CAROLINA FIRST BANCSHARES INC
10-Q, 1998-08-14
STATE COMMERCIAL BANKS
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                UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
                                    FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
           QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
           SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended June 30, 1998

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

For the transition period from                                      to

                         COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 0-17939

                         CAROLINA FIRST BANCSHARES, INC.
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

NORTH CAROLINA                                               56-165582
(State or other jurisdiction of                              (I.R.S. Employer
  incorporation or organization)                             Identification No.)

402 East Main Street
Lincolnton, North Carolina                                      28092
(Address of principal executive office)                      (Zip Code)

                                  704-732-2222
              (Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

                                       N/A
              (Former name, former address, and former fiscal year,
                          if changed since last report)

             Indicate  by check mark  whether the  registrant  (1) has filed all
             reports  required  to be  filed  by  Section  13 or  15(d)  of  the
             Securities  Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or
             for such shorter  period that the  registrant  was required to file
             such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements
             for the past 90 days.

                                    Yes X No

                4,411,666 SHARES OF COMMON STOCK, PAR VALUE $2.50
                  PER SHARE, OUTSTANDING AS OF August 13, 1998





<PAGE>




CAROLINA FIRST BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

INDEX                                                               PAGE
<S>               <C>                                                <C>   

PART I.           FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.                    Financial Statements

             Consolidated Balance Sheets - June 30, 1998
             and December 31, 1997                                        3

             Consolidated Statements of Operations -
             Six and Three Months Ended June 30, 1998
             and 1997                                                     4

             Consolidated Statements of Changes in
             Shareholder's Equity - Six Months Ended
             June 30, 1998 and 1997                                       5

             Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows -
             Six Months Ended June 30, 1998 and 1997                      6

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements                 7-8

Item 2.          Management's Discussion and Analysis
                 of Financial Condition and Results of Operations      9-14

Item 3.          Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about       15-16
                 Market Risk

Item 5.          Shareholder Proposals for the 1999 Annual Meeting       17

PART II.          OTHER INFORMATION                                      18

Signatures                                                               19
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
CAROLINA FIRST BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
- ----------------------------------------------------------------
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                    JUNE 30,           DECEMBER 31,
                                                                 ----------------    ------------------
                                                                      1998                 1997
                                                                 ----------------    ------------------
<S>                                                                 <C>                   <C>  
Assets:
Cash and due from banks                                              $20,739,587           $20,160,505
Federal funds sold                                                     9,925,000            ---
                                                                 ----------------    ------------------
  Total cash and cash equivalents                                     30,664,587            20,160,505
Interest bearing deposits in other banks                                 722,620               673,860
Investment securities (market value $25,107,911
  in 1998 and $29,555,613 in 1997)                                    24,907,141            29,292,273
Securities available for sale (cost of $130,137,272 in
   1998 and $106,694,428 in 1997)                                    131,195,883           107,630,916
Loans, net of unearned income ( $424,467 in 1998 and
   $434,953 in 1997)                                                 363,338,759           347,919,688
  Allowance for loan losses                                           (5,389,682)           (5,039,035)
                                                                 ----------------    ------------------
  Loans, net                                                         357,949,077           342,880,653

Premises and equipment, net                                            9,636,698             9,566,175
Other real estate owned                                                  265,999               442,310
Other assets                                                          12,463,898            12,570,635
                                                                 ----------------    ------------------
Total Assets                                                        $567,805,903          $523,217,327
                                                                 ================    ==================

Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
Deposits:
   Demand                                                            $68,085,434           $50,979,999
   Interest bearing demand accounts                                  118,504,893           115,725,015
   Savings                                                            51,129,960            47,001,921
   Time, $100,000 and over                                            63,317,278            53,896,333
   Other time                                                        204,731,551           194,994,519
                                                                 ----------------    ------------------
   Total deposits                                                    505,769,116           462,597,787
Repurchase agreements                                                  7,341,401             8,993,205
Other liabilities                                                      5,092,329             5,301,899
                                                                 ----------------    ------------------
Total Liabilities                                                    518,202,846           476,892,891

Shareholders' Equity:
  Common stock, $2.50 par value;
   authorized --- 5,000,000 shares;
    issued and outstanding - 4,405,601 shares in
   1998, and 4,357,757 shares in 1997                                 11,014,003            10,894,393
  Additional paid-in capital                                          16,660,289            16,492,544
  Retained earnings                                                   21,288,668            18,366,627
  Accumulated other comprehensive income                                 640,097               570,872
                                                                 ----------------    ------------------
  Total Shareholders' Equity                                          49,603,057            46,324,436
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities                                 -----                -----
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity                          $567,805,903          $523,217,327
                                                                 ================    ==================
</TABLE>





                                                                               3
<PAGE>
CAROLINA FIRST BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                          Quarter Ended                                Six Months Ended
                                                             June 30,                                      June 30,
                                             -----------------------------------------      ----------------------------------------
                                                    1998                  1997                     1997                  1996
                                             -----------------------------------------      ----------------------------------------
<S>                                                  <C>                   <C>                     <C>                  <C>    
Interest Income:
Interest and fees on loans                           $8,587,084            $7,632,399              $16,913,549          $14,918,895
Interest and dividends
    on securities:
    Taxable income                                    2,167,444             1,401,246                4,094,089            2,597,790
    Non-taxable income                                   64,018               121,867                  161,645              249,758
Interest on federal funds sold                          134,911               136,401                  219,140              225,415
Other interest income                                    33,983                17,419                   62,306               26,757
                                                 ---------------        --------------          ---------------        -------------
   Total interest income                             10,987,440             9,309,332               21,450,729           18,018,615

