination by the Executive
. The Executive may terminate his employment with
written notice to the Employer 60 days in advance, whether with or without Good Reason. If the
Executive terminates with Good Reason, the termination will take effect at the conclusion of the
60-day period unless the event or circumstance constituting Good Reason is cured by the Employer or
unless the notice of termination for Good Reason is revoked by the Executive within the 60-day
period. Upon such event, the compensation and benefits after termination provisions of Sections
4.4 and 4.5 shall apply, in addition to any other applicable post-termination payments or benefits
provided for in this Employment Agreement. For purposes of this Employment Agreement,
Good
Reason
means any of the following events occur without the Executives written consent
(a)
Reduced Base Salary
: reduction of the Executives Base Salary, or
(b)
Participation in Benefit Plans Reduced or Terminated
: reduction of the Executives
bonus, incentive, or other compensation award opportunities under the Employers benefit plans,
unless a company-wide reduction of all officers award opportunities occurs simultaneously, or
termination of the Executives participation in any officer or employee benefit plan maintained by
the Employer, unless the plan is terminated because of changes in law or loss of tax deductibility
to the Employer for contributions to the plan, or
unless the plan is terminated as a matter of
policy applied equally to all participants in the plan, or
(c)
Reduced Responsibilities or Status
: assignment to the Executive of duties that are
materially inconsistent with the Executives position as the Employers President or that represent
a reduction of his authority, or
(d)
Failure to Obtain Assumption Agreement
: failure to obtain an assumption of the
Employers obligations under this Employment Agreement by any successor to the Employer, regardless
of whether the entity becomes a successor to the Employer as a result of a merger, consolidation,
sale of assets, or other form of purchase, sale or reorganization, or
(e)
Material Breach
: a material breach of this Employment Agreement by the Employer that is
not corrected within 30 days after receiving written notice of the breach from the Executive, or
(f)
Relocation of the Executive
: relocation of the Banks principal executive offices, or
requiring the Executive to change his principal work location, to any location that is more than 15
miles from the location of the Banks principal executive offices on the date of this Employment
Agreement.
3.3
Notice
. Any purported termination by the Employer or by the Executive shall be
communicated by written notice of termination to the other. The notice must state the specific
termination provision of this Employment Agreement relied upon. The notice must also state the
date on which termination shall become effective, which shall be a date not earlier than the date
of the termination notice. If termination is for Cause or with Good Reason, the notice must state
in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances forming the basis for termination of the
Executives employment.
Article 4
Compensation and Benefits After Termination
4.1
Cause
. If the Executives employment terminates for Cause, the Executive shall
receive the salary to which he is entitled through the date on which termination becomes effective
and any other benefits to which he may be
entitled under the Employers benefit plans and policies in effect on the date of termination.
4.2
Termination by the Executive Other than for Good Reason
. If the Executive
terminates employment other than for Good Reason, the Executive shall receive the salary to which
he is entitled through the date on which his termination becomes effective and any other benefits
to which he may be entitled under the Employers benefit plans and policies.
4.3
Continued Salary in the Case of Termination Because of Disability
. If the
Executives employment terminates because of disability, the Executive shall receive the salary
earned through the date on which termination becomes effective, any unpaid bonus or incentive
compensation due to the Executive for the calendar year preceding the calendar year in which the
termination becomes effective, any payments the Executive is eligible to receive under any
disability insurance program in which the Executive participates, and such other benefits to which
he may be entitled under the Employers benefit plans, policies, and agreements.
4.4
Termination Without Cause and Termination for Good Reason
. If the Employer
terminates the Executives employment without Cause or if the Executive terminates employment for
Good Reason, the Executive shall continue to receive his most recent Base Salary level for the
unexpired term of this Employment Agreement, but he shall not be entitled to continued
participation in the Employers or a subsidiarys retirement plans or any stock-based plans unless
the terms of any applicable plan document allow such participation. The Employer and the Executive
acknowledge and agree that the compensation and benefits under this Section 4.4 shall not be
payable if compensation and benefits are payable or shall have been paid previously to the
Executive under Article 5 of this Employment Agreement.
4.5
Post-Termination Insurance and Medical Coverage
. If the Executives employment
terminates involuntarily but without Cause or voluntarily but with
Good Reason, or if the
Executives employment terminates because of disability, the Employer shall continue or cause to be
continued at the Employers expense life, health, and disability insurance benefits in effect
during the two years preceding the date of the Executives termination. The life, health, and
disability insurance benefits shall continue until the first to occur of (a) the Executives return
to employment with the Employer or another employer, (b) the Executives attainment of age 65, (c)
the Executives death, or (d) the end of the term remaining under this Employment Agreement at the
time of the Executives termination.
4.6
Salary Continuation Agreement
. The Bank and the Executive shall use their best
efforts to finalize and enter into a Salary Continuation Agreement and Endorsement Split Dollar
Agreement. The Salary Continuation Agreement shall provide for an annual benefit payable to the
Executive in equal monthly installments for his lifetime, beginning after his termination of
service with the Bank on or after attaining age 65. Unless the Salary Continuation Agreement or
Endorsement Split Dollar Agreement explicitly provides otherwise, whether benefits are properly
payable to the Executive under the Salary Continuation Agreement or the Endorsement Split Dollar
Agreement shall be determined solely by reference to those agreements, except that the Executive
shall forfeit all benefits under the Salary Continuation Agreement and Endorsement Split Dollar
Agreement for violation of the covenant against competition in Section 7.3 of this Employment
Agreement.
Article 5
Change in Control Benefits
5.1
Change in Control Benefits
. (a) If a Change in Control occurs during the term
of this Employment Agreement, the Employer shall make or cause to be made a lump-sum payment to the
Executive in an amount in cash equal to three times the Executives annual compensation. For this
purpose, annual compensation means (1) the Executives Base Salary when the Change in Control
occurs plus (2) any bonus or incentive compensation earned for the calendar year ended immediately
before the year in which the Change in Control occurred, regardless of when the bonus or incentive
compensation earned for the preceding calendar year is paid and regardless of whether all or part
of the bonus or incentive compensation is subject to elective deferral. Annual compensation shall
be calculated without regard to any deferrals under qualified or nonqualified plans, but annual
compensation shall not include interest or other earnings credited to the Executive under qualified
or nonqualified plans. The amount payable to the Executive hereunder shall not be reduced to
account for the time value of money or discounted to present value. The payment required under
this paragraph (a) is payable no later than five business days after the Change in Control. If the
Executive is removed from office or if his employment terminates before a Change in Control occurs
but after discussions with a third party regarding a Change in Control commence, and if those
discussions ultimately conclude with a Change in Control, then for purposes of this Employment
Agreement the removal of the Executive or termination of his employment shall be deemed to have
occurred after the Change in Control. The Executive shall be entitled to benefits under this
paragraph (a) on no more than one occasion.
(b)
Benefit Plans
: In addition to insurance and medical benefits under Section 4.5 of this
Employment Agreement and any benefits to which the Executive may be entitled under the Salary
Continuation Agreement and Endorsement Split Dollar Agreement referred to in Section 4.6 of this
Employment Agreement, if a Change in Control occurs during the term of this Employment Agreement
the Employer shall (1) cause the Executive to become fully vested in any qualified and
non-qualified plans, programs, or arrangements in which the Executive participated if the plan,
program, or arrangement does not address the effect of a change in control, and (2) contribute or
cause to be contributed to the Executives 401(k) plan account, if any, the matching and
profit-sharing contributions, if any, that the Executive is entitled to based upon all W-2 income
earned by the Executive for the plan year.
5.2
Definition of Change in Control
. For purposes of this Employment Agreement,
Change in Control
means any one or more of the following events occurs
(a)
Merger
. Southern Community Financial Corporation merges into or consolidates with
another corporation, or merges another corporation into Southern Community Financial Corporation,
and as a result less than a majority of the combined voting power of the resulting corporation
immediately after the merger or consolidation is held by persons who were holders of Southern
Community Financial Corporations voting securities immediately before the merger or consolidation.
For purposes of this Employment Agreement, the term
person
means an individual,
corporation, partnership, trust, association, joint venture, pool, syndicate, sole proprietorship,
unincorporated organization, or other entity,
(b)
Acquisition of Significant Share Ownership.
after the date of this Employment Agreement
a report on Schedule 13D, Schedule TO, or another form or schedule (other than Schedule 13G) is
filed or is required to be filed under Sections 13(d) or 14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, if the schedule discloses that the filing person or persons acting in concert has or have
become the beneficial owner of 25% or more of the combined voting power
of Southern Community Financial Corporations voting securities outstanding (but this paragraph (b)
shall not apply to beneficial ownership of voting shares held by the Employer in a fiduciary
capacity or beneficial ownership of voting shares held by an employee benefit plan of the
Employer),
(c)
Change in Board Composition
. during any period of two consecutive years, individuals who
constitute Southern Community Financial Corporations board of directors at the beginning of the
two-year period cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority thereof;
provided, however
,
that for purposes of this paragraph (c) each director who is first elected by the board (or
first nominated by the board for election by stockholders) by a vote of at least two-thirds
(
ƀ
) of the directors who were directors at the beginning of the period shall be deemed to
have been a director at the beginning of the two-year period, or
(d)
Sale of Assets
. Southern Community Financial Corporation sells to a third party all or
substantially all of Southern Community Financial Corporations assets. For this purpose, sale of
all or substantially all of Southern Community Financial Corporations assets includes, but is not
limited to, sale of the Bank alone.
5.3
No Multiple Severance Payments
. If the Executive receives payment under Section
5.1 he shall not be entitled to any benefits under Section 4.4 of this Employment Agreement.
5.4
Gross-Up for Taxes
. (a)
Additional Payment to Account for Excise Taxes
. If
the Executive receives the lump sum payment under Section 5.1 of this Employment Agreement and
acceleration of benefits under any other benefit, compensation, or incentive plan or arrangement
with the Employer (collectively, the
Total Benefits
), and if any part of the Total
Benefits is subject to the Excise Tax under section 280G and section 4999 of the Internal Revenue
Code (the
Excise Tax
), the Employer shall pay or cause to be paid to the Executive the
following additional amounts, consisting of (
x
) a payment equal to the Excise Tax payable by the
Executive under section 4999 on the Total Benefits (the
Excise Tax Payment
) and (
y
) a
payment equal to the amount necessary to provide the Excise Tax Payment net of all income, payroll,
and excise taxes. Together, the additional amounts described in clauses (
x
) and (
y
) are referred
to in this Employment Agreement as the
Gross-Up Payment Amount
. Payment of the Gross-Up
Payment Amount shall be made in addition to the amount set forth in Section 5.1.
