UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q

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

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2022
Or

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 0-13222

CITIZENS FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

PENNSYLVANIA
 
23-2265045
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

15 South Main Street
Mansfield, Pennsylvania 16933
(Address of principal executive offices)(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (570) 662‑2121

N/A

(Former Name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

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

 
 
 
 
 
Title of Each Class
 
Trading Symbol(s)
 
Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports 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  No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).  Yes  No

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

Large accelerated filer    
Accelerated filer    
   
Non-accelerated filer    
Smaller reporting company    
   
Emerging growth company    
 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.

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

The number of outstanding shares of the Registrant’s Common Stock, as of May 4, 2022, was 3,939,376.




Citizens Financial Services, Inc.
Form 10-Q

INDEX

   
PAGE
Part I
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
Item 1.
Financial Statements (unaudited):
 
 
1
 
2
 
3
 
4
 
5
 
6-30
Item 2.
31-50
Item 3.
51
Item 4.
52
     
Part II
OTHER INFORMATION
 
Item 1.
52
Item 1A.
52
Item 2.
52
Item 3.
53
Item 4.
53
Item 5.
53
Item 6.
53
 
54

CITIZENS FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
(UNAUDITED)

(in thousands except share data)
 
March 31,
2022
   
December 31,
2021
 
ASSETS:
           
Cash and due from banks:
           
Noninterest-bearing
 
$
30,934
   
$
14,051
 
Interest-bearing
   
83,181
     
158,782
 
Total cash and cash equivalents
   
114,115
     
172,833
 
Interest bearing time deposits with other banks
   
10,528
     
11,026
 
Equity securities
   
2,444
     
2,270
 
Available-for-sale securities
   
461,471
     
412,402
 
Loans held for sale
   
644
     
4,554
 
 
               
Loans (net of allowance for loan losses:
               
2022, $17,556 and 2021, $17,304)
   
1,461,139
     
1,424,229
 
 
               
Premises and equipment
   
16,852
     
17,016
 
Accrued interest receivable
   
5,414
     
5,235
 
Goodwill
   
31,376
     
31,376
 
Bank owned life insurance
   
38,710
     
38,503
 
Other intangibles
   
1,547
     
1,627
 
Other assets
   
33,647
     
22,792
 
TOTAL ASSETS
 
$
2,177,887
   
$
2,143,863
 
 
               
LIABILITIES:
               
Deposits:
               
Noninterest-bearing
 
$
366,820
   
$
358,073
 
Interest-bearing
   
1,512,270
     
1,478,078
 
Total deposits
   
1,879,090
     
1,836,151
 
Borrowed funds
   
68,214
     
73,977
 
Accrued interest payable
   
714
     
711
 
Other liabilities
   
27,124
     
20,532
 
TOTAL LIABILITIES
   
1,975,142
     
1,931,371
 
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
               
Preferred Stock
               
$1.00 par value; authorized 3,000,000 shares at March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021; none issued in 2022 or 2021
   
-
     
-
 
Common Stock
               
$1.00 par value; authorized 25,000,000 shares at March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021; issued 4,388,901 at March 31, 2022 and at December 31, 2021
   
4,389
     
4,389
 
Additional paid-in capital
   
78,396
     
78,395
 
Retained earnings
   
150,876
     
146,010
 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
   
(14,765
)
   
(155
)
Treasury stock, at cost: 444,554 shares at March 31, 2022 and 444,481 shares at December 31, 2021
   
(16,151
)
   
(16,147
)
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
   
202,745
     
212,492
 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
$
2,177,887
   
$
2,143,863
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated financial statements.


1


CITIZENS FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME
(UNAUDITED)

 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
 
2022
   
2021
 
INTEREST INCOME:
           
Interest and fees on loans
 
$
15,920
   
$
16,694
 
Interest-bearing deposits with banks
   
116
     
106
 
Investment securities:
               
Taxable
   
1,112
     
850
 
Nontaxable
   
583
     
544
 
Dividends
   
84
     
101
 
TOTAL INTEREST INCOME
   
17,815
     
18,295
 
INTEREST EXPENSE:
               
Deposits
   
1,275
     
1,598
 
Borrowed funds
   
278
     
256
 
TOTAL INTEREST EXPENSE
   
1,553
     
1,854
 
NET INTEREST INCOME
   
16,262
     
16,441
 
Provision for loan losses
   
250
     
650
 
NET INTEREST INCOME AFTER PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES
   
16,012
     
15,791
 
NON-INTEREST INCOME:
               
Service charges
   
1,248
     
1,106
 
Trust
   
249
     
307
 
Brokerage and insurance
   
481
     
376
 
Gains on loans sold
   
105
     
503
 
Equity security (losses) gains, net
   
(45
)
   
187
 
Available for sale security gains, net
   
-
     
50
 
Earnings on bank owned life insurance
   
207
     
1,315
 
Other
   
186
     
391
 
TOTAL NON-INTEREST INCOME
   
2,431
     
4,235
 
NON-INTEREST EXPENSES:
               
Salaries and employee benefits
   
6,913
     
6,263
 
Occupancy
   
794
     
783
 
Furniture and equipment
   
129
     
143
 
Professional fees
   
339
     
448
 
FDIC insurance
   
135
     
129
 
Pennsylvania shares tax
   
339
     
339
 
Amortization of intangibles
   
40
     
49
 
Software expenses
   
341
     
313
 
ORE (income) expenses
   
(367
)
   
86
 
Other
   
1,568
     
1,394
 
TOTAL NON-INTEREST EXPENSES
   
10,231
     
9,947
 
Income before provision for income taxes
   
8,212
     
10,079
 
Provision for income taxes
   
1,472
     
1,616
 
NET INCOME
 
$
6,740
   
$
8,463
 
                 
PER COMMON SHARE DATA:
               
Net Income - Basic
 
$
1.71
   
$
2.14
 
Net Income - Diluted
 
$
1.71
   
$
2.14
 
Cash Dividends Paid
 
$
0.475
   
$
0.460
 
                 
Number of shares used in computation - basic
   
3,939,125
     
3,948,446
 
Number of shares used in computation - diluted
   
3,939,182
     
3,948,446
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated financial statements.
2


CITIZENS FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(UNAUDITED)

 
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
(in thousands)
 
2022
   
2021
 
Net income
 
$
6,740
   
$
8,463
 
Other comprehensive (loss) income:
               
Change in unrealized (losses) gains on available for sale securities
   
(20,987
)
   
(4,094
)
Income tax effect
   
4,407
     
859
 
Change in unrecognized pension cost
   
36
     
91
 
Income tax effect
   
(8
)
   
(19
)
Change in unrealized loss on interest rate swaps
   
2,458
     
2,047
 
Income tax effect
   
(516
)
   
(430
)
Less:  Reclassification adjustment for investment security gains included in net income
   
-
     
(50
)
Income tax effect
   
-
     
11
 
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax
   
(14,610
)
   
(1,585
)
Comprehensive (loss) income
 
$
(7,870
)
 
$
6,878
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated financial statements.
3


CITIZENS FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
(UNAUDITED)

 
 
Common Stock
   
Additional
         
Accumulated
Other
             
(in thousands, except share data)
 
Shares
   
Amount
   
Paid-in
Capital
   
Retained
Earnings
   
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
   
Treasury
Stock
   
Total
 
Balance, December 31, 2021
   
4,388,901
   
$
4,389
   
$
78,395
   
$
146,010
   
$
(155
)
 
$
(16,147
)
 
$
212,492
 
                                                         
Comprehensive income:
                                                       
Net income
                           
6,740
                     
6,740
 
Net other comprehensive (loss) income
                                   
(14,610
)
           
(14,610
)
Purchase of treasury stock (113 shares)
                                           
(7
)
   
(7
)
Restricted stock, executive  and Board of Director awards (79 shares)
                   
(5
)
                    5      
-
 
Restricted stock vesting
                   
4
                             
4
 
Forfeited restricted stock (39 shares)
                    2                       (2 )     -  
Cash dividends, $0.475 per share
                           
(1,874
)
                   
(1,874
)
Balance, March 31, 2022
   
4,388,901
   
$
4,389
   
$
78,396
   
$
150,876
   
$
(14,765
)
 
$
(16,151
)
 
$
202,745
 
 
                                                       
Balance, December 31, 2020
   
4,350,342
   
$
4,350
   
$
75,908
   
$
126,627
   
$
2,587
   
$
(15,213
)
 
$
194,259
 
                                                         
Comprehensive income:
                                                       
Net income
                           
8,463
                     
8,463
 
Net other comprehensive (loss) income
                                   
(1,585
)
           
(1,585
)
Purchase of treasury stock (9,202 shares)
                                           
(513
)
   
(513
)
Restricted stock, executive, and Board of Director awards (88 shares)
                   
(2
)
                   
-
     
(2
)
Restricted stock vesting
                   
5
                             
5
 
Forfeited restricted stock
                    (3 )                     3       -  
Cash dividends, $0.46 per share
                           
(1,820
)
                   
(1,820
)
Balance, March 31, 2021
   
4,350,342
   
$
4,350
   
$
75,908
   
$
133,270
   
$
1,002
   
$
(15,723
)
 
$
198,807
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated financial statements
4


CITIZENS FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
(UNAUDITED)

 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
(in thousands)
 
2022
   
2021
 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
           
Net income
 
$
6,740
   
$
8,463
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Provision for loan losses
   
250
     
650
 
Depreciation and amortization
   
262
     
286
 
Amortization and accretion of loans and other assets
   
(588
)
   
(1,344
)
Amortization and accretion of investment securities
   
560
     
503
 
Deferred income taxes
   
(115
)
   
74
 
Investment securities losses (gains), net
   
45
     
(237
)
Earnings on bank owned life insurance
   
(207
)
   
(1,315
)
          Vesting of restricted stock
    4       -  
Originations of loans held for sale
   
(1,386
)
   
(14,206
)
Proceeds from sales of loans held for sale
   
5,359
     
19,253
 
Realized gains on loans sold
   
(105
)
   
(503
)
(Increase) decrease in accrued interest receivable
   
(179
)
   
426
 
Gain on sale of other real estate
    (487 )     -  
Increase (decrease) in accrued interest payable
   
3
     
(104
)
Other, net
   
1,887
     
2,019
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
   
12,043
     
13,965
 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
               
Available-for-sale securities:
               
Proceeds from sales
   
-
     
5,045
 
Proceeds from maturity and principal repayments
   
9,135
     
17,826
 
Purchase of securities
   
(79,970
)
   
(54,248
)
Purchase of interest bearing time deposits with other banks
   
(496
)
   
-
 
Proceeds from life insurance
   
-
     
3,714
 
Proceeds from matured interest bearing time deposits with other banks
   
994
     
249
 
Proceeds from redemption of regulatory stock
   
1,217
     
1,179
 
Purchase of regulatory stock
   
(1,004
)
   
(1,013
)
Net (increase) decrease in loans
   
(36,470
)
   
2,461
 
Purchase of premises and equipment
   
(58
)
   
(785
)
Proceeds from sale of other real estate
   
598
     
116
 
Net cash used in investing activities
   
(106,054
)
   
(25,456
)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
               
Net increase in deposits
   
42,939
     
98,612
 
Repayments of long-term borrowings
   
(4,725
)
   
(2,000
)
Net decrease in short-term borrowed funds
   
(1,040
)
   
(667
)
Purchase of treasury and restricted stock
   
(8
)
   
(513
)
Dividends paid
   
(1,874
)
   
(1,820
)
Net cash provided by financing activities
   
35,292
     
93,612
 
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
   
(58,719
)
   
82,121
 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD
   
172,833
     
68,707
 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD
 
$
114,115
   
$
150,828
 
                 
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information:
               
Interest paid
 
$
1,550
   
$
1,958
 
Income taxes paid
 
$
-
   
$
-
 
Loans transferred to foreclosed real estate
 
$
61
   
$
-
 
Right of use asset and liability
 
$
-
   
$
211
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated financial statements.
5


CITIZENS FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

Note 1 – Basis of Presentation


Citizens Financial Services, Inc. (individually and collectively with its direct and indirect subsidiaries, the “Company”) is a Pennsylvania corporation and its wholly owned subsidiary is CZFS Acquisition Company, LLC. CZFS Acquisition Company, LLC is the holding company of its wholly owned subsidiary, First Citizens Community Bank (the “Bank”), and of the Bank’s wholly owned subsidiaries, First Citizens Insurance Agency, Inc. (“First Citizens Insurance”) and 1st Realty of PA LLC (“Realty”).


The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared pursuant to rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.  Because this report is based on an interim period, certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted.  Certain of the prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform with the current year presentation.  Such reclassifications had no effect on net income or stockholders’ equity.  All material inter‑company balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.


In the opinion of management of the Company, the accompanying interim consolidated financial statements at March 31, 2022 and for the periods ended March 31, 2022 and 2021 include all adjustments, consisting of only normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of the financial condition and the results of operations at the dates and for the periods presented. In preparing the consolidated financial statements, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the balance sheet and of revenues and expenses for the periods covered by the Consolidated Statement of Income. The financial performance reported for the Company for the three month periods ended March 31, 2022 is not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.  This information should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, as amended.

Note 2 – Revenue Recognition


In accordance with ASC 606, Management determined that the primary sources of revenue emanating from interest and dividend income on loans and investments along with noninterest revenue resulting from investment security gains, loan servicing, gains on loans sold and earnings on bank owned life insurances are not within the scope of ASC 606. The main types of noninterest income within the scope of the standard are as follows:

Service charges on deposit accounts – The Company has contracts with its deposit customers where fees are charged if certain parameters are not met. These agreements can be cancelled at any time by either the Company or the deposit customer. Revenue from these transactions is recognized on a monthly basis as the Company has an unconditional right to the fee consideration. The Company also has transaction fees related to specific transactions or activities resulting from a customer request or activity that include overdraft fees, online banking fees, interchange fees, ATM fees and other transaction fees. All of these fees are attributable to specific performance obligations of the Company where the revenue is recognized at a defined point in time upon the completion of the requested service/transaction.

Trust fees – Typical contracts for trust services are based on a fixed percentage of the assets earned ratably over a defined period and billed on a monthly basis. Fees charged to customers’ accounts are recognized as revenue over the period during which the Company fulfills its performance obligation under the contract (i.e., holding client asset in a managed fiduciary trust account). For these accounts, the performance obligation of the Company is typically satisfied by holding and managing the customer’s assets over time. Other fees related to specific customer requests are attributable to specific performance obligations of the Company where the revenue is recognized at a defined point in time, upon completion of the requested service/transaction.
6


Gains and losses on sale of other real estate owned – Gains and losses are recognized at the completion of the property sale when the buyer obtains control of the real estate and all of the performance obligations of the Company have been satisfied. Evidence of the buyer obtaining control of the asset include transfer of the property title, physical possession of the asset, and the buyer obtaining control of the risks and rewards related to the asset. In situations where the Company agrees to provide financing to facilitate the sale, additional analysis is performed to ensure that the contract for sale identifies the buyer and seller, the asset to be transferred, payment terms, and that the contract has a true commercial substance and that collection of amounts due from the buyer are reasonable. In situations where financing terms are not reflective of current market terms, the transaction price is discounted impacting the gain/loss and the carrying value of the asset.

Brokerage and insurance – Fees includes commissions from the sales of investments and insurance products recognized on a trade date basis as the performance obligation is satisfied at the point in time in which the trade is processed. Additional fees are based on a percentage of the market value of customer accounts and billed on a monthly or quarterly basis. The Company’s performance obligation under the contracts with certain customers is generally satisfied through the passage of time as the Company monitors and manages the assets in the customer’s portfolio and is not dependent on certain return or performance level of the customer’s portfolio. Fees for these services are billed monthly and are recorded as revenue at the end of the month for which the wealth management service has been performed. Other performance obligations (such as the delivery of account statements to customers) are generally considered immaterial to the overall transaction price.


The following table depicts the disaggregation of revenue derived from contracts with customers to depict the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021 (in thousands). All revenue in the table below relates to goods and services transferred at a point in time.

 
Three Months Ended
 
   
March 31,
 
Revenue stream
 
2022
   
2021
 
Service charges on deposit accounts
           
Overdraft fees
 
$
307
   
$
258
 
Statement fees
   
56
     
56
 
Interchange revenue
   
723
     
639
 
ATM income
   
89
     
98
 
Other service charges
   
73
     
55
 
Total Service Charges
   
1,248
     
1,106
 
Trust
   
249
     
307
 
Brokerage and insurance
   
481
     
376
 
Other
   
139
     
109
 
Total
 
$
2,117
   
$
1,898
 


7

Note 3 – Earnings per Share


The following table sets forth the computation of earnings per share.

 
Three months ended
 
   
March 31,
 
   
2022
   
2021
 
Net income applicable to common stock
 
$
6,740,000
   
$
8,463,000
 
                 
Basic earnings per share computation
               
Weighted average common shares outstanding
   
3,939,125
     
3,948,446
 
Earnings per share - basic
 
$
1.71
   
$
2.14
 
                 
Diluted earnings per share computation
               
Weighted average common shares outstanding for basic earnings per share
   
3,939,125
     
3,948,446
 
Add: Dilutive effects of restricted stock
   
57
     
-
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding for dilutive earnings per share
   
3,939,182
     
3,948,446
 
Earnings per share - diluted
 
$
1.71
   
$
2.14
 


For the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, there were 3,358 and 3,289 shares, respectively, related to the restricted stock plan that were excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculations since they were anti-dilutive. These anti-dilutive shares had per share prices ranging from $57.36-$63.19 for the three month period ended March 31, 2022 and per share prices ranging from $57.36-$62.93 for the three month period ended March 31, 2021.

Note 4 – Investments


The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses, and fair value of investment securities at March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021 were as follows (in thousands):

March 31, 2022
 
Amortized
Cost
   
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
   
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
   
Fair
Value
 
Available-for-sale securities:
                       
U.S. agency securities
 
$
77,569
   
$
328
   
$
(3,365
)
 
$
74,532
 
U.S. treasury securities
   
153,953
     
52
     
(7,315
)
   
146,690
 
Obligations of state and political subdivisions
   
121,631
     
388
     
(4,029
)
   
117,990
 
Corporate obligations
   
10,367
     
4
     
(323
)
   
10,048
 
Mortgage-backed securities in government sponsored entities
   
118,553
     
93
     
(6,435
)
   
112,211
 
Total available-for-sale securities
 
$
482,073
   
$
865
   
$
(21,467
)
 
$
461,471
 
                                 
December 31, 2021
 
   
   
   
 
Available-for-sale securities:
                               
U.S. agency securities
 
$
73,803
   
$
976
   
$
(834
)
 
$
73,945
 
U.S. treasury securities
   
116,743
     
63
     
(1,459
)
   
115,347
 
Obligations of state and political subdivisions
   
109,367
     
2,706
     
(52
)
   
112,021
 
Corporate obligations
   
10,378
     
39
     
(84
)
   
10,333
 
Mortgage-backed securities in government sponsored entities
   
101,727
     
597
     
(1,568
)
   
100,756
 
Total available-for-sale securities
 
$
412,018
   
$
4,381
   
$
(3,997
)
 
$
412,402
 

8


The following table shows the Company’s gross unrealized losses and fair value of the Company’s investments with unrealized losses that are not deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired, aggregated by investment category and length of time, which individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position, at March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021 (in thousands). As of March 31, 2022, the Company owned 268 securities whose fair value was less than their cost basis.