Interest Expense:
Interest on deposits                                  4,601,012             4,076,045                9,019,507            7,874,328
Interest on notes payable                                84,801                52,890                  187,679              113,613
                                                 ---------------        --------------          ---------------        -------------
   Total interest expense                             4,685,813             4,128,935                9,207,186            7,987,941
                                                 ---------------        --------------          ---------------        -------------
Net Interest Income                                   6,301,627             5,180,397               12,243,543           10,030,674
Provision for Loan Losses                               301,000               212,733                  510,000              498,333
                                                 ---------------        --------------          ---------------        -------------
Net Credit Income                                     6,000,627             4,967,664               11,733,543            9,532,341

Other Income:
Charges on deposit accounts                             768,799               591,266                1,459,896            1,149,417
Insurance commissions                                   179,384               228,739                  319,780              401,316
Other service fees and
    commissions                                         327,836               289,602                  618,325              493,808
Mortgage banking income                                 146,036               115,498                  277,333              224,083
Securities gains (losses), net                           42,708                10,365                   42,708               10,889
Other income                                            308,753               204,662                  566,909              368,782
                                                 ---------------        --------------          ---------------        -------------
   Total other income                                 1,773,516             1,440,132                3,284,951            2,648,295

Operating Expenses:
Salaries and benefits                                 2,591,713             2,195,298                5,069,657            4,172,972
Occupancy and equipment                                 645,754               524,204                1,215,029              950,792
Federal and other insurance
    premiums                                             41,785                33,284                   84,130               63,429
Office supplies                                         177,638               171,605                  355,810              285,686
Data processing                                         135,193               115,788                  261,669              218,336
Other expenses                                        1,300,065             1,108,627                2,540,218            2,036,742
                                                 ---------------        --------------          ---------------        -------------
   Total operating expenses                           4,892,148             4,148,806                9,526,513            7,727,957
                                                 ---------------        --------------          ---------------        -------------
Income Before Income Taxes                            2,881,995             2,258,990                5,491,981            4,452,679
Income Taxes                                            993,025               759,774                1,868,175            1,516,050
                                                 ---------------        --------------          ---------------        -------------
Net income                                           $1,888,970            $1,499,216               $3,623,806           $2,936,629
                                                 ===============        ==============          ===============        =============
Net Income Per Common Share - Basic                       $0.43                 $0.36                    $0.83                $0.71
                                                 ===============        ==============          ===============        =============
Net Income Per Common Share - Diluted                     $0.42                 $0.36                    $0.80                $0.71
                                                 ===============        ==============          ===============        =============
Cash Dividend Per Common Share                            $0.08                 $0.06                    $0.16                $0.12
                                                 ===============        ==============          ===============        =============
</TABLE>
                                                                               

                                                                          4



<PAGE>
CAROLINA FIRST BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1998 AND 1997 (UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                                    
                                               COMMON STOCK                                           ACCUMULATED
                                       ---------------------------    ADDITIONAL                         OTHER     
                                                                        PAID-IN         RETAINED     COMPREHENSIVE     SHAREHOLDERS'
                                         SHARES         AMOUNT          CAPITAL         EARNINGS         INCOME           EQUITY
                                       -----------   -------------   --------------   -------------   -------------   --------------
<S>                                     <C>           <C>              <C>             <C>                <C>           <C>
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1996              2,052,971      $5,132,428      $16,442,810     $13,378,236         $48,382      $35,001,856

EXERCISE OF STOCK OPTIONS                   6,970          17,425           79,309                                           96,734

CASH DIVIDEND ($.12 PER SHARE)                                                            (493,610)                        (493,610)

RETIREMENT OF STOCK                          (912)         (2,281)         (28,774)                                         (31,055)

DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT PLAN                                                                                                        -

CHANGE IN UNREALIZED GAIN
    ON SECURITIES AVAILABLE FOR SALE                                                                       293,011          293,011

NET INCOME                                                                               2,936,629                        2,936,629

                                       -----------   -------------   --------------   -------------   -------------   --------------
BALANCE, JUNE 30, 1997                  2,059,029      $5,147,572      $16,493,345     $15,821,255        $341,393      $37,803,565

                                       ===========   =============   ==============   =============   =============   ==============



BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1997              4,357,757      10,894,393       16,492,544      18,366,627         570,872       46,324,436

EXERCISE OF STOCK OPTIONS                  44,676         111,690           92,428                                          204,118

CASH DIVIDEND ($.16 PER SHARE)                                                            (701,765)                        (701,765)

RETIREMENT OF STOCK                        (1,264)         (3,160)         (34,732)                                         (37,892)

DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT PLAN                  4,432          11,080          110,049                                          121,129

CHANGE IN UNREALIZED GAIN
    ON SECURITIES AVAILABLE FOR SALE                                                                        69,225           69,225

NET INCOME                                                                               3,623,806                        3,623,806

                                       -----------   -------------   --------------   -------------   -------------   --------------
BALANCE, JUNE 30, 1998                  4,405,601     $11,014,003      $16,660,289     $21,288,668        $640,097      $49,603,057
                                       ===========   =============   ==============   =============   =============   ==============
</TABLE>








