UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

(Mark One)

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

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014

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: 0-16084

 

CITIZENS & NORTHERN CORPORATION

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter) 

PENNSYLVANIA 23-2451943
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)

 

90-92 MAIN STREET, WELLSBORO, PA 16901

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

570-724-3411

(Registrant's telephone number including area code)

 

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

 

Title of Each Class Name of Exchange Where Registered
Common Stock Par Value $1.00 The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

(Check one:) Large accelerated filer ¨ Accelerated filer x Non-accelerated filer ¨ Smaller reporting company ¨

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes ¨ No x

 

The aggregate market value of the registrant's common stock held by non-affiliates at June 30, 2014, the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter, was $236,364,605.

 

The number of shares of common stock outstanding at February 20, 2015 was 12,263,027

 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the registrant’s proxy statement for the annual meeting of its shareholders to be held April 23, 2015 are incorporated by reference into Parts III and IV of this report.

 

 
 

 

PART I

 

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

 

Citizens & Northern Corporation (“Corporation”) is a holding company whose principal activity is community banking. The Corporation’s principal office is located in Wellsboro, Pennsylvania. The largest subsidiary is Citizens & Northern Bank (“C&N Bank” or the “Bank”). The Corporation’s other wholly-owned subsidiaries are Citizens & Northern Investment Corporation and Bucktail Life Insurance Company (“Bucktail”). Citizens & Northern Investment Corporation was formed in 1999 to engage in investment activities. Bucktail reinsures credit and mortgage life and accident and health insurance on behalf of C&N Bank.

 

C&N Bank is a Pennsylvania banking institution that was formed by the consolidation of Northern National Bank of Wellsboro and Citizens National Bank of Towanda on October 1, 1971. Subsequent mergers included: First National Bank of Ralston in May 1972; Sullivan County National Bank in October 1977; Farmers National Bank of Athens in January 1984; and First National Bank of East Smithfield in May 1990. In 2005, the Corporation acquired Canisteo Valley Corporation and its subsidiary, First State Bank, a New York State chartered commercial bank with offices in Canisteo and South Hornell, NY. In 2010, the First State Bank operations were merged into C&N Bank and Canisteo Valley Corporation was merged into the Corporation. On May 1, 2007, the Corporation acquired Citizens Bancorp, Inc. (“Citizens”), with banking offices in Coudersport, Emporium and Port Allegany, Pennsylvania. Citizens Trust Company, the banking subsidiary of Citizens, was merged with and into C&N Bank as part of the transaction. C&N Bank has held its current name since May 6, 1975, at which time C&N Bank changed its charter from a national bank to a Pennsylvania bank.

 

C&N Bank provides an extensive range of banking services, including deposit and loan products for personal and commercial customers. The Bank also maintains a trust division that provides a wide range of financial services, such as 401(k) plans, retirement planning, estate planning, estate settlements and asset management. In January 2000, C&N Bank formed a subsidiary, C&N Financial Services Corporation (“C&NFSC”). C&NFSC is a licensed insurance agency that provides insurance products to individuals and businesses. In 2001, C&NFSC added a broker-dealer division, which offers mutual funds, annuities, educational savings accounts and other investment products through registered agents. C&NFSC’s operations are not significant in relation to the total operations of the Corporation.

 

All phases of the Bank’s business are competitive. The Bank primarily competes in Tioga, Bradford, Sullivan, Lycoming, Potter, Cameron and McKean counties in Pennsylvania, and Steuben and Allegany counties in New York. The Bank competes with local commercial banks headquartered in our market area as well as other commercial banks with branches in our market area. Some of the banks that have branches in our market area are larger in overall size. With respect to lending activities and attracting deposits, the Bank also competes with savings banks, savings and loan associations, insurance companies, regulated small loan companies and credit unions. Also, the Bank competes with mutual funds for deposits. C&N Bank competes with insurance companies, investment counseling firms, mutual funds and other business firms and individuals for trust, investment management, brokerage and insurance services. The Bank is generally competitive with all financial institutions in our service area with respect to interest rates paid on time and savings deposits, service charges on deposit accounts and interest rates charged on loans. The Bank serves a diverse customer base, and is not economically dependent on any small group of customers or on any individual industry.

 

Major initiatives within the last 5 years included the following:

 

·in 2010, repurchased preferred stock of $26.440 million and redeemed a warrant from the TARP Capital Purchase Program;

 

·merged the operations of First State Bank into C&N Bank and Canisteo Valley Corporation into Citizens & Northern Corporation in 2010;

 

·in 2011, sold the banking facility at 130 Court Street, Williamsport, PA, and entered into a leasing arrangement to continue to offer banking and trust services from the facility, resulting in an estimated $122,000 (pre-tax) reduction in operating expenses in 2012;

 

·in April 2012, re-opened the Athens, PA, facility, which was damaged by flooding in September 2011;

 

·in 2013, worked with consultants on projects which resulted in increases in revenues from service charges on deposit accounts, starting primarily in the fourth quarter 2013, and reductions in electronic funds processing expenses and other benefits over approximately the next five years; and

 

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·in 2014, approved a new treasury stock repurchase program. Under the new program, the Corporation is authorized to repurchase up to 622,500 shares of the Corporation’s common stock, or approximately 5% of the Corporation’s outstanding shares at July 16, 2014. In 2014, 208,300 shares had been repurchased.