Calculating the Excise Tax
. For purposes of determining whether any of the Total
Benefits will be subject to the Excise Tax and for purposes of determining the amount of the Excise
Tax,
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(1)
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Determination of Parachute Payments Subject to the Excise Tax
: any
other payments or benefits received or to be received by the Executive in
connection with a Change in Control or the Executives termination of
employment (whether under the terms of this Employment Agreement or any other
agreement or any other benefit plan or arrangement with the Employer, any
person whose actions result in a
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Change in Control, or any person affiliated
with the Employer or such person) shall be treated as
parachute
payments
within the meaning of section 280G(b)(2) of the Internal Revenue
Code, and all
excess parachute payments
within the meaning of section
280G(b)(1) shall be treated as subject to the Excise Tax, unless in the opinion
of the certified public accounting firm that is retained by
Southern Community Financial Corporation as of the date immediately before
the Change in Control (the
Accounting Firm
) such other payments or
benefits do not constitute (in whole or in part) parachute payments, or such
excess parachute payments represent (in whole or in part) reasonable
compensation for services actually rendered within the meaning of section
280G(b)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code in excess of the base amount (as
defined in section 280G(b)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code), or are
otherwise not subject to the Excise Tax,
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(2)
Calculation of Benefits Subject to Excise Tax
: the amount of the Total
Benefits that shall be treated as subject to the Excise Tax shall be equal
to the lesser of (a) the total amount of the Total Benefits reduced by the
amount of such Total Benefits that in the opinion of the Accounting Firm are
not parachute payments, or (b) the amount of excess parachute payments
within the meaning of section 280G(b)(1) (after applying clause (1), above),
and
(3)
Value of Noncash Benefits and Deferred Payments
: the value of any
noncash benefits or any deferred payment or benefit shall be determined by
the Accounting Firm in accordance with the principles of sections 280G(d)(3)
and (4) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Assumed Marginal Income Tax Rate
. For purposes of determining the Gross-Up Payment
Amount, the Executive shall be deemed to pay federal income taxes at the highest marginal rate of
federal income taxation in the calendar years in which the Gross-Up Payment Amount is to be made
and state and local income taxes at the highest marginal rate of taxation in the state and locality
of the Executives residence on the date of the Change in Control or termination of employment, net
of the reduction in federal income taxes that can be obtained from deduction of such state and
local taxes (calculated by assuming that any reduction under section 68 of the Internal Revenue
Code in the amount of itemized deductions allowable to the Executive applies first to reduce the
amount of such state and local income taxes that would otherwise be deductible by the Executive,
and applicable federal FICA and Medicare withholding taxes).
Return of Reduced Excise Tax Payment or Payment of Additional Excise Tax
. If the
Excise Tax is later determined to be less than the amount taken into account hereunder when the
Change in Control occurred or when the Executives employment terminated, the Executive shall repay
to Southern Community Financial Corporation when the amount of the reduction in Excise Tax is
finally determined the portion of the Gross-Up Payment Amount attributable to the reduction (plus
that portion of the Gross-Up Payment Amount attributable to the Excise Tax, federal, state and
local income taxes and FICA and Medicare withholding taxes imposed on the Gross-Up Payment Amount
being repaid by the Executive to the extent that the repayment results in a reduction in Excise
Tax, FICA and Medicare withholding taxes and/or a federal, state or local income tax deduction).
If the Excise Tax is later determined to be more than the amount taken into account hereunder
when the Change in Control occurred or when the Executives employment terminated (due, for
example, to a payment whose existence or amount cannot be determined at the time of the Gross-Up
Payment Amount), Southern Community Financial Corporation shall make an additional payment to the
Executive for that excess (plus any interest, penalties or additions payable by the Executive for
the excess) when the amount of the excess is finally determined.
(b)
Responsibilities of the Accounting Firm and Southern Community Financial Corporation
.
Determinations Shall Be Made by the Accounting Firm
.
Subject to the provisions of Section
5.4(a), all determinations required to be made under this Section 5.4(b) including whether and
when a Gross-Up Payment Amount is required, the amount of the Gross-Up Payment Amount and the
assumptions to be used to arrive at the determination (collectively, the
Determination
)
shall be made by the Accounting Firm, which shall provide detailed supporting calculations both to
Southern Community Financial Corporation and the Executive within 15 business days after receipt of
notice from Southern Community Financial Corporation or the Executive that there has been a
Gross-Up Payment Amount, or such earlier time as is requested by Southern Community Financial
Corporation.
Fees and Expenses of the Accounting Firm and Agreement with the Accounting Firm
. All
fees and expenses of the Accounting Firm shall be borne solely by Southern Community Financial
Corporation. Southern Community Financial Corporation shall enter into any agreement requested by
the Accounting Firm in connection with the performance of its services hereunder.
Accounting Firms Opinion
. If the Accounting Firm determines that no Excise Tax is
payable by the Executive, the Accounting Firm shall furnish the Executive with a written opinion to
that effect, and to the effect that failure to report Excise Tax, if any, on the Executives
applicable federal income tax return will not result in the imposition of a negligence or similar
penalty.
Accounting Firms Determination Is Binding; Underpayment and Overpayment
. The
Determination by the Accounting Firm shall be binding on Southern Community Financial Corporation
and the Executive. Because of the uncertainty in determining whether any of the Total Benefits
will be subject to the Excise Tax at the time of the Determination, it is possible that a Gross-Up
Payment Amount that should have been made will not have been made by Southern Community Financial
Corporation (
Underpayment
), or that a Gross-Up Payment Amount will be made that should
not have been made by Southern Community Financial Corporation (
Overpayment
). If, after
a Determination by the Accounting Firm, the Executive is required to make a payment of additional
Excise Tax, the Accounting Firm shall determine the amount of the Underpayment that has occurred.
The Underpayment (together with interest at the rate provided in section 1274(d)(2)(B) of the
Internal Revenue Code) shall be paid promptly by Southern Community Financial Corporation to or for
the benefit of the Executive. If the Gross-Up Payment Amount exceeds the amount necessary to
reimburse the Executive for his Excise Tax according to Section 5.4(a), the Accounting Firm shall
determine the amount of the Overpayment that has been made. The Overpayment (together with
interest at the rate provided in section 1274(d)(2)(B) of the Internal Revenue Code) shall be paid
promptly by the Executive to or for the benefit of Southern Community Financial Corporation.
Provided that his expenses are reimbursed by Southern Community Financial Corporation, the
Executive shall cooperate with any reasonable requests by Southern Community Financial Corporation
in any contests or disputes with the Internal Revenue Service relating to the Excise Tax.
Accounting Firm Conflict of Interest
. If the Accounting Firm is serving as accountant
or auditor for the individual, entity, or group effecting the Change in Control, the Executive may
appoint another nationally recognized public accounting firm to make the Determinations required
hereunder (in which case the term Accounting Firm as used in this Employment Agreement shall be
deemed to refer to the accounting firm appointed by the Executive under this paragraph).
Article 6
Confidentiality and Creative Work
6.1
Non-disclosure
. The Executive covenants and agrees that he will not reveal to
any person, firm, or corporation any confidential information of any nature concerning the Employer
or its business, or anything connected therewith. As used in this Article 6, the term
confidential information
means all of the Employers and its affiliates confidential and
proprietary information and trade secrets in existence on the date hereof or existing at any time
during the term of this Employment Agreement, including but not limited to
(a) the whole or any portion or phase of any business plans, financial information,
purchasing data, supplier data, accounting data, or other financial information,
(b) the whole or any portion or phase of any research and development information,
design procedures, algorithms or processes, or other technical information,
(c) the whole or any portion or phase of any marketing or sales information, sales
records, customer lists, prices, sales projections, or other sales information, and
(d) trade secrets, as defined from time to time by the laws of the State of North
Carolina.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, confidential information excludes information that as of the date
hereof or at any time after the date hereof is published or disseminated without obligation of
confidence or that becomes a part of the public domain (1) by or through action of the Employer, or
(2) otherwise than by or at the direction of the Executive. This Section 6.1 does not prohibit
disclosure required by an order of a court having jurisdiction or a subpoena from an appropriate
governmental agency or disclosure made by the Executive in the ordinary course of business and
within the scope of his authority.
6.2
Return of Materials
. The Executive agrees to deliver or return to the Employer
upon termination, upon expiration of this Employment Agreement, or as soon thereafter as possible,
all written information and any other similar items furnished by the Employer or prepared by the
Executive in connection with his services hereunder. The Executive will retain no copies thereof
after termination of this Employment Agreement or termination of the Executives employment.
6.3
Creative Work
. The Executive agrees that all creative work and work product,
including but not limited to all technology, business management tools, processes, software,
patents, trademarks, and copyrights developed by the Executive during the term of this Employment
Agreement and in the course and scope of his duties hereunder, regardless of when or where such
work or work product was produced, constitutes work made for hire, all rights of which are owned by
the Employer. The Executive hereby assigns to the Employer all rights, title, and interest,
whether by way of copyrights, trade secret, trademark, patent, or otherwise, in all such work or
work product, regardless of whether the same is subject to protection by patent, trademark, or
copyright laws.
6.4
Injunctive Relief
. The Executive acknowledges that it is impossible to measure
in money the damages that will be suffered by the Employer if the Executive fails to observe the
obligations imposed on him by this Article 6.
Accordingly, if the Bank institutes an action to enforce the provisions hereof, the Executive
hereby waives the claim or defense that an adequate remedy at law is available to the Employer and
the Executive agrees not to urge in any such action the claim or defense that an adequate remedy at
law exists.
6.5
Affiliates Confidential Information is Covered; Confidentiality Obligation Survives
Termination
. For purposes of this Employment Agreement, the term
affiliate
includes
Southern Community Financial Corporation, the Bank, and any entity that directly or indirectly
through one or more intermediaries controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with
Southern Community Financial Corporation or the Bank. The rights and obligations set forth in this
Article 6 shall survive termination of this Employment Agreement.
Article 7
Competition After Employment Termination
7.1
Covenant Not to Solicit Employees
. The Executive agrees not to solicit the
services of any officer or employee of the Employer for one year after the Executives employment
termination.
7.2
Covenant Not to Compete
. (a) The Executive covenants and agrees that he will
not, without advance written consent of the Employer, compete directly or indirectly with the
Employer for two years after termination of his employment, plus any period during which the
Executive is in violation of this covenant not to compete and any period during which the Employer
seeks by litigation to enforce this covenant not to compete. For purposes of this section
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(1)
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the term compete means
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(a) providing financial products or services on behalf of any financial
institution for any person residing in the territory,
(b) assisting (other than through the performance of ministerial or
clerical duties) any financial institution in providing financial products
or services to any person residing in the territory, or
(c) inducing or attempting to induce any person who was a customer of
the Employer at the date of the Executives termination of employment to
seek financial products or services from another financial institution.