 
Less than Twelve Months
   
Twelve Months or Greater
   
Total
 
March 31, 2022
 
Fair
Value
   
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
   
Fair
Value
   
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
   
Fair
Value
   
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
U.S. agency securities
 
$
36,781
   
$
(1,989
)
 
$
11,106
   
$
(1,376
)
 
$
47,887
   
$
(3,365
)
U.S. treasury securities
   
130,927
     
(7,187
)
   
2,036
     
(128
)
   
132,963
     
(7,315
)
Obligations of state and political subdivisions
   
79,321
     
(3,786
)
   
2,674
     
(243
)
   
81,995
     
(4,029
)
Corporate obligations
   
8,311
     
(306
)
   
483
     
(17
)
   
8,794
     
(323
)
Mortgage-backed securities in government sponsored entities
   
66,940
     
(4,594
)
   
18,372
     
(1,841
)
   
85,312
     
(6,435
)
Total securities
 
$
322,280
   
$
(17,862
)
 
$
34,671
   
$
(3,605
)
 
$
356,951
   
$
(21,467
)
                                                 
December 31, 2021
                                               
U.S. agency securities
 
$
26,754
   
$
(387
)
 
$
7,542
   
$
(447
)
 
$
34,296
   
$
(834
)
U.S. treasury securities
    106,794       (1,459 )     -       -       106,794       (1,459 )
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
   
10,744
     
(26
)
   
2,899
     
(26
)
   
13,643
     
(52
)
Corporate obligations
    6,922       (84 )     -       -       6,922       (84 )
Mortgage-backed securities in government sponsored entities
   
60,182
     
(1,305
)
   
7,975
     
(263
)
   
68,157
     
(1,568
)
Total securities
 
$
211,396
   
$
(3,261
)
 
$
18,416
   
$
(736
)
 
$
229,812
   
$
(3,997
)


As of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, the Company’s investment securities portfolio contained unrealized losses on U.S. Treasuries, agency securities issued or backed by the full faith and credit of the United States government or are generally viewed as having the implied guarantee of the U.S. government, obligations of states and political subdivisions, corporate obligations and mortgage backed securities in government sponsored entities. For fixed maturity investments management considers whether the present value of cash flows expected to be collected are less than the security’s amortized cost basis (the difference defined as the credit loss), the magnitude and duration of the decline, the reasons underlying the decline and the Company’s intent to sell the security or whether it is more likely than not that the Company would be required to sell the security before its anticipated recovery in fair value, to determine whether the loss in value is other than temporary. Once a decline in value is determined to be other than temporary, if the Company does not intend to sell the security, and it is more likely than not that it will not be required to sell the security before recovery of the security’s amortized cost basis, the charge to earnings is limited to the amount of credit loss. Any remaining difference between fair value and amortized cost (the difference defined as the non-credit portion) is recognized in other comprehensive income, net of applicable taxes. Otherwise, the entire difference between fair value and amortized cost is charged to earnings. The Company has concluded that any impairment of its investment securities portfolio outlined in the above table is not other than temporary and is the result of market interest rate changes, sector credit rating changes, or issuer-specific rating changes that are not expected to result in the non-collection of principal and interest during the period.

9


There were no sales of available for sale securities during the three months ended March 31, 2022. Proceeds from sales of securities available-for-sale for the three months ended March 31, 2021 were $5,045,000. The gross gains and losses were as follows (in thousands):

 
Three Months Ended
 
   
March 31,
 
   
2022
   
2021
 
Gross gains on available for sale securities
 
$
-
   
$
50
 
Gross losses on available for sale securities
   
-
     
-
 
Net gains
 
$
-
   
$
50
 


The following table presents the net gains (losses) on the Company’s equity investments recognized in earnings during the three month periods ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, and the portion of unrealized gains for the period that relates to equity investments held at March 31, 2022 and 2021 (in thousands):

 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
Equity securities
 
2022
   
2021
 
Net (losses) gains recognized in equity securities during the period
 
$
(45
)
 
$
187
 
Less: Net gains realized on the sale of equity securities during the period
   
-
     
-
 
Net unrealized (losses) gains
 
$
(45
)
 
$
187
 


Investment securities with an approximate carrying value of $288.0 million and $295.0 million at March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively, were pledged to secure public funds, certain other deposits and borrowing lines.


Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.   The amortized cost and fair value of debt securities (excludes equity securities) at March 31, 2022, by contractual maturity, are shown below (in thousands):

 
Amortized
Cost
   
Fair Value
 
Available-for-sale debt securities:
           
Due in one year or less
 
$
16,992
   
$
17,114
 
Due after one year through five years
   
155,072
     
150,062
 
Due after five years through ten years
   
134,379
     
127,440
 
Due after ten years
   
175,630
     
166,855
 
Total
 
$
482,073
   
$
461,471
 

Note 5 – Loans


The Company grants commercial, industrial, agricultural, residential, and consumer loans primarily to customers throughout north central, central and south central Pennsylvania, southern New York and Wilmington and Dover, Delaware. Although the Company had a diversified loan portfolio at March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, a substantial portion of its debtors’ ability to honor their contracts is dependent on the economic conditions within these regions. The following table summarizes the primary segments of the loan portfolio and how those segments are analyzed within the allowance for loan losses as of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021 (in thousands):

March 31, 2022
 
Total Loans
   
Individually evaluated
for impairment
   
Loans acquired with
deteriorated credit quality
   
Collectively evaluated
for impairment
 
Real estate loans:
                       
Residential
 
$
201,567
   
$
602
   
$
12
   
$
200,953
 
Commercial
   
724,876
     
8,189
     
2,109
     
714,578
 
Agricultural
   
305,517
     
5,288
     
1,606
     
298,623
 
Construction
   
66,738
     
-
     
-
     
66,738
 
Consumer
   
21,460
     
-
     
-
     
21,460
 
Other commercial loans
   
69,051
     
612
     
-
     
68,439
 
Other agricultural loans
   
39,904
     
921
     
-
     
38,983
 
State and political subdivision loans
   
49,582
     
-
     
-
     
49,582
 
Total
   
1,478,695
     
15,612
     
3,727
     
1,459,356
 
Allowance for loan losses
   
17,556
     
510
     
-
     
17,046
 
Net loans
 
$
1,461,139
   
$
15,102
   
$
3,727
   
$
1,442,310
 
10


December 31, 2021
 
Total Loans
   
Individually evaluated
for impairment
   
Loans acquired with
deteriorated credit quality
   
Collectively evaluated
for impairment
 
Real estate loans:
                       
Residential
 
$
201,097
   
$
620
   
$
14
   
$
200,463
 
Commercial
   
687,338
     
8,381
     
2,145
     
676,812
 
Agricultural
   
312,011
     
5,355
     
1,643
     
305,013
 
Construction
   
55,036
     
-
     
-
     
55,036
 
Consumer
   
25,858
     
-
     
-
     
25,858
 
Other commercial loans
   
74,585
     
186
     
-
     
74,399
 
Other agricultural loans
   
39,852
     
991
     
-
     
38,861
 
State and political subdivision loans
   
45,756
     
-
     
-
     
45,756
 
Total
   
1,441,533
     
15,533
     
3,802
     
1,422,198
 
Allowance for loan losses
   
17,304
     
121
     
-
     
17,183
 
Net loans
 
$
1,424,229
   
$
15,412
   
$
3,802
   
$
1,405,015
 


During 2022 the Company continued its participation in the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”), administered directly by the U.S. Small Business Administration (the “SBA”) through the processing of forgiveness of PPP loans. During 2021, the Company originated $24.3 million of loans. As of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, the Company had outstanding principal balances of $2.8 million and $6.8 million, respectively, of PPP loans that are included in other commercial loans. The PPP loans are fully guaranteed by the SBA and may be eligible for forgiveness by the SBA to the extent that the proceeds are used to cover eligible payroll costs, interest costs, rent, and utility costs over a period of up to 24 weeks after the loan is made as long as certain conditions are met regarding employee retention and compensation levels. PPP loans deemed eligible for forgiveness by the SBA will be repaid by the SBA to the Company. The SBA has issued guidance for forgiveness with a streamlined approach for loans of $150,000 or less.


In accordance with the SBA terms and conditions on these PPP loans, the Company received approximately $150,000 in fees associated with the processing of the loans outstanding as of March 31, 2022. Upon funding of the loan, these fees were deferred and will be amortized over the life of the loan as an adjustment to yield in accordance with FASB ASC 310-20-25-2. As of March 31, 2022, $109,000 of deferred fees related to the PPP loans remain to be amortized.


The Company evaluated whether loans acquired as part of the MidCoast acquisition were within the scope of ASC 310-30, Receivables-Loans and Debt Securities Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality. Purchased credit-impaired (“PCI”) loans are loans that have evidence of credit deterioration since origination and it is probable at the date of acquisition that the Company will not collect all contractually required principal and interest payments. There were no material increases or decreases in the expected cash flows of these loans between April 17, 2020 (the “acquisition date”) and March 31, 2022. The fair value of PCI loans, on the acquisition date, was determined, primarily based on the fair value of loan collateral. The carrying value of purchased loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality as a result of the MidCoast acquisition was $3,444,000 at March 31, 2022.

11


Changes in the accretable yield for PCI loans were as follows for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021 (in thousands):


 
Three months ended
March 31
 
   
2022
   
2021
 
Balance at beginning of period
 
$
370
   
$
788
 
Reclassification of non-accretable discount
    228       -  
Accretion
   
(203
)
   
(100
)
Balance at end of period
 
$
395
   
$
688
 



The following table presents additional information regarding loans acquired with specific evidence of deterioration in credit quality under ASC 310-30 (in thousands):

 
March 31, 2022
   
December 31, 2021
 
Outstanding balance
 
$
6,584
   
$
6,159
 
Carrying amount
   
3,727
     
3,802
 


The segments of the Company’s loan portfolio are disaggregated into classes to a level that allows management to monitor risk and performance. Residential real estate mortgages consist primarily of 15 to 30 year first mortgages on residential real estate, while residential real estate home equity loans are consumer purpose installment loans or lines of credit with terms of 15 years or less secured by a mortgage which is often a second lien on residential real estate. Commercial real estate loans are business purpose loans secured by a mortgage on commercial real estate. Agricultural real estate loans are loans secured by a mortgage on real estate used in agriculture production. Construction real estate loans are loans secured by residential, commercial or agricultural real estate used during the construction phase of residential, commercial or agricultural projects. Consumer loans are typically unsecured or primarily secured by assets other than real estate and overdraft lines of credit are typically secured by customer deposit accounts. Other commercial loans are loans for commercial purposes primarily secured by non-real estate collateral. Other agricultural loans are loans for agricultural purposes primarily secured by non-real estate collateral. State and political subdivision loans are loans to state and local municipalities for capital and operating expenses or tax free loans used to finance commercial development.

12


Management considers other commercial loans, other agricultural loans, state and political subdivision loans, commercial real estate loans and agricultural real estate loans which are 90 days or more past due to be impaired. Management will also consider a loan impaired based on other factors it becomes aware of, including the customer’s results of operations and cash flows or if the loan is modified in a troubled debt restructuring. In addition, certain residential mortgages, home equity and consumer loans that are cross collateralized with commercial relationships that are determined to be impaired may also be classified as impaired. Impaired loans are analyzed to determine if it is probable that all amounts will not be collected according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. If management determines that the value of the impaired loan is less than the recorded investment in the loan (net of previous charge-offs, deferred loan fees or costs and unamortized premium or discount), impairment is recognized through an allocation to the allowance for loan losses or a charge-off to the allowance for loan losses.


The following table includes the recorded investment and unpaid principal balances for impaired loan receivables by class, excluding PCI loans, with the associated allowance amount, if applicable (in thousands):

March 31, 2022
 
Unpaid
Principal
Balance
   
Recorded
Investment
With No
Allowance
   
Recorded
Investment
With
Allowance
   
Total
Recorded
Investment
   
Related
Allowance
 
Real estate loans:
                             
Mortgages
 
$
713
   
$
482
   
$
44
   
$
526
   
$
6
 
Home Equity
   
95
     
35
     
41
     
76
     
5
 
Commercial
   
9,180
     
7,908
     
281
     
8,189
     
56
 
Agricultural
   
5,673
     
5,100
     
188
     
5,288
     
14
 
Construction
    -       -       -       -       -  
Consumer
    -


-


-


-


-  
Other commercial loans
   
1,241
     
92
     
520
     
612
     
429
 
Other agricultural loans
   
1,241
     
921
     
-
     
921
     
-
 
Total
 
$
18,143
   
$
14,538
   
$
1,074
   
$
15,612
   
$
510
 

December 31, 2021
 
Unpaid
Principal
Balance
   
Recorded
Investment
With No
Allowance
   
Recorded
Investment
With
Allowance
   
Total
Recorded
Investment
   
Related
Allowance
 
Real estate loans:
                             
Mortgages
 
$
697
   
$
495
   
$
45
   
$
540
   
$
6
 
Home Equity
   
97
     
37
     
43
     
80
     
6
 
Commercial
   
9,330
     
8,096
     
285
     
8,381
     
61
 
Agricultural
   
5,694
     
5,167
     
188
     
5,355
     
14
 
Construction
    -       -       -       -       -  
Consumer
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Other commercial loans
   
813
     
92
     
94
     
186
     
34
 
Other agricultural loans
   
1,274
     
991
     
-
     
991
     
-
 
Total
 
$
17,905
   
$
14,878
   
$
655
   
$
15,533
   
$
121
 


The following tables includes the average balance of impaired loan receivables by class and the income recognized on these receivables for the three month periods ended March 31, 2022 and 2021 (in thousands):

 
For the Three Months Ended
 
   
March 31, 2022
   
March 31, 2021
 
   
Average
Recorded
Investment
   
Interest
Income
Recognized
   
Interest
Income
Recognized
Cash Basis
   
Average
Recorded
Investment
   
Interest
Income
Recognized
   
Interest
Income
Recognized
Cash Basis
 
Real estate loans:
                                   
Mortgages
 
$
531
   
$
2
   
$
-
   
$
851
   
$
5
   
$
-
 
Home Equity
   
77
     
1
     
-
     
124
     
1
     
-
 
Commercial
   
8,260
     
66
     
-
     
9,238
     
67
     
7
 
Agricultural
   
5,316
     
28
     
-
     
4,590
     
22
     
-
 
Consumer
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
1
     
-
     
-
 
Other commercial loans
   
326
     
1
     
-
     
1,121
     
1
     
-
 
Other agricultural loans
   
953
     
1
     
-
     
1,103
     
2
     
-
 
Total
 
$
15,463
   
$
99
   
$
-
   
$
17,028
   
$
98
   
$
7
 

13

Credit Quality Information


For commercial real estate, agricultural real estate, construction, other commercial, other agricultural and state and political subdivision loans, management uses a nine grade internal risk rating system to monitor and assess credit quality. The first five categories are considered not criticized and are aggregated as “Pass” rated. The criticized rating categories utilized by management generally follow bank regulatory definitions. The definitions of each rating are defined below:

Pass (Grades 1-5) – These loans are to customers with credit quality ranging from an acceptable to very high quality and are protected by the current net worth and paying capacity of the obligor or by the value of the underlying collateral.

Special Mention (Grade 6) – This loan grade is in accordance with regulatory guidance and includes loans where a potential weakness or risk exists, which could cause a more serious problem if not corrected.

Substandard (Grade 7) – This loan grade is in accordance with regulatory guidance and includes loans that have a well-defined weakness based on objective evidence and be characterized by the distinct possibility that the Bank will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected.

Doubtful (Grade 8) – This loan grade is in accordance with regulatory guidance and includes loans that have all the weaknesses inherent in a substandard asset. In addition, these weaknesses make collection or liquidation in full highly questionable and improbable, based on existing circumstances.

Loss (Grade 9) – This loan grade is in accordance with regulatory guidance and includes loans that are considered uncollectible, or of such value that continuance as an asset is not warranted.


To help ensure that risk ratings are accurate and reflect the present and future capacity of borrowers to repay the loan as agreed, the Company’s loan rating process includes several layers of internal and external oversight. The Company’s loan officers are responsible for the timely and accurate risk rating of the loans in each of their portfolios at origination and on an ongoing basis under the supervision of management.  All commercial, agricultural and state and political relationships over $500,000 are reviewed annually to ensure the appropriateness of the loan grade. In addition, the Company engages an external consultant on at least an annual basis to: 1) review a minimum of 50% of the dollar volume of the commercial, agricultural and municipal loan portfolios on an annual basis, 2) review a sample of new loans originated for over $1.0 million in the last year, 3) review a sample of borrowers with commitments greater than or equal to $1.0 million,  4) review selected loan relationships over $750,000 which are over 30 days past due or classified Special Mention, Substandard, Doubtful, or Loss, and 5) such other loans which management or the consultant deems appropriate.