 

Virtually all of the Corporation’s banking offices are located in the “Marcellus Shale,” an area extending across portions of New York State, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Maryland, West Virginia and Virginia. In recent years, most of the Pennsylvania counties in which the Corporation operates have been significantly affected by an upsurge in natural gas exploration, as technological developments have made exploration of the Marcellus Shale commercially feasible. After a surge of activity in 2009 through most of 2011, the market price of natural gas declined, causing Marcellus Shale natural gas exploration activity to slow, though some activity has continued to occur throughout the Corporation’s market area and this activity continues to have a significant impact on economic opportunities throughout the area. Over approximately the past five years, a significant portion of the Corporation’s new business opportunities in lending, Trust and other services arose either directly or indirectly from Marcellus Shale-related activity. Due to its pervasive nature, it is virtually impossible to quantify the aggregate impact of Marcellus Shale-related activity on the Corporation’s financial position at December 31, 2014 and results of operations.

 

At December 31, 2014, C&N Bank had total assets of $1,228,210,000, total deposits of $978,232,000, net loans outstanding of $623,209,000 and 278 full-time equivalent employees.

 

Most activities of the Corporation and its subsidiaries are regulated by federal or state agencies. The primary regulatory relationships are described as follows:

 

·The Corporation is a bank holding company formed under the provisions of Section 3 of the Federal Reserve Act. The Corporation is under the direct supervision of the Federal Reserve and must comply with the reporting requirements of the Federal Bank Holding Company Act.

 

·C&N Bank is a state-chartered, nonmember bank, supervised by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and the Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities.

 

·C&NFSC is a Pennsylvania corporation. The Pennsylvania Department of Insurance regulates C&NFSC’s insurance activities. Brokerage products are offered through third party networking agreements.

 

·Bucktail is incorporated in the state of Arizona and supervised by the Arizona Department of Insurance.

 

A copy of the Corporation’s annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current events reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to these reports, will be furnished without charge upon written request to the Corporation’s Treasurer at P.O. Box 58, Wellsboro, PA 16901. Copies of these reports will be furnished as soon as reasonably possible, after they are filed electronically with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The information is also available through the Corporation’s web site at www.cnbankpa.com.

 

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

 

The Corporation is subject to the many risks and uncertainties applicable to all banking companies, as well as risks specific to the Corporation’s geographic locations. Although the Corporation seeks to effectively manage risks, and maintains a level of equity that exceeds the banking regulatory agencies’ thresholds for being considered “well capitalized” (see Note 18 to the consolidated financial statements), management cannot predict the future and cannot eliminate the possibility of credit, operational or other losses. Accordingly, actual results may differ materially from management's expectations. Some of the Corporation’s significant risks and uncertainties are discussed below.

 

Credit Risk from Lending Activities - A significant source of risk is the possibility that losses will be sustained because borrowers, guarantors and related parties may fail to perform in accordance with the terms of their loan agreements. Most of the Corporation’s loans are secured, but some loans are unsecured. With respect to secured loans, the collateral securing the repayment of these loans may be insufficient to cover the obligations owed under such loans. Collateral values may be adversely affected by changes in economic, environmental and other conditions, including declines in the value of real estate, changes in interest rates, changes in monetary and fiscal policies of the federal government, wide-spread disease, terrorist activity, environmental contamination and other external events. In addition, collateral appraisals that are out of date or that do not meet industry recognized standards may create the impression that a loan is adequately collateralized when it is not. The Corporation has adopted underwriting and credit monitoring procedures and policies, including regular reviews of appraisals and borrower financial statements, that management believes are appropriate to mitigate the risk of loss. Also, as discussed further in the “Provision and Allowance for Loan Losses” section of Management’s Discussion and Analysis, the Corporation attempts to estimate the amount of losses that may be inherent in the portfolio through a quarterly evaluation process that includes several members of management and that addresses specifically identified problem loans, as well as other quantitative data and qualitative factors. Such risk management and accounting policies and procedures, however, may not prevent unexpected losses that could have a material adverse effect on the Corporation’s financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.

 

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Interest Rate Risk - Business risk arising from changes in interest rates is an inherent factor in operating a banking organization. The Corporation’s assets are predominantly long-term, fixed-rate loans and debt securities. Funding for these assets comes principally from shorter-term deposits and borrowed funds. Accordingly, there is an inherent risk of lower future earnings or decline in fair value of the Corporation’s financial instruments when interest rates change. Significant fluctuations in interest rates could have a material adverse effect on the Corporation’s financial condition, results of operations or liquidity. For additional information regarding interest rate risk, see Part II, Item 7A, "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk."