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(2)
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the words directly or indirectly means
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(a) acting as a consultant, officer, director, independent contractor,
or employee of any financial institution in competition with the Employer in
the territory, or
(b) communicating to such financial institution the names or addresses
or any financial information concerning any person who was a customer of the
Employer at the Executives termination of employment.
(3) the term customer means any person to whom the Employer is providing financial
products or services on the date of the Executives termination of employment.
(4) the term financial institution means any bank, savings association, or bank or
savings association holding company, or any other institution, the business of which
is engaging in activities that are financial in nature or incidental to such
financial activities as described in section 4(k) of the Bank Holding Company Act of
1956, other than the Employer or one of its affiliated corporations.
(5) financial product or service means any product or service that a financial
institution or a financial holding company could offer by engaging in any activity
that is financial in nature or incidental to such a financial activity under section
4(k) of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 and that is offered by the Employer or
an affiliate on the date of the Executives employment termination, including but
not limited to banking activities and activities that are closely related and a
proper incident to banking.
(6) the term person means any individual or individuals, corporation, partnership,
fiduciary or association.
(7) the term territory means all of Forsyth, Guilford, Iredell, Rockingham,
Stokes, Surry, and Yadkin Counties in North Carolina and the area within a 15-mile
radius of any full-service banking office of the Bank at the date of the Executives
termination of employment.
(b) If any provision of this section or any word, phrase, clause, sentence or other portion
thereof (including, without limitation, the geographical and temporal restrictions contained
therein) is held to be
unenforceable or invalid for any reason, the unenforceable or invalid
provision or portion shall be modified or deleted so that the provisions hereof, as modified, are
legal and enforceable to the fullest extent permitted under applicable law.
7.3
Remedies
. Because of the unique character of the services to be rendered by the
Executive hereunder, the Executive understands that the Employer would not have an adequate remedy
at law for the material breach or threatened breach by the Executive of any one or more of the
Executives covenants set forth in this Article 7. Accordingly, the Executive agrees that the
Employers remedies for a material breach or threatened breach of this Article 7 include but are
not limited to (a) forfeiture of any money representing accrued salary, contingent payments, or
other fringe benefits due and payable to the Executive, (b) forfeiture of any severance benefits
under Sections 4.4 and 4.5 of this Employment Agreement, (c) forfeiture of benefits under the
Salary Continuation Agreement and Endorsement Split Dollar Agreement referred to in Section 4.6 of
this Agreement, and (d) a suit in equity by the Employer to enjoin the Executive from the breach or
threatened breach of such covenants. The Executive hereby waives the claim or defense that an
adequate remedy at law is available to the Employer and the Executive agrees not to urge in any
such action the claim or defense that an adequate remedy at law exists. Nothing herein shall be
construed to prohibit the Employer from pursuing any other remedies for the breach or threatened
breach.
7.4
Article 7 Survives Termination But Is Void After a Change in Control
. The rights
and obligations set forth in this Article 7 shall survive termination of this Employment Agreement.
However, Article 7 shall become null and void effective immediately upon a Change in Control.
Article 8
Miscellaneous
8.1
Successors and Assigns
. (a)
This Employment Agreement Is Binding on The
Employers Successors
. This Employment Agreement shall be binding upon the Employer and any
successor to the Employer, including any persons acquiring directly or indirectly all or
substantially all of the business or assets of the Employer by purchase, merger, consolidation,
reorganization, or otherwise. But this Employment Agreement and the Employers obligations under
this Employment Agreement are not otherwise assignable, transferable, or delegable by the Employer.
By agreement in form and substance satisfactory to the Executive, the Employer shall require any
successor to all or substantially all of the business or assets of the Employer to expressly assume
and agree to perform this Employment Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent the
Employer would be required to perform if no such succession had occurred.
(b)
This Employment Agreement Is Enforceable by the Executive and His Heirs
. This Employment
Agreement will inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Executives personal or legal
representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs, distributees, and legatees.
(c)
This Employment Agreement Is Personal in Nature and Is Not Assignable
. This Employment
Agreement is personal in nature. Without written consent of the other parties, no party shall
assign, transfer, or delegate this Employment Agreement or any rights or obligations under this
Employment Agreement except as expressly provided herein. Without limiting the generality or
effect of the foregoing, the Executives right to receive payments hereunder is not assignable or
transferable, whether by pledge, creation of a security interest, or otherwise, except for a
transfer by the Executives will or by the laws of descent and distribution. If the Executive
attempts an assignment or transfer that is contrary to this Section 8.1, the Employer shall have no
liability to pay any amount to the assignee or transferee.
8.2
Governing Law, Jurisdiction, and Forum
. This Employment Agreement shall be
construed under and governed by the internal laws of the State of North Carolina, without giving
effect to any conflict of laws provision or rule (whether of the State of North Carolina or any
other jurisdiction) that would cause the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than the
State of North Carolina. By entering into this Employment Agreement, the Executive
acknowledges
that he is subject to the jurisdiction of both the federal and state courts in the State of North
Carolina. Any actions or proceedings instituted under this Employment Agreement shall be brought
and tried solely in courts located in Forsyth County, North Carolina or in the federal court having
jurisdiction in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The Executive expressly waives his rights to have
any such actions or proceedings brought or tried elsewhere.
8.3
Entire Agreement
. This Employment Agreement sets forth the entire agreement of
the parties concerning the employment of the Executive. Any oral or written statements,
representations, agreements, or understandings made or entered into prior to or contemporaneously
with the execution of this Employment Agreement are hereby rescinded, revoked, and rendered null
and void by the parties. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the parties hereto
acknowledge and agree that this Employment Agreement supersedes in its entirety the Employment
Agreement dated as of November 18, 1996, entered into by the Executive and the Bank, as amended or
supplemented. The November 18, 1996 Employment Agreement shall hereafter be void and of no force
or effect.
8.4
Notices
. All notices, requests, demands, and other communications hereunder
shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given if delivered by hand or mailed,
certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, with postage prepaid. Unless otherwise
changed by notice, notice shall be properly addressed to the Executive if addressed to the address
of the Executive on the books and records of the Employer at the time of the delivery of notice,
and properly addressed to the Employer if addressed to the Board of Directors, Southern Community
Financial Corporation, 4605 Country Club Road, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27104.
8.5
Severability
. In the case of conflict between any provision of this Employment
Agreement and any statute, regulation, or judicial precedent, the latter shall prevail, but the
affected provisions of this Employment Agreement shall be curtailed and limited solely to the
extent necessary to bring them within the requirements of law. If any provision of this Employment
Agreement is held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be indefinite, invalid, void or voidable,
or otherwise unenforceable, the remainder of this Employment Agreement shall continue in full force
and effect unless that would clearly be contrary to the intentions of the parties or would result
in an injustice.
8.6
Captions and Counterparts
. The captions in this Employment Agreement are solely
for convenience. The captions in no way define, limit, or describe the scope or intent of this
Employment Agreement. This Employment Agreement may be executed in several counterparts, each of
which shall be deemed to be an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same
instrument.
8.7
No Duty to Mitigate
. The Employer hereby acknowledges that it will be difficult
and could be impossible (a) for the Executive to find reasonably comparable employment after his
employment terminates, and (b) to measure the amount of damages the Executive may suffer as a
result of termination. Additionally, the Employer acknowledges that its general severance pay
plans do not provide for mitigation, offset, or reduction of any severance payment received
thereunder. Accordingly, the Employer further acknowledges that the payment of severance benefits
under this Employment Agreement is reasonable and shall be liquidated damages. The Executive shall
not be required to mitigate the amount of any payment provided for in this Employment Agreement by
seeking other employment. Moreover, the amount of any payment provided for in this Employment
Agreement shall not be reduced by any compensation earned or benefits provided as the result of
employment of the Executive or as a result of the Executive being self-employed after termination
of his employment.
8.8
Amendment and Waiver
. This Employment Agreement may not be amended, released,
discharged, abandoned, changed, or modified in any manner, except by an instrument in writing
signed by each of the parties hereto. The failure of any party hereto to enforce at any time any
of the provisions of this Employment Agreement shall not be construed to be a waiver of any such
provision, nor affect the validity of this Employment Agreement or any part thereof or the right of
any party thereafter to enforce each and every such provision. No waiver or any breach of this
Employment Agreement shall be held to be a waiver of any other or subsequent breach.
8.9
Payment of Legal Fees
. The Employer is aware that after a Change in Control
management could cause or attempt to cause the Employer to refuse to comply with its obligations
under this Employment Agreement, or could institute or cause or attempt to cause the Employer to
institute litigation seeking to have this Employment Agreement declared unenforceable, or could
take or attempt to take other action to deny Executive the benefits intended under this Employment
Agreement. In these circumstances, the purpose of this Employment Agreement would be frustrated.
It is the Employers intention that
the Executive not be required to incur the expenses associated with the enforcement of his rights
under this Employment Agreement, whether by litigation or other legal action, because the cost and
expense thereof would substantially detract from the benefits intended to be granted to the
Executive hereunder. It is the Employers intention that the Executive not be forced to negotiate
settlement of his rights under this Employment Agreement under threat of incurring expenses.
Accordingly, if after a Change in Control occurs it appears to the Executive that (a) the Employer
has failed to comply with any of its obligations under this Employment Agreement, or (b) the
Employer or any other person has taken any action to declare this Employment Agreement void or
unenforceable, or instituted any litigation or other legal action designed to deny, diminish, or to
recover from the Executive the benefits intended to be provided to the Executive hereunder, the
Employer irrevocably authorizes the Executive from time to time to retain counsel of his choice, at
the Employers expense as provided in this Section 8.9, to represent the Executive in connection
with the initiation or defense of any litigation or other legal action, whether by or against the
Employer or any director, officer, stockholder, or other person affiliated with the Employer, in
any jurisdiction. Notwithstanding any existing or previous attorney-client relationship between
the Employer and any counsel chosen by the Executive under this Section 8.9, the Employer
irrevocably consents to the Executive entering into an attorney-client relationship with that
counsel, and the Employer and the Executive agree that a confidential relationship shall exist
between the Executive and that counsel. The fees and expenses of counsel selected from time to
time by the Executive as provided in this section shall be paid or reimbursed to the Executive by
the Employer on a regular, periodic basis upon presentation by the Executive of a statement or
statements prepared by such counsel in accordance with such counsels customary practices, up to a
maximum aggregate amount of $500,000, whether suit be brought or not, and whether or not incurred
in trial, bankruptcy, or appellate proceedings. The Employers obligation to pay the Executives
legal fees provided by this Section 8.9 operates separately from and in addition to any legal fee
reimbursement obligation the Employer may have with the Executive under any separate severance or
other agreement. Anything in this Section 8.9 to the contrary notwithstanding however, the
Employer shall not be required to pay or reimburse Executives legal expenses if doing so would
violate section 18(k) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act [12 U.S.C. 1828(k)] and Rule 359.3 of
the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation [12 CFR 359.3].