14


The following tables represent credit exposures by internally assigned grades as of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021 (in thousands):

March 31, 2022
 
Pass
   
Special
Mention
   
Substandard
   
Doubtful
   
Loss
   
Ending
Balance
 
Real estate loans:
                                   
Commercial
 
$
687,595
   
$
29,919
   
$
7,362
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
724,876
 
Agricultural
   
286,986
     
12,665
     
5,866
     
-
     
-
     
305,517
 
Construction
   
66,738
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
66,738
 
Other commercial loans
   
64,635
     
3,520
     
860
     
36
     
-
     
69,051
 
Other agricultural loans
   
37,989
     
1,156
     
759
     
-
     
-
     
39,904
 
State and political subdivision loans
   
49,582
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
49,582
 
Total
 
$
1,193,525
   
$
47,260
   
$
14,847
   
$
36
   
$
-
   
$
1,255,668
 

December 31, 2021
                                   
Real estate loans:
                                   
Commercial
 
$
646,137
   
$
35,332
   
$
5,869
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
687,338
 
Agricultural
   
291,537
     
15,105
     
5,369
     
-
     
-
     
312,011
 
Construction
   
55,036
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
55,036
 
Other commercial loans
   
70,932
     
3,289
     
316
     
48
     
-
     
74,585
 
Other agricultural loans
   
37,800
     
1,351
     
701
     
-
     
-
     
39,852
 
State and political subdivision loans
   
45,588
     
168
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
45,756
 
Total
 
$
1,147,030
   
$
55,245
   
$
12,255
   
$
48
   
$
-
   
$
1,214,578
 


For residential real estate mortgages, home equity and consumer loans, credit quality is monitored based on whether the loan is performing or non-performing, which is typically based on the aging status of the loan and payment activity, unless a specific action, such as bankruptcy, repossession, death or significant delay in payment occurs to raise awareness of a possible credit event. Non-performing loans include those loans that are considered nonaccrual, described in more detail below, and all loans past due 90 or more days and still accruing. The following table presents the recorded investment in those loan classes based on payment activity as of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021 (in thousands):

March 31, 2022
 
Performing
   
Non-performing
   
PCI
   
Total
 
Real estate loans:
                       
Mortgages
 
$
152,183
   
$
455
   
$
12
   
$
152,650
 
Home Equity
   
48,917
     
-
     
-
     
48,917
 
Consumer
   
21,460
     
-
     
-
     
21,460
 
Total
 
$
222,560
   
$
455
   
$
12
   
$
223,027
 
                                 
December 31, 2021
 
Performing
   
Non-performing
   
PCI
   
Total
 
Real estate loans:
                               
Mortgages
 
$
150,320
   
$
608
   
$
14
   
$
150,942
 
Home Equity
   
50,122
     
33
     
-
     
50,155
 
Consumer
   
25,858
     
-
     
-
     
25,858
 
Total
 
$
226,300
   
$
641
   
$
14
   
$
226,955
 

Aging Analysis of Past Due Loan Receivables


Management further monitors the performance and credit quality of the loan portfolio by analyzing the age of the portfolio as determined by the length of time a recorded payment is past due. The following table includes an aging analysis of the recorded investment of past due loan receivables as of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021 (in thousands):

March 31, 2022
 
30-59
Days
Past Due
   
60-89
Days
Past Due
   
90 Days
Or Greater
   
Total
Past
Due
   
Current
   
PCI
   
Total
Loan
Receivables
   
90 Days or
Greater
and
Accruing
 
Real estate loans:
                                               
Mortgages
 
$
567
   
$
86
   
$
207
   
$
860
   
$
151,778
   
$
12
   
$
152,650
   
$
12
 
Home Equity
   
60
     
24
     
-
     
84
     
48,833
     
-
     
48,917
     
-
 
Commercial
   
97
     
719
     
1,940
     
2,756
     
720,011
     
2,109
     
724,876
     
-
 
Agricultural
   
671
     
-
     
1,368
     
2,039
     
301,872
     
1,606
     
305,517
     
-
 
Construction
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
66,738
     
-
     
66,738
     
-
 
Consumer
   
186
     
3
     
-
     
189
     
21,271
     
-
     
21,460
     
-
 
Other commercial loans
   
100
     
313
     
117
     
530
     
68,521
     
-
     
69,051
     
-
 
Other agricultural loans
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
39,904
     
-
     
39,904
     
-
 
State and political subdivision loans
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
49,582
     
-
     
49,582
     
-
 
Total
 
$
1,681
   
$
1,145
   
$
3,632
   
$
6,458
    $
1,468,510
   
$
3,727
   
$
1,478,695
   
$
12
 
                                                                 
Loans considered non-accrual
 
$
272
    $
457
   
$
3,620
   
$
4,349
   
$
3,461
   
$
-
   
$
7,810
         
Loans still accruing
   
1,409
     
688
     
12
     
2,109
     
1,465,049
     
3,727
     
1,470,885
         
Total
 
$
1,681
   
$
1,145
   
$
3,632
   
$
6,458
   
$
1,468,510
   
$
3,727
   
$
1,478,695
         

December 31, 2021
                                               
Real estate loans:
                                               
Mortgages
 
$
220
   
$
170
   
$
209
   
$
599
   
$
150,329
   
$
14
   
$
150,942
   
$
13
 
Home Equity
   
103
     
-
     
33
     
136
     
50,019
     
-
     
50,155
     
33
 
Commercial
   
127
     
115
     
1,969
     
2,211
     
682,982
     
2,145
     
687,338
     
-
 
Agricultural
   
31
     
-
     
1,367
     
1,398
     
308,970
     
1,643
     
312,011
     
-
 
Construction
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
55,036
     
-
     
55,036
     
-
 
Consumer
   
163
     
1
     
-
     
164
     
25,694
     
-
     
25,858
     
-
 
Other commercial loans
   
17
     
10
     
92
     
119
     
74,466
     
-
     
74,585
     
-
 
Other agricultural loans
   
10
     
-
     
-
     
10
     
39,842
     
-
     
39,852
     
-
 
State and political subdivision loans
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
45,756
     
-
     
45,756
     
-
 
Total
 
$
671
   
$
296
   
$
3,670
   
$
4,637
   
$
1,433,094
   
$
3,802
   
$
1,441,533
   
$
46
 
Loans considered non-accrual
 
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
3,624
   
$
3,624
   
$
3,992
   
$
-
   
$
7,616
         
Loans still accruing
   
671
     
296
     
46
     
1,013
     
1,429,102
     
3,802
     
1,433,917
         
Total
 
$
671
   
$
296
   
$
3,670
   
$
4,637
   
$
1,433,094
   
$
3,802
   
$
1,441,533
         

15

Nonaccrual Loans


Loans are considered for non-accrual status upon reaching 90 days delinquency, although the Company may be receiving partial payments of interest and partial repayments of principal on such loans, or if full payment of principal and interest is not expected. Additionally, if management is made aware of other information including bankruptcy, repossession, death, or legal proceedings, the loan may be placed on non-accrual status. If a loan is 90 days or more past due and is well secured and in the process of collection, it may still be considered accruing.


The following table reflects the loan receivables, excluding PCI loans, on non-accrual status as of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively. The balances are presented by class of loan receivable (in thousands):

 
March 31, 2022
   
December 31, 2021
 
Real estate loans:
           
Mortgages
 
$
443
   
$
595
 
Commercial
   
2,984
     
2,945
 
Agricultural
   
3,083
     
3,133
 
Other commercial loans
   
567
     
140
 
Other agricultural loans
   
733
     
803
 
 
 
$
7,810
   
$
7,616
 

16

Troubled Debt Restructurings


In situations where, for economic or legal reasons related to a borrower's financial difficulties, management may grant a concession for other than an insignificant period of time to the borrower that would not otherwise be considered, the related loan is classified as a Troubled Debt Restructuring (TDR). Management strives to identify borrowers in financial difficulty early and work with them to structure more affordable terms before their loan reaches nonaccrual status. These restructured terms may include rate reductions, principal forgiveness, payment forbearance and other actions intended to minimize the economic loss and to avoid foreclosure or repossession of the collateral. In cases where borrowers are granted new terms that provide for a reduction of interest or principal, or both, management measures any impairment on the restructuring by calculating the present value of the revised loan terms and comparing this balance to the Company’s investment in the loan prior to the restructuring. As these loans are individually evaluated, they are excluded from pooled portfolios when calculating the allowance for loan and lease losses and a separate allocation within the allowance for loan and lease losses is provided. Management continually evaluates loans that are considered TDRs, including payment history under the modified loan terms, the borrower’s ability to continue to repay the loan based on continued evaluation of their operating results and cash flows from operations.  As of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, included within the allowance for loan losses are reserves of $26,000 that are associated with loans modified as TDRs.


There were no loan modifications that were considered TDRs during the three months ended March 31, 2022. Loan modifications that are considered TDRs completed during the three months ended March 31, 2021 were as follows (dollars in thousands):

 
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2021
 
   
Number of contracts
   
Pre-modification Outstanding
Recorded Investment
   
Post-Modification
Outstanding Recorded
Investment
 
   
Interest
Modification
   
Term
Modification
   
Interest
Modification
   
Term
Modification
   
Interest
Modification
   
Term
Modification
 
                                     
Real estate loans:
                                   
Commercial
   
-
     
2
   
$
-
   
$
290
   
$
-
   
$
290
 
Total
   
-
     
2
   
$
-
   
$
290
   
$
-
   
$
290
 

17


Recidivism, or the borrower defaulting on its obligation pursuant to a modified loan, results in the loan once again becoming a non-accrual loan. Recidivism on modified loans occurs at a notably higher rate than do defaults on new origination loans, so modified loans present a higher risk of loss than do new origination loans.

Allowance for Loan Losses


The following table segregates the allowance for loan losses (ALLL) into the amount required for loans individually evaluated for impairment and the amount required for loans collectively evaluated for impairment as of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively (in thousands):

 
March 31, 2022
   
December 31, 2021
 
   
Individually evaluated for
impairment
   
Collectively evaluated for
impairment
   
Total
   
Individually evaluated for
impairment
   
Collectively evaluated for
impairment
   
Total
 
Real estate loans:
                                   
Residential
 
$
11
   
$
1,059
   
$
1,070
   
$
12
   
$
1,135
   
$
1,147
 
Commercial
   
56
     
8,338
     
8,394
     
61
     
8,038
     
8,099
 
Agricultural
   
14
     
4,502
     
4,516
     
14
     
4,715
     
4,729
 
Construction
   
-
     
497
     
497
     
-
     
434
     
434
 
Consumer
   
-
     
210
     
210
     
-
     
262
     
262
 
Other commercial loans
   
429
     
951
     
1,380
     
34
     
989
     
1,023
 
Other agricultural loans
   
-
     
551
     
551
     
-
     
558
     
558
 
State and political subdivision loans
   
-
     
285
     
285
     
-
     
281
     
281
 
Unallocated
   
-
     
653
     
653
     
-
     
771
     
771
 
Total
 
$
510
   
$
17,046
   
$
17,556
   
$
121
   
$
17,183
   
$
17,304
 


The following tables roll forward the balance of the ALLL by portfolio segment for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively (in thousands):

 
For the three months ended March 31, 2022
 
   
Balance at
December 31, 2021
   
Charge-offs
   
Recoveries
   
Provision
   
Balance at
March 31, 2022
 
Real estate loans:
                             
Residential
 
$
1,147
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
(77
)
 
$
1,070
 
Commercial
   
8,099
     
-
     
-
     
295
     
8,394
 
Agricultural
   
4,729
     
-
     
-
     
(213
)
   
4,516
 
Construction
   
434
     
-
     
-
     
63
     
497
 
Consumer
   
262
     
(5
)
   
5
     
(52
)
   
210
 
Other commercial loans
   
1,023
     
-
     
2
     
355
     
1,380
 
Other agricultural loans
   
558
     
-
     
-
     
(7
)
   
551
 
State and political subdivision loans
   
281
     
-
     
-
     
4
     
285
 
Unallocated
   
771
     
-
     
-
     
(118
)
   
653
 
Total
 
$
17,304
   
$
(5
)
 
$
7
   
$
250
   
$
17,556
 

 
For the three months ended March 31, 2021
 
   
Balance at
December 31, 2020
   
Charge-offs
   
Recoveries
   
Provision
   
Balance at
March 31, 2021
 
Real estate loans:
                             
Residential
 
$
1,174
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
(7
)
 
$
1,167
 
Commercial
   
6,216
     
-
     
89
     
378
     
6,683
 
Agricultural
   
4,953
     
-
     
-
     
(36
)
   
4,917
 
Construction
   
122
     
-
     
-
     
29
     
151
 
Consumer
   
321
     
(4
)
   
6
     
(86
)
   
237
 
Other commercial loans
   
1,226
     
-
     
4
     
274
     
1,504
 
Other agricultural loans
   
864
     
-
     
-
     
(75
)
   
789
 
State and political subdivision loans
   
479
     
-
     
-
     
(9
)
   
470
 
Unallocated
   
460
     
-
     
-
     
182
     
642
 
Total
 
$
15,815
   
$
(4
)
 
$
99
   
$
650
   
$
16,560
 

18


The Company allocates the ALLL based on the factors described below, which conform to the Company’s loan classification policy and credit quality measurements. In reviewing risk within the Company’s loan portfolio, management has determined there to be several different risk categories within the loan portfolio. The ALLL consists of amounts applicable to: (i) residential real estate loans; (ii) residential real estate home equity loans; (iii) commercial real estate loans; (iv) agricultural real estate loans; (v) real estate construction loans; (vi) other commercial and agricultural loans; (vii) consumer loans; (viii) other agricultural loans and (ix) state and political subdivision loans. Factors considered in this process include general loan terms, collateral, and availability of historical data to support the analysis. Historical loss percentages are calculated and used as the basis for calculating allowance allocations. Certain qualitative factors are evaluated to determine additional inherent risks in the loan portfolio, which are not necessarily reflected in the historical loss percentages. These factors are then added to the historical allocation percentage to get the adjusted factor to be applied to non-classified loans. The following qualitative factors are analyzed:

Level of and trends in delinquencies and impaired/classified loans
Change in volume and severity of past due loans
Volume and severity of non-accrual loans
Volume and severity of classified, adversely or graded loans;
Level of and trends in charge-offs and recoveries;
Trends in volume, terms and nature of the loan portfolio;
Effects of any changes in risk selection and underwriting standards and any other changes in lending and recovery policies, procedures and practices;
Changes in the quality of the Company’s loan review system;
Experience, ability and depth of lending management and other relevant staff;
National, state, regional and local economic trends and business conditions
General economic conditions
Unemployment rates
Inflation rate/ Consumer Price Index
Changes in values of underlying collateral for collateral-dependent loans;
Industry conditions including the effects of external factors such as competition, legal, and regulatory requirements on the level of estimated credit losses;
Existence and effect of any credit concentrations, and changes in the level of such concentrations; and
Any change in the level of board oversight.


The Company analyzes its loan portfolio at least each quarter to determine the adequacy of its ALLL.


19


Loans determined to be TDRs are impaired and for purposes of estimating the ALLL must be individually evaluated for impairment. In calculating the impairment, the Company calculates the present value utilizing an analysis of discounted cash flows. If the present value calculated is below the recorded investment of the loan, impairment is recognized by a charge to the provision for loan and lease losses and a credit to the ALLL.


For the three months ended March 31, 2022, the allowance for all categories was decreased due to a general improvement in economic activity and unemployment and a return to levels experienced prior to the the Covid-19 pandemic.


For the three months ended March 31, 2021, the allowance for commercial real estate and other commercial loans increased due to loans acquired as part of the MidCoast acquisition maturing and then renewed and becoming subject to the Company’s allowance calculation. The factor related to level of past due loans for residential real estate was decreased due to a decrease in past due loans. The factor related to the volume and severity of classified, adversely or graded loans was decreased for other agricultural loans due to a decrease in classified loans.

Foreclosed Assets Held For Sale


Foreclosed assets acquired in settlement of loans are carried at fair value, less estimated costs to sell, and are included in other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. As of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, included within other assets are $1,131,000 and $1,180,000, respectively, of foreclosed assets. As of March 31, 2022, included within the foreclosed assets are $381,000 of consumer residential mortgages that were foreclosed on or received via a deed in lieu transaction prior to the period end. As of March 31, 2022, the Company had initiated formal foreclosure proceedings on $160,000 of consumer residential mortgages, which had not yet been transferred into foreclosed assets.

Note 6 – Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets


The following table provides the gross carrying value and accumulated amortization of intangible assets as of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021 (in thousands):

 
March 31, 2022
   
December 31, 2021
 
   
Gross
carrying
value
   
Accumulated
amortization
   
Net
carrying
value
   
Gross
carrying
value
   
Accumulated
amortization
   
Net
carrying
value
 
Amortized intangible assets (1):
                                   
MSRs
 
$
2,541
   
$
(1,408
)
 
$
1,133
   
$
2,499
   
$
(1,326
)
 
$
1,173
 
Core deposit intangibles
   
1,943
     
(1,529
)
   
414
     
1,943
     
(1,489
)
   
454
 
Total amortized intangible assets
 
$
4,484
   
$
(2,937
)
 
$
1,547
   
$
4,442
   
$
(2,815
)
 
$
1,627
 
Unamortized intangible assets:
                                               
Goodwill
 
$
31,376
                   
$
31,376
                 

(1) Excludes fully amortized intangible assets

20


The following table provides the current year and estimated future amortization expense for amortized intangible assets for the next five years (in thousands). We based our projections of amortization expense shown below on existing asset balances at March 31, 2022. Future amortization expense may vary from these projections:

 
MSRs
   
Core deposit intangibles
   
Total
 
Three months ended March 31, 2022 (actual)
 
$
82
   
$
40
   
$
122
 
Three months ended March 31, 2021 (actual)
   
72
     
49
     
121
 
Estimate for year ending December 31,
                       
Remaining 2022
   
230
     
116
     
346
 
2023
   
252
     
121
     
373
 
2024
   
199
     
86
     
285
 
2025
   
152
     
50
     
202
 
2026
   
112
     
17
     
129
 
Thereafter
   
188
     
24
     
212
 
Total
 
$
1,133
   
$
414
   
$
1,547
 

Note 7 – Employee Benefit Plans


For additional detailed disclosure on the Company's pension and employee benefits plans, please refer to Note 11 of the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2021 Annual Report on Form 10-K.


Noncontributory Defined Benefit Pension Plan


The Bank sponsors a trusteed noncontributory defined benefit pension plan (“Pension Plan”) covering substantially all employees and officers hired prior to January 1, 2007. The Bank’s funding policy is to make annual contributions, if needed, based upon the funding formula developed by the plans’ actuary. Any employee with a hire date of January 1, 2007 or later is not eligible to participate in the Pension Plan.


In lieu of the Pension Plan, employees with a hire date of January 1, 2007 or later are eligible to receive, after meeting certain length of service requirements, an annual discretionary 401(k) plan contribution from the Bank equal to a percentage of an employee’s base compensation.  The contribution amount, if any, is placed in a separate account within the 401(k) plan and is subject to a vesting requirement.


For employees who are eligible to participate in the Pension Plan, the Pension Plan requires benefits to be paid to eligible employees based primarily upon age and compensation rates during employment.  Upon retirement or other termination of employment, employees can elect either an annuity benefit or a lump sum distribution of vested benefits in the Pension Plan.


The following sets forth the components of net periodic benefit costs of the Pension Plan and the line item on the Consolidated Statement of Income where such amounts are included, for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively (in thousands):

 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
   
   
2022
   
2021
 
Affected line item on the Consolidated Statement of Income
Service cost
 
$
78
   
$
110
 
Salary and Employee Benefits
Interest cost
   
59
     
82
 
Other Expenses
Expected return on plan assets
   
(203
)
   
(252
)
Other  Expenses
Net amortization and deferral
   
36
     
91
 
Other Expenses
Net periodic benefit cost
 
$
(30
)
 
$
31
   


The Bank does not expect to contribute to the Pension Plan during 2022.

21


Restricted Stock Plan


The Company maintains a Restricted Stock Plan (the “Plan”) whereby employees and non-employee corporate directors are eligible to receive awards of restricted stock based upon performance related requirements.  Awards granted under the Plan are in the form of the Company’s common stock and are subject to certain vesting requirements including continuous employment or service with the Company.  In April of 2016, the Company’s stockholders authorized a total of 150,000 shares of the Company’s common stock to be made available under the Plan. As of March 31, 2022, 119,312 shares remain available to be issued under the Plan.  The Plan assists the Company in attracting, retaining and motivating employees to make substantial contributions to the success of the Company and to increase the emphasis on the use of equity as a key component of compensation.