 

Breach of Information Security and Technology Dependence - The Corporation relies on software, communication, and information exchange on a variety of computing platforms and networks and over the Internet. Despite numerous safeguards, the Corporation cannot be certain that all of its systems are entirely free from vulnerability to attack or other technological difficulties or failures. The Corporation relies on the services of a variety of vendors to meet its data processing and communication needs. If information security is breached or other technology difficulties or failures occur, information may be lost or misappropriated, services and operations may be interrupted and the Corporation could be exposed to claims from customers. Any of these results could have a material adverse effect on the Corporation’s financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.

 

Limited Geographic Diversification - The Corporation grants commercial, residential and personal loans to customers primarily in the Pennsylvania counties of Tioga, Bradford, Sullivan, Lycoming, Potter, Cameron and McKean, and in Steuben and Allegany Counties in New York State. Although the Corporation has a diversified loan portfolio, a significant portion of its debtors’ ability to honor their contracts is dependent on the local economic conditions within the region. As described in the “Business” section of Form 10-K, in recent years the Corporation’s market area has been significantly impacted by natural gas development activities associated with exploration of the Marcellus Shale. While Marcellus Shale-related development has created economic opportunities for business and individuals throughout much of our market area, natural gas exploration activity has slowed somewhat from the level in 2009 through 2011, and the possibility exists that this activity could be further reduced or cease as a result of changes in economic conditions, environmental concerns or other factors. Deterioration in economic conditions, including possible effects if Marcellus Shale-related activity were to further diminish or cease, could adversely affect the quality of the Corporation's loan portfolio and the demand for its products and services, and accordingly, could have a material adverse effect on the Corporation's financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.

 

Competition - All phases of the Corporation’s business are competitive. Some competitors are much larger in total assets and capitalization than the Corporation, have greater access to capital markets and can offer a broader array of financial services. There can be no assurance that the Corporation will be able to compete effectively in its markets. Furthermore, developments increasing the nature or level of competition could have a material adverse effect on the Corporation's financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.

 

Government Regulation and Monetary Policy - The Corporation and the banking industry are subject to extensive regulation and supervision under federal and state laws and regulations. The requirements and limitations imposed by such laws and regulations limit the manner in which the Corporation conducts its business, undertakes new investments and activities and obtains financing. These regulations are designed primarily for the protection of the deposit insurance funds and consumers and not to benefit the Corporation's shareholders. Financial institution regulation has been the subject of significant legislation in recent years and may be the subject of further significant legislation in the future, none of which is in the control of the Corporation. Significant new laws or changes in, or repeals of, existing laws could have a material adverse effect on the Corporation's financial condition, results of operations or liquidity. Further, federal monetary policy, particularly as implemented through the Federal Reserve System, significantly affects short-term interest rates and credit conditions, and any unfavorable change in these conditions could have a material adverse effect on the Corporation's financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.

 

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Mortgage Banking – In September 2009, the Corporation entered into an agreement to originate and sell residential mortgage loans to the secondary market through the MPF Xtra program administered by the Federal Home Loan Banks of Pittsburgh and Chicago. The Corporation’s mortgage sales activity under this program was not significant in 2009, but has subsequently increased. In 2014, the Corporation entered into an agreement and in June 2014 began to originate and sell residential mortgage loans to the secondary market through the MPFX Original program, which is also administered by the Federal Home Loan Banks of Pittsburgh and Chicago. At December 31, 2014, total residential mortgages sold and serviced through the two programs amounted to $152,505,000. The Corporation must strictly adhere to the MPF Xtra and MPFX Original program guidelines for origination, underwriting and servicing loans, and failure to do so may result in the Corporation being forced to repurchase loans or being dropped from the program. As of December 31, 2014, the total outstanding balance of residential mortgage loans the Corporation has repurchased as a result of identified instances of noncompliance amounted to $1,802,000. If the volume of such forced repurchases of loans were to increase significantly, or if the Corporation were to be dropped from the programs, it could have a material adverse effect on the Corporation’s financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.

 

Equity Securities Risk - The Corporation’s equity securities portfolio consists of investments in stocks of banks and bank holding companies. Investments in bank stocks are subject to the risk factors affecting the banking industry, and that could cause a general market decline in the value of bank stocks. Also, losses could occur in individual stocks held by the Corporation because of specific circumstances related to each bank. These factors could have a material adverse effect on the Corporation’s financial condition, results of operations or liquidity. For additional information regarding equity securities risk, see Part II, Item 7A, "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk."

 

Debt Securities Risk – In 2009, the Corporation’s earnings were materially impaired by securities losses. Much of the Corporation’s 2009 losses from trust-preferred securities and other securities stem from the much-publicized economic problems affecting the national and international economy, which particularly hurt the banking industry. The Corporation has exposure to the possibility of future losses from investments in obligations of states and political subdivisions (also known as municipal bonds) and other debt securities. For additional information regarding debt securities, see Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements.