8.10
Consultation with Counsel and Interpretation of this Employment Agreement
. The
Executive acknowledges and agrees that he has had the assistance of counsel of his choosing in the
negotiation of this Employment Agreement, or he has chosen not to have the assistance of his own
counsel. Both the Employer and the Executive have participated in the negotiation and drafting of
this Employment Agreement, and they hereby agree that there shall not be strict interpretation
against either party in connection with any review of this Employment Agreement in which
interpretation thereof is an issue.
8.11
Compliance with Internal Revenue Code Section 409A
. The Employer and the
Executive intend that their exercise of authority or discretion under this Employment Agreement
shall comply with section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. If when the Executives
employment terminates the Executive is a specified employee, as defined in section 409A of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, and if any payments under this Employment Agreement, including
Articles 4 or 5, will result in additional tax or interest to the Executive because of section
409A, then despite any provision of this Employment Agreement to the contrary the Executive will
not be entitled to the payments until the earliest of (a) the date that is at least six months
after termination of the Executives employment for reasons other than the Executives death, (b)
the date of the Executives death, or (c) any earlier
date that does not result in additional tax or interest to the Executive under
section 409A. As
promptly as possible after the end of the period during which payments are delayed under this
provision, the entire amount of the delayed payments shall be paid to the Executive in a single
lump sum. If any provision of this Employment Agreement does not satisfy the requirements of
section 409A, such provision shall nevertheless be applied in a manner consistent with those
requirements. If any provision of this Employment Agreement would subject the Executive to
additional tax or interest under section 409A, the Employer shall reform the provision. However,
the Employer shall maintain to the maximum extent practicable the original intent of the applicable
provision without subjecting the Executive to additional tax or interest, and the Employer shall
not be required to incur any additional compensation expense as a result of the reformed provision.
References in this Employment Agreement to section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986
include rules, regulations, and guidance of general application issued by the Department of the
Treasury under Internal Revenue Code section 409A.
[The remainder of this page is left blank intentionally]
In Witness Whereof
, the parties have executed this Employment Agreement as of the
date first written above.
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Executive
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Southern Community Bank and Trust
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/s/ Jeffery T. Clark
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By:
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/s/ F. Scott Bauer
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F. Scott Bauer
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Its:
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Chief Executive Officer
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Southern Community Financial Corporation
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By:
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/s/ F. Scott Bauer
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F. Scott Bauer
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Its:
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Chief Executive Officer
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Exhibit 10.3 Employment agreement with David W. Hinshaw
Employment Agreement
This
Employment Agreement
is entered into effective as of this 28
th
day of
April, 2006, by and among Southern Community Financial Corporation, a North Carolina corporation,
Southern Community Bank and Trust, a North Carolina-chartered bank and wholly owned subsidiary of
Southern Community Financial Corporation (the
Bank
), and David W. Hinshaw, Executive Vice
President and Chief Financial Officer of Southern Community Financial Corporation and the Bank (the
Executive
). Southern Community Financial Corporation and the Bank are referred to in
this Employment Agreement individually and together as the
Employer
.
Whereas
, the Executive is the Chief Financial Officer of the Employer, possessing
unique skills, knowledge, and experience relating to the Employers business, and the Executive has
made and is expected to continue to make major contributions to the profitability, growth, and
financial strength of the Employer and affiliates,
Whereas
, the Employer and the Executive desire to set forth in this Employment
Agreement the terms and conditions of the Executives employment,
Whereas
, the Executive and the Bank are parties to a June 1, 2005 Employment
Agreement,
Whereas
, the Employer and the Executive intend that, except as may be otherwise
provided in this Employment Agreement, this Employment Agreement shall supersede and replace in its
entirety the June 1, 2005 Employment Agreement, and that from and after the date of this Employment
Agreement the June 1, 2005 Employment Agreement between the Executive and the Bank shall be of no
further force or effect, and
Whereas
, none of the conditions or events included in the definition of the term
golden parachute payment that is set forth in section 18(k)(4)(A)(ii) of the Federal Deposit
Insurance Act [12 U.S.C. 1828(k)(4)(A)(ii)] and in Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Rule
359.1(f)(1)(ii) [12 CFR 359.1(f)(1)(ii)] exists or, to the best knowledge of the Employer, is
contemplated insofar as the Bank or any affiliates are concerned.
Now Therefore
, in consideration of these premises, the mutual covenants contained
herein, and other good and valuable consideration the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby
acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows.
Article 1
Employment
1.1
Employment
. Effective on the date and for the term specified in section 1.4,
the Employer hereby employs the Executive to serve as Chief Financial Officer according to the
terms and conditions of this Employment Agreement. The Executive hereby accepts employment
according to the terms and conditions of this Employment Agreement.
1.2
Duties
. As Chief Financial Officer, the Executive shall serve under the
direction of the Employers Chief Executive Officer and in accordance with the Employers Articles
of Incorporation and Bylaws, as each may be amended or restated from time to time. The Executive
shall serve the Employer faithfully, diligently, competently, and to the best of his ability, and
he shall exclusively devote his full working time, energy, and attention to the
business of the Employer and to the promotion of the Employers interests throughout the term of
this Employment Agreement. Without the written consent of the Chief Executive Officer, during the
term of this Employment Agreement the Executive shall not render services to or for any person,
firm, corporation, or other entity or organization in exchange for compensation, regardless of the
form in which the compensation is paid and regardless of whether it is paid directly or indirectly
to the Executive. Nothing in this Article 2 shall prevent the Executive from managing his personal
investments
and affairs, provided that doing so does not interfere with the proper performance of
his duties and responsibilities as Chief Financial Officer.
1.3
Term of Employment
. The initial term of employment under this Employment
Agreement shall be for the period commencing upon the April 28, 2006 effective date of this
Employment Agreement and ending three calendar years from the effective date of this Employment
Agreement. On each anniversary of the effective date of this Employment Agreement, the term of
this Employment Agreement shall automatically be extended for one additional year period beyond the
then-effective expiration date unless written notice from the Employer or the Executive is received
90 days prior to an anniversary date advising the other that this Employment Agreement shall not be
further extended. If the board decides not to extend the term of this Employment Agreement, this
Employment Agreement shall nevertheless remain in force until its then-current three-year term
expires. The boards decision not to extend the term of this Employment Agreement shall not by
itself give the Executive any rights under this Employment Agreement to claim an adverse change
in his position, compensation, or circumstances or otherwise to claim entitlement to severance
benefits under Articles 4 or 5 of this Employment Agreement, absent some other reason that entitles
Executive to such benefits pursuant to either or both of such Articles. References herein to the
term of this Employment Agreement shall refer to the initial term, as the same may be extended.
Unless sooner terminated, the Executives employment and the term of this Employment Agreement
shall terminate when the Executive attains age 65.
Article 2
Compensation and Other Benefits
2.1
Base Salary
. In consideration of the Executives performance of his obligations
under this Employment Agreement, Southern Community Financial Corporation shall pay or cause to be
paid to the Executive a salary at the annual rate of not less than $190,000, payable in equal or
approximately equal monthly installments. The Executives salary shall be reviewed annually by the
Employers board of directors or by the board committee having jurisdiction over executive
compensation, and may be increased at the discretion of the committee having jurisdiction over
executive compensation. However, the Executives salary shall not be reduced. The Executives
salary, as the same may be increased from time to time, is referred to in this Employment Agreement
as the
Base Salary
.
2.2
Benefit Plans and Perquisites
. The Executive shall be entitled throughout the
term of this Employment Agreement to participate in any and all officer or employee compensation,
bonus, incentive, and benefit plans in effect from time to time, including without limitation plans
providing pension, retirement, medical, dental, disability, and group life benefits, and to receive
any and all other fringe benefits provided from time to time, provided that the Executive satisfies
the eligibility requirements for the plans or benefits. Without limiting the generality of the
foregoing
(a)
Participation in Stock Plans
. The Executive shall be eligible to participate in any
stock-based compensation, incentive, bonus, or purchase
plans existing on the date of this Employment Agreement or adopted during the term of this
Employment Agreement.
(b)
Club Dues
. During the term of this Employment Agreement, the Employer shall pay or cause
to be paid the Executives membership assessments and dues in civic clubs. Without limiting the
generality of the foregoing, the Executive shall be reimbursed for assessments, dues, and expenses
associated with his membership in and use of a private country club of his choice in Forsyth
County.
(c)
Disability Insurance
. The Employer shall reimburse the Executive for the Executives
cost to purchase and maintain disability insurance coverage on himself during the term of this
Employment Agreement. The amount reimbursed by the Employer shall be grossed up to compensate the
Executive for federal and state income taxes imposed as a result of the Employers reimbursement of
the Executives cost. The disability insurance policy shall be owned by the Executive exclusively.
(d)
Reimbursement of Business Expenses
. Upon submission of appropriate documentation by the
Executive and approval by the board of directors or by a board committee appointed for such
purpose, the Employer agrees to reimburse the Executive for all out-of-pocket expenses incurred
performing his obligations under this Employment Agreement, including but not limited to all
reasonable business travel and entertainment expenses incurred while acting at the request of or in
the service of the Employer and reasonable expenses for attendance at annual and other periodic
meetings of trade associations. Except for club dues under section 2.2(b), to be reimbursable each
expense must be of a nature qualifying it as a proper deduction on the Employers income tax
returns as a business expense rather than deductible compensation to the Executive. The records
and other documentary evidence submitted by the Executive to the Employer with each request for
reimbursement shall be in the form required by applicable statutes and regulations issued by
appropriate taxing authorities for the substantiation of expenditures as deductible business
expenses of the Employer rather than deductible compensation to the Executive.
2.3
Vacation
. The Executive shall be entitled to paid annual vacation and sick
leave in accordance with the policies established from time to time by the Employer. The Executive
shall not be entitled to any additional compensation for failure to use allotted vacation or sick
leave, nor shall the Executive be allowed to carry over unused vacation allowance from one calendar
year to the next. The Executive shall be entitled to accumulate unused sick leave from one year to
the next for use solely in the case of actual illness.