The following table details the vesting, awarding and forfeiting of restricted stock during the three months ended March 31, 2022:

 
Three months
 
   
Unvested
Shares
   
Weighted
Average
Market Price
 
Outstanding, beginning of period
   
6,954
   
$
58.51
 
Granted
   
79
     
62.65
 
Forfeited
   
(40
)
   
58.01
 
Vested
   
(61
)
   
57.56
 
Outstanding, end of period
   
6,932
   
$
58.57
 


Compensation expense related to restricted stock is recognized, based on the market price of the stock at the grant date, over the vesting period. For the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, compensation expense totaled $77,000 and $84,000, respectively. At March 31, 2022, the total compensation cost related to nonvested awards that had not yet been recognized was $406,000, which is expected to be recognized over the next three years.

Note 8 – Accumulated Comprehensive Income


The following tables present the changes in accumulated other comprehensive income by component, net of tax, for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021 (in thousands):

 
Three months ended March 31, 2022
 
   
Unrealized gain (loss) on
available for sale
securities (a)
   
Defined Benefit Pension
Items (a)
   
Unrealized gain
(loss) on
interest rate
swap (a)
   
Total
 
Balance as of December 31, 2021
  $ 304     $ (1,968 )   $ 1,509     $ (155 )
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (net of tax)     (16,580 )     -       1,910       (14,670 )
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (net of tax)
    -       28       32       60  
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)
    (16,580 )     28       1,942       (14,610 )
Balance as of March 31, 2022
  $ (16,276 )   $ (1,940 )   $ 3,451     $ (14,765 )

 
Three months ended March 31, 2021
 
   
Unrealized gain (loss) on
available for sale
securities (a)
   
Defined Benefit Pension
Items (a)
   
Unrealized gain
(loss) on
interest rate
swap (a)
   
Total
 
Balance as of December 31, 2020
  $ 6,058     $ (3,462 )   $ (9 )   $ 2,587  
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (net of tax)
    (3,235 )     -       1,590       (1,645 )
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (net of tax)
    (39 )     72       27       60  
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)
    (3,274 )     72       1,617       (1,585 )
Balance as of March 31, 2021
  $ 2,784     $ (3,390 )   $ 1,608     $ 1,002  

(a) Amounts in parentheses indicate debits on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

22


The following table presents the significant amounts reclassified out of each component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021 (in thousands):

Details about accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
 
Amount reclassified from
accumulated comprehensive
income (loss) (a)
 
Affected line item in the Consolidated Statement of Income
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 
 
 
2022
   
2021
 
 
Unrealized gains and losses on available for sale securities
           
       
   
$
-
   
$
50
 
Available for sale securities gains, net
     
-
     
(11
)
Provision for income taxes
   
$
-
   
$
39
 
Net of tax
Defined benefit pension items
                       
 
 
$
(36
)
 
$
(91
)
Other expenses
 
   
8
     
19
 
Provision for income taxes
 
 
$
(28
)
 
$
(72
)
Net of tax
Unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate swap                       

  $ (40 )   $ (34 ) Interest expense
      8       7   Provision for income taxes
    $ (32 )   $ (27 ) Net of tax
                        
Total reclassifications
 
$
(60
)
 
$
(60
)
 

(a) Amounts in parentheses indicate expenses and other amounts indicate income on the Consolidated Statement of Income

Note 9 – Fair Value Measurements


The Company has established a hierarchal disclosure framework associated with the level of pricing observability utilized in measuring assets and liabilities at fair value. The three broad levels defined by this hierarchy are as follows:

Level I:
Quoted prices are available in active markets for identical assets or liabilities as of the reported date.

Level II:
Pricing inputs are other than quoted prices in active markets, which are either directly or indirectly observable as of the reported date. The nature of these assets and liabilities include items for which quoted prices are available but traded less frequently, and items that are fair valued using other financial instruments, the parameters of which can be directly observed.

Level III:
Assets and liabilities that have little to no pricing observability as of the reported date. These items do not have two-way markets and are measured using management’s best estimate of fair value, where the inputs into the determination of fair value require significant management judgment or estimation.


A description of the valuation methodologies used for instruments measured at fair value, as well as the general classification of such instruments pursuant to the valuation hierarchy, is set forth below.


In general, fair value is based upon quoted market prices, where available. If such quoted market prices are not available, fair value is based upon internally developed models that primarily use, as inputs, observable market-based parameters. Valuation adjustments may be made to ensure that financial instruments are recorded at fair value. These adjustments may include amounts to reflect counterparty credit quality, the Company’s creditworthiness, among other things, as well as unobservable parameters. Any such valuation adjustments are applied consistently over time. Our valuation methodologies may produce a fair value calculation that may not be indicative of net realizable value or reflective of future fair values. While management believes the Company’s valuation methodologies are appropriate and consistent with other market participants, the use of different methodologies or assumptions to determine the fair value of certain financial instruments could result in a different estimate of fair value at the reporting date. Transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy are recognized on the actual date of the event or circumstances that caused the transfer, which generally coincides with the Company’s monthly and/or quarterly valuation process.

23

Assets and Liabilities Required to be Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis


The fair values of equity securities and securities available for sale are determined by quoted prices in active markets, when available, and classified as Level I. If quoted market prices are not available, the fair value is determined by a matrix pricing, which is a mathematical technique, widely used in the industry to value debt securities without relying exclusively on quoted prices for the specific securities but rather by relying on the securities’ relationship to other benchmark quoted securities and classified as Level II. The fair values consider observable data that may include dealer quotes, market spreads, cash flows, the U.S. Treasury yield curve, live trading levels, trade execution data, market consensus prepayment speeds, credit information and the bond’s terms and conditions, among other things.


The following tables present the assets and liabilities reported on the Consolidated Balance Sheet at their fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021 by level within the fair value hierarchy (in thousands). Financial assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

March 31, 2022
 
Level I
   
Level II
   
Level III
   
Total
 
Fair value measurements on a recurring basis:
                       
Assets
                       
Equity securities
 
$
2,444
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
2,444
 
Available for sale securities:
                               
U.S. Agency securities
   
-
     
74,532
     
-
     
74,532
 
U.S. Treasury securities
   
146,690
     
-
     
-
     
146,690
 
Obligations of state and political subdivisions
   
-
     
117,990
     
-
     
117,990
 
Corporate obligations
   
-
     
10,048
     
-
     
10,048
 
Mortgage-backed securities in government sponsored entities
   
-
     
112,211
     
-
     
112,211
 
Other Assets
                               
Derivative instruments
   
-
     
10,816
     
-
     
10,816
 
Liabilities
                               
Derivative instruments
   
-
     
(6,448
)
   
-
     
(6,448
)

December 31, 2021
 
Level I
   
Level II
   
Level III
   
Total
 
Fair value measurements on a recurring basis:
                       
Assets
                       
Equity securities
 
$
2,270
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
2,270
 
Available for sale securities:
                               
U.S. Agency securities
   
-
     
73,945
     
-
     
73,945
 
U.S. Treasuries securities
   
115,347
     
-
     
-
     
115,347
 
Obligations of state and political subdivisions
   
-
     
112,021
     
-
     
112,021
 
Corporate obligations
   
-
     
10,333
     
-
     
10,333
 
Mortgage-backed securities in government sponsored entities
   
-
     
100,756
     
-
     
100,756
 
Other Assets
                               
Derivative instruments
   
-
     
4,011
     
-
     
4,011
 
Liabilities
                               
Derivative instruments
   
-
     
(2,101
)
   
-
     
(2,101
)

24

Assets and Liabilities Required to be Measured and Reported at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis


Assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis as of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021 are included in the table below (in thousands):

March 31, 2022
 
Level I
   
Level II
   
Level III
   
Total
 
Impaired Loans
 
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
490
   
$
490
 
Other real estate owned
   
-
     
-
     
743
     
743
 
                                 
December 31, 2021
 
Level I
   
Level II
   
Level III
   
Total
 
Impaired Loans
 
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
459
   
$
459
 
Other real estate owned
   
-
     
-
     
552
     
552
 

Impaired Loans - The Company has measured impairment on impaired loans generally based on the fair value of the loan’s collateral.  Fair value is generally determined based upon independent third-party appraisals of the properties. In some cases, management may adjust the appraised value due to the age of the appraisal, changes in market conditions, or observable deterioration of the property since the appraisal was completed.   Additionally, management makes estimates about expected costs to sell the property which are also included in the net realizable value.  If the fair value of the collateral dependent loan is less than the carrying amount of the loan a specific reserve for the loan is made in the allowance for loan losses or a charge-off is taken to reduce the loan to the fair value of the collateral (less estimated selling costs) and the loan is included in the table above as a Level III measurement.  If the fair value of the collateral exceeds the carrying amount of the loan, then the loan is not included in the table above as it is not currently being carried at its fair value. The fair values above excluded estimated selling costs of $67,000 and $47,000 at March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively.

Other Real Estate Owned (OREO) – OREO is carried at the lower of cost or fair value, less estimated costs to sell, which is measured at the date of foreclosure.  If the fair value of the collateral exceeds the carrying amount of the loan, no charge-off or adjustment is necessary, the loan is not considered to be carried at fair value, and is therefore not included in the table above. If the fair value of the collateral is less than the carrying amount of the loan, management will charge the loan down to its estimated realizable value. The fair value of OREO is based on the appraised value of the property, which is generally unadjusted by management and is based on comparable sales for similar properties in the same geographic region as the subject property, and is included in the above table as a Level II measurement.  In some cases, management may adjust the appraised value due to the age of the appraisal, changes in market conditions, or observable deterioration of the property since the appraisal was completed.  In these cases, the loans are categorized in the above table as a Level III measurement since these adjustments are considered to be unobservable inputs. Income and expenses from operations and further declines in the fair value of the collateral subsequent to foreclosure are included in net expenses from OREO.


The following table provides a listing of the significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement process for items valued utilizing Level III techniques (dollars in thousands).

March 31, 2022
 
Fair Value
 
Valuation Technique(s)
Unobservable input
 
Range
   
Weighted average
 
Impaired Loans
 
$
490
 
Appraised Collateral Values
Discount for time since appraisal
   
0-100
%
   
15.84
%
         
     
Selling costs
   
5%-10
%
   
6.73
%
         
     
Holding period
 
0 - 12 months
   
11.42 months
 
         
 
 
               
Other real estate owned
   
743
 
Appraised Collateral Values
Discount for time since appraisal
   
19-44
%
   
35.56
%

December 31, 2021
 
Fair Value
 
Valuation Technique(s)
Unobservable input
 
Range
   
Weighted average
 
Impaired Loans
   
459
 
Appraised Collateral Values
Discount for time since appraisal
   
0-100
%
   
23.38
%
         
     
Selling costs
   
8%-10
%
   
8.27
%
         
     
Holding period
 
6 - 12 months
   
11.52 months
 
         
 
 
               
Other real estate owned
   
552
 
Appraised Collateral Values
Discount for time since appraisal
   
20-44
%
   
41.76
%

25

Financial Instruments Not Required to be Measured or Reported at Fair Value


The carrying amount and fair value of the Company’s financial instruments that are not required to be measured or reported at fair value on a recurring basis are as follows (in thousands):

March 31, 2022
 
Carrying
Amount
   
Fair Value
   
Level I
   
Level II
   
Level III
 
Financial assets:
                             
Interest bearing time deposits with other banks
 
$
10,528
   
$
10,528
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
10,528
 
Loans held for sale
   
644
     
644
     
-
     
-
     
644
 
Net loans
   
1,461,139
     
1,470,482
     
-
     
-
     
1,470,482
 
                                         
Financial liabilities:
                                       
Deposits
   
1,879,090
     
1,873,517
     
1,563,148
     
-
     
310,369
 
Borrowed funds
   
68,214
     
65,144
     
-
     
-
     
65,144
 
                                         
December 31, 2021
   
Carrying
Amount
      Fair Value
      Level I
      Level II
      Level III
 
Financial assets:
                                       
Interest bearing time deposits with other banks
 
$
11,026
   
$
11,026
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
11,026
 
Loans held for sale
   
4,554
     
4,554
     
-
     
-
     
4,554
 
Net loans
   
1,424,229
     
1,426,698
     
-
     
-
     
1,426,698
 
                                         
Financial liabilities:
                                       
Deposits
   
1,836,151
     
1,836,179
     
1,506,535
     
-
     
329,644
 
Borrowed funds
   
73,977
     
72,346
     
-
     
-
     
72,346
 


The carrying amounts for cash and due from banks, bank owned life insurance, regulatory stock, accrued interest receivable and payable approximate fair value and are considered Level I measurements.
26

Note 10 – Recent Accounting Pronouncements


In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses: Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, which changes the impairment model for most financial assets. This Update is intended to improve financial reporting by requiring timelier recording of credit losses on loans and other financial instruments held by financial institutions and other organizations.  The underlying premise of the Update is that financial assets measured at amortized cost should be presented at the net amount expected to be collected, through an allowance for credit losses that is deducted from the amortized cost basis. The allowance for credit losses should reflect management’s current estimate of credit losses that are expected to occur over the remaining life of a financial asset.  The income statement will be effected for the measurement of credit losses for newly recognized financial assets, as well as the expected increases or decreases of expected credit losses that have taken place during the period. ASU 2016-13 is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2019, and early adoption is permitted for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2018. With certain exceptions, transition to the new requirements will be through a cumulative effect adjustment to opening retained earnings as of the beginning of the first reporting period in which the guidance is adopted.  In November 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-10, Financial Instruments ‒ Credit Losses (Topic 326), Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815), and Leases (Topic 842). This Update defers the effective date of ASU 2016-13 for SEC filers that are eligible to be smaller reporting companies, non-SEC filers, and all other companies to fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022, including interim periods within those fiscal years. We expect to recognize a one-time cumulative effect adjustment to the allowance for loan losses as of the beginning of the first reporting period in which the new standard is effective, but cannot yet determine the magnitude of any such one-time adjustment or the overall impact of the new guidance on the consolidated financial statements. In that regard, we have formed a cross-functional working group. The working group is comprised of individuals from various functional areas including credit, loan origination and finance. We are currently working through our implementation plan which includes assessment and documentation of processes, internal controls and data sources; model development and documentation; and system configuration, among other things. We are also in the process of implementing a third-party vendor solution to assist us in the application of the ASU 2016-13. The adoption of the ASU 2016-13 could result in an increase in the allowance for loan losses as a result of changing from an “incurred loss” model, which encompasses allowances for current known and inherent losses within the portfolio, to an “expected loss” model, which encompasses allowances for losses expected to be incurred over the life of the portfolio. While we are currently unable to reasonably estimate the impact of adopting ASU 2016-13, we expect that the impact of adoption will be significantly influenced by the composition, characteristics and quality of our loan portfolio as well as the prevailing economic conditions and forecasts as of the adoption date.


In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. To simplify the subsequent measurement of goodwill, the FASB eliminated Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test.  In computing the implied fair value of goodwill under Step 2, an entity had to perform procedures to determine the fair value at the impairment testing date of its assets and liabilities (including unrecognized assets and liabilities) following the procedure that would be required in determining the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination.  Instead, under the amendments in this Update, an entity should perform its annual, or interim, goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. An entity should recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting units fair value; however, the loss recognized should not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit.  A public business entity that is a U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filer should adopt the amendments in this Update for its annual or any interim goodwill impairment tests in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. In November 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-10, Financial Instruments ‒ Credit Losses (Topic 326), Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815), and Leases (Topic 842), which deferred the effective date for ASC 350, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other, for smaller reporting companies to fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022, and interim periods within those fiscal years. This Update is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.


27


In April 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-04, Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses, Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging, and Topic 825, Financial Instruments, which affects a variety of topics in the Codification and applies to all reporting entities within the scope of the affected accounting guidance. Topic 326, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses amendments are effective for SEC registrants for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within those fiscal years. For all other public business entities, the effective date is for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, and for all other entities, the effective date is for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021. Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging amendments are effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years. For all other entities, the amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2020. For entities that have adopted the amendments in Update 2017-12, the effective date is as of the beginning of the first annual period beginning after the issuance of this Update. Topic 825, Financial Instruments amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within fiscal years. In November 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-10, Financial Instruments ‒ Credit Losses (Topic 326), Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815), and Leases (Topic 842). This Update defers the effective date of ASU 2016-13 for SEC filers that are eligible to be smaller reporting companies, non-SEC filers and all other companies to fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Furthermore, the ASU provides a one-year deferral of the effective dates of the ASUs on derivatives and hedging for companies that are not public business entities. The Company qualifies as a smaller reporting company and does not expect to early adopt these ASUs.


In May 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-05, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses, Topic 326, which allows entities to irrevocably elect the fair value option for certain financial assets previously measured at amortized cost upon adoption of the new credit losses standard. To be eligible for the transition election, the existing financial asset must otherwise be both within the scope of the new credit losses standard and eligible for the applying the fair value option in ASC 825-10.3. The election must be applied on an instrument-by-instrument basis and is not available for either available-for-sale or held-to-maturity debt securities. For entities that elect the fair value option, the difference between the carrying amount and the fair value of the financial asset would be recognized through a cumulative-effect adjustment to opening retained earnings as of the date an entity adopted ASU 2016-13. Changes in fair value of that financial asset would subsequently be reported in current earnings. For entities that have not yet adopted ASU 2016-13, the effective dates and transition requirements are the same as those in ASU 2016-13. For entities that have adopted ASU 2016-13, ASU 2019-05 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted once ASU 2016-13 has been adopted.  In November 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-10, Financial Instruments ‒ Credit Losses (Topic 326), Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815), and Leases (Topic 842). The Update defers the effective date of ASU 2016-13 for SEC filers that are eligible to be smaller reporting companies, non-SEC filers and all other companies to fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company qualifies as a smaller reporting company and does not expect to early adopt ASU 2016-13.


In November 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-11, Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses, to clarify its new credit impairment guidance in ASC 326, based on implementation issues raised by stakeholders. This Update clarified, among other things, that expected recoveries are to be included in the allowance for credit losses for these financial assets; an accounting policy election can be made to adjust the effective interest rate for existing troubled debt restructurings based on the prepayment assumptions instead of the prepayment assumptions applicable immediately prior to the restructuring event; and extends the practical expedient to exclude accrued interest receivable from all additional relevant disclosures involving amortized cost basis. The effective dates in this Update are the same as those applicable for ASU 2019-10. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of the standard will have on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.

28


In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-3, Codification Improvements to Financial Instruments. This ASU was issued to improve and clarify various financial instruments topics, including the current expected credit losses (CECL) standard issued in 2016. The ASU includes seven issues that describe the areas of improvement and the related amendments to GAAP; they are intended to make the standards easier to understand and apply and to eliminate inconsistencies, and they are narrow in scope and are not expected to significantly change practice for most entities. Among its provisions, the ASU clarifies that all entities, other than public business entities that elected the fair value option, are required to provide certain fair value disclosures under ASC 825, Financial Instruments, in both interim and annual financial statements. It also clarifies that the contractual term of a net investment in a lease under Topic 842 should be the contractual term used to measure expected credit losses under Topic 326. Amendments related to ASU 2019-04 are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is not permitted before an entity’s adoption of ASU 2016-01. Amendments related to ASU 2016-13 for entities that have not yet adopted that guidance are effective upon adoption of the amendments in ASU 2016-13. Early adoption is not permitted before an entity’s adoption of ASU 2016-13. Amendments related to ASU 2016-13 for entities that have adopted that guidance are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those years. Other amendments are effective upon issuance of this ASU. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of the standard will have on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.