                                                                        5

<PAGE>
CAROLINA FIRST BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1998 AND 1997 (UNAUDITED)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            June 30,                June 30,
                                                                        ------------------    ------------------
                                                                              1998                    1997
                                                                        ------------------    ------------------
<S>                                                                           <C>                   <C>   
Operating Activities:
Net Income                                                                     $3,623,806            $2,936,629
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
  operating activities:
    Depreciation and amortization                                                 699,256               605,300
    Accretion and amortization of securities discounts
      and premiums, net                                                          (192,950)              (80,519)
    Provision for loan losses                                                     510,000               498,333
    Gains on sales of securities available for sale                               (61,298)              (13,684)
    Losses on sales of securities available for sale                               18,590                    -
    Losses on calls and maturities of securities held to maturity                       -                    98
    Gains on sales of equipment, net                                                    -                (4,810)
    Losses (gains) on sales of real estate, net                                       500               (64,013)
    Decrease (increase) in other assets                                            39,598            (2,804,748)
    Increase (decrease) in other liabilities                                     (299,267)              393,153
                                                                           ---------------       ---------------
       Net cash provided by operating activities                                4,400,804             1,465,739
                                                                           ---------------       ---------------
Investing Activities:
Proceeds from maturities of securities available for sale                      18,336,780            12,816,008
Proceeds from sales of securities available for sale                              366,539                42,215
Purchases of securities available for sale                                    (41,954,951)          (45,121,806)
Proceeds from calls and maturities of securities held to maturity               5,465,103             4,870,019
Purchases of securities held to maturity                                       (1,088,423)             (988,125)
Purchases and maturities of certificates of deposit, net                          (48,760)             (218,257)
Originations of loans, net                                                    (15,613,524)          (15,659,009)
Proceeds from sale of real estate                                                 247,865               106,299
Proceeds from sale of premises and equipment                                            -                41,384
Capital expenditures                                                             (739,594)           (1,238,558)
                                                                           ---------------       ---------------
     Net cash used in investing activities                                    (35,091,534)          (45,349,830)
                                                                           ---------------       ---------------
Financing Activities:
Net increase in time deposits                                                  19,157,977            24,172,268
Net increase in other deposits                                                 24,013,352            35,220,685
Net decrease in borrowed funds                                                 (1,651,804)           (1,608,049)
Repayment of notes payable                                                         89,697                (9,679)
Repurchase of stock                                                               (37,892)              (31,055)
Payment of cash dividends and fractional shares                                  (701,765)             (493,610)
Issuance of stock                                                                 325,247                96,734
                                                                           ---------------       ---------------
     Net cash provided by financing activities                                 41,194,812            57,347,294
                                                                           ---------------       ---------------
Net Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents                                      10,504,082            13,463,203

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Year                                   20,160,505            19,325,459
                                                                           ===============       ===============
Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Year                                        $30,664,587           $32,788,662
                                                                           ===============       ===============
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
     Interest paid                                                             $9,156,188            $7,803,269
     Income taxes paid                                                         $1,549,100            $2,161,706

Supplemental disclosure on noncash investing and financing activities:
     Increase in net unrealized gain on securities available for sale             $69,225              $293,011
     Assets transferred to other real estate                                       35,100                38,000

Disclosure of accounting policy:
For purposes of reporting cash flows, cash and cash equivalents
include cash on hand, due from banks and federal funds sold.

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
cash on hand, due from banks and federal funds sold.

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
</TABLE>
                                                                         6
<PAGE>

CAROLINA FIRST BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

1.  In the  opinion  of  Management,  the  accompanying  consolidated  financial
statements  contain  all  adjustments   (consisting  of  only  normal  recurring
accruals)  necessary to present fairly the financial  position of Carolina First
BancShares,  Inc. and Subsidiary  Companies as of June 30, 1998 and December 31,
1997 the results of operations  for the three and  six-month  periods ended June
30, 1998 and 1997, and cash flows for the six-month  periods ended June 30, 1998
and 1997.

The accounting  policies  followed by the Company are set forth in Note 1 to the
Company's audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 1997.

2. The  consolidated  financial  statements  include the accounts of the holding
company,  and its wholly owned  subsidiaries,  Cabarrus Bank of North  Carolina,
("Cabarrus  Bank"),  and  Lincoln  Bank of  North  Carolina,  ("Lincoln  Bank").
Jointly,  Lincoln Bank and Cabarrus Bank own a mortgage company,  Carolina First
Mortgage Corporation and a financial services company,  Carolina First Financial
Services Corporation.  All significant  intercompany items and transactions have
been eliminated in consolidation.

3. The results of operations for the three and six-month  periods ended June 30,
1998 and 1997,  are not  necessarily  indicative  of the  results  that might be
expected for the full year ending December 31, 1998 and 1997.

4. The Company  adopted the provisions  for SFAS No. 128,  "Earnings Per Share",
during 1997.  The Statement  establishes  standards for computing and presenting
earnings per share (EPS).  SFAS No. 128  simplifies  the standards for computing
EPS previously found in APB Opinion No. 15, "Earnings Per Share", and makes them
comparable to  international  EPS  standards.  It replaces the  presentation  of
primary EPS with a basic EPS. It also  requires dual  presentation  of basic and
diluted EPS on the face of the income  statement  for all entities  with complex
capital   structures  and  requires  a  reconciliation   of  the  numerator  and
denominator of the basic EPS computation to the numerator and denominator of the
diluted EPS  computation.  In accordance with SFAS No. 128, all prior period EPS
data has been  restated.  Basic EPS is computed  by  dividing  net income by the
weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS
reflects  potential  dilution that could occur if the Company's  dilutive  stock
options were  exercised.  The numerator of the basic EPS computation is the same
as the numerator of the diluted EPS  computation  for all periods  presented.  A
reconciliation of the denominator of the basic EPS computation is as follows.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                        Three months ended        Six months ended
                                                                            March 31,                 June 30,
                                                                         1998        1997        1998        1997
<S>                                                                    <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>    
Basic EPS denominator: weighted average number of
common shares outstanding ..........................................   4,396,082   4,113,616   4,381,050   4,109,643
Dilutive effect arising from assumed exercise of
stock options ......................................................     115,855      48,749     120,538      42,641
                                                                       ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------

Diluted EPS denominator ............................................   4,511,937   4,162,365   4,501,588   4,152,284
                                                                       =========   =========   =========   =========
</TABLE>

In addition,  the weighted average number of shares for each year presented have
been retroactively  adjusted for the two-for-one stock split in August 1997, the
five-for four stock split in 1996, and the 5% stock dividend in 1995.