 

The Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh - Through its subsidiary (C&N Bank), the Corporation is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh (FHLB-Pittsburgh), which is one of 12 regional Federal Home Loan Banks. The Corporation has a line of credit with the FHLB-Pittsburgh that is secured by a blanket lien on its loan portfolio. Access to this line of credit is critical if a funding need arises. However, there can be no assurance that the FHLB-Pittsburgh will be able to provide funding when needed, nor can there be assurance that the FHLB-Pittsburgh will provide funds specifically to the Corporation should its financial condition deteriorate and/or regulators prevent that access. The inability to access this source of funds could have a materially adverse effect on the Corporation’s financial flexibility if alternate financing is not available at acceptable interest rates. The failure of the FHLB-Pittsburgh or the FHLB system in general, may materially impair the Corporation’s ability to meet short- and long-term liquidity needs or to meet growth plans.

 

The Corporation owns common stock of the FHLB-Pittsburgh in order to qualify for membership in the FHLB system and access services from the FHLB-Pittsburgh. The FHLB-Pittsburgh faces a variety of risks in its operations including interest rate risk, counterparty credit risk, and adverse changes in its regulatory framework. In addition, the 12 Federal Home Loan Banks are jointly liable for the consolidated obligations of the FHLB system. To the extent that one FHLB cannot meet its obligations, other FHLBs can be called upon to make required payments. Such risks affecting the FHLB-Pittsburgh could adversely impact the value of the Corporation’s investment in the common stock of the FHLB-Pittsburgh and/or affect its access to credit.

 

Soundness of Other Financial Institutions - In addition to the FHLB-Pittsburgh, the Corporation maintains other credit facilities that provide it with additional liquidity. These facilities include secured and unsecured borrowings from the Federal Reserve Bank and third-party commercial banks. The Corporation believes that it maintains a strong liquidity position and that it is well positioned to withstand foreseeable market conditions. However, legal agreements with counterparties typically include provisions allowing them to restrict or terminate the Corporation’s access to these credit facilities with or without advance notice and at their sole discretion.

 

Financial institutions are interconnected as a result of trading, clearing, counterparty, and other relationships. Financial market conditions have been negatively impacted in the past and such disruptions or adverse changes in the Corporation's results of operations or financial condition could, in the future, have a negative impact on available sources of liquidity. Such a situation may arise due to circumstances that are outside the Corporation’s control, such as general market disruptions or operational problems affecting the Corporation or third parties. The Corporation’s efforts to monitor and manage liquidity risk may not be successful or sufficient to deal with dramatic or unanticipated reductions in available liquidity. In such events, the Corporation’s cost of funds may increase, thereby reducing net interest income, or the Corporation may need to sell a portion of its securities and/or loan portfolio, which, depending upon market conditions, could necessitate realizing a loss.

 

5
 

 

FDIC Insurance Assessments - In 2008 and 2009, higher levels of bank failures dramatically increased the resolution costs of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, or the FDIC, and depleted the deposit insurance fund. In addition, the FDIC and the U.S. Congress increased federal deposit insurance coverage, placing additional stress on the deposit insurance fund. In order to maintain a strong funding position and restore reserve ratios of the deposit insurance fund, in 2009 the FDIC increased assessment rates. Although our total expenses from FDIC assessments have steadily decreased – to $600,000 in 2014 from $2,092,000 in 2009, we are generally unable to control the amount of premiums that we are required to pay for FDIC insurance. If a significant number of bank or financial institution failures occur, we may be required to pay higher FDIC premiums. Future increases in FDIC insurance premiums or additional special assessments may materially adversely affect our results of operations.

 

Bank Secrecy Act and Related Laws and Regulations - These laws and regulations have significant implications for all financial institutions. They increase due diligence requirements and reporting obligations for financial institutions, create new crimes and penalties, and require the federal banking agencies, in reviewing merger and other acquisition transactions, to consider the effectiveness of the parties to such transactions in combating money laundering activities. Even innocent noncompliance and inconsequential failure to follow the regulations could result in significant fines or other penalties, which could have a material adverse impact on the Corporation's financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.

 

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

 

The Bank owns each of its properties, except for the branch facilities located at 130 Court Street, Williamsport, PA, and at 2 East Mountain Avenue, South Williamsport, PA, which are leased. All of the properties are in good condition. None of the owned properties are subject to encumbrance.