2.4
Taxes
. All compensation of the Executive shall be subject to withholding and
other employment taxes imposed by federal, state, and local law.
2.5
Indemnification and Insurance
. (a)
Indemnification
. The Employer shall
indemnify the Executive or cause the Executive to be indemnified with respect to his activities as
a director, officer, employee, or agent of the Employer or as a person who is serving or has served
at the request of the Employer (a
representative
) as a director, officer, employee,
agent, or trustee of an affiliated corporation, joint venture trust or other enterprise, domestic
or foreign, in which the Employer has a direct or indirect ownership interest against expenses
(including without limitation attorneys fees, judgments, fines, and amounts paid in settlement)
actually and reasonably incurred by him (
Expenses
) in connection with any claim against
the Executive that is the subject of any threatened, pending, or completed action, suit, or other
type of proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative,
investigative, or otherwise and whether formal or informal (a
Proceeding
), to which the
Executive was, is, or is threatened to be made a party by reason of the Executive being or having
been such a director, officer, employee, agent, or representative.
The indemnification provided herein shall not be exclusive of any other indemnification or
right to which the Executive may be entitled and shall continue after the Executive has ceased to
occupy a position as an officer, director, employee, agent or representative with respect to
Proceedings relating to or arising out of the Executives acts or omissions during his service in
such position. The indemnification provided to the Executive under this Employment Agreement for
the Executives service as a representative shall be payable if and only if and only to the extent
that reimbursement to the Executive by the affiliated entity with which the Executive has served as
a representative, whether pursuant to agreement, applicable law, articles of incorporation or
association, by-laws or regulations of the entity, or insurance maintained by such affiliated
entity, is insufficient to compensate the Executive for Expenses actually incurred and otherwise
payable by the Employer under this Employment Agreement. Any payments for such Expenses in fact
made to or on behalf of the Executive directly or indirectly by the affiliated entity with which
the Executive served as a representative shall reduce the obligation of the Employer hereunder.
(b)
Exclusions
. Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, however, nothing in this
Section 2.5 requires indemnification, reimbursement, or payment by the Employer, and the Executive
shall not be entitled to demand indemnification, reimbursement, or payment
(1) if and to the extent indemnification, reimbursement, or payment
constitutes a prohibited indemnification payment within the meaning of Federal
Deposit Insurance Corporation Rule 359.1(l)(1) [12 CFR 359.1(l)(1)], or
(2) for any claim or any part thereof as to which the Executive shall have
been determined by a court of competent jurisdiction, from which no appeal is or can
be taken, by clear and convincing evidence, to have acted with deliberate intent to
cause injury to the Employer or with reckless disregard for the best interests of
the Employer, or
(3) for any claim or any part thereof arising under Section 16(b) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as a result of which the Executive is required to
pay any penalty, fine, settlement, or judgment, or
(4) for any obligation of the Executive based upon or attributable to the
Executive gaining in fact any personal gain, profit, or advantage to which he was
not entitled, or
(5) any proceeding initiated by the Executive without the consent or
authorization of the Employers board of directors, but this exclusion shall not
apply with respect to any claims brought by the Executive (a) to enforce his rights
under this Employment Agreement, or (b) in any Proceeding initiated by another
person or entity whether or not such claims were brought by the Executive against a
person or entity who was otherwise a party to such proceeding.
(c)
Insurance
. The Employer shall maintain or cause to be maintained fidelity and Directors
& Officers liability insurance covering the Executive throughout the term of this Employment
Agreement.
Article 3
Termination of Employment
3.1
Termination by the Employer
. (a)
Death or Disability
. The Executives
employment shall terminate automatically on the date of the Executives death. If the Executive
dies in active service to the Employer, for twelve months after the Executives death the Employer
shall provide the Executives family with and pay the premiums for continuing health care coverage
under COBRA substantially identical to that provided for the Executive before his death.
Subject to the Employers obligations and the Executives rights under (1) Title I of the
Americans with Disabilities Act, section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and the Family and Medical
Leave Act, and to (2) the vacation leave, disability leave, sick leave, and any other leave
policies of the Employer, the Executives employment under this Employment Agreement shall
terminate automatically if the Executive becomes disabled during the term of this Employment
Agreement and the Employer determines that the Executive is unable to perform the essential
functions of his job under this Employment Agreement for 60 business days or during any 12-month
period. Upon termination because of disability under this section 3.1(a), the Executive shall be
entitled to receive any compensation the Executive has earned before the date of termination but
that remains unpaid, plus any payments to which he may be entitled under a disability income plan
maintained by the Employer. If there is a dispute between the Employer and the Executive about
whether the Executive suffers from a physical or mental disability entitling the Employer to
terminate the Executives employment under this section 3.1(a), the question of the Executives
disability shall be submitted for resolution to an impartial physician licensed to practice
medicine in North Carolina. The impartial physicians decision shall be final and binding on the
Employer and the Executive. The impartial physician shall be selected by mutual agreement of the
Employer and the Executive. If the Employer and the Executive are unable to agree upon an
impartial physician, each of the Employer and the Executive shall select a physician. Those two
physicians shall then determine whether the Executive suffers from a physical or mental disability
rendering him unable to perform the essential functions of his job, and their decision shall be
final and binding on the Employer and the Executive. The Employer
shall pay the reasonable fees
and expenses of the physician or physicians for making the determination of disability required
under this section 3.1(a).
(b)
Termination Without Cause
. With written notice to the Executive 60 days in advance, the
Employer may terminate the Executives employment without Cause. Upon such event, the compensation
and benefits after termination provisions of Sections 4.4 and 4.5 shall apply, in addition to any
other applicable post-termination payments or benefits provided for in this Employment Agreement.
(c)
Termination with Cause
. The Employer may terminate the Executives employment with
Cause. Upon such event, the Executive shall not be entitled to any further compensation or other
benefits beyond his effective termination date in accordance with Section 4.1, except such benefits
which by the terms of their plan document continue after such termination or except as may be
otherwise provided for in this Employment Agreement. The term
Cause
means any of the
following
(1) an intentional act of fraud, embezzlement, or theft by the Executive in
the course of his employment. For purposes of
this Employment Agreement, no act or failure to act on the part of the Executive
shall be deemed to have been intentional if it was due primarily to an error in
judgment or negligence. An act or failure to act on the Executives part shall be
considered intentional if it is not in good faith and if it is without a reasonable
belief that the action or failure to act is in the best interests of the Employer,
or
(2) intentional violation of any law or significant policy of the Employer
committed in connection with the Executives employment, which in the Employers
judgment has a material adverse effect on the Employer, or
(3) the Executives gross negligence or gross neglect of duties in the
performance of his duties to the Employer, or
(4) intentional wrongful damage by the Executive to the business or property
of the Employer, including without limitation the reputation of the Employer, which
in the Employers sole judgment causes material harm to the Employer, or
(5) a breach by the Executive of his fiduciary duties as an officer or
director of the Employer or misconduct involving dishonesty, in either case whether
in his capacity as an officer or as a director of the Bank or Southern Community
Financial Corporation, or
(6) a breach by the Executive of this Employment Agreement that, in the sole
judgment of the Employer, is a material breach, which breach is not corrected by the
Executive within 30 days after receiving written notice of the breach which the
Employer shall provide, or
(7) removal of the Executive from office or permanent prohibition of the
Executive from participating in the Banks affairs by an order issued under section
8(e)(4) or (g)(1) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, 12 U.S.C. 1818(e)(4) or
(g)(1), or
(8) conviction of the Executive for or plea of
nolo contendere
to a felony or
conviction of or plea of
nolo contendere
to a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude,
or the actual incarceration of the Executive.
3.2
Termination by the Executive
. The Executive may terminate his employment with
written notice to the Employer 60 days in advance, whether with or without Good Reason. If the
Executive terminates with Good Reason, the termination will take effect at the conclusion of the
60-day period unless the event or circumstance constituting Good Reason is cured by the Employer or
unless the notice of termination for Good Reason is revoked by the Executive within the 60-day
period. Upon such event, the compensation and benefits
after termination provisions of Sections
4.4 and 4.5 shall apply, in addition to any other applicable post-termination payments or benefits
provided for in this Employment Agreement. For purposes of this Employment Agreement,
Good
Reason
means any of the following events occur without the Executives written consent
(a)
Reduced Base Salary
: reduction of the Executives Base Salary,
(b)
Participation in Benefit Plans Reduced or Terminated
: reduction of the Executives
bonus, incentive, or other compensation award opportunities
under the Employers benefit plans, unless a company-wide reduction of all officers award
opportunities occurs simultaneously, or termination of the Executives participation in any officer
or employee benefit plan maintained by the Employer, unless the plan is terminated because of
changes in law or loss of tax deductibility to the Employer for contributions to the plan, or
unless the plan is terminated as a matter of policy applied equally to all participants in the
plan,
(c)
Reduced Responsibilities or Status
: (1) assignment to the Executive of duties that are
materially inconsistent with the Executives position as the Employers principal financial officer
or that represent a reduction of his authority, or (2) failure to appoint or reappoint the
Executive as Chief Financial Officer of Southern Community Financial Corporation and the Bank,
(d)
Failure to Obtain Assumption Agreement
: failure to obtain an assumption of the
Employers obligations under this Employment Agreement by any successor to the Employer, regardless
of whether the entity becomes a successor to the Employer as a result of a merger, consolidation,
sale of assets, or other form of purchase, sale or reorganization,
(e)
Material Breach
: a material breach of this Employment Agreement by the Employer that is
not corrected within 30 days after receiving written notice of the breach from the Executive, or
(f)
Relocation of the Executive
: relocation of the Banks principal executive offices, or
requiring the Executive to change his principal work location, to any location that is more than 15
miles from the location of the Banks principal executive offices on the date of this Employment
Agreement.
3.3
Notice
. Any purported termination by the Employer or by the Executive shall be
communicated by written notice of termination to the other. The notice must state the specific
termination provision of this Employment Agreement relied upon. The notice must also state the
date on which termination shall become effective, which shall be a date not earlier than the date
of the termination notice. If termination is for Cause or with Good Reason, the notice must state
in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances forming the basis for termination of the
Executives employment.
Article 4
Compensation and Benefits After Termination
4.1
Cause
. If the Executives employment terminates for Cause, the Executive shall
receive the salary to which he is entitled through the date on which termination becomes effective
and any other benefits to which he may be entitled under the Employers benefit plans and policies
in effect on the date of termination.
4.2
Termination by the Executive Other than for Good Reason
. If the Executive
terminates employment other than for Good Reason, the Executive shall receive the salary to which
he is entitled through the date on which his termination becomes effective and any other benefits
to which he may be entitled under the Employers benefit plans and policies.