5. On January 1, 1998,  the Company  adopted  Statement of Financial  Accounting
Standards No. 130, "Reporting  Comprehensive  Income" ("SFAS No. 130"). SFAS No.
130 establishes standards for reporting and displaying  comprehensive income and
its  components  (revenues,  expense,  gains  and  losses)  in  a  full  set  of
general-purpose financial statements. This Statement requires that an enterprise
(a)  classify  items of  other  comprehensive  income  by  their  nature  in the
financial   statement  and  (b)  display  the   accumulated   balance  of  other
comprehensive   income   separately   form  retained   earnings  and  additional
paid-in-capital in the equity section of a statement of financial  position.  In
accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 130, comparative financial statements
presented for earlier  periods have been  reclassified to reflect the provisions
of the statement.

                                                                           7
<PAGE>

Comprehensive  income is the change in equity of a Corporation during the period
from  transactions and other events and  circumstances  from non-owner  sources.
Comprehensive income is divided into net income and other comprehensive  income.
The Company's other comprehensive income for the three and six months ended June
30, 1998 and 1997 consists of unrealized gains and losses on certain investments
in debt and equity securities. Comprehensive income for the three and six months
ended June 30, 1998 is $1,939,094 and $3,693,031, respectively and for the three
and six months ended June 30, 1997 is $1,907,270 and $3,229,640, respectively.

6. On April 15,  1998,  the  Company  and  Community  Bank & Trust  Co.  ("CBT")
announced  the signing of a letter of intent  whereby the Company  would acquire
CBT. CBT is headquartered in Marion, North Carolina with assets of approximately
$100 million with seven  branches in Western  North  Carolina.  According to the
terms of the  proposed  merger,  CBT would  continue as a  separately  chartered
commercial  bank and would retain its name,  Board of Directors and  management.
The proposed  merger is expected to be  finalized in the fourth  quarter of 1998
and is subject  to a number of  conditions,  including  approval  by  regulatory
authorities and the shareholders of the Company and CBT.






















                                                                           8
<PAGE>


                                     Item 2

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The  following  discussion  and  analysis  sets  forth the major  factors  which
affected the Company's results of operations and financial  condition  reflected
in the unaudited  financial  statements for the six-month periods ended June 30,
1998 and 1997.

General

Net income for the quarter  ended June 30,  1998,  was  $1,888,970,  or $.43 per
basic share, compared to net income of $1,499,413,  or $.36 per basic share, for
the same period in 1997. Net income for the six-month period ended June 30, 1998
was $3,623,806 or $.83 per basic share, compared to net income of $2,936,629, or
$.71 per basic share for the same period in 1997.

The Company continues to put the necessary  emphasis on Year 2000 efforts and is
currently  working in the  Renovation  and  Validation  stages.  A test plan and
schedule has been completed. Testing will begin in the third quarter of 1998 and
will be completed in the first quarter of 1999, with "mission-critical"  testing
complete   by  the  end  of  1998.   Contingency   plans   have  been  made  for
"mission-critical"  applications.  The Company is in the process of developing a
complete  Contingency and Business  Resumption Plan and continue to move forward
with efforts. As part of its assessment,  Company management has been evaluating
Year 2000  compliance by those with whom it does  business,  and to date has not
discovered  any Year  2000  problem  with  significant  counter-parties  that it
believes  are  reasonable  likely to have a  material  adverse  effect  upon the
company. However, no assurance can be given that potential Year 2000 problems at
those with whom the Company does  business  will not occur,  and if these occur,
consequences to the Company.

On April 15, 1998, the Company and Community Bank & Trust Co. ("CBT")  announced
the signing of a letter of intent  whereby the Company would acquire CBT. CBT is
headquartered  in Marion,  North  Carolina  with  assets of  approximately  $100
million with seven branches in Western North Carolina. According to the terms of
the proposed  merger,  CBT would continue as a separately  chartered  commercial
bank and would retain its name, Board of Directors and management.  The proposed
merger is expected to be finalized  in the third  quarter of 1998 and is subject
to a number of conditions,  including approval by regulatory authorities and the
shareholders of the Company and CBT.

Net Interest Income/Margins

Net interest income of $12,243,543  during the first six-months of 1998 resulted
from a net interest margin of 4.96% on average earning assets of $501.1 million.
This compares with a net interest  margin of 4.95% on average  earning assets of
$414.0 million generating net interest income of $10,030,674 for the same period
in 1997. The interest rate earned on taxable  securities has been reduced as the
Company continues to invest in relatively short term government securities.  The
Company has,  however,  been able to sustain the strong net  interest  margin as
average interest bearing  liabilities have decreased slightly as a percentage of
total liabilities and capital.  This is the result of both increased capital and
increases  in  noninterest  bearing  deposits.   Interest  rates  have  remained
relatively  stable  and thus the  change  in the net  interest  margin is more a
function of competition  and investment  options than changes in interest rates.
The increase in loan demand  experienced by the Company  positively  affects the
net interest margin,  as noted by the large volume related  increase,  and is an
indicator of the continued  strong local  economy.  The increase in net interest
income  consists of an increase of $266,000  relative to rate and an increase of
$1,902,000 relative to volume.

Management  reviews  asset/liability  volumes  and rates on a weekly  basis.  As
Carolina  First's  loans have  continued to grow,  the funds have been  obtained
primarily through customer  deposits and the maturing of investment  securities.
Deposit and loan rates are  adjusted  as market  conditions  and  Company  needs
allow.