 

A listing of properties is as follows:

 

Main administrative offices:

  90-92 Main Street or 10 Nichols Street
  Wellsboro, PA  16901   Wellsboro, PA  16901

 

Branch offices – Citizens & Northern Bank:

  428 S. Main Street   514 Main Street   2 East Mountain Avenue **
  Athens, PA  18810   Laporte, PA  18626   South Williamsport, PA  17702
           
  10 North Main Street   4534 Williamson Trail   41 Main Street
  Coudersport, PA  16915   Liberty, PA  16930   Tioga, PA  16946
           
  111 W. Main Street   1085 S. Main Street   428 Main Street
  Dushore, PA  18614   Mansfield, PA  16933   Towanda, PA  18848
           
  563 Main Street   612 James Monroe Avenue   64 Elmira Street
  East Smithfield, PA  18817   Monroeton, PA  18832   Troy, PA  16947
           
  104 W. Main Street   3461 Route 405 Highway   90-92 Main Street
  Elkland, PA  16920   Muncy, PA  17756   Wellsboro, PA  16901
           
  135 East Fourth Street   100 Maple Street   1510 Dewey Avenue
  Emporium, PA  15834   Port Allegany, PA  16743   Williamsport, PA  17701
           
  230 Railroad Street   24 Thompson Street   130 Court Street **
  Jersey Shore, PA  17740   Ralston, PA  17763   Williamsport, PA  17701
           
  102 E. Main Street   1827 Elmira Street   1467 Golden Mile Road
  Knoxville, PA  16928   Sayre, PA  18840   Wysox, PA  18854
       
  3 Main Street   6250 County Rte 64    
  Canisteo, NY  14823    Hornell, NY  14843  

 

 

Facilities management office:

13 Water Street

Wellsboro, PA 16901

** designates leased branch facility

 

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ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

The Corporation and the Bank are involved in various legal proceedings incidental to their business. Management believes the aggregate liability, if any, resulting from such pending and threatened legal proceedings will not have a material adverse effect on the Corporation’s financial condition or results of operations.

 

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE

Not applicable.

 

PART II

 

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

 

QUARTERLY SHARE DATA

Trades of the Corporation’s stock are executed through various brokers who maintain a market in the Corporation’s stock. The Corporation’s stock is listed on the NASDAQ Capital Market with the trading symbol CZNC. As of December 31, 2014, there were 2,397 shareholders of record of the Corporation’s common stock.

 

The following table sets forth the high and low sales prices of the common stock during 2014 and 2013.

 

    2014       2013  
      Dividend       Dividend
      Declared       Declared
      per       per
  High Low Quarter   High Low Quarter
First quarter $20.74 $18.19 $0.26   $20.00 $18.65 $0.25
Second quarter 20.10 17.94 0.26   20.46 18.51 0.25
Third quarter 20.10 18.50 0.26   21.45 19.08 0.25
Fourth quarter 21.49 18.83 0.26   21.00 19.37 0.25

 

Future dividend payments will depend upon maintenance of a strong financial condition, future earnings and capital and regulatory requirements. Also, the Corporation and C&N Bank are subject to restrictions on the amount of dividends that may be paid without approval of banking regulatory authorities. These restrictions are described in Note 18 to the consolidated financial statements.

 

Effective July 17, 2014, the Corporation terminated its existing treasury stock repurchase programs and approved a new treasury stock repurchase program. Under the new program, the Corporation is authorized to repurchase up to 622,500 shares of the Corporation’s common stock, or approximately 5% of the Corporation’s issued and outstanding shares at July 16, 2014. As permitted by securities laws and other legal requirements and subject to market conditions and other factors, purchases under the new program may be made from time to time in the open market at prevailing prices, or through privately negotiated transactions.

 

Consistent with previous programs, the Board of Directors’ July 17, 2014 authorization provides that: (1) the new treasury stock repurchase program shall be effective when publicly announced and shall continue thereafter until suspended or terminated by the Board of Directors, in its sole discretion; and (2) all shares of common stock repurchased pursuant to

the new program shall be held as treasury shares and be available for use and reissuance for purposes as and when determined by the Board of Directors including, without limitation, pursuant to the Corporation’s Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan and its equity compensation program. Through December 31, 2014, 208,300 shares had been repurchased at a cost of $4,002,000.

 

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The following table sets forth a summary of purchases by the Corporation, on the open market, of its equity securities during the fourth quarter 2014:

 

Period Total Number
of Shares
Purchased
Average
Price Paid
per Share
Total Number of
Shares Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced Plans or
Programs
Maximum Number of
Shares that May Yet be
Purchased Under the
Plans or Programs
October 1 - 31, 2014 48,200 $19.34 177,200  445,300
November 1 - 30, 2014 10,600 $19.46 187,800  434,700
December 1 - 31, 2014 20,500 $19.49 208,300  414,200

 

PERFORMANCE GRAPH

 

Set forth below is a chart comparing the Corporation’s cumulative return to stockholders against the cumulative return of the Russell 2000 and a Peer Group Index of similar banking organizations selected by the Corporation for the five-year period commencing December 31, 2009 and ended December 31, 2014. The index values are market-weighted dividend-reinvestment numbers, which measure the total return for investing $100.00 five years ago. This meets Securities & Exchange Commission requirements for showing dividend reinvestment share performance over a five-year period and measures the return to an investor for placing $100.00 into a group of bank stocks and reinvesting any and all dividends into the purchase of more of the same stock for which dividends were paid.