4.3
Compensation and Benefits After Termination Because of Disability
. If the
Executives employment terminates because of disability, the Executive shall receive the
compensation and benefits provided under section 3.1(a) of this Employment Agreement.
4.4
Termination Without Cause and Termination for Good Reason
. If the Employer
terminates the Executives employment without Cause or if the Executive
terminates employment for Good Reason, the Executive shall continue to receive his most recent Base
Salary level for the unexpired term of this Employment Agreement, but he shall not be entitled to
continued participation in the Employers or a subsidiarys retirement plans or any stock-based
plans unless the terms of any applicable plan document allow such participation. The Employer and
the Executive acknowledge and agree that the compensation and benefits under this Section 4.4 shall
not be payable if compensation and benefits are payable or shall have been paid previously to the
Executive under Article 5 of this Employment Agreement.
4.5
Post-Termination Insurance and Medical Coverage
. If the Executives employment
terminates involuntarily but without Cause or voluntarily but with Good Reason, or if the
Executives employment terminates because of disability, the Employer shall continue or cause to be
continued at the Employers expense life, health, and disability insurance benefits in effect
during the two years preceding the date of the Executives termination. The life, health, and
disability insurance benefits shall continue until the first to occur of (a) the Executives return
to employment with the Employer or another employer, (b) the Executives attainment of age 65, (c)
the Executives death, or (d) the end of the term remaining under this Employment Agreement at the
time of the Executives termination.
4.6
Salary Continuation Agreement
. The Bank and the Executive shall use their best
efforts to finalize and enter into a Salary Continuation Agreement and Endorsement Split Dollar
Agreement. The Salary Continuation Agreement shall provide for an annual benefit payable to the
Executive in equal monthly installments for his lifetime, beginning after his termination of
service with the Bank on or after attaining age 65. Unless the Salary Continuation Agreement or
Endorsement Split Dollar Agreement explicitly provides otherwise, whether benefits are properly
payable to the Executive under the Salary Continuation Agreement or the Endorsement Split Dollar
Agreement shall be determined solely by reference to those agreements, except that the Executive
shall forfeit all benefits under the Salary Continuation Agreement and Endorsement Split Dollar
Agreement for violation of the covenant against competition in Section 7.3 of this Employment
Agreement.
Article 5
Change in Control Benefits
5.1
Change in Control Benefits
. (a) If a Change in Control occurs during the term
of this Employment Agreement, the Employer shall make or cause to be made a lump-sum payment to the
Executive in an amount in cash equal to three times the Executives annual compensation. For this
purpose, annual compensation means (1) the Executives Base Salary when the Change in Control
occurs plus (2) any bonus or incentive compensation earned for the calendar year ended immediately
before the year in which the Change in Control occurred, regardless of when the bonus or incentive
compensation earned for the preceding calendar year is paid and regardless of whether all or part
of the bonus or incentive compensation is subject to elective deferral. Annual compensation shall
be calculated without regard to any deferrals under qualified or nonqualified plans, but annual
compensation shall not include interest or other earnings credited to the Executive under qualified
or nonqualified plans. The amount payable to the Executive hereunder shall not be reduced to
account for the time value of money or discounted to present value. The payment required under
this paragraph (a) is payable no later than five business days after the Change in Control. If the
Executive is removed from office or if his employment terminates before a Change in Control occurs
but after discussions with a third party regarding a Change in Control commence, and if those
discussions ultimately conclude with a Change in Control, then for purposes of this Employment
Agreement the removal of the
Executive or termination of his employment shall be deemed to have occurred after the Change in
Control. The Executive shall be entitled to benefits under this paragraph (a) on no more than one
occasion.
(b)
Benefit Plans
: In addition to insurance and medical benefits under Section 4.5 of this
Employment Agreement and any benefits to which the Executive may be entitled under the Salary
Continuation Agreement and Endorsement Split Dollar Agreement referred to in Section 4.6 of this
Employment Agreement, if a Change in Control occurs during the term of this Employment Agreement
the Employer shall (1) cause the Executive to become
fully vested in any qualified and
non-qualified plans, programs, or arrangements in which the Executive participated if the plan,
program, or arrangement does not address the effect of a change in control, and (2) contribute or
cause to be contributed to the Executives 401(k) plan account, if any, the matching and
profit-sharing contributions, if any, that the Executive is entitled to based upon all W-2 income
earned by the Executive for the plan year.
5.2
Definition of Change in Control
. For purposes of this Employment Agreement,
Change in Control
means any one or more of the following events occurs
(a)
Merger
. Southern Community Financial Corporation merges into or consolidates with
another corporation, or merges another corporation into Southern Community Financial Corporation,
and as a result less than a majority of the combined voting power of the resulting corporation
immediately after the merger or consolidation is held by persons who were holders of Southern
Community Financial Corporations voting securities immediately before the merger or consolidation.
For purposes of this Employment Agreement, the term
person
means an individual,
corporation, partnership, trust, association, joint venture, pool, syndicate, sole proprietorship,
unincorporated organization, or other entity,
(b)
Acquisition of Significant Share Ownership.
after the date of this Employment Agreement
a report on Schedule 13D, Schedule TO, or another form or schedule (other than Schedule 13G) is
filed or is required to be filed under Sections 13(d) or 14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, if the schedule discloses that the filing person or persons acting in concert has or have
become the beneficial owner of 25% or more of the combined voting power of Southern Community
Financial Corporations voting securities outstanding (but this paragraph (b) shall not apply to
beneficial ownership of voting shares held by the Employer in a fiduciary capacity or beneficial
ownership of voting shares held by an employee benefit plan of the Employer),
(c)
Change in Board Composition
. during any period of two consecutive years, individuals who
constitute Southern Community Financial Corporations board of directors at the beginning of the
two-year period cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority thereof;
provided, however
,
that for purposes of this paragraph (c) each director who is first elected by the board (or
first nominated by the board for election by stockholders) by a vote of at least two-thirds
(
ƀ
) of the directors who were directors at the beginning of the period shall be deemed to
have been a director at the beginning of the two-year period, or
(d)
Sale of Assets
. Southern Community Financial Corporation sells to a third party all or
substantially all of Southern Community Financial Corporations assets. For this purpose, sale of
all or substantially all of Southern Community Financial Corporations assets includes but is not
limited to sale of the Bank alone.
5.3
No Multiple Severance Payments
. If the Executive receives payment under Section
5.1 he shall not be entitled to any benefits under Section 4.4 of this Employment Agreement.
5.4
Gross-Up for Taxes
. (a)
Additional Payment to Account for Excise Taxes
. If
the Executive receives the lump sum payment under Section 5.1 of this Employment Agreement and
acceleration of benefits under any other benefit, compensation, or incentive plan or arrangement
with the Employer (collectively, the
Total Benefits
), and if any part of the Total
Benefits is subject to the Excise Tax under section 280G and section 4999 of the Internal Revenue
Code (the
Excise Tax
), the Employer shall pay or cause to be paid to the Executive the
following additional amounts, consisting of (
x
) a payment equal to the Excise Tax payable by the
Executive under section 4999 on the Total Benefits (the
Excise Tax Payment
) and (
y
) a
payment equal to the amount necessary to provide the Excise Tax Payment net of all income, payroll,
and excise taxes. Together, the additional amounts described in clauses (
x
) and (
y
) are referred
to in this Employment Agreement as the
Gross-Up Payment Amount
. Payment of the Gross-Up
Payment Amount shall be made in addition to the amount set forth in Section 5.1.
Calculating the Excise Tax
. For purposes of determining whether any of the Total
Benefits will be subject to the Excise Tax and for purposes of determining the amount of the Excise
Tax,
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(1)
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Determination of Parachute Payments Subject to the Excise Tax
: any
other payments or benefits received or to be received by the Executive in
connection with a Change in Control or the Executives termination of
employment (whether under the terms of this Employment Agreement or any other
agreement or any other benefit plan or arrangement with the Employer, any
person whose actions result in a Change in Control, or any person affiliated
with the Employer or such person) shall be treated as
parachute
payments
within the meaning of section 280G(b)(2) of the Internal Revenue
Code, and all
excess parachute payments
within the meaning of section
280G(b)(1) shall be treated as subject to the Excise Tax, unless in the opinion
of the certified public accounting firm that is retained by Southern Community
Financial Corporation as of the date immediately before the Change in Control
(the
Accounting Firm
) such other payments or benefits do not
constitute (in whole or in part) parachute payments, or such excess parachute
payments represent (in whole or in part) reasonable compensation for services
actually rendered within the meaning of section 280G(b)(4) of the Internal
Revenue Code in excess of the base amount (as defined in section 280G(b)(3)
of the Internal Revenue Code), or are otherwise not subject to the Excise Tax,
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(2)
Calculation of Benefits Subject to Excise Tax
: the amount of the Total
Benefits that shall be treated as subject to the Excise Tax shall be equal
to the lesser of (a) the total amount of the Total Benefits reduced by the
amount of such Total Benefits that in the opinion of the Accounting Firm are
not parachute payments, or (b) the amount of excess parachute payments
within the meaning of section 280G(b)(1) (after applying clause (1), above),
and
(3)
Value of Noncash Benefits and Deferred Payments
: the value of any
noncash benefits or any deferred payment or benefit shall be determined by
the Accounting Firm in accordance with the principles of sections 280G(d)(3)
and (4) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Assumed Marginal Income Tax Rate
. For purposes of determining the Gross-Up Payment
Amount, the Executive shall be deemed to pay federal income taxes at the highest marginal rate of
federal income taxation in the calendar years in which the Gross-Up Payment Amount is to be made
and state and local income taxes at the highest marginal rate of taxation in the state and locality
of the Executives residence on the date of the Change in Control or termination of employment, net
of the reduction in federal income taxes that can be obtained from deduction of such state and
local taxes (calculated by assuming that any reduction under section 68 of the Internal Revenue
Code in the amount of itemized deductions allowable to the Executive applies first to reduce the
amount of such state and local income taxes that would otherwise be deductible by the Executive,
and applicable federal FICA and Medicare withholding taxes).
Return of Reduced Excise Tax Payment or Payment of Additional Excise Tax
. If the
Excise Tax is later determined to be less than the amount taken into account hereunder when the
Change in Control occurred or when the Executives employment terminated, the Executive shall repay
to Southern Community Financial Corporation when the amount of the reduction in Excise Tax is
finally determined the portion of the Gross-Up Payment Amount attributable to the reduction (plus
that portion of the Gross-Up Payment Amount attributable to the Excise Tax, federal, state and
local income taxes and FICA and Medicare withholding taxes imposed on the Gross-Up Payment Amount
being repaid by the Executive to the extent that the repayment results in a reduction in Excise
Tax, FICA and Medicare withholding taxes and/or a federal, state or local income tax deduction).