Analysis of average  balances and interest rates for the  six-months  ended June
30, 1998 and 1997, is presented on pages 13 and 14 of this report. Such analysis
is presented on a fully-taxable  equivalent basis at the federal  statutory rate
of 34 %.


                                                                        9     
<PAGE>

Loan Loss Allowance/Provision

The allowance for loan losses  represents  management's  determination  as to an
adequate  amount in relation to the risk of future  losses  inherent in the loan
portfolio.  In evaluating the allowance and its adequacy,  management  considers
the  bank's  loan loss  experience,  the  amount of past due and  non-performing
loans,  current  and  anticipated  economic  conditions  and  other  appropriate
information.  While it is the  Company's  policy to  charge-off  in the  current
period the loans in which a loss is considered  probable,  there are  additional
risks for future  losses which cannot be  quantified  precisely or attributed to
particular  loans or  classes  of loans.  Because  these  risks are  continually
changing  in response to facts  beyond the control of the  Company,  such as the
state of the economy,  management's judgment as to the adequacy of the provision
is approximate and imprecise.  It is also subject to regulatory examinations and
determinations  as to  adequacy,  which may take into  account  such  factors as
methodology  used to calculate the allowance for loan losses and the size of the
loan loss  allowance in  comparison  to a group of peer banks  identified by the
regulatory agencies.

In assessing the adequacy of the allowance,  management relies  predominantly on
its ongoing review of the loan portfolio,  which is undertaken to both ascertain
whether there are probable  losses which must be  charged-off  and to assess the
risk  characteristics  of the portfolio in the aggregate.  This review considers
the judgments of  management,  and also those of bank  regulatory  agencies that
review the loan portfolio as part of their regular bank examination process.

There  are no loans  classified  for  regulatory  purposes  as  loss,  doubtful,
substandard,  or  special  mention  that the  Company  reasonably  expects  will
materially impact future operating results, liquidity, or capital resources. The
Company  has no  concentrations  or credit  risks by type of credit or  industry
group within its loan or investment portfolio.

On a monthly basis,  the Company  reviews the adequacy of its allowance for loan
losses.  The loan  review  staff  prepares  a listing  of loans  believed  to be
deserving  of a closer  review by  management.  These  loans are rated as to the
presumed  collectibility,  and a  statistical  loss  factor is  assigned to each
category of loans that directly  relates to the associated  risk. In addition to
these specific allowances,  an additional component of the allowance is computed
by applying a factor based on  historical  loss  experience to all loans by type
that are not listed on the above  referenced  schedule.  Finally,  an additional
factor is assigned to the entire portfolio to cover  unexpected  losses from any
borrower that may not be identified.  This final component reflects the economic
conditions  of the market areas  served.  These  factors are  multiplied  by the
balances in each  category and totaled to determine  the required  allowance for
loan  losses.  The actual  allowance  for loan  losses  (after  charge-offs)  is
compared with the required level to determine if an additional  provision should
be made in the current  period.  The allowance for loan losses was $5,389,682 or
1.48%  of  outstanding  loans,  at June  30,  1998  and  $5,039,035  or 1.45% of
outstanding loans, at December 31, 1997.

The provision for loan losses charged to operations  during the first six months
was $510,000 in 1998 and $498,333 in 1997. Charge-offs,  net of recoveries, were
$159,353  or .09%  (annualized)  of average  loans  outstanding,  during the six
months  ended June 30,  1998,  as compared to $134,386 or .08%  (annualized)  of
average  loans  outstanding,  during  the  same  period  in 1997.  The  ratio of
non-accrual loans to total loans was .21% at June 30, 1998, .21% at December 31,
1997,  and .50% at June 30, 1997.  The ratio of  non-performing  assets to total
assets was 19% at June 30, 1998, 25% at December 31, 1997, and 39% at June 1997.
Management  believes  that  reserves and asset values are adequate to facilitate
the timely disposition of these assets.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                         1998               1997
                                                                                     ----------         ----------
<S>                                                                                   <C>                <C>
Balance at beginning of year ...........................................              5,039,035          4,488,958
Charge-offs ............................................................               (232,748)          (199,951)
Recoveries .............................................................                 73,395             65,565
Provision for loan losses ..............................................                510,000            498,333
                                                                                     ----------         ----------
Balance at March 31, ...................................................              5,389,682          4,852,905
                                                                                     ==========         ==========
</TABLE>
                                                                           10
<PAGE>

Net Non-Interest Income

Non-interest  income  increased  24.04%  for the  first  six  months  of 1998 as
compared  to the same  period a year  earlier.  Non-interest  income  from  core
operations continues to increase as the Company expands fee income areas such as
trust services and credit cards. Also, the additional deposits recently acquired
have boosted deposit related income.

Non-interest  expense increased  $1,798,556 or 23.27%,  for the six-month period
ended June 30, 1998, as compared to the same period a year earlier. Non-interest
expense increased in relation to the additional  branch  acquisitions and branch
openings. Specifically, occupancy and supplies were directly effected as well as
other expenses which  includes the  amortization  of the premium paid to acquire
the deposits. Additionally, the expenses relative to our technology expenditures
are apparent in the increase in equipment expense.

Financial Condition

The  Company's  total assets at June 30, 1998 and 1997,  were  $567,805,903  and
$490,681,378  respectively,  and  $523,217,327  at December  31,  1997.  Average
earning  assets  for the first  six  months  of 1998  were  $501,138,000  versus
$413,970,000  for the same period a year  earlier,  an increase of 21.06%.  This
growth is the result of the strong  local  economy and the  Company's  continued
expansion of its customer  base.  During the past year, the Company has acquired
the deposits of three branches,  has opened three  supermarket  branches and one
stand  alone  branch.  The  Company  will  continue  to look for ways to acquire
business and grow in market share in the existing markets.