 

 

             
Index 12/31/09 12/31/10 12/31/11 12/31/12 12/31/13 12/31/14
Citizens & Northern Corporation 100.00 160.82 206.97 221.11 253.58 267.98
Russell 2000 100.00 126.86 121.56 141.43 196.34 205.95
CZNC Peer Group Index* 100.00 113.13 106.47 126.35 158.15 181.07

 

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The Corporation’s peer group consists of banks headquartered in Pennsylvania with total assets of $700 million to $2 billion as of September 30, 2014. This peer group consists of ACNB Corporation, Gettysburg; AmeriServ Financial, Inc., Johnstown; Citizens Financial Services, Inc., Mansfield; Codorus Valley Bancorp, Inc., York; ENB Financial Corp., Ephrata; ESB Financial Corporation, Ellwood; ESSA Bancorp, Inc., Stroudsburg; First Keystone Corporation, Berwick; First National Community Bancorp, Inc., Dunmore; FNB Bancorp, Inc., Newtown; Fox Chase Bancorp, Inc., Hatboro; Franklin Financial Services Corporation, Chambersburg; Harleysville Savings Financial Corporation, Harleysville; Integrity Bancshares, Inc., Camp Hill; Norwood Financial Corp., Honesdale; Orrstown Financial Services, Inc., Shippensburg; Penns Woods Bancorp, Inc., Williamsport; Peoples Financial Services Corp., Scranton; QNB Corp., Quakertown; Republic First Bancorp, Inc., Philadelphia; Royal Bancshares of Pennsylvania, Inc., Narberth; Somerset Trust Holding Company, Somerset;1st Summit Bancorp of Johnstown, Inc., Johnstown; Mid Penn Bancorp, Inc., Millersburg; Embassy Bancorp, Inc., Bethlehem.

 

The data for this graph was obtained from SNL Financial LC, Charlottesville, VA.

 

EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION

 

The following table sets forth information concerning the Stock Incentive Plan and Independent Directors Stock Incentive Plan, both of which have been approved by the Corporation’s shareholders. The figures shown in the table below are as of December 31, 2014.

 

      Number of
  Number of Weighted- Securities
  Securities to be average Remaining
  Issued Upon Exercise for Future
  Exercise of Price of Issuance Under
  Outstanding Outstanding Equity Compen-
  Options Options sation Plans
Equity compensation plans      
 approved by shareholders  316,157 $19.05  317,161
       
Equity compensation plans      
 not approved by shareholders 0 N/A 0

 

More details related to the Corporation’s equity compensation plans are provided in Notes 1 and 13 to the consolidated financial statements.

 

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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA          
  As of or for the Year Ended December 31,    
INCOME STATEMENT (In Thousands) 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010
Interest and fee income $46,009 $48,914 $56,632 $61,256 $62,114
Interest expense 5,122 5,765 9,031 13,556 19,245
Net interest income 40,887 43,149 47,601 47,700 42,869
Provision (credit) for loan losses 476 2,047 288 (285) 1,191
Net interest income after provision (credit) for loan losses 40,411 41,102 47,313 47,985 41,678
Noninterest income excluding securities gains 15,420 16,451 16,383 13,897 13,809
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings from          
 available-for-sale securities 0 (25) (67) 0 (433)
Net realized gains on available-for-sale securities 1,104 1,743 2,749 2,216 1,262
Loss on prepayment of debt 0 1,023 2,333 0 0
Noninterest expense excluding loss on prepayment of debt 34,157 33,471 32,914 32,016 31,461
Income before income tax provision 22,778 24,777 31,131 32,082 24,855
Income tax provision 5,692 6,183 8,426 8,714 5,800
Net income 17,086 18,594 22,705 23,368 19,055
U.S. Treasury preferred dividends 0 0 0 0 1,474
Net income available to common shareholders $17,086 $18,594 $22,705 $23,368 $17,581
           
PER COMMON SHARE:          
Basic earnings per share $1.38 $1.51 $1.86 $1.92 $1.45
Diluted earnings per share $1.38 $1.50 $1.85 $1.92 $1.45
Cash dividends declared per share $1.04 $1.00 $0.84 $0.58 $0.39
Book value per common share at period-end $15.34 $14.49 $14.89 $13.77 $11.43
Tangible book value per common share at period-end $14.36 $13.51 $13.91 $12.77 $10.42
Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic 12,390,067 12,352,383 12,235,748 12,162,045 12,131,039
Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted 12,412,050 12,382,790 12,260,208 12,166,768 12,131,039
           
END OF PERIOD BALANCES (Dollars In Thousands)          
Available-for-sale securities $516,807 $482,658 $472,577 $481,685 $443,956
Gross loans 630,545 644,303 683,910 708,315 730,411
Allowance for loan losses 7,336 8,663 6,857 7,705 9,107
Total assets 1,241,963 1,237,695 1,286,907 1,323,735 1,316,588
Deposits 967,989 954,516 1,006,106 1,018,206 1,004,348
Borrowings 78,597 96,723 89,379 130,313 166,908
Stockholders' equity 188,362 179,472 182,786 167,385 138,944
Common shares outstanding 12,279,980 12,390,063 12,274,035 12,155,529 12,153,598
           