If the Excise Tax is later determined to be more than the amount taken into account hereunder
when the Change in Control occurred or when the Executives employment terminated (due, for
example, to a payment whose existence or amount cannot be determined at the time of the Gross-Up
Payment Amount), Southern Community Financial Corporation shall make an additional payment to the
Executive for that excess (plus any interest, penalties or additions payable by the Executive for
the excess) when the amount of the excess is finally determined.
(b)
Responsibilities of the Accounting Firm and Southern Community Financial Corporation
.
Determinations Shall Be Made by the Accounting Firm
. Subject to the provisions of Section
5.4(a), all determinations required to be made under this Section 5.4(b) including whether and
when a Gross-Up Payment Amount is required, the amount of the Gross-Up Payment Amount and the
assumptions to be used to arrive at the determination (collectively, the
Determination
)
shall be made by the Accounting Firm, which shall provide detailed supporting calculations both to
Southern Community Financial Corporation and the Executive within 15 business days after receipt of
notice from Southern Community Financial Corporation or the Executive that there has been a
Gross-Up Payment Amount, or such earlier time as is requested by Southern Community Financial
Corporation.
Fees and Expenses of the Accounting Firm and Agreement with the Accounting Firm
. All
fees and expenses of the Accounting Firm shall be borne solely by Southern Community Financial
Corporation. Southern Community Financial Corporation shall enter into any agreement requested by
the Accounting Firm in connection with the performance of its services hereunder.
Accounting Firms Opinion
. If the Accounting Firm determines that no Excise Tax is
payable by the Executive, the Accounting Firm shall furnish the Executive with a written opinion to
that effect, and to the effect that failure to report Excise Tax, if any, on the Executives
applicable federal income tax return will not result in the imposition of a negligence or similar
penalty.
Accounting Firms Determination Is Binding; Underpayment and Overpayment
. The
Determination by the Accounting Firm shall be binding on Southern Community Financial Corporation
and the Executive. Because of the uncertainty in determining whether any of the Total Benefits
will be subject to the Excise Tax at the time of the Determination, it is possible that a Gross-Up
Payment Amount that should have been made will not have been made by Southern Community Financial
Corporation (
Underpayment
), or that a Gross-Up Payment Amount will be made that should
not have been made by Southern Community Financial Corporation (
Overpayment
). If, after
a Determination by the Accounting Firm, the Executive is required to make a payment of additional
Excise Tax, the Accounting Firm shall determine the amount of the Underpayment that has occurred.
The Underpayment (together with interest at the rate provided in section 1274(d)(2)(B) of the
Internal Revenue Code) shall be paid promptly by Southern Community Financial Corporation to or for
the benefit of the Executive. If the Gross-Up Payment Amount exceeds the amount necessary to
reimburse the Executive for his Excise Tax according to Section 5.4(a), the Accounting Firm shall
determine the amount of the Overpayment that has been made. The Overpayment (together with
interest at the rate provided in section 1274(d)(2)(B) of the Internal Revenue Code) shall be paid
promptly by the Executive to or for the benefit of Southern Community Financial Corporation.
Provided that his expenses are reimbursed by Southern Community Financial Corporation, the
Executive shall cooperate with any reasonable requests by Southern Community Financial Corporation
in any contests or disputes with the Internal Revenue Service relating to the Excise Tax.
Accounting Firm Conflict of Interest
. If the Accounting Firm is serving as accountant
or auditor for the individual, entity, or group effecting the Change in Control, the Executive may
appoint another nationally recognized public accounting firm to make the Determinations required
hereunder (in which case the term Accounting Firm as used in this Employment Agreement shall be
deemed to refer to the accounting firm appointed by the Executive under this paragraph).
Article 6
Confidentiality and Creative Work
6.1
Non-disclosure
. The Executive covenants and agrees that he will not reveal to
any person, firm, or corporation any confidential information of any nature concerning the Employer
or its business, or anything connected therewith. As used in this Article 6, the term
confidential information
means all of the Employers and its affiliates confidential and
proprietary information and trade secrets in existence on the date hereof or existing at any time
during the term of this Employment Agreement, including but not limited to
(a) the whole or any portion or phase of any business plans, financial information,
purchasing data, supplier data, accounting data, or other financial information,
(b) the whole or any portion or phase of any research and development information,
design procedures, algorithms or processes, or other technical information,
(c) the whole or any portion or phase of any marketing or sales information, sales
records, customer lists, prices, sales projections, or other sales information, and
(d) trade secrets, as defined from time to time by the laws of the State of North
Carolina.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, confidential information excludes information that as of the date
hereof or at any time after the date hereof is published or disseminated without obligation of
confidence or that becomes a part of the public domain (1) by or through action of the Employer, or
(2) otherwise than by or at the direction of the Executive. This Section 6.1 does not prohibit
disclosure required by an order of a court having jurisdiction or a subpoena from an appropriate
governmental agency or disclosure made by the Executive in the ordinary course of business and
within the scope of his authority.
6.2
Return of Materials
. The Executive agrees to deliver or return to the Employer
upon termination, upon expiration of this Employment Agreement, or as soon thereafter as possible,
all written information and any other similar items furnished by the Employer or prepared by the
Executive in connection with his services hereunder. The Executive will retain no copies thereof
after termination of this Employment Agreement or termination of the Executives employment.
6.3
Creative Work
. The Executive agrees that all creative work and work product,
including but not limited to all technology, business management tools, processes, software,
patents, trademarks, and copyrights developed by the Executive during the term of this Employment
Agreement and in the course and scope of his duties hereunder, regardless of when or where such
work or work product was produced, constitutes work made for hire, all rights of which are owned by
the Employer. The Executive hereby assigns to the Employer all rights, title, and interest,
whether by way of copyrights, trade secret, trademark, patent, or otherwise, in all such work or
work product, regardless of whether the same is subject to protection by patent, trademark, or
copyright laws.
6.4
Injunctive Relief
. The Executive acknowledges that it is impossible to measure
in money the damages that will be suffered by the Employer if the Executive fails to observe the
obligations imposed on him by this Article 6. Accordingly, if the Bank institutes an action to
enforce the provisions hereof, the Executive hereby waives the claim or defense that an adequate
remedy at law is available to the Employer and the Executive agrees not to urge in any such action
the claim or defense that an adequate remedy at law exists.
6.5
Affiliates Confidential Information is Covered; Confidentiality Obligation Survives
Termination
. For purposes of this Employment Agreement, the term
affiliate
includes
Southern Community Financial Corporation, the Bank, and any entity that directly or indirectly
through one or more intermediaries controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with
Southern Community
Financial Corporation or the Bank. The rights and obligations set forth in this
Article 6 shall survive termination of this Employment Agreement.
Article 7
Competition After Employment Termination
7.1
Covenant Not to Solicit Employees
. The Executive agrees not to solicit the
services of any officer or employee of the Employer for one year after the Executives employment
termination.
7.2
Covenant Not to Compete
. (a) The Executive covenants and agrees that he will
not, without advance written consent of the Employer, compete directly or indirectly with the
Employer for two years after termination of his employment, plus any period during which the
Executive is in violation of this covenant not to compete and any period during which the Employer
seeks by litigation to enforce this covenant not to compete. For purposes of this section
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(1)
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the term compete means
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(a) providing financial products or services on behalf of any financial
institution for any person residing in the territory,
(b) assisting (other than through the performance of ministerial or
clerical duties) any financial institution in providing financial products
or services to any person residing in the territory, or
(c) inducing or attempting to induce any person who was a customer of
the Employer at the date of the Executives termination of employment to
seek financial products or services from another financial institution.
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(2)
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the words directly or indirectly means
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(a) acting as a consultant, officer, director, independent contractor,
or employee of any financial institution in competition with the Employer in
the territory, or
(b) communicating to such financial institution the names or addresses
or any financial information concerning any person who was a customer of the
Employer at the Executives termination of employment.
(3) the term customer means any person to whom the Employer is providing financial
products or services on the date of the Executives termination of employment.
(4) the term financial institution means any bank, savings association, or bank or
savings association holding company, or any other institution, the business of which
is engaging in activities that are financial in nature or incidental to such
financial activities as described in section 4(k) of the Bank Holding Company Act of
1956, other than the Employer or one of its affiliated corporations.
(5) financial product or service means any product or service that a financial
institution or a financial holding company could offer by engaging in any activity
that is financial in nature or incidental to such a financial activity under section
4(k) of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 and that is offered
by the Employer or an affiliate on the date of the Executives employment
termination, including but not limited to banking activities and activities that are
closely related and a proper incident to banking.
(6) the term person means any individual or individuals, corporation, partnership,
fiduciary or association.
(7) the term territory means the following divisible list of territories: all of
Forsyth, Guilford, Iredell, Rockingham,
Stokes, Surry, and Yadkin Counties in North
Carolina and the area within a 15-mile radius of any full-service banking office of
the Bank at the date of the Executives termination of employment.
(b) If any provision of this section or any word, phrase, clause, sentence or other portion
thereof (including, without limitation, the geographical and temporal restrictions contained
therein) is held to be unenforceable or invalid for any reason, the unenforceable or invalid
provision or portion shall be modified or deleted so that the provisions hereof, as modified, are
legal and enforceable to the fullest extent permitted under applicable law.
7.3
Remedies
. Because of the unique character of the services to be rendered by the
Executive hereunder, the Executive understands that the Employer would not have an adequate remedy
at law for the material breach or threatened breach by the Executive of any one or more of the
Executives covenants set forth in this Article 7. Accordingly, the Executive agrees that the
Employers remedies for a material breach or threatened breach of this Article 7 include but are
not limited to (a) forfeiture of any money representing accrued salary, contingent payments, or
other fringe benefits due and payable to the Executive, (b) forfeiture of any severance benefits
under Sections 4.4 and 4.5 of this Employment Agreement, (c) forfeiture of benefits under the
Salary Continuation Agreement and Endorsement Split Dollar Agreement referred to in Section 4.6 of
this Agreement, (d) forfeiture of any stock options granted to the Executive at commencement of his
employment under the June 1, 2005 Employment Agreement that remain unexercised, and (e) a suit in
equity by the Employer to enjoin the Executive from the breach or threatened breach of such
covenants. The Executive hereby waives the claim or defense that an adequate remedy at law is
available to the Employer and the Executive agrees not to urge in any such action the claim or
defense that an adequate remedy at law exists. Nothing herein shall be construed to prohibit the
Employer from pursuing any other remedies for the breach or threatened breach.