In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-4, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting, March 2020, to provide temporary optional expedients and exceptions to the U.S. GAAP guidance on contract modifications and hedge accounting to ease the financial reporting burdens of the expected market transition from LIBOR and other interbank offered rates to alternative reference rates, such as Secured Overnight Financing Rate. Entities can elect not to apply certain modification accounting requirements to contracts affected by what the guidance calls reference rate reform, if certain criteria are met. An entity that makes this election would not have to remeasure the contracts at the modification date or reassess a previous accounting determination. Also, entities can elect various optional expedients that would allow them to continue applying hedge accounting for hedging relationships affected by reference rate reform, if certain criteria are met, and can make a one-time election to sell and/or reclassify held-to-maturity debt securities that reference an interest rate affected by reference rate reform. The amendments in this ASU are effective for all entities upon issuance through December 31, 2022. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of the standard will have on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.


29


In August 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-6, Debt – Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging – Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40), which simplifies the accounting for certain financial instruments with characteristics of liabilities and equity, including convertible instruments and contracts on an entity’s own equity.  This ASU removes from U.S. GAAP the separation models for (1) convertible debt with a cash conversion feature and (2) convertible instruments with a beneficial conversion feature. As a result, entities will not separately present in equity an embedded conversion feature in such debt. Instead, they will account for a convertible debt instrument wholly as debt, and for convertible preferred stock wholly as preferred stock (i.e., as a single unit of account), unless (1) a convertible instrument contains features that require bifurcation as a derivative under ASC 815 or (2) a convertible debt instrument was issued at a substantial premium.  This ASU requires entities to provide expanded disclosures about the terms and features of convertible instruments, how the instruments have been reported in the entity’s financial statements, and information about events, conditions, and circumstances that can affect how to assess the amount or timing of an entity’s future cash flows related to those instruments. The amendments in this ASU are effective for public business entities that are not smaller reporting companies, for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021, and interim periods within those fiscal years.  For all other entities, this ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The guidance may be early adopted for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, and interim periods within those fiscal years. This Update is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.


In January 2021, the FASB issued ASU 2021-01, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848), which provides optional temporary guidance for entities transitioning away from the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) and other interbank offered rates (IBORs) to new references rates so that derivatives affected by the discounting transition are explicitly eligible for certain optional expedients and exceptions within Topic 848. ASU 2021-01 clarifies that the derivatives affected by the discounting transition are explicitly eligible for certain optional expedients and exceptions in Topic 848. ASU 2021-01 is effective immediately for all entities. Entities may elect to apply the amendments on a full retrospective basis as of any date from the beginning of an interim period that includes or is subsequent to March 12, 2020, or on a prospective basis to new modifications from any date within an interim period that includes or is subsequent to the date of the issuance of a final update, up to the date that financial statements are available to be issued. The amendments in this update do not apply to contract modifications made, as well as new hedging relationships entered into, after December 31, 2022, and to existing hedging relationships evaluated for effectiveness for periods after December 31, 2022, except for certain hedging relationships existing as of December 31, 2022, that apply certain optional expedients in which the accounting effects are recorded through the end of the hedging relationship. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of the standard will have on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.



In July 2021, the FASB issued ASU 2021-05, Leases (Topic 842), which amends ASC 842 so that lessors are no longer required to recognize a selling loss upon commencement of a lease with variable lease payments that, prior to the amendments, would have been classified as a sales-type or direct financing lease.  Furthermore, a lessor must classify as an operating lease any lease that would otherwise be classified as a sales-type or direct financing lease and that would result in the recognition of a selling loss at lease commencement, provided that the lease includes variable lease payments that do not depend on an index or rate.  For public business entities and certain not-for-profit entities and employee benefit plans that have adopted ASC 842, the amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021, and for interim periods within those fiscal years.  For all other entities that have adopted ASC 842, the amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021, and for interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022. All entities that have adopted ASC 842 are permitted to early adopt the amendments in ASU 2021-05. The amendments in ASU 2021-05 are effective as of the same date as the guidance in ASC 842 for entities that have not adopted ASC 842. This Update is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.



In October 2021, the FASB issued ASU 2021-08, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Accounting for Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities from Contracts with Customers, which addresses how an acquirer should recognize and measure revenue contracts acquired in a business combination. For public business entities, the ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022, including interim periods within those fiscal years. For all other entities, the ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, including interim periods within those fiscal years.



In March 2022, the FASB issued ASU 2022-01, Derivatives and Hedging (ASC 815): Fair Value Hedging - Portfolio Layer Method. ASC 815 currently permits only prepayable financial assets and one or more beneficial interests secured by a portfolio of prepayable financial instruments to be included in a last-of-layer closed portfolio. The amendments in this Update allow non-prepayable financial assets to also be included in a closed portfolio hedged using the portfolio layer method. That expanded scope permits an entity to apply the same portfolio hedging method to both prepayable and non-prepayable financial assets, thereby allowing consistent accounting for similar hedges. The guidance is effective for public business entities for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2022. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of the standard will have on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.



In March 2022, the FASB issued ASU 2022-02, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (ASC 326): Troubled Debt Restructurings (TDRs) and Vintage Disclosures. The guidance amends ASC 326 to eliminate the accounting guidance for TDRs by creditors, while enhancing disclosure requirements for certain loan refinancing and restructuring activities by creditors when a borrower is experiencing financial difficulty. Specifically, rather than applying TDR recognition and measurement guidance, creditors will determine whether a modification results in a new loan or continuation of existing loan. These amendments are intended to enhance existing disclosure requirements and introduce new requirements related to certain modifications of receivables made to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty. Additionally, the amendments to ASC 326 require that an entity disclose current-period gross writeoffs by year of origination within the vintage disclosures, which requires that an entity disclose the amortized cost basis of financing receivables by credit quality indicator and class of financing receivable by year of origination. The guidance is only for entities that have adopted the amendments in Update 2016-13 for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2022. Early adoption using prospective application, including adoption in an interim period where the guidance should be applied as of the beginning of the fiscal year. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of the standard will have on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.
30


ITEM 2.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
Forward-Looking Statements
 
We have made forward-looking statements in this document, and in documents that we incorporate by reference, that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements include information concerning possible or expected future results of operations of Citizens Financial Services, Inc., CZFS Acquisition Company, LLC, First Citizens Community Bank, First Citizens Insurance Agency, Inc., 1st Realty of PA LLC or the combined Company. When we use words such as “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” or similar expressions, we are making forward-looking statements. For a variety of reasons, actual results could differ materially from those contained in or implied by forward-looking statements.  The Company cautions readers that the following important factors, among others, could in the future affect the Company’s actual results and could cause the Company’s actual results for subsequent periods to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statement:
 

The COVID-19 pandemic may have an adverse effect on our business and operations, our customers, including their ability to make timely loan payments, our service providers, and on the economy and financial markets more significant that we expect.

Interest rates could change more rapidly or more significantly than we expect.

The economy could change significantly in an unexpected way, which would cause the demand for new loans and the ability of borrowers to repay outstanding loans to change in ways that our models do not anticipate.

The financial markets could suffer a significant disruption, which may have a negative effect on our financial condition and that of our borrowers, and on our ability to raise money by issuing new securities.

It could take us longer than we anticipate implementing strategic initiatives, including expansions, designed to increase revenues or manage expenses, or we may be unable to implement those initiatives at all.

Acquisitions and dispositions of assets could affect us in ways that management has not anticipated.

We may become subject to new legal obligations or the resolution of litigation may have a negative effect on our financial condition or operating results.

We may become subject to new and unanticipated accounting, tax, regulatory or compliance practices or requirements. Failure to comply with any one or more of these requirements could have an adverse effect on our operations.

We could experience greater loan delinquencies than anticipated, adversely affecting our earnings and financial condition.

We could experience greater losses than expected due to the ever increasing volume of information theft and fraudulent scams impacting our customers and the banking industry.

We could lose the services of some or all of our key personnel, which would negatively impact our business because of their business development skills, financial expertise, lending experience, technical expertise and market area knowledge.

The agricultural economy is subject to extreme swings in both the costs of resources and the prices received from the sale of products as a result of forces of nature like weather and various viruses, government regulations, international trade agreements and consumer tastes, which could negatively impact certain of our customers.

Poultry producers and suppliers may experience significant disruption due to the highly pathogenic avian influenza that is spreading in the United States.

Loan concentrations in certain industries could negatively impact our results, if financial results or economic conditions deteriorate.

A budget impasse in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania could impact our asset values, liquidity and profitability as a result of either delayed or reduced funding to school districts and municipalities who are customers of the bank.

31


Companies providing support services related to the exploration and drilling of the natural gas reserves in our market area may be affected by federal, state and local laws and regulations such as restrictions on production, permitting, changes in taxes and environmental protection, which could negatively impact our customers and, as a result, negatively impact our loan and deposit volume and loan quality. Additionally, the activities the companies providing support services related to the exploration and drilling of the natural gas reserves may be dependent on the market price of natural gas.  As a result, decreases in the market price of natural gas could also negatively impact these companies, our customers.

Additional factors that may affect our results are discussed under “Part II – Item 1A – Risk Factors” in this report and in the Company’s 2021 Annual Report on Form 10-K under “Item 1.A/ Risk Factors.”  Except as required by applicable law and regulation, we assume no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements after the date on which they are made.

Introduction

The following is management's discussion and analysis of the financial condition and results of operations at the dates and for the periods presented in the accompanying consolidated financial statements for the Company.  Our consolidated financial condition and results of operations consist almost entirely of the Bank’s financial condition and results of operations. Management’s discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the preceding financial statements presented under Part I.  The results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2022 are not necessarily indicative of the results you may expect for the full year.

The Company currently engages in the general business of banking throughout our service area of Potter, Tioga, Clinton, Bradford and Centre counties in north central Pennsylvania, Lebanon, Berks, Schuylkill, Lancaster and Chester counties in south central Pennsylvania and Allegany County in southern New York and with the MidCoast acquisition, the Cities of Wilmington and Dover, Delaware. We also have a limited branch office in Union county, Pennsylvania, which primarily serves agricultural and commercial customers in the central Pennsylvania market. We maintain our central office in Mansfield, Pennsylvania. Presently we operate 33 banking facilities, 31 of which operate as bank branches.  In Pennsylvania, the Company has full service offices located in Mansfield, Blossburg, Ulysses, Genesee, Wellsboro, Troy, Sayre, Canton, Gillett, Millerton, LeRaysville, Towanda, Rome, the Mansfield Wal-Mart Super Center, Mill Hall, Schuylkill Haven, Friedensburg, Mt. Aetna, Fredericksburg, Mount Joy, Fivepointville, State College, Kennett Square and two branches near the city of Lebanon, Pennsylvania. The limited branch office is located in Winfield, Pennsylvania. In New York, our office is in Wellsville. In Delaware, we have two branches in Wilmington and one in Dover. We have received approval to open a branch in Ephrata, Pennsylvania, which we expect to happen in the second half of 2022.

Covid-19 Pandemic Response and Loan Profile

In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Company maintained a payment relief program that included the following:

Interest only payment options for consumers and businesses for 60-90 days.

Deferral of principal payments for consumers and businesses in certain
industries for 60-120 days

During 2022, we have not modified any loans under this program. Additionally, in accordance with government regulations, we have paused certain foreclosure actions in accordance with state mandates. We also continue to participate in the in the Paycheck Protection Program for loans provided under the auspices of the Small Business Administration (SBA). As of March 31, 2022, we had outstanding 23 loans with balances totaling $2.8 million that earn interest at 1% per annum and are expected to generate fee revenue of approximately $109,000 over the next 15 months. A portion of these loans may be forgiven by the SBA depending on the customers usage of the proceeds.

32

Risk Management

Risk identification and management are essential elements for the successful management of the Company.  In the normal course of business, the Company is subject to various types of risk, including interest rate, credit, liquidity, reputational and regulatory risk.

Interest rate risk is the sensitivity of net interest income and the market value of financial instruments to the direction and frequency of changes in market interest rates.  Interest rate risk results from various re-pricing frequencies and the maturity structure of the financial instruments owned by the Company.  The Company uses its asset/liability and funds management policy to control and manage interest rate risk.

Credit risk represents the possibility that a customer may not perform in accordance with contractual terms.  Credit risk results from loans with customers and the purchasing of securities.  The Company’s primary credit risk is in the loan portfolio.  The Company manages credit risk by adhering to an established credit policy and through a disciplined evaluation of the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses.  Also, the investment policy limits the amount of credit risk that may be taken in the investment portfolio.

Liquidity risk represents the inability to generate or otherwise obtain funds at reasonable rates to satisfy commitments to borrowers and obligations to depositors.  The Company has established guidelines within its asset/liability and funds management policy to manage liquidity risk.  These guidelines include, among other things, contingent funding alternatives.

Reputational risk, or the risk to our business, earnings, liquidity, and capital from negative public opinion, could result from our actual or alleged conduct in a variety of areas, including legal and regulatory compliance, lending practices, corporate governance, litigation, ethical issues, or inadequate protection of customer information, including fraudulent activity outside the Company’s control. We expend significant resources to comply with regulatory requirements. Failure to comply could result in reputational harm or significant legal or remedial costs. Damage to our reputation could adversely affect our ability to retain and attract new customers, and adversely impact our earnings and liquidity.

Regulatory and compliance risk represents the possibility that a change in law, regulations or regulatory policy may have a material effect on the business of the Company. We cannot predict what legislation might be enacted or what regulations might be adopted, or if adopted, the effect thereof on our operations.

Competition

The banking industry in the Bank’s service areas continue to be extremely competitive, both among commercial banks and with other financial service providers such as consumer finance companies, thrifts, investment firms, mutual funds, insurance companies, credit unions, agricultural cooperatives and intenet entities for loans and deposits. Competition in our north central Pennsylvania market has increased as a result of other financial institutions looking to expand into new markets. With larger population centers in our central and south central markets, as well as in our Delaware market, we experience more competition to gather deposits and to make loans. Mortgage banking firms, financial companies, financial affiliates of industrial companies, brokerage firms, retirement fund management firms and even government agencies provide additional competition for loans, deposits and other financial services. Fintech and blockchain entities offering crypto services are also increasing competition for the Company’s financial services. The Bank is generally competitive with all competing financial institutions in its service areas with respect to interest rates paid on time and savings deposits, service charges on deposit accounts and interest rates charged on loans.

Trust and Investment Services; Oil and Gas Lease Services

33

Our Investment and Trust Services Division offers professional trust administration, investment management services, estate planning and administration, and custody of securities.  In addition to traditional trust and investment services offered, we assist our customers through various oil and gas specific leasing matters from lease negotiations to establishing a successful approach to personal wealth management. Assets held by the Company in a fiduciary or agency capacity for its customers are not included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets since such items are not assets of the Company.  Revenues and fees of the Trust Department are reflected in trust income in the Consolidated Statement of Income. As of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, the Trust Department had $156.2 million and $154.8 million of assets under management, respectively.

Our Investment Representatives offer full service brokerage services and financial planning throughout the Bank’s market area. Products such as mutual funds, annuities, health and life insurance are made available through our insurance subsidiary, First Citizens Insurance Agency, Inc.  The assets associated with these products are not included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets since such items are not assets of the Company. Assets owned and invested by customers of the Bank through the Bank’s Investment Representatives decreased from $282.1 million at December 31, 2021 to $280.6 million at March 31, 2022. Fee income from the sale of these products is reflected in brokerage and insurance income in the Consolidated Statement of Income. Management believes that there are opportunities to increase non-interest income through these products and services, especially in our central and south central Pennsylvania markets.

Results of Operations

Overview of the Income Statement

The Company had net income of $6,740,000 for the first three months of 2022 compared to $8,463,000 for last year’s comparable period, a decrease of $1,723,000, or 20.4%. Basic earnings per share for the first three months of 2022 were $1.71, compared to $2.14 for last year’s comparable period, representing a 20.1% decrease.  Annualized return on assets and return on equity for the three months of 2022 were 1.26% and 12.46%, respectively, compared with 1.77% and 17.25% for last year’s comparable period.

Net Interest Income

Net interest income, the most significant component of the Company’s earnings, is the amount by which interest income generated from interest-earning assets exceeds interest expense paid on interest-bearing liabilities.

Net interest income for the first three months of 2022 was $16,262,000, a decrease of $179,000, or 1.1%, compared to the same period in 2021 and was due to a decrease in amortization income on PPP forgiven loans of $676,000.  For the three months of 2022 the provision for loan losses was $250,000, a decrease of $400,000 over the comparable period in 2021. Consequently, net interest income after the provision for loan losses was $16,012,000 in the first three months of 2022 compared to $15,791,000 during the first three months of 2021.

The following table sets forth the average balances of, and the interest earned or incurred on, for each principal category of assets, liabilities and stockholders’ equity, the related rates, net interest income and interest rate spread created for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021 on a tax equivalent basis (dollars in thousands):

34

   
Analysis of Average Balances and Interest Rates
Three Months Ended
 
   
March 31, 2022
   
March 31, 2021
 
   
Average
Balance (1)
   
Interest
   
Average
Rate
   
Average
Balance (1)
   
Interest
   
Average
Rate
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
$
    $    

%
   

$     $    

%
 
ASSETS
                                           
Short-term investments:
                                           
Interest-bearing deposits at banks
   
123,379
     
46
     
0.15
     
94,523
     
19
     
0.08
 
Total short-term investments
   
123,379
     
46
     
0.15
     
94,523
     
19
     
0.08
 
Interest bearing time deposits at banks
   
10,957
     
70
     
2.59
     
13,730
     
87
     
2.57
 
Investment securities:
                                               
Taxable
   
339,097
     
1,196
     
1.41
     
200,492
     
951
     
1.90
 
Tax-exempt (3)
   
115,020
     
738
     
2.57
     
100,422
     
689
     
2.74
 
Total investment securities
   
454,117
     
1,934
     
1.70
     
300,914
     
1,640
     
2.18
 
Loans (2)(3)(4):
                                               
Residential mortgage loans
   
200,838
     
2,331
     
4.71
     
203,941
     
2,553
     
5.08
 
Construction
   
61,518
     
607
     
4.00
     
38,314
     
410
     
4.34
 
Commercial Loans
   
767,830
     
8,582
     
4.53
     
713,900
     
9,063
     
5.15
 
Agricultural Loans
   
350,784
     
3,749
     
4.33
     
358,565
     
3,830
     
4.33
 
Loans to state & political subdivisions
   
46,984
     
367
     
3.17
     
62,516
     
598
     
3.87
 
Other loans
   
27,193
     
349
     
5.20
     
26,605
     
348
     
5.30
 
Loans, net of discount
   
1,455,147
     
15,985
     
4.46
     
1,403,841
     
16,802
     
4.85
 
Total interest-earning assets
   
2,043,600
     
18,035
     
3.58
     
1,813,008
     
18,548
     
4.15
 
Cash and due from banks
   
6,393
                     
6,377
                 
Bank premises and equipment
   
16,976
                     
17,003
                 
Other assets
   
79,371
                     
80,953
                 
Total non-interest earning assets
   
102,740
                     
104,333
                 
Total assets
   
2,146,340
                     
1,917,341
                 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
                                         
Interest-bearing liabilities:
                                               
NOW accounts
   
501,502
     
319
     
0.26
     
422,135
     
320
     
0.31
 
Savings accounts
   
317,176
     
74
     
0.09
     
268,252
     
89
     
0.13
 
Money market accounts
   
346,073
     
223
     
0.26
     
238,788
     
176
     
0.30
 
Certificates of deposit
   
322,867
     
659
     
0.83
     
380,791
     
1,013
     
1.08
 
Total interest-bearing deposits
   
1,487,618
     
1,275
     
0.35
     
1,309,966
     
1,598
     
0.49
 
Other borrowed funds
   
68,295
     
278
     
1.65
     
86,226
     
256
     
1.20
 
Total interest-bearing liabilities
   
1,555,913
     
1,553
     
0.40
     
1,396,192
     
1,854
     
0.54
 
Demand deposits
   
356,444
                     
306,377
                 
Other liabilities
   
17,569
                     
18,582
                 
Total non-interest-bearing liabilities
   
374,013
                     
324,959
                 
Stockholders' equity
   
216,414
                     
196,190
                 
Total liabilities & stockholders' equity
   
2,146,340
                     
1,917,341
                 
Net interest income
           
16,482
                     
16,694
         
Net interest spread (5)
                   
3.17
%
                   
3.61
%
Net interest income as a percentage
                                               
of average interest-earning assets
                   
3.27
%
                   
3.73
%
Ratio of interest-earning assets
                                               
to interest-bearing liabilities
                   
131
%
                   
130
%

(1)
Averages are based on daily averages.
(2)
Includes loan origination and commitment fees.
(3)
Tax exempt interest revenue is shown on a tax equivalent basis for proper comparison using a statutory federal income tax rate of 21%.
(4)
Income on non-accrual loans is accounted for on a cash basis, and the loan balances are included in interest-earning assets.
(5)
Interest rate spread represents the difference between the average rate earned on interest-earning assets and the average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities.
 