Average  loans of  $349,091,000  represented  69.66% of average  earning  assets
during the first six months of 1998.  During  the same  period in 1997,  average
loans totaled  $311,003,000,  or 75.13% of average earning  assets.  Gross loans
increased to  $363,338,759 at June 30, 1998, a 11.93% increase over loans a year
ago at June  30,  1997  and a 4.43%  increase  over  December  31,  1997.  It is
anticipated  that  general  loan  growth  will  continue  to mirror the  economy
generally,  however,  competition for quality loans may adversely effect the net
interest margins.

Securities  averaged  $143,273,000  during  the six months  ended June 30,  1998
versus  $93,697,000  for the same period a year ago.  The  securities  portfolio
represented  28.59% of  earning  assets at June 30,  1998 and 22.63% at June 30,
1997. This increase in the portfolio  directly relates to the acquisition of the
branch  deposits  during 1997. As quality loan demand absorbs these deposits the
historical percentages should return. At June 30, 1998, the securities portfolio
had an unrealized gain of approximately  $1,058,611 for securities available for
sale. A gain of $42,708 was realized  during the first half of 1998.  Securities
held to maturity  with a carrying  value of  approximately  $16.7  million  were
scheduled to mature  within the next five years.  Of this  amount,  $5.9 million
were scheduled to mature within one year.  Securities  available for sale with a
carrying  value of $127.8  million were scheduled to mature within the next five
years.  Of this amount,  $57.8 million were scheduled to mature within one year.
The  Company  currently  has the  ability  and  intent  to hold  its  investment
securities to maturity.  Certain debt securities are designated by management as
held for sale and are carried at the lower of cost or market because  management
may sell them before they mature. The Company's securities portfolio has shifted
toward the available for sale category due to the added flexibility allowed over
the securities held to maturity.

Average interest bearing  liabilities rose 17.41%,  to $432,323,000 in the first
six months of 1998,  from an average of  $368,204,000 in the first six months of
1997.  Total deposits  increased 13.81% from June 30, 1997 to June 30, 1998, and
9.33% from December 31, 1997 to June 30, 1998. The second  quarter  acquisitions
of 1997  resulted in large growth  rates.  As the Company  capitalizes  on these
acquisitions and gains market share, deposits will continue to increase.

The Company continues to maintain capital ratios in excess of regulatory minimum
requirements.  The current capital standards call for a minimum total capital of
8% of risk-adjusted assets,  including 4% Tier I capital, and a minimum leverage
ratio of Tier I capital to total  tangible  assets of at least 4-5%. At June 30,
1998, the Company's  ratio of total capital to  risk-adjusted  assets was 13.87%
which  includes  12.62% Tier I capital and the  Company's  ratio of total Tier I
capital to total assets,  adjusted for the loans loss allowance and intangibles,
was 8.58%.



                                                                          11
<PAGE>
Liquidity

The liquidity position of the Company's  subsidiaries,  Lincoln Bank ("Lincoln")
and Cabarrus Bank of North Carolina  ("Cabarrus"),  is primarily  dependent upon
their  need to  respond  to  withdrawals  from  deposit  accounts  and  upon the
liquidity of their assets.  Primary  liquidity sources include cash and due from
banks, federal funds sold, short-term investment securities and loan repayments.
At June 30,  1998,  the  Company  had a  liquidity  ratio of 37.20%.  Management
believes the liquidity  sources are adequate to meet operating needs.  Except as
discussed above,  there are no known trends,  events or uncertainties  that will
have or that are  reasonably  likely to have a material  effect on the Company's
liquidity, capital resources or operations.

Capital Resources

Banks and bank holding companies, as regulated institutions,  must meet required
levels of capital.  The primary Federal regulators for the Banks and the Company
have  adopted  minimum   capital   regulations  or  guidelines  that  categorize
components  and the  level of risk  associated  with  various  types of  assets.
Financial  institutions are expected to maintain a level of capital commensurate
with the risk profile  assigned to its assets in accordance with the guidelines.
The Company, Lincoln Bank and Cabarrus all maintain capital levels exceeding the
minimum levels for well capitalized banks and bank holding companies.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                Well        Adequately          Carolina        Lincoln       Cabarrus
                                            Capitalized    Capitalized            First            Bank          Bank
<S>                                            <C>              <C>               <C>             <C>           <C>   
Tier I capital to risk adjusted assets          6.00%           4.00%             12.62%          11.18%        10.26%
Total capital to risk adjusted assets          10.00%           8.00%             13.87%          12.44%        11.51%
Leverage ratio                                  5.00%           4.00%              8.58%           7.60%         6.90%
</TABLE>


























                                                                      12
<PAGE>
  CAROLINA FIRST BANCSHARES, INC.
  ----------------------------------------------------
  AVERAGE BALANCE SHEET AS  OF JUNE 30,
  ----------------------------------------------------
  (In Thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            1998                                         1997
                                      ---------------------------------------------   -------------------------------------------
                                                          Interest                                     Interest
                                          Average          Income/       Average        Average         Income/        Average
                                          Balance          Expense        Rate          Balance         Expense          Rate
                                      ----------------   ------------  ------------   ------------    ------------    ----------- 
  <S>                                        <C>             <C>             <C>        <C>             <C>              <C>
  Assets

  Interest bearing deposits in other banks       $685            $62         18.25%         $509           $27           10.70%
  Taxable securities                          138,398          4,094          5.97%       86,347         2,598            6.07%
  Non-taxable securities                        4,875            245         10.13%        7,350           378           10.37%
  Federal funds sold and securities
     purchased with agreements to
     resell                                     8,089            219          5.46%        8,761           225            5.18%
  Loans                                       349,091         16,914          9.77%      311,003        14,919            9.67%
                                             ---------       --------       --------    ---------      --------          -------