AVERAGE BALANCES (In Thousands)          
Total assets 1,239,897 1,237,096 1,305,163 1,313,445 1,326,145
Earning assets 1,155,401 1,145,340 1,199,538 1,208,584 1,205,608
Gross loans 627,753 656,495 700,241 714,421 721,997
Deposits 965,418 964,031 1,008,469 1,001,125 965,615
Stockholders' equity 185,469 181,412 175,822 152,718 150,133

 

10
 

  

  As of or for the Year Ended December 31,    
  2014 2013 2012 2011 2010
KEY RATIOS          
Return on average assets 1.38% 1.50% 1.74% 1.78% 1.44%
Return on average equity 9.21% 10.25% 12.91% 15.30% 12.69%
Average equity to average assets 14.96% 14.66% 13.47% 11.63% 11.32%
Net interest margin (1) 3.80% 4.05% 4.26% 4.22% 3.81%
Efficiency (2) 57.59% 53.27% 48.82% 49.37% 52.64%
Cash dividends as a % of diluted earnings per share 75.36% 66.67% 45.41% 30.21% 26.90%
Tier 1 leverage 13.89% 13.78% 12.53% 10.93% 9.20%
Tier 1 risk-based capital 26.26% 25.15% 22.86% 19.95% 15.87%
Total risk-based capital 27.60% 26.60% 24.01% 21.17% 17.17%
Tangible common equity/tangible assets 14.34% 13.66% 13.39% 11.84% 9.71%
Nonperforming assets/total assets 1.34% 1.53% 0.82% 0.73% 0.92%
Nonperforming loans/total loans 2.45% 2.80% 1.41% 1.19% 1.58%
Allowance for loan losses/total loans 1.16% 1.34% 1.00% 1.09% 1.25%
Net charge-offs/average loans 0.29% 0.04% 0.16% 0.16% 0.05%

 

(1) Rates of return on tax-exempt securities and loans are calculated on a fully-taxable equivalent basis.

 

(2) The efficiency ratio is calculated by dividing: (a) total noninterest expense excluding losses from prepayment of debt, by (b) the sum of net interest income (including income from tax-exempt securities and loans on a fully-taxable equivalent basis) and noninterest income excluding securities gains or losses.

 

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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Certain statements in this section and elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K are forward-looking statements. Citizens & Northern Corporation and its wholly-owned subsidiaries (collectively, the Corporation) intend such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements, which are not historical facts, are based on certain assumptions and describe future plans, business objectives and expectations, and are generally identifiable by the use of words such as, "should", “likely”, "expect", “plan”, "anticipate", “target”, “forecast”, and “goal”. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict, may be beyond management’s control and could cause results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors which could have a material, adverse impact on the operations and future prospects of the Corporation include, but are not limited to, the following:

 

·changes in monetary and fiscal policies of the Federal Reserve Board and the U.S. Government, particularly related to changes in interest rates
·changes in general economic conditions
·legislative or regulatory changes
·downturn in demand for loan, deposit and other financial services in the Corporation’s market area
·increased competition from other banks and non-bank providers of financial services
·technological changes and increased technology-related costs
·changes in accounting principles, or the application of generally accepted accounting principles.

 

These risks and uncertainties should be considered in evaluating forward-looking statements and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements.

 

EARNINGS OVERVIEW

 

In 2014, net income totaled $17,086,000, or $1.38 per common share - basic and diluted, as compared to $1.51 per share – basic and $1.50 per share – diluted in 2013 and $1.86 per share basic and $1.85 per share – diluted in 2012. The results for 2014 represented a return on average assets of 1.38% and a return on average equity of 9.21%.

 

2014 vs. 2013

 

Net income per share – diluted for 2014 was 8.0% lower than in 2013. Some of the more significant highlights related to annual earnings in 2014 as compared to 2013 are as follows:

 

·Net interest income totaled $40,887,000 in 2014, down $2,262,000 (5.2%) from 2013. In 2014, yields earned on securities and loans fell by more than the corresponding drop in interest rates paid on deposits and borrowings. Also, average total loans outstanding were 4.3% lower in 2014 as compared to 2013. The net interest margin was 3.80% in 2014, down from 4.05% in 2013.

 

·The provision for loan losses was $476,000 in 2014, down from $2,047,000 in 2013. The higher levels of expense in 2013 included a charge of $1,552,000 from loans to one commercial customer.

 

·In 2014, noninterest revenue, excluding net realized gains on available-for-sale securities, totaled $15,420,000, which was lower than the 2013 amount by $1,031,000 (6.3%). Gains from sales of residential mortgage loans totaled $768,000 in 2014, down from $1,969,000 in 2013, reflecting lower volume from refinancing activity. Service charges on deposit accounts fell $221,000 in 2014 as compared to 2013, a decline of 4.2%, primarily as a result of lower net overdraft fees. Total Trust and brokerage revenue of $5,391,000 in 2014 was $520,000 (10.7%) higher than in 2013.