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Tax exempt revenue is shown on a tax-equivalent basis (non-Gaap) for proper comparison using a federal statutory income tax rate of 21% for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021.  For purposes of the comparison, as well as the discussion that follows, this presentation facilitates performance comparisons between taxable and tax-free assets by increasing the tax-free income by an amount equivalent to the Federal income taxes that would have been paid if this income were taxable at the Company’s Federal statutory rate during the corresponding period. The following table represents the adjustment to convert net interest income to net interest income on a fully taxable equivalent basis for the periods ended March 31, 2022 and 2021 (in thousands):
 
   
For the Three Months
 
   
Ended March 31,
 
   
2022
   
2021
 
Interest and dividend income from investment securities
           
and interest bearing deposits at banks (non-tax adjusted)
 
$
1,895
   
$
1,601
 
Tax equivalent adjustment
   
155
     
145
 
Interest and dividend income from investment securities
               
and interest bearing deposits at banks (tax equivalent basis)
 
$
2,050
   
$
1,746
 
                 
Interest and fees on loans (non-tax adjusted)
 
$
15,920
   
$
16,694
 
Tax equivalent adjustment
   
65
     
108
 
Interest and fees on loans (tax equivalent basis)
 
$
15,985
   
$
16,802
 
                 
Total interest income
 
$
17,815
   
$
18,295
 
Total interest expense
   
1,553
     
1,854
 
Net interest income
   
16,262
     
16,441
 
Total tax equivalent adjustment
   
220
     
253
 
Net interest income (tax equivalent basis)
 
$
16,482
   
$
16,694
 

The following table shows the tax-equivalent effect of changes in volume and rate on interest income and expense (in thousands):

   
Three months ended March 31, 2022 vs 2021 (1)
 
   
Change in
Volume
   
Change
in Rate
   
Total
Change
 
Interest Income:
                 
Short-term investments:
                 
Interest-bearing deposits at banks
 
$
7
   
$
20
   
$
27
 
Interest bearing time deposits at banks
   
(18
)
   
1
     
(17
)
Investment securities:
                       
Taxable
   
390
     
(145
)
   
245
 
Tax-exempt
   
88
     
(39
)
   
49
 
Total investments
   
478
     
(184
)
   
294
 
Loans:
                       
Residential mortgage loans
   
(38
)
   
(184
)
   
(222
)
Construction
   
226
     
(29
)
   
197
 
Commercial Loans
   
825
     
(1,306
)
   
(481
)
Agricultural Loans
   
(83
)
   
2
     
(81
)
Loans to state & political subdivisions
   
(134
)
   
(97
)
   
(231
)
Other loans
   
6
     
(5
)
   
1
 
Total loans, net of discount
   
802
     
(1,619
)
   
(817
)
Total Interest Income
   
1,269
     
(1,782
)
   
(513
)
Interest Expense:
                       
Interest-bearing deposits:
                       
NOW accounts
   
56
     
(57
)
   
(1
)
Savings accounts
   
24
     
(39
)
   
(15
)
Money Market accounts
   
65
     
(18
)
   
47
 
Certificates of deposit
   
(141
)
   
(213
)
   
(354
)
Total interest-bearing deposits
   
4
     
(327
)
   
(323
)
Other borrowed funds
   
(28
)
   
50
     
22
 
Total interest expense
   
(24
)
   
(277
)
   
(301
)
Net interest income
 
$
1,293
   
$
(1,505
)
 
$
(212
)

(1) The portion of the total change attributable to both volume and rate changes, which can not be separated, has been allocated proportionally to the change due to volume and the change due to rate prior to allocation.

36

Tax equivalent net interest income decreased from $16,694,000 for the three month period ended March 31, 2021 to $16,482,000 for the three month period ended March 31, 2022, a decrease of $212,000, which was largely due to a $676,000 decrease in amortization of PPP fees between the comparable periods. The tax equivalent net interest margin decreased from 3.73% for the first three months of 2021 to 3.27% for the comparable period in 2022. The decrease is primarily caused by the decrease in the yield of interest-earning assets due to the low market interest rate environment in response to the pandemic as well as the decrease in the amortization of PPP fees.
 
Total tax equivalent interest income for the 2022 three month period decreased $513,000 as compared to the 2021 three month period. This decrease was a result of a decrease of $1,782,000 due to a change in rate as the average yield on interest earning assets decreased 57 basis points from 4.15% to 3.58%. The decrease was offset by an increase of $1,269,000 due to the change volume as average interest-bearing assets increased $230.6 million.
 
Tax equivalent investment income for the three months ended March 31, 2022 increased $294,000 over the same period last year. The primary cause of the increase was an increase in the average balance of investment securities of $153.3 million.
 

The yield on taxable securities decreased 49 basis points from 1.90% to 1.41% as a result of purchases made in a lower rate environment in 2021. This resulted in a decrease in investment income of $184,000. The average balance of taxable securities increased $138.6 million due to purchases made as a result of substantial deposit growth, which resulted in an increase in investment income of $478,000.
 

The average balance of tax-exempt securities increased by $14.6 million, which resulted in an increase in investment income of $88,000. The yield on tax-exempt securities decreased 17 basis points from 2.74% to 2.57%, which corresponds to a decrease in interest income of $39,000. The yield decrease was attributable to higher yielding securities being called and maturing and being replaced by securities that were purchased in a lower rate environment. For a discussion of the Company’s current investment strategy, see the “Financial Condition – Investments”.
 
Total loan interest income decreased $817,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2022 compared to the same period last year, as a result of a decrease in amortization of fees on PPP loans.
 

Interest income on residential mortgage loans decreased $222,000. The change due to rate was a decrease of $184,000 as the average yield on residential mortgages decreased from 5.08% to 4.71% as a result of the lower rate environment due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
 

The average balance of construction loans increased $23.2 million as a result of projects in our south central Pennsylvania market, as well as the Delaware market. This resulted in an increase of $226,000 on total interest income due to volume.
 

The average balance of commercial loans increased $53.9 million from a year ago. The growth was primarily attributable to growth in Delaware. This had a positive impact of $825,000 on total interest income due to volume. The yield decreased 62 basis points to 4.53% due to the lower rate environment caused by the pandemic as well as the reduced amortization income on PPP loans and competition for loan growth, which decreased loan interest income $1,306,000.
 
37


Interest income on agricultural loans decreased $81,000 from 2021 to 2022. The decrease in the average balance of agricultural loans of $7.8 million resulted in a decrease in interest income due to volume of $83,000.
 

The average balance of state and political subdivision loans decreased $15.5 million from a year ago as a result of pay-offs during 2021 and 2022. This resulted in a decrease of $134,000 on total interest income due to volume.
 
Total interest expense decreased $301,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2022 compared with the comparative period last year as a result of a decrease in the cost of interest-bearing liabilities. Interest expense decreased $277,000 due to rate as a result of a decrease in the average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities from 0.54% to 0.40%. The decrease was driven by the Federal Reserve interest rate cuts in the first quarter of 2020, which remained in place until March of 2022.
 

The average balance of interest bearing deposits increased $177.7 million from March 31, 2021 to March 31, 2022. The primary cause of the increase was general deposit growth across all markets, a portion of which was funded through government stimulus in response to the pandemic and growth in municipal deposits through new customers and expansion of existing relationships. We experienced increases of $79.4 million in NOW accounts, $48.9 million in savings accounts, $107.3 million in money market accounts. The cumulative effect of these volume changes was an increase in interest expense of $145,000. Certificates of deposits decreased $57.9 million due to the low rate environment, which resulted in a decrease in interest expense due to volume of $141,000 related to certificates of deposits. (see also “Financial Condition – Deposits”). The average rate paid on interest bearing deposits was 0.35% for the first three months of 2022 and 0.49% for the comparable period in 2021. This resulted in a decrease in interest expense of $327,000. The decrease was due to the Federal Reserve cutting interest rates during the first quarter of 2020, which remained there throughout 2021 the first part of 2022.
 

The average balance of other borrowed funds decreased $17.9 million from a year ago due to maturities in 2021 and 2022 that were not replaced due to the liquidity obtained from deposit growth. This resulted in a decrease in interest expense of $28,000. There was an increase in the average rate paid on other borrowed funds from 1.20% to 1.65% due to the issuance of subordinated debt in the second quarter of 2021 resulting in an increase in interest expense of $50,000.
 
Provision for Loan Losses

For the three month period ended March 31, 2022, we recorded a provision for loan losses of $250,000, which represents a decrease of $400,000 from the $650,000 provision recorded in the corresponding three months of last year. The provision was lower in 2022 due the improved economic outlook compared to 2021 that was impacted more by the Covid 19 pandemic. (see “Financial Condition – Allowance for Loan Losses and Credit Quality Risk”).

Non-interest Income

The following table shows the breakdown of non-interest income for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021 (dollars in thousands):

   
Three months ended March 31,
   
Change
 
   
2022
   
2021
   
Amount
   
%
 
Service charges
 
$
1,248
   
$
1,106
   
$
142
     
12.8
 
Trust
   
249
     
307
     
(58
)
   
(18.9
)
Brokerage and insurance
   
481
     
376
     
105
     
27.9
 
Gains on loans sold
   
105
     
503
     
(398
)
   
(79.1
)
Equity security (losses) gains, net
   
(45
)
   
187
     
(232
)
   
(124.1
)
Available for sale security gains, net
   
-
     
50
     
(50
)
   
(100.0
)
Earnings on bank owned life insurance
   
207
     
1,315
     
(1,108
)
   
(84.3
)
Other
   
186
     
391
     
(205
)
   
(52.4
)
Total
 
$
2,431
   
$
4,235
   
$
(1,804
)
   
(42.6
)

38

Non-interest income for the three months ended March 31, 2022 totaled $2,431,000, a decrease of $1,804,000 when compared to the same period in 2021.  During the first three   months of 2022, net equity security losses amounted to $45,000 as a result of market losses associated with general stock market losses compared with a $187,000 gain in the comparable 2021 period associated with market conditions for that period. There were no sales of available during the first three months of 2022. During the first three months of 2021, there were $50,000 of gains from the sale of available for sale securities.

The decrease in Trust revenues is due to lower estate settlement fees in 2022 compared to 2021. The decrease in earnings on bank owned life insurance is due to two former employees of the Company passing during the first quarter of 2021, which generated a death benefit payable to the Company of $1,155,000. The increase in service charges is due to increased customer account usage of their debit cards. The decrease in other income is due to fees on derivative transactions to certain customers, which generated fee income of $226,000 in 2021. The decrease in gains on loans sold is attributable to a reduced level of loan sales as rates on the secondary market have increased, which has resulted in a significant decrease in refinancings of mortgages.

Non-interest Expense

The following tables reflect the breakdown of non-interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021 (dollars in thousands):

   
Three months ended March 31,
   
Change
       
   
2022
   
2021
   
Amount
   
%
 
Salaries and employee benefits
 
$
6,913
   
$
6,263
   
$
650
     
10.4
 
Occupancy
   
794
     
783
     
11
     
1.4
 
Furniture and equipment
   
129
     
143
     
(14
)
   
(9.8
)
Professional fees
   
339
     
448
     
(109
)
   
(24.3
)
FDIC insurance
   
135
     
129
     
6
     
4.7
 
Pennsylvania shares tax
   
339
     
339
     
-
     
-
 
Amortization of intangibles
   
40
     
49
     
(9
)
   
(18.4
)
Software expenses
   
341
     
313
     
28
     
8.9
 
ORE (recovery) expenses
   
(367
)
   
86
     
(453
)
   
(526.7
)
Other
   
1,568
     
1,394
     
174
     
12.5
 
Total
 
$
10,231
   
$
9,947
   
$
284
     
2.9
 

Non-interest expenses increased $284,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2022 compared to the same period in 2021. Salaries and employee benefits increased $650,000 or 10.4%. The increase was due to merit increases effective at the beginning of 2022, additional headcount, primarily in the Delaware market and an increase in deferred compensation costs due to a reversal of deferred compensation that occurred in 2021 as a result of a former executive passing.

The decrease in professional fees was due to lower legal fees in 2022 compared to the 2021 period. The decrease in ORE expenses was due to the sales of OREO properties in 2022 for a gain of $487,000. The increase in other expenses is additional marketing expenses, primarily in the Delaware market, charge-offs associated with fraudulent customer account activity and data processing costs.

Provision for Income Taxes

39

The provision for income taxes was $1,472,000 for the three month period ended March 31, 2022 compared to $1,616,000 for the same period in 2021. The decrease is primarily attributable to the decrease in income before the provision for income taxes of $1,867,000 for the comparable periods.  Through management of our municipal loan and bond portfolios, management is focused on minimizing our effective tax rate.  Our effective tax rate was 17.9% and 16.0% for the first three months of 2022 and 2021, respectively, compared to the statutory rate of 21%. The increase in the effective tax rate is due to life insurance earnings being exempt from federal income taxes.

We are invested in five limited partnerships that have established low-income housing projects in our market areas with our most recent investment in the third quarter of 2021. We anticipate recognizing an aggregate of $3.0 million of tax credits over the next 10 years, with an additional $105,000 anticipated to be recognized during 2022.

Financial Condition

Total assets were $2.18 billion at March 31, 2022, an increase of $34.0 million from $2.14 billion at December 31, 2021, which is primarily due to deposit growth in the first quarter. Cash and cash equivalents decreased $58.7 million to $114.1 million. Available for sale securities increased $49.1 million and net loans increased $36.9 million to $1.46 billion at March 31, 2022. Total deposits increased $42.9 million to $1.88 billion since year-end 2021, while borrowed funds decreased $5.8 million to $68.2 million.

Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
Cash and cash equivalents totaled $114.1 million at March 31, 2022 compared to $172.8 million at December 31, 2021, a decrease of $58.7 million. The decrease was attributable to investment purchases and organic loan growth. Management actively measures and evaluates the Company’s liquidity position through our Asset–Liability Committee and believes the Company’s liquidity needs are satisfied by the current balance of cash and cash equivalents, readily available access to traditional funding sources including the Bank’s core deposits, Federal Home Loan Bank financing, federal funds lines with correspondent banks, brokered certificates of deposit and the portion of the investment and loan portfolios that mature within one year.  Management expects that these sources of funds will permit us to meet cash obligations and off-balance sheet commitments as they come due.
 
Investments

The following table shows the composition of the investment portfolio (including debt and equity securities) as of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021 (dollars in thousands):
   
March 31, 2022
   
December 31, 2021
 
   
Amount
   
%
   
Amount
   
%
 
Debt securities:
                       
U. S. Agency securities
 
$
74,532
     
16.1
   
$
73,945
     
17.8
 
U. S. Treasury notes
   
146,690
     
31.6
     
115,347
     
27.8
 
Obligations of state & political subdivisions
   
117,990
     
25.4
     
112,021
     
27.0
 
Corporate obligations
   
10,048
     
2.2
     
10,333
     
2.5
 
Mortgage-backed securities in government sponsored entities
   
112,211
     
24.2
     
100,756
     
24.3
 
Equity securities
   
2,444
     
0.5
     
2,270
     
0.6
 
Total
 
$
463,915
     
100.0
   
$
414,672
     
100.0
 

   
March 31, 2022/
December 31, 2021
Change
                 
   
Amount
   
%
                 
Debt securities:
                           
U. S. Agency securities
 
$
587
     
0.8
                 
U. S. Treasury notes
   
31,343
     
27.2
                 
Obligations of state & political subdivisions
   
5,969
     
5.3
                 
Corporate obligations
   
(285
)
   
(2.8
)
               
Mortgage-backed securities in government sponsored entities
   
11,455
     
11.4
                 
Equity securities
   
174
     
7.7
                 
Total
 
$
49,243
     
11.9
                 

40

Our investment portfolio increased by $49.2 million, or 11.9%, from December 31, 2021 to March 31, 2022. During 2022, we purchased $3.8 million of U.S. agency obligations, $39.7 million of U.S. treasury securities, $13.4 million state and political securities and $22.8 million of mortgage backed securities, which was offset by $5.8 million of principal repayments and $3.3 million of calls and maturities that occurred during the first three months of 2022. As a result of increases in market interest rates, the unrealized loss on available for sale investment portfolio increased $21.0 million. Excluding our short-term investments consisting of monies held primarily at the Federal Reserve for liquidity purposes, our investment portfolio for the three month period ended March 31, 2022 yielded 1.70%, compared to 2.18% in the comparable period in 2021, on a tax equivalent basis.

The investment strategy for 2022 has been to utilize excess cash, cashflows from the investment portfolio and deposit inflows to purchase U.S. treasury securities, due to a limited spread between US treasuries and agencies, mortgage backed securities issued by government sponsored entities and obligations of state and political securities. The increase in the investment portfolio was in response to the deposit inflows that occurred in 2022 and the first three months of 2022. We continually monitor interest rate trading ranges and seek to time investment security purchases when rates are in the top third of the trading range. The Bank believes its investment strategy has appropriately mitigated its interest rate risk exposure for various rate environments, including a rising rate environment, while providing sufficient cashflows to meet liquidity needs.