     Interest earning assets                  501,138         21,534          8.67%      413,970        18,147            8.84%
                                             ---------       --------       --------    ---------      --------          -------

  Cash and due from banks                      17,423                                    $15,812
  Other assets                                 21,307                                     18,579
                                             ---------                                  ---------

  Total assets                               $539,868                                   $448,361
                                             =========                                  =========


  Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity

  Interest bearing deposits
    Demand                                   $116,394         $1,396          2.42%      $97,739        $1,177            2.43%
    Savings                                    49,097            600          2.46%       42,055           528            2.53%
    Time                                      259,019          7,024          5.47%      223,233         6,169            5.57%
  Other borrowings                              7,813            187          4.83%        5,177           114            4.44%
                                             ---------       --------       --------    ---------      --------          -------

     Interest bearing liabilities             432,323          9,207          4.29%      368,204         7,988            4.37%
                                             ---------       --------       --------    ---------      --------          -------

  Other liabilities                            63,331                                     43,180
  Shareholders' equity                         44,214                                     36,977
                                             ---------                                  ---------


  Total liabilities and shareholders'
     equity                                  $539,868                                   $448,361
                                             =========                                  =========

  Interest rate spread                                                        4.37%                                      4.47%
                                                                             =======                                    =======



  Net interest earned and net
     yield on earning assets                                 $12,327          4.96%                    $10,159           4.95%
                                                            =========        =======                   ========         ========
</TABLE>




                                                                             13
<PAGE>
CAROLINA FIRST BANCSHARES, INC.
- ------------------------------------------
RATE / VOLUME ANALYSIS
- ------------------------------------------
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED JUNE, 1998 AND 1997
- ------------------------------------------
(In Thousands)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                       Increase/(Decrease)
                                                                              due to
                                                  1997               Volume              Rate              1998
                                                 Inc/exp                                                  Inc/exp
                                             -------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                   <C>                  <C>                 <C>             <C>    
Interest Income:
      Loans                                           14,919               1,845                150            16,914
      Securities - tax - exempt                          378                (124)                (9)              245
      Securities - taxable                             2,598               1,540                (44)            4,094
      Federal funds sold & interest bearing
          balances in other banks                        252                 (16)                45               281
                                                   -----------           ----------           --------       ---------

          Total Interest Income                       18,147               3,245                142            21,534


Interest Expense:
      Interest Bearing Demand                          1,177                 224                 (5)            1,396
      Savings                                            528                  86                (14)              600
      Time                                             6,169                 970               (115)            7,024
      Other Borrowings                                   114                  63                 10               187
                                                   -----------           ----------           --------       ---------
 

          Total Interest Expense                       7,988               1,343               (124)            9,207
                                                   -----------           ----------           --------       ---------


          Net Interest Income                         10,159               1,902                266            12,327
                                                   ===========          ===========           ========       =========
</TABLE>







                                                                              14

<PAGE>
                                      

                                     Item 3.

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK


Risk is inherent to all  industries,  but perhaps more  prevalent to the banking
industry.  The Company  considers  credit to be the most  significant,  however,
interest  rate  risk is a close  second.  There  are  eight  risks  that must be
considered  in  managing  the  Company.  These  risk are  listed in order of the
perceived  level of risk imposed upon the Company.  Another risk associated with
some banks is foreign  exchange  risk.  The  Company  does not  consider  this a
significant risk and thus, does not address it in this  assessment.  The Company
has identified certain critical risks to these subsidiary banks.

Credit Risk.  Credit risk is the risk to the bank's earnings or capital from the
potential of an obligator or related group of obligators  failing to fulfill its
or their  contractual  commitments  to the  bank.  Credit  risk is most  closely
associated  with a bank's  lending.  It  encompasses  the potential of loss on a
particular loan as well as the potential for loss from a group of related loans,
i.e., a credit concentration.  Credit risk extends also to less traditional bank
activities.  It includes the credit behind the bank's investment portfolio,  the
credit  of  counterparties  to  interest  rate  contracts,  and  the  credit  of
stockbrokers holding the bank's investment portfolio in street name.

Interest  Rate Risk.  Interest rate risk is the risk to earnings or capital from
the potential of movement in interest rates. It is the sensitivity of the bank's
future  earnings to  interest  rate  changes.  Interest  rate risk is  generally
measured on the basis of duration  analysis or gap analysis.  Duration  analysis
measures the degree of risk in a  particular  instrument  or  portfolio  and gap
analysis  defines  the  timing  when loss may occur.  The  Company is willing to
accept a modified  duration of 5% and a one year  cumulative gap or +/- 5% and a
one to five  cumulative  gap of +/- 8%. As of June 30,  1998,  the Company had a
modified  duration  of less than  1.51%.  At June 30, 1998 the Company had a one
year cumulative gap of 4.39% and a one to five year cumulative gap of 2.84%. The
major  components of interest rate risk are described as repricing  risk,  basis
risk, yield curve risk, and options risk.

Price Risk.  Price risk is the risk to earnings or capital  from  changes in the
value of portfolios of financial instruments.  Frequently this is referred to as
market  risk.  Price  risk is  generally  reflected  as the risk of a decline in
market value of its securities  portfolio and the Company is willing to accept a
7.5% change in value  after  experiencing  a 300 basis point rate shock,  either
positive or  negative.  At June 30,  1998,  the price change was less than 4.06%
with such a rate shock.