7.4
Article 7 Survives Termination But Is Void After a Change in Control
. The rights
and obligations set forth in this Article 7 shall survive termination of this Employment Agreement.
However, Article 7 shall become null and void effective immediately upon a Change in Control.
Article 8
Miscellaneous
8.1
Successors and Assigns
. (a)
This Employment Agreement Is Binding on The
Employers Successors
. This Employment Agreement shall be binding upon the Employer and any
successor to the Employer, including any persons acquiring directly or indirectly all or
substantially all of the business or assets of the Employer by purchase, merger, consolidation,
reorganization, or otherwise. But this Employment Agreement and the Employers obligations under
this Employment Agreement are not otherwise assignable, transferable, or delegable by the Employer.
By agreement in form and substance satisfactory to the Executive, the Employer shall require any
successor to all or
substantially all of the business or assets of the Employer to expressly assume and agree to
perform this Employment Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent the Employer would be
required to perform if no such succession had occurred.
(b)
This Employment Agreement Is Enforceable by the Executive and His Heirs
. This Employment
Agreement will inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Executives personal or legal
representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs, distributees, and legatees.
(c)
This Employment Agreement Is Personal in Nature and Is Not Assignable
. This Employment
Agreement is personal in nature. Without written consent of the other parties, no party shall
assign, transfer, or delegate this Employment Agreement or any rights or obligations under this
Employment Agreement except as expressly provided herein. Without limiting the generality or
effect of the foregoing, the Executives right to receive payments hereunder is not assignable or
transferable, whether by pledge, creation of a security interest, or otherwise, except for a
transfer by the Executives will or by the laws of descent and distribution. If the Executive
attempts an assignment or transfer that is contrary to this Section 8.1, the
Employer shall have no
liability to pay any amount to the assignee or transferee.
8.2
Governing Law, Jurisdiction, and Forum
. This Employment Agreement shall be
construed under and governed by the internal laws of the State of North Carolina, without giving
effect to any conflict of laws provision or rule (whether of the State of North Carolina or any
other jurisdiction) that would cause the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than the
State of North Carolina. By entering into this Employment Agreement, the Executive acknowledges
that he is subject to the jurisdiction of both the federal and state courts in the State of North
Carolina. Any actions or proceedings instituted under this Employment Agreement shall be brought
and tried solely in courts located in Forsyth County, North Carolina or in the federal court having
jurisdiction in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The Executive expressly waives his rights to have
any such actions or proceedings brought or tried elsewhere.
8.3
Entire Agreement
. This Employment Agreement sets forth the entire agreement of
the parties concerning the employment of the Executive. Any oral or written statements,
representations, agreements, or understandings made or entered into prior to or contemporaneously
with the execution of this Employment Agreement are hereby rescinded, revoked, and rendered null
and void by the parties. Except as may be otherwise provided in this Employment Agreement, this
Employment Agreement supersedes in its entirety the June 1, 2005 Employment Agreement between the
Executive and the Bank, and from and after the date of this Employment Agreement the June 1, 2005
Employment Agreement shall be of no further force or effect.
8.4
Notices
. All notices, requests, demands, and other communications hereunder
shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given if delivered by hand or mailed,
certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, with postage prepaid. Unless otherwise
changed by notice, notice shall be properly addressed to the Executive if addressed to the address
of the Executive on the books and records of the Employer at the time of the delivery of notice,
and properly addressed to the Employer if addressed to the Board of Directors, Southern Community
Financial Corporation, 4605 Country Club Road, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27104.
8.5
Severability
. In the case of conflict between any provision of this Employment
Agreement and any statute, regulation, or judicial precedent, the latter shall prevail, but the
affected provisions of this Employment Agreement
shall be curtailed and limited solely to the extent necessary to bring them within the requirements
of law. If any provision of this Employment Agreement is held by a court of competent jurisdiction
to be indefinite, invalid, void or voidable, or otherwise unenforceable, the remainder of this
Employment Agreement shall continue in full force and effect unless that would clearly be contrary
to the intentions of the parties or would result in an injustice.
8.6
Captions and Counterparts
. The captions in this Employment Agreement are solely
for convenience. The captions in no way define, limit, or describe the scope or intent of this
Employment Agreement. This Employment Agreement may be executed in several counterparts, each of
which shall be deemed to be an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same
instrument.
8.7
No Duty to Mitigate
. The Employer hereby acknowledges that it will be difficult
and could be impossible (a) for the Executive to find reasonably comparable employment after his
employment terminates, and (b) to measure the amount of damages the Executive may suffer as a
result of termination. Additionally, the Employer acknowledges that its general severance pay
plans do not provide for mitigation, offset, or reduction of any severance payment received
thereunder. Accordingly, the Employer further acknowledges that the payment of severance benefits
under this Employment Agreement is reasonable and shall be liquidated damages. The Executive shall
not be required to mitigate the amount of any payment provided for in this Employment Agreement by
seeking other employment. Moreover, the amount of any payment provided for in this Employment
Agreement shall not be reduced by any compensation earned or benefits provided as the result of
employment of the Executive or as a result of the Executive being self-employed after termination
of his employment.
8.8
Amendment and Waiver
. This Employment Agreement may not be amended, released,
discharged, abandoned, changed, or modified in any manner, except by an instrument in writing
signed by each of the parties hereto. The failure of any party hereto to enforce at any time any
of the provisions of this Employment Agreement shall not be construed to be a waiver of any such
provision, nor affect the validity of this Employment Agreement or any part thereof or the right of
any party thereafter to enforce each and every such provision. No waiver or any breach of this
Employment Agreement shall be held to be a waiver of any other or subsequent breach.
8.9
Payment of Legal Fees
. The Employer is aware that after a Change in Control
management could cause or attempt to cause the Employer to refuse to comply with its obligations
under this Employment Agreement, or could institute or cause or attempt to cause the Employer to
institute litigation seeking to have this Employment Agreement declared unenforceable, or could
take or attempt to take other action to deny Executive the benefits intended under this Employment
Agreement. In these circumstances, the purpose of this Employment Agreement would be frustrated.
It is the Employers intention that the Executive not be required to incur the expenses associated
with the enforcement of his rights under this Employment Agreement, whether by litigation or other
legal action, because the cost and expense thereof would substantially detract from the benefits
intended to be granted to the Executive hereunder. It is the Employers intention that the
Executive not be forced to negotiate settlement of his rights under this Employment Agreement under
threat of incurring expenses. Accordingly, if after a Change in Control occurs it appears to the
Executive that (a) the Employer has failed to comply with any of its obligations under this
Employment Agreement, or (b) the Employer or any other person has taken any action to declare this
Employment Agreement void or unenforceable, or instituted any litigation or other legal action
designed to deny, diminish, or to recover from the Executive the
benefits intended to be provided to the Executive hereunder, the Employer irrevocably authorizes
the Executive from time to time to retain counsel of his choice, at the Employers expense as
provided in this Section 8.9, to represent the Executive in connection with the initiation or
defense of any litigation or other legal action, whether by or against the Employer or any
director, officer, stockholder, or other person affiliated with the Employer, in any jurisdiction.
Notwithstanding any existing or previous attorney-client relationship between the Employer and any
counsel chosen by the Executive under this Section 8.9, the Employer irrevocably consents to the
Executive entering into an attorney-client relationship with that counsel, and the Employer and the
Executive agree that a confidential relationship shall exist between the Executive and that
counsel. The fees and expenses of counsel selected from time to time by the Executive as provided
in this section shall be paid or reimbursed to the Executive by the Employer on a regular, periodic
basis upon presentation by the Executive of a statement or statements prepared by such counsel in
accordance with such counsels customary practices, up to a maximum aggregate amount of $250,000,
whether suit be brought or not, and whether or not incurred in trial, bankruptcy, or appellate
proceedings. The Employers obligation to pay the Executives legal fees provided by this Section
8.9 operates separately from and in addition to any legal fee reimbursement obligation the Employer
may have with the Executive under any separate severance or other agreement. Anything in this
Section 8.9 to the contrary notwithstanding however, the Employer shall not be required to pay or
reimburse Executives legal expenses if doing so would violate section 18(k) of the Federal Deposit
Insurance Act [12 U.S.C. 1828(k)] and Rule 359.3 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation [12
CFR 359.3].
8.10
Consultation with Counsel and Interpretation of this Employment Agreement
. The
Executive acknowledges and agrees that he has had the assistance of counsel of his choosing in the
negotiation of this Employment Agreement, or he has chosen not to have the assistance of his own
counsel. Both the Employer and the Executive have participated in the negotiation and drafting of
this Employment Agreement, and they hereby agree that there shall not be strict interpretation
against either party in connection with any review of this Employment Agreement in which
interpretation thereof is an issue.
8.11
Compliance with Internal Revenue Code Section 409A
. The Employer and the
Executive intend that their exercise of authority or discretion under this Employment Agreement
shall comply with section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. If when the Executives
employment terminates the Executive is
a specified employee, as defined in section 409A of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, and if any payments under this Employment Agreement, including
Articles 4 or 5, will result in additional tax or interest to the Executive because of section
409A, then despite any provision of this Employment Agreement to the contrary the Executive will
not be entitled to the payments until the earliest of (a) the date that is at least six months
after termination of the Executives employment for reasons other than the Executives death, (b)
the date of the Executives death, or (c) any earlier date that does not result in additional tax
or interest to the Executive under section 409A. As promptly as possible after the end of the
period during which payments are delayed under this provision, the entire amount of the delayed
payments shall be paid to the Executive in a single lump sum. If any provision of this Employment
Agreement does not satisfy the requirements of section 409A, such provision shall nevertheless be
applied in a manner consistent with those requirements. If any provision of this Employment
Agreement would subject the Executive to additional tax or interest under section 409A, the
Employer shall reform the provision. However, the Employer shall maintain to the maximum extent
practicable the original intent of the applicable provision without subjecting the Executive to
additional tax or interest, and the Employer shall not be required to incur any additional
compensation expense as a result of the reformed provision. References in this Employment
Agreement to section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 include rules, regulations, and
guidance of general application issued by the Department of the Treasury under Internal Revenue
Code section 409A.
[The remainder of this page is left blank intentionally]
In Witness Whereof
, the parties have executed this Employment Agreement as of the
date first written above.
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Executive
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Southern Community Bank and Trust
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/s/ David W. Hinshaw
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By:
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/s/ F. Scott Bauer
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F. Scott Bauer
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Its:
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Chief Executive Officer
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Southern Community Financial Corporation
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By:
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/s/ F. Scott Bauer
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F. Scott Bauer
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Its:
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Chief Executive Officer
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