Management continues to monitor the earnings performance and the liquidity of the investment portfolio on a regular basis.  Through active balance sheet management and analysis of the investment portfolio, the Company believes it maintains sufficient liquidity to satisfy depositor withdrawal requirements and various credit needs of its customers.

Loans

The following table shows the composition of the loan portfolio as of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021 (dollars in thousands):

   
March 31,
2022
   
December 31,
2021
 
   
Amount
   
%
   
Amount
   
%
 
Real estate:
                       
Residential
 
$
201,567
     
13.6
   
$
201,097
     
14.0
 
Commercial
   
724,876
     
49.0
     
687,338
     
47.7
 
Agricultural
   
305,517
     
20.7
     
312,011
     
21.6
 
Construction
   
66,738
     
4.5
     
55,036
     
3.8
 
Consumer
   
21,460
     
1.5
     
25,858
     
1.8
 
Other commercial loans
   
69,051
     
4.7
     
74,585
     
5.2
 
Other agricultural loans
   
39,904
     
2.7
     
39,852
     
2.8
 
State & political subdivision loans
   
49,582
     
3.3
     
45,756
     
3.1
 
Total loans
   
1,478,695
     
100.0
     
1,441,533
     
100.0
 
Less allowance for loan losses
   
17,556
             
17,304
         
Net loans
 
$
1,461,139
           
$
1,424,229
         

   
March 31, 2022/
December 31, 2021
Change
                 
   
Amount
   
%
                 
Real estate:
                           
Residential
 
$
470
     
0.2
                 
Commercial
   
37,538
     
5.5
                 
Agricultural
   
(6,494
)
   
(2.1
)
               
Construction
   
11,702
     
21.3
                 
Consumer
   
(4,398
)
   
(17.0
)
               
Other commercial loans
   
(5,534
)
   
(7.4
)
               
Other agricultural loans
   
52
     
0.1
                 
State & political subdivision loans
   
3,826
     
8.4
                 
Total loans
 
$
37,162
     
2.6
                 

41

The Bank’s lending efforts have historically been focused in north central Pennsylvania and southern New York. With the acquisition of FNB and the opening of offices in Lancaster County, this focus has grown to include Lebanon, Schuylkill, Berks and Lancaster County markets of south central, Pennsylvania. We have a limited branch office in Union County that is staffed by a lending team to primarily support agricultural opportunities in central Pennsylvania. In December 2017, we completed a branch acquisition in State College, which provides us with opportunities in Centre County, Pennsylvania and other areas of central Pennsylvania. In April 2020, we completed the MidCoast acquisition, which expanded our markets into the State of Delaware with activity centered around the cities of Wilmington and Dover, Delaware. In November of 2020, we opened a branch in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, to further serve customers obtained as part of the MidCoast acquisition, as well as to expand operations into Chester County, Pennsylvania. We originate loans primarily through direct loans to our existing customer base, with new customers generated through the strong relationships our lending teams have with their customers and our lenders expertise in certain areas, as well as by referrals from real estate brokers, building contractors, attorneys, accountants, corporate and advisory board members, existing customers and the Bank’s website.  The Bank offers a variety of loans although historically most of our lending has focused on real estate loans including residential, commercial, agricultural, and construction loans.  All lending is governed by a lending policy that is developed and administered by management and approved by the Board of Directors. As of March 31, 2022, the Company had one industry specific loan concentration to the dairy industry, totaling $123.9 million or 8.4% of total loans compared to $127.4 million or 8.8% of total loans at December 31, 2021.

During the first three months of 2022, the primary driver of growth was the Delaware markets, which saw significant activity in commercial real estate loan and construction loan activity. Agricultural loans decreased $6.5 million primarily due to paydowns on lines of credit. The decrease in other commercial loans is due to forgiveness of PPP loans. Loans issued as part of the PPP program totaled $2.8 million as of March 31, 2022 compared to $6.8 million as of December 31, 2021 for a change of $4.0 million. The decrease in consumer loans is due to a decrease in student loans, which is expected to pick up over the remainder of 2022. Commercial and agricultural loan demand is subject to significant competitive pressures, the yield curve, and overall national, regional and local economic conditions.
 
While the Bank lends to companies that service companies that explore for natural gas in our market area, the Bank has not originated any loans to companies performing the actual drilling and exploration activities. Loans made by the Bank are to service industry customers which include trucking companies, stone quarries and other support businesses, favoring customers that have had a relationship with the Bank prior to supporting the exploration for natural gas. We also have originated loans to businesses and individuals for restaurants, hotels and apartment rentals that have been developed and expanded to meet the housing and living needs of the gas industry workers. Due to our understanding of the industry and its cyclical nature, the loans made for natural gas-related activities have been originated in accordance with specific policies and procedures for lending to these entities, which include more stringent loan to value thresholds, shortened amortization periods, and expansion of our monitoring of loan concentrations associated with this activity.
 
For loans sold on the secondary market, the Company recognizes fee income for servicing these sold loans, which is included in non-interest income.

In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Company implemented programs to assist our customers. These included allowing customers to make interest only payments for up to 60 days and allowing certain customers in specific industries like hospitality to defer both principal and interest payments for up to 120 days. Customers are eligible to request additional modifications.
 
42

Allowance for Loan Losses
 
The allowance for loan losses is maintained at a level which, in management’s judgment, is adequate to absorb probable future loan losses inherent in the loan portfolio. The provision for loan losses is charged against current income.  Loans deemed not collectable are charged-off against the allowance while subsequent recoveries increase the allowance.  The allowance for loan losses was $17,556,000 or 1.19% of total loans as of March 31, 2022 as compared to $17,304,000 or 1.20% of loans as of December 31, 2021. The $252,000 increase is a result of a $250,000 provision for loan losses less net recoveries of $2,000. During 2022, net charge-offs were low with no significant charge-offs occurring. The following table shows the distribution of the allowance for loan losses and the percentage of loans compared to total loans by loan category (dollars in thousands) as of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021 (in thousands):
 
   
March 31,
   
December 31
 
   
2022
   
2021
       
   
Amount
   
%
   
Amount
   
%
 
Real estate loans:
                       
Residential
 
$
1,070
     
13.6
   
$
1,147
     
14.0
 
Commercial
   
8,394
     
49.0
     
8,099
     
47.7
 
Agricultural
   
4,516
     
20.7
     
4,729
     
21.6
 
Construction
   
497
     
4.5
     
434
     
3.8
 
Consumer
   
210
     
1.5
     
262
     
1.8
 
Other commercial loans
   
1,380
     
4.7
     
1,023
     
5.2
 
Other agricultural loans
   
551
     
2.7
     
558
     
2.8
 
State & political subdivision loans
   
285
     
3.3
     
281
     
3.1
 
Unallocated
   
653
     
N/A
     
771
     
N/A
 
Total allowance for loan losses
 
$
17,556
     
100.0
   
$
17,304
     
100.0
 

The following table provides information related to credit loss experience and loan quality for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and the year ended December 31, 2021.

March 31, 2022
 
Credit Loss Expense (Benefit)
   
Net (charge-offs) Recoveries
   
Average Loans
   
Ratio of net (charge-offs) recoveries to Average loans
   
Allowance to total loans
   
Non-accrual loans as a percent of loans
   
Allowance to total non-accrual loans
 
Real estate:
                                         
Residential
 
$
(77
)
   
-
   
$
200,838
     
0.00
%
   
0.53
%
   
0.22
%
   
241.53
%
Commercial
   
295
     
-
     
696,969
     
0.00
%
   
1.16
%
   
0.41
%
   
281.30
%
Agricultural
   
(213
)
   
-
     
313,477
     
0.00
%
   
1.48
%
   
1.01
%
   
146.48
%
Construction
   
63
     
-
     
61,518
     
0.00
%
   
0.74
%
   
0.00
%
 
NA
 
Consumer
   
(52
)
   
-
     
27,193
     
0.00
%
   
0.98
%
   
0.00
%
 
NA
 
Other commercial loans
   
355
     
2
     
70,861
     
0.00
%
   
2.00
%
   
0.82
%
   
243.39
%
Other agricultural loans
   
(7
)
   
-
     
37,307
     
0.00
%
   
1.38
%
   
1.84
%
   
75.17
%
State & political subdivision loans
   
4
     
-
     
46,984
     
0.00
%
   
0.57
%
   
0.00
%
 
NA
 
Unallocated
   
(118
)
   
-
     
-
   
NA
   
NA
   
NA
   
NA
 
Total
 
$
250
   
$
2
   
$
1,455,147
     
0.00
%
   
1.19
%
   
0.53
%
   
224.79
%
                                                         
December 31, 2021
                                                       
Real estate:
                                                       
Residential
 
$
(27
)
   
-
   
$
203,062
     
0.00
%
   
0.57
%
   
0.30
%
   
192.77
%
Commercial
   
1,848
     
35
     
639,161
     
0.01
%
   
1.18
%
   
0.43
%
   
275.01
%
Agricultural
   
(224
)
   
-
     
312,770
     
0.00
%
   
1.52
%
   
1.00
%
   
150.94
%
Construction
   
312
     
-
     
56,315
     
0.00
%
   
0.79
%
   
0.00
%
 
NA
 
Consumer
   
(53
)
   
(6
)
   
24,125
     
(0.02
)%
   
1.01
%
   
0.00
%
 
NA
 
Other commercial loans
   
(113
)
   
(90
)
   
99,839
     
(0.09
)%
   
1.37
%
   
0.19
%
   
730.71
%
Other agricultural loans
   
(306
)
   
-
     
37,181
     
0.00
%
   
1.40
%
   
2.01
%
   
69.49
%
State & political subdivision loans
   
(198
)
   
-
     
52,804
     
0.00
%
   
0.61
%
   
0.00
%
 
NA
 
Unallocated
   
311
     
-
     
-
   
NA
   
NA
   
NA
   
NA
 
Total
 
$
1,550
   
$
(61
)
 
$
1,425,257
     
0.00
%
   
1.20
%
   
0.53
%
   
227.21
%

43

The Company believes it utilizes a disciplined and thorough loan review process based upon its internal loan policy approved by the Company’s Board of Directors.  The purpose of the review is to assess loan quality, analyze delinquencies, identify problem loans, evaluate potential charge-offs and recoveries, and assess general overall economic conditions in the markets served.  An external independent loan review is performed on our commercial portfolio at least semi-annually for the Company.  The external consultant is engaged to 1) review a minimum of 50%  of the dollar volume of the commercial loan portfolio on an annual basis, 2) new loans originated for over $1.0 million in the last year, 3) review a sample of borrowers with commitments greater than or equal to $1.0 million,  4) selected loan relationships over $750,000 which are over 30 days past due, or classified Special Mention, Substandard, Doubtful, or Loss, and 5) such other loans which management or the consultant deems appropriate. As part of this review, our underwriting process and loan grading system is evaluated.

Management believes it uses the best information available to make such determinations and that the allowance for loan losses is adequate as of March 31, 2022. However, future adjustments could be required if circumstances differ substantially from assumptions and estimates used in making the initial determination.  A prolonged downturn in the economy, changes in the economies of various segments of our agricultural and commercial portfolios, high unemployment rates, significant changes in the value of collateral and delays in receiving financial information from borrowers could result in increased levels of non-performing assets, charge-offs, loan loss provisions and reduction in income.  Additionally, bank regulatory agencies periodically examine the Bank’s allowance for loan losses.  The banking agencies could require the recognition of additions to the allowance for loan losses based upon their judgment of information available to them at the time of their examination.

On a monthly basis, problem loans are identified and updated primarily using internally prepared past due reports.  Based on data surrounding the collection process of each identified loan, the loan may be added or deleted from the monthly watch list.  The watch list includes loans graded special mention, substandard, doubtful, and loss, as well as additional loans that management may choose to include.  Watch list loans are continually monitored going forward until satisfactory conditions exist that allow management to upgrade and remove the loan from the watchlist.  In certain cases, loans may be placed on non-accrual status or charged-off based upon management’s evaluation of the borrower’s ability to pay.  All commercial loans, which include commercial real estate, agricultural real estate, state and political subdivision loans, other commercial loans and other agricultural loans, on non-accrual are evaluated quarterly for impairment.

See also “Note 5 – Loans and Related Allowance for Loan Losses” to the consolidated financial statements.
 
As a result of previous loss experiences and other risk factors utilized in determining the allowance, the Bank’s allocation of the allowance does not directly correspond to the actual balances of the loan portfolio. While commercial and agricultural real estate loans total 69.7% of the loan portfolio at March 31, 2022, 73.5% of the allowance is assigned to these portions of the loan portfolio as these loans have more inherent risks than residential real estate or loans to state and political subdivisions. Residential real estate loans comprise 13.6% of the loan portfolio as of March 31, 2022 and 6.1% of the allowance is assigned to this segment as generally there are less inherent risks then commercial and agricultural loans.
 
The following table is a summary of our non-performing assets as of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021.
 
   
March 31,
   
December 31,
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
2022
   
2021
 
Non-performing loans:
           
Non-accruing loans
 
$
7,810
   
$
7,616
 
Accrual loans - 90 days or more past due
   
12
     
46
 
Total non-performing loans
   
7,822
     
7,662
 
Foreclosed assets held for sale
   
1,131
     
1,180
 
Total non-performing assets
 
$
8,953
   
$
8,842
 

44

The following table identifies amounts of loans contractually past due 30 to 90 days and non-performing loans by loan category, as well as the change from December 31, 2021 to March 31, 2022 in non-performing loans (in thousands).  Non-performing loans include those accruing loans that are contractually past due 90 days or more and non-accrual loans.  Interest does not accrue on non-accrual loans.  Subsequent cash payments received are applied to the outstanding principal balance or recorded as interest income, depending upon management's assessment of its ultimate ability to collect principal and interest.
 
   
March 31, 2022
   
December 31, 2021
 
         
Non-Performing Loans
         
Non-Performing Loans
 
   
30 - 89 Days
Past Due
Accruing
   
90 Days Past
Due Accruing
   
Non-
accrual
   
Total Non-
Performing
   
30 - 89 Days
Past Due
Accruing
   
90 Days Past
Due Accruing
   
Non-
accrual
   
Total Non-
Performing
 
Real estate:
                                               
Residential
 
$
657
   
$
12
   
$
443
   
$
455
   
$
492
   
$
13
   
$
595
   
$
608
 
Commercial
   
1,114
     
-
     
2,984
     
2,984
     
243
     
33
     
2,945
     
2,978
 
Agricultural
   
137
     
-
     
3,083
     
3,083
     
31
     
-
     
3,133
     
3,133
 
Construction
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Consumer
   
189
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
163
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Other commercial loans
   
-
     
-
     
567
     
567
     
28
     
-
     
140
     
140
 
Other agricultural loans
   
-
     
-
     
733
     
733
     
10
     
-
     
803
     
803
 
Total nonperforming loans
 
$
2,097
   
$
12
   
$
7,810
   
$
7,822
   
$
967
   
$
46
   
$
7,616
   
$
7,662
 

   
Change in Non-Performing Loans
March 31, 2022 /December 31, 2021
 
   
Amount
   
%
 
Real estate:
           
Residential
 
$
(153
)
   
(25.2
)
Commercial
   
6
     
0.2
 
Agricultural
   
(50
)
   
(1.6
)
Construction
   
-
     
-
 
Consumer
   
-
     
-
 
Other commercial loans
   
427
     
305.0
 
Other agricultural loans
   
(70
)
   
(8.7
)
Total nonperforming loans
 
$
160
     
2.1
 

The Company worked with customers directly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Company offered assistance in accordance with regulator guidelines. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company is engaging in more frequent communication with borrowers to better understand their situation and the challenges faced, allowing it to respond proactively as needs and issues arise. Should economic conditions worsen, the Company could experience increases in non-performing loans and further increases in its required allowance for loan losses and record additional provision expense. It is possible that the Company's asset quality measures could worsen at future measurement periods if the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic are prolonged.
 
45

For the three months ended March 31, 2022, we recorded a provision for loan losses of $250,000 which compares to $650,000 for the same period in 2021, a decrease of $450,000. The decrease is primarily attributable to the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic had in 2021 on the national and local economies compared to 2022. Non-performing loans increased $160,000 from December 31, 2021 to March 31, 2022 with the increase being primarily due to one customer. At March 31, 2022, approximately 59.3% of the Bank’s non-performing loans are associated with the following three customer relationships:
 

A commercial loan relationship with $1.3 million outstanding, and additional letters of credit of $1.2 million available, secured by undeveloped land, stone quarries and equipment, was on non-accrual status as of March 31, 2022. The Company services the natural gas industry, as well as local municipalities. As a result, the reduced exploration for natural gas in north central Pennsylvania has significantly impacted the cash flows of the customer, who provides excavation services and stone for pad construction related to these activities. During 2020, the Company had the underlying equipment collateral appraised and in the first quarter of 2022, the Company had the quarry appraised. The appraisals indicated a decrease in collateral values compared to the appraisal ordered for the loan origination, however, the loan was still considered well secured on a loan to value basis at December 31, 2022. In 2021 and 2022, the customer has liquidated some excess equipment and the funds have been utilized to pay down a portion of the loans. Management determined that no specific reserve was required as of March 31, 2022.

An agricultural loan customer with a total loan relationship of $2.1 million, secured by real estate, equipment and cattle, was on non-accrual status as of March 31, 2022. The customer declared bankruptcy during the fourth quarter of 2018 and developed a workout plan that was approved by the bankruptcy court in the fourth quarter of 2019 and resulted in monthly payments resuming in late 2019 that continues into 2022. Included within these loans to this customer are $787,000 of loans which are subject to Farm Service Agency guarantees. Depressed milk prices and the pandemic have created cash flow difficulties for this customer.  Absent a sizable and sustained increase in milk prices, which is not assured, we will need to rely upon the collateral for repayment of interest and principal. During 2020, the Company had the underlying collateral appraised. Management determined that no specific reserve was required as of March 31, 2022.

An agricultural loan customer with a total loan relationship of $1.2 million, secured by real estate was on non-accrual status as of March 31, 2022. The COVID-19 pandemic has escalated the cash flow difficulties this customer was experiencing. We expect that we will need to rely upon the collateral for repayment of interest and principal. Management reviewed the collateral and determined that no specific reserve was required as of March 31, 2022.
 
Management believes that the allowance for loan losses at March 31, 2022 was adequate at that date, which was based on the following factors:
 

Three loan relationships comprise 59.3% of the non-performing loan balance, which did not require any specific reserves as of March 31, 2022.

The Company has a history of low charge-offs, which were 0.00% of average loans for 2022 and 2021.

Bank Owned Life Insurance

The Company holds bank owned life insurance policies to offset future employee benefit costs. These policies provide the Bank with an asset that generates earnings to partially offset the current costs of benefits, and eventually (at the death of the insureds) provide partial recovery of cash outflows associated with the benefits.  As of March 31, 2022, and December 31, 2021, the cash surrender value of the life insurance was $38.7 million and $38.5 million, respectively. The change in cash surrender value, net of purchases and amounts acquired through acquisitions, is recognized in the results of operations. The amounts recorded as non-interest income totaled $207,000 and $1,315,000 for the three month periods ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. During the first quarter of 2021, the Company received proceeds of $3,714,000, which included death benefits of $1,155,000 on two former employees of the Company. The Company evaluates annually the risks associated with the life insurance policies, including limits on the amount of coverage and an evaluation of the various carriers’ credit ratings.