Liquidity Risk.  Liquidity risk is the risk to earnings or capital from a bank's
inability  to  meet  its  obligations  when  they  come  due  without  incurring
unacceptable  losses or costs.  Depositors  withdraw their deposits and the bank
does not have the  liquid  assets to fund the  withdrawals  and to meet its loan
funding  obligations.  The risk is particularly  great with brokered deposits of
which the Company currently has none.

Transaction  Risk.  Transaction  risk is the risk to earnings or capital arising
from problems with service or product delivery.  Transaction risk is the risk of
a failure in a bank's operating  processes.  It is a risk of failure in a bank's
automation, its employee integrity, or its internal controls.

Compliance  Risk.  Compliance  risk is the  risk to  earnings  or  capital  from
noncompliance with laws, rules, and regulations.

Strategic  Risk.  Strategic risk is the risk to earnings or capital arising from
adverse business decisions or improper implementation of those decisions.

Reputation  Risk.  Reputation  risk is the  risk to  earnings  or  capital  from
negative public opinion.






                                                                      15
<PAGE>

Most of  these  risks  are  interrelated  and thus  all  must be  considered  by
management  regardless of the implied risk.  Management  reviews the performance
against these ranges on a quarterly  basis.  See  "Management's  Discussion  and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" on pages 4 through 15
of the Company's Annual Report to Shareholders.

The fair value of loans is estimated by discounting  the future cash flows using
the current rates at which similar loans would be made to borrowers with similar
credit ratings and for the same remaining maturities.  The estimated fair market
value of loans  outstanding is  approximately  $347,040,000  and $309,811,000 at
December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively.  The fair value of noninterest-bearing
demand deposits and NOW, savings and money market deposits is the amount payable
on  demand  at the  reporting  date.  The fair  value of the  time  deposits  is
estimated  using the rates currently  offered for deposits of similar  remaining
maturities.  The  estimated  fair  market  value of  deposits  is  approximately
$459,703,000  and $386,920,000 at December 31, 1997 and 1996,  respectively.  As
interest rates have remained  relatively  constant,  there have been no material
changes in the above since year end.














                                                                      16
<PAGE>



                                     Item 5.


SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS FOR THE 1999 ANNUAL MEETING



The proxy  statement  solicited by the Company's Board of Directors with respect
to the Company's 1999 Annual Meeting of Shareholders  will confer  discretionary
authority to vote on any proposals of shareholders intended to be paresented for
consideration  at such Annual  Meeting  that are  submitted  to the Company afer
January 15, 1999.





















                                                                           17
<PAGE>


PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


Item
   <S>                                               <C>    

   1 - Legal Proceedings                             None
   2 - Changes in Securities                         None
   3 - Defaults upon Senior Securities               None
   4 - Submission of Matters to a Vote of
         Security Holders                            None
   5 - Other Information                             None
   6 - Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
         (a)  Exhibits: 27 - Financial Data Schedule (SEC Use Only)
         (b)  Reports on Form 8-K

</TABLE>




























                                                                      18
<PAGE>






                                   SIGNATURES


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




                                                 CAROLINA FIRST BANCSHARES, INC.
                                                              (Registrant)



Date:  August 14, 1998                      By: /s/ D. Mark Boyd,III
                                                    D. Mark Boyd, III
                                            Chairman and Chief Executive Officer



Date:  August 14, 1998                      By: /s/ Jan H.Hollar
                                                    Jan H. Hollar
                                            Principal Accounting Officer









                                                                      19


<TABLE> <S> <C>


<ARTICLE>                                            9
<CIK>                                        0000846465                   
<NAME>                                       CAROLINA FIRST BANCSHARES, INC.
<MULTIPLIER>                                   1
<CURRENCY>                                     US DOLLARS
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                              DEC-31-1998
<PERIOD-START>                                 JAN-01-1998
<PERIOD-END>                                   JUN-30-1998
<EXCHANGE-RATE>                                1
<CASH>                                         20,740
<INT-BEARING-DEPOSITS>                         723
<FED-FUNDS-SOLD>                               9,925
<TRADING-ASSETS>                               0
<INVESTMENTS-HELD-FOR-SALE>                    131,196
<INVESTMENTS-CARRYING>                         24,907
<INVESTMENTS-MARKET>                           25,108
<LOANS>                                        363,339
<ALLOWANCE>                                    5,390
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 567,806
<DEPOSITS>                                     505,769
<SHORT-TERM>                                   0
<LIABILITIES-OTHER>                            12,434
<LONG-TERM>                                    0
                          0
                                    0
<COMMON>                                       11,014
<OTHER-SE>                                     38,589
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES-AND-EQUITY>                 567,806
<INTEREST-LOAN>                                16,914
<INTEREST-INVEST>                              4,256
<INTEREST-OTHER>                               281
<INTEREST-TOTAL>                               21,451
<INTEREST-DEPOSIT>                             9,020
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                             188
<INTEREST-INCOME-NET>                          12,243
<LOAN-LOSSES>                                  510
<SECURITIES-GAINS>                             43
<EXPENSE-OTHER>                                9,527
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                5,492
<INCOME-PRE-EXTRAORDINARY>                     5,492
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                0
<CHANGES>                                      0
<NET-INCOME>                                   3,624
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                  .83
<EPS-DILUTED>                                  .80
<YIELD-ACTUAL>                                 4.96
<LOANS-NON>                                    758
<LOANS-PAST>                                   408
<LOANS-TROUBLED>                               0
<LOANS-PROBLEM>                                0
<ALLOWANCE-OPEN>                               5,039
<CHARGE-OFFS>                                  232
<RECOVERIES>                                   73
<ALLOWANCE-CLOSE>                              5,390
<ALLOWANCE-DOMESTIC>                           5,390
<ALLOWANCE-FOREIGN>                            0
<ALLOWANCE-UNALLOCATED>                        0
        


</TABLE>


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