 

·Realized gains from available-for-sale securities totaled $1,104,000 in 2014, while in 2013 realized gains from securities totaled $1,718,000 and losses from prepayment of borrowings totaled $1,023,000.

 

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·In 2014, noninterest expenses totaled $34,157,000, which was $686,000 (2.0%) higher than total 2013 noninterest expenses, excluding the loss on prepayment of borrowings. Salaries and wages expense increased $915,000 in 2014 as compared to 2013, mainly as a result of severance benefits, and pensions and other employee benefit expenses increased $619,000, mainly due to higher health care costs and the fourth quarter charge related to a distribution from a defined benefit pension plan. Professional fees expense was $835,000 lower in 2014 as compared to 2013, as the total in 2013 included fees associated with projects designed to identify sources of noninterest revenue and reductions in debit card and ATM processing expense.

 

2013 vs. 2012

 

In 2013, net income per share – diluted of $1.50 was down 18.4% from 2012. Some of the more significant earnings-related variances in 2013 as compared to 2012 are as follows:

 

·Net interest income of $43,149,000 in 2013 was down $4,452,000 (9.4%) from 2012. The fully taxable equivalent net interest margin of 4.05% in 2013 was down 0.21% from 2012, and the interest rate spread (excess of the yield on earning assets over the average rate incurred on interest-bearing liabilities) shrunk by 0.16%. Average earning assets declined in 2013 by $54.2 million, reflecting a reduction in average loans outstanding of $43.7 million, and average deposits decreased $44.4 million. Also, net interest income in 2012 was enhanced by the recovery of a security that had been written down in prior years, resulting in income (accretion) of $855,000.

 

·The provision for loan losses was $2,047,000 in 2013, as compared to $288,000 in 2012. The increase in the provision in 2013 included the effects of establishing an allowance of $1,552,000 on loans to one commercial borrower.

 

·In 2013, noninterest revenue, excluding net realized gains on available-for-sale securities, totaled $16,451,000, which exceeded the total 2012 amount by $68,000. Total Trust and brokerage revenue of $4,871,000 in 2013 was $223,000 (4.8%) higher than the total for 2012. In 2013, the fair value of servicing rights increased $67,000, while the fair value of servicing rights decreased $188,000 in 2012. In 2013, the net loss from disposals of premises and equipment totaled ($16,000) as compared to net gains of $270,000 in 2012, mainly from an insurance recovery in 2012 associated with a flood-related claim.

 

·In 2013 and 2012, the Corporation generated gains from sales of securities and also incurred losses from prepayment of borrowings. Realized gains from securities totaled $1,718,000 in the year ended December 31, 2013 as compared to $2,682,000 in 2012, while losses from prepayment of borrowings amounted to $1,023,000 in 2013 as compared to $2,333,000 in 2012.

 

·Noninterest expenses, excluding losses from prepayment of borrowings, totaled $33,471,000 in 2013, an increase of $557,000 (1.7%) over the corresponding total for 2012. In 2013, the Corporation incurred professional fees expense of $724,000 related to a consulting engagement in which the consulting firm identified recommendations for potential increases in revenues, mainly related to service charges on deposit accounts. Also, in 2013, the Corporation incurred professional fees expense of $315,000 from a consulting project related to debit card operations and electronic funds processing, for which reductions in electronic funds processing expenses and other benefits are expected to be realized over approximately the next five years. Mainly as a result of the consulting engagements described above, professional fees expense was $1,048,000 higher in 2013 as compared to 2012. Pensions and other employee benefit costs were $347,000 lower in 2013 than in 2012, including a reduction of $171,000 in health insurance expense associated with the Corporation’s partially self-insured plan due to a lower amount of claims.

 

More detailed information concerning fluctuations in the Corporation’s earnings results are provided in other sections of Management’s Discussion and Analysis.

 

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

The presentation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect many of the reported amounts and disclosures. Actual results could differ from these estimates

 

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A material estimate that is particularly susceptible to significant change is the determination of the allowance for loan losses. The Corporation maintains an allowance for loan losses that represents management’s estimate of the losses inherent in the loan portfolio as of the balance sheet date and recorded as a reduction of the investment in loans. Management believes the allowance for loan losses is adequate and reasonable. Notes 1 and 8 to the consolidated financial statements provide an overview of the process management uses for evaluating and determining the allowance for loan losses, and additional discussion of the allowance for loan losses is provided in a separate section later in Management’s Discussion and Analysis. Given the very subjective nature of identifying and valuing loan losses, it is likely that well-informed individuals could make materially different assumptions, and could, therefore calculate a materially different allowance value. While management uses available information to recognize losses on loans, changes in economic conditions may necessitate revisions in future years. In addition, various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the Corporation’s allowance for loan losses. Such agencies may require the Corporation to recognize adjustments to the allowance based on their judgments of information available to them at the time of their examination.

 

Another material estimate is the calculation of fair values of the Corporation’s debt securities. For most of the Corporation