46

The Company policies that were purchased directly from insurance companies are structured so that any death benefits received from a policy while the insured person is an active employee of the Bank will be split with the beneficiary of the policy.  Under these agreements, the employee’s beneficiary will be entitled to receive 50% of the net amount at risk from the proceeds.  The net amount at risk is the total death benefit payable less the cash surrender value of the policy as of the date of death. The policies acquired as part of the acquisition of FNB provide a fixed split-dollar benefit for the beneficiary’s estate, which is dependent on several factors including whether the covered individual was a former Director of First National Bank of Fredericksburg (“FNB”) or a former employee of FNB and their salary level. As of March 31, 2022, and December 31, 2021, included in other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet was a liability of $687,000 and $696,000, respectively, for the obligation under the split-dollar benefit agreements.

Premises and Equipment

Premises and equipment decreased $164,000 to $16.9 million as of March 31, 2022 from December 31, 2021 as a result of a depreciation.

Deposits

The following table shows the composition of deposits as of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021 (dollars in thousands):

     
March 31,
2022
     
December 31,
2021
  
   
Amount
   
%
   
Amount
   
%
 
Non-interest-bearing deposits
 
$
366,820
     
19.5
   
$
358,073
     
19.5
 
NOW accounts
   
509,036
     
27.1
     
485,292
     
26.4
 
Savings deposits
   
321,701
     
17.1
     
313,048
     
17.0
 
Money market deposit accounts
   
365,591
     
19.5
     
350,122
     
19.1
 
Certificates of deposit
   
315,942
     
16.8
     
329,616
     
18.0
 
Total
 
$
1,879,090
     
100.0
   
$
1,836,151
     
100.0
 

 
March 31, 2022/
December 31, 2021
Change
                 
   
Amount
   
%
                 
Non-interest-bearing deposits
 
$
8,747
     
2.4
                 
NOW accounts
   
23,744
     
4.9
                 
Savings deposits
   
8,653
     
2.8
                 
Money market deposit accounts
   
15,469
     
4.4
                 
Certificates of deposit
   
(13,674
)
   
(4.1
)
               
Total
 
$
42,939
     
2.3
                 

Deposits increased $42.9 million since December 31, 2021. The Company experienced deposit growth across all markets and product types. Through the first three months of 2022, customers continued to transfer certificates of deposits primarily into money market and NOW accounts. There were no brokered certificates of deposits as of March 31, 2022 or December 31, 2021.

47

Borrowed Funds

Borrowed funds were $68.2 million and $74.0 million as of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively. The decrease in borrowed funds was due maturities that occurred in the first quarter of 2022 that were not replaced. During 2022, $4.7 million of long term borrowings from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh matured and were not replaced and repurchase agreements decreased $1.0 million. As of March 31, 2022, long-term advances total $27.5 million, short-term advances total $25.0 million and repurchase agreements total $15.8 million.

In April 2020, the Bank entered into two interest rate swap agreements to convert floating-rate debt to fixed rate debt on notional amounts of $15.0 million and $10.0 million. The interest rate swap instruments involve an agreement to receive a floating rate and pay a fixed rate, at specified intervals, calculated on the agreed-upon notional amounts. The differentials paid or received on interest rate swap agreements are recognized as adjustments to interest expense in the period. The interest rate swap agreements were entered into on April 1, 2020 and expire on April 1, 2025 and April 1, 2027. In April 2020, the Company entered into an interest rate swap agreement to convert floating-rate debt to fixed rate debt on a notional amounts of $7.5 million. The interest rate swap instrument involves an agreement to receive a floating rate and pay a fixed rate, at specified intervals, calculated on the agreed-upon notional amount. The differentials paid or received on interest rate swap agreements are recognized as adjustments to interest expense in the period. The interest rate swap agreements were entered into on April 13, 2020 and expire on June 17, 2027. In May of 2020, the Bank entered into three two year forward interest rate swaps that will convert floating rate debt to fixed rate debt on notional amounts of $6.0 million each.  The interest rate swap instruments involves an agreement to receive a floating rate and pay a fixed rate, at specified intervals, calculated on the agreed-upon notional amount. The differentials paid or received on interest rate swap agreements are recognized as adjustments to interest expense in the period. The interest rate swap agreements were entered into on May 14, 2020 and expire on May 14, 2027, 2029 and 2032. The fair value of the interest rate swaps at March 31, 2022 was $4,367,000 and is included within other assets on the consolidated balance sheets.

The Company’s current strategy for borrowings is to consider terms and structures to manage interest rate risk and liquidity in a rising rate environment. The Company's daily cash requirements or short-term investments are primarily met by using the financial instruments available through the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh.

Stockholders’ Equity

We evaluate stockholders’ equity in relation to total assets and the risks associated with those assets.  The greater the capital resource, the more likely a corporation will meet its cash obligations and absorb unforeseen losses.  For these reasons, capital adequacy has been, and will continue to be, of paramount importance to the Company. As such, the Company has implemented policies and procedures to ensure that it has adequate capital levels. As part of this process, we routinely stress test our capital levels and identify potential risk and alternative sources of additional capital should the need arise.

Total stockholders’ equity was $202.7 million at March 31, 2022 compared to $212.5 million at December 31, 2021, a decrease of $9,747,000, or (4.6%).  Excluding accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income, stockholders’ equity increased $4.9 million, or 2.3%. The Company purchased 113 shares of treasury stock at a weighted average cost of $62.00 per share. For the three months of 2022, the Company had net income of $6.7 million and declared cash dividends of $1.9 million, or $0.475 per share, representing a cash dividend payout ratio of 27.8%.

All of the Company’s debt investment securities are classified as available-for-sale, making this portion of the Company’s balance sheet more sensitive to the changing market value of investments. As a result of changes in the interest rate environment, the defined benefit plan obligations and the interest rate swaps entered into during 2020, accumulated other comprehensive income decreased approximately $14.6 million from December 31, 2021.

48

The Bank is subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the federal banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory-and possibly additional discretionary-actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the Company’s financial statements. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Bank must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of the Bank’s assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance-sheet items as calculated under U.S. GAAP, regulatory reporting requirements, and regulatory capital standards. The Bank’s capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings, and other factors.

Quantitative measures established by regulatory capital standards to ensure capital adequacy require the Bank to maintain minimum amounts and ratios  of total and Tier 1 capital (as defined) to risk-weighted assets (as defined), common equity Tier 1 capital (as defined) to total risk-weighted assets (as defined), and of Tier 1 capital (as defined) to average assets (as defined). As permitted by applicable federal regulation, the Bank has opted to use the community bank leverage ratio (the “CBLR”) framework for determining its capital adequacy.  Under the CBLR framework a qualifying community bank is considered well-capitalized if its leverage ratio (Tier 1 capital divided by average total consolidated assets) exceeds 9%. Following the passage of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal banking regulators revised the CBLR framework as follows: (i) beginning in the second quarter of 2020, a qualifying community bank need only have a leverage ratio of at least 8%, subject to the other qualifying requirements, and (ii) if a qualifying community bank’s leverage ratio falls below 8%, then it will have two calendar quarters to maintain a leverage ratio of 7% or greater.  These revisions under the CARES Act are effective April 23, 2020 and terminated on December 31, 2020.  Following such termination there is a grace period for returning to the 9% CBLR threshold.  The CBLR was set at 8.5% for 2021, and 9% thereafter.  The grace period is also adjusted to account for the graduating increase. As a result, in 2021, a qualifying community bank utilizing the grace period must maintain a CBLR of at least 7.5%. Thereafter, a qualifying community bank utilizing the grace period must maintain a CBLR of at least 8%. If a qualifying community bank fails to maintain the applicable minimum CBLR during the grace period, or if it is unable to restore compliance with the CBLR within the grace period, then it will revert to the Basel III capital framework and the normal Prompt Corrective Action capital categories will apply. At March 31, 2022, the Bank leverage ratio under the CBLR framework was 8.83%. This ratio allows the Bank to fall within the grace period of the CBLR, and the Bank will have two calendar quarters to meet the 9.0% requirement to be considered “well-capitalized”.

Off-Balance Sheet Activities

Some financial instruments, such as loan commitments, credit lines, and letters of credit, are issued to meet customer financing needs but are not recorded on the Company’s balance sheet.  The contractual amount of financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk was as follows at March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021 (in thousands):

   
March 31, 2022
   
December 31, 2021
 
Commitments to extend credit
 
$
381,461
   
$
275,998
 
Standby letters of credit
   
15,923
     
17,083
 
   
$
397,384
   
$
293,081
 

We also offer limited overdraft protection as a non-contractual courtesy which is available to demand deposit accounts in good standing. Overdraft charges as a result of ATM withdrawals and one time point of sale (non-recurring) transactions require prior approval of the customer. The non-contractual amount of financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk at March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021 was $12,203,000 and $12,230,000, respectively. The Company reserves the right to discontinue this service without prior notice.

Liquidity

49

Liquidity is a measure of the Company's ability to efficiently meet normal cash flow requirements of both borrowers and depositors.  To maintain proper liquidity, we use funds management policies, which include liquidity target ratios, along with our investment policies to assure we can meet our financial obligations to depositors, credit customers and stockholders.  Liquidity is needed to meet depositors' withdrawal demands, extend credit to meet borrowers' needs, provide funds for normal operating expenses and cash dividends, and to fund other capital expenditures.

Cash generated by operating activities, investing activities and financing activities influences liquidity management. Our Company's historical activity in this area can be seen in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.  The most important source of funds is core deposits.  Repayment of principal on outstanding loans and cash flows created from the investment portfolio are also factors in liquidity management.  Other sources of funding include brokered certificates of deposit and the sale of loans or investments, if needed.

The Company's use of funds is shown in the investing activity section of the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows, where the net loan activity is presented.  Other uses of funds include purchasing stock from the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) of Pittsburgh, as well as capital expenditures.  Capital expenditures (including software purchases), during the first three months of 2022 were $59,000 compared to $785,000 during the same time period in 2021.

Short-term debt from the FHLB supplements the Bank’s availability of funds.  The Bank achieves liquidity primarily from temporary or short‑term investments in the Federal Reserve and the FHLB.  The Bank had a maximum borrowing capacity at the FHLB of approximately $777.4 million, inclusive of any outstanding amounts, as a source of liquidity at March 31, 2022. The Bank also had two federal funds lines with third party providers in the total amount of $34.0 million as of March 31, 2022, which are unsecured and undrawn upon. We also have a borrower in custody line with the Federal Reserve Bank of approximately $1.2 million, which also is not drawn upon as of March 31, 2022. The Company continues to evaluate its liquidity needs and as necessary finds additional sources.

Citizens Financial Services, Inc. is a separate legal entity from the Bank and must provide for its own liquidity.  In addition to its operating expenses, Citizens Financial Services, Inc. is responsible for paying any dividends declared to its shareholders.  Citizens Financial also has repurchased shares of its common stock.  Citizens Financial Services, Inc.’s primary source of income is dividends received from the Bank.  Both federal and state laws impose restrictions on the ability of the Bank to pay dividends. In particular, the Bank may not, as a state-chartered bank which is a member of the Federal Reserve System, declare a dividend without approval of the Federal Reserve, unless the dividend to be declared by the Bank’s Board of Directors does not exceed the total of:  (i) the Bank’s net profits for the current year to date, plus (ii) its retained net profits for the preceding two current years, less any required transfers to surplus.  The Federal Reserve Board and the FDIC have formal and informal policies which provide that insured banks and bank holding companies should generally pay dividends only out of current operating earnings, with some exceptions.  The Prompt Corrective Action Rules, described above, further limit the ability of banks to pay dividends, because banks which are not classified as well capitalized or adequately capitalized may not pay dividends and no dividend may be paid which would make the Bank undercapitalized after the dividend.  At March 31, 2022, Citizens Financial Services, Inc. (on an unconsolidated basis) had liquid assets of $14.9 million.

Interest Rate and Market Risk Management

The objective of interest rate sensitivity management is to maintain an appropriate balance between the stable growth of income and the risks associated with maximizing income through interest sensitivity imbalances and the market value risk of assets and liabilities.

Because of the nature of our operations, we are not subject to foreign currency exchange or commodity price risk and, because we have no trading portfolio, we are not subject to trading risk. Currently, the Company has equity securities that represent only 0.11% of its total assets and, therefore, equity risk is not significant.

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The primary components of interest-sensitive assets include adjustable-rate loans and investments, loan repayments, investment maturities and money market investments.  The primary components of interest-sensitive liabilities include maturing certificates of deposit, IRA certificates of deposit and short-term borrowings.  Savings deposits, NOW accounts and money market investor accounts are considered core deposits and are not short-term interest sensitive (except for the top-tier money market investor accounts, typically help by local governments, which are paid current market interest rates).

Gap analysis, one of the methods used by us to analyze interest rate risk, does not necessarily show the precise impact of specific interest rate movements on our Company's net interest income because the re-pricing of certain assets and liabilities is discretionary and is subject to competitive and other pressures.  In addition, assets and liabilities within the same period may, in fact, be repaid at different times and at different rate levels.  We have not experienced the kind of earnings volatility that might be indicated from gap analysis.

The Company currently uses a computer simulation model to better measure the impact of interest rate changes on net interest income. We use the model as part of our risk management and asset liability management processes that we believe will effectively identify, measure, and monitor the Company’s risk exposure.  In this analysis, the Company examines the results of movements in interest rates with additional assumptions made concerning prepayment speeds on mortgage loans and mortgage securities.   Shock scenarios, which assume a parallel shift in interest rates and is instantaneous, typically have the greatest impact on net interest income. The following is a rate shock analysis and the impact on net interest income as of March 31, 2022 (dollars in thousands):


Changes in Rates
     
Prospective One-Year
Net Interest Income
       
Change In
Prospective
Net Interest Income
       
% Change In
Prospective
Net Interest Income
   
-100 Shock
   
63,662
     
(1,633
)
   
(2.50
)
Base
   
65,295
     
-
     
-
 
100 Shock
   
65,411
     
116
     
0.18
 
+200 Shock
   
65,835
     
540
     
0.83
 
+300 Shock
   
65,964
     
669
     
1.02
 
+400 Shock
   
66,067
     
772
     
1.18
 

The model makes estimates, at each level of interest rate change, regarding cash flows from principal repayments on loans and mortgage backed securities, call activity of other investment securities, and deposit selection, re-pricing and maturity structure.  Because of these assumptions, actual results could differ significantly from these estimates which would result in significant differences in the calculated projected change on net interest income. Additionally, the changes above do not necessarily represent the level of change under which management would undertake specific measures to realign its portfolio in order to reduce the projected level of change. It should be noted that the changes in net interest income noted above are in line with Company policy for interest rate risk.

Item 3-Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk

In the normal course of conducting business activities, the Company is exposed to market risk, principally interest rate risk, through the operations of its banking subsidiary.  Interest rate risk arises from market driven fluctuations in interest rates that affect cash flows, income, expense and values of financial instruments and was discussed previously in this Form 10-Q.  Management and a committee of the Board of Directors manage interest rate risk (see also “Interest Rate and Market Risk Management”).

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Item 4-Control and Procedures

(a) Disclosure Controls and Procedures

The Company’s management, including the Company’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer, have evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s “disclosure controls and procedures,” as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, (the “Exchange Act”).  Based upon their evaluation, the principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective for the purpose of ensuring that the information required to be disclosed in the reports that the Company files or submits under the Exchange Act with the SEC (1) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and (2) is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

(b) Changes to Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended March 31, 2022 that have materially affected, or are reasonable likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

PART II ‑ OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1 ‑ Legal Proceedings

Management is not aware of any pending or threatened litigation that would have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial position of the Company.  Any pending proceedings are ordinary, routine litigation incidental to the business of the Company and its subsidiary.  In addition, no material proceedings are pending or are known to be threatened or contemplated against the Company and its subsidiary by government authorities.

Item 1A – Risk Factors

In addition to the other information set forth in this report, you should carefully consider the factors discussed in Part I, “Item 1.A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, which could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results. At March 31, 2022, the risk factors of the Company have not changed materially from those reported in our 2021 Annual Report on Form 10-K.  However, the risks described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K are not the only risks that we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and/or operating results.

Item 2 – Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
 
                         
Period
 
Total Number of Shares
(or units Purchased)
   
Average
Price Paid
per Share
(or Unit)
   
Total Number of Shares (or Units)
Purchased as Part of Publicly
Announced Plans of Programs
   
Maximum Number (or Approximate
Dollar Value) of Shares (or Units) that
May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans
or Programs (1)
 
                         
1/1/22 to 1/31/22
   
-
   
$
0.00
     
-
     
135,089
 
2/1/22 to 2/28/22
   
88
   
$
62.00
     
88
     
135,001
 
3/1/22 to 3/31/22
   
25
   
$
62.00
     
25
     
134,976
 
Total
   
113
             
113
         


(1)
On April 21, 2020, the Company announced that the Board of Directors authorized the Company to repurchase up to an additional 150,000 shares at an aggregate purchase price not to exceed $12.0 million over a period of 36 months. The repurchases will be conducted through open-market purchases or privately negotiated transactions and will be made from time to time depending on market conditions and other factors.  No time limit was placed on the duration of the share repurchase program.  Any repurchased shares will be held as treasury stock and will be available for general corporate purposes.
 
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Item 3 ‑ Defaults Upon Senior Securities

Not applicable.

Item 4 – Mine Safety Disclosure

Not applicable.

Item 5 ‑ Other Information

None

Item 6 ‑ Exhibits

(a)  The following documents are filed as a part of this report:
 
 
Restated Articles of Incorporation of Citizens Financial Services, Inc. (1)
     
 
Articles of Amendment of Restated Articles of Incorporation of Citizens Financial Services, Inc. (2)



 
Bylaws of Citizens Financial Services, Inc. (3)
     
 
Form of Common Stock Certificate. (4)
     
 
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Executive Officer
     
 
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Financial Officer
     
 
Section 1350 Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer
     
101
 
The following materials from the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended  March 31, 2022, formatted in XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language): (i) The Consolidated Balance Sheet (unaudited), (ii) the Consolidated Statement of Income (unaudited), (iii) the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (unaudited), (iv) the Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity, (v) the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (unaudited) and (vi) related notes (unaudited).
     
104
 
Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document)



(1) Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2018, as filed with the Commission on August 9, 2018.

(2) Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed with the Commission on April 26, 2021.

(3) Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed with the Commission on December 17, 2020.

(4)  Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005, as filed with the Commission on March 14, 2006.

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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.

 
Citizens Financial Services, Inc. (Registrant)
     
May 9, 2022
/s/ Randall E. Black
 
 
By: Randall E. Black
 
 
President and Chief Executive Officer
 
(Principal Executive Officer)
     
May 9, 2022
/s/ Stephen J. Guillaume
 
 
By: Stephen J. Guillaume
 
Chief Financial Officer
 
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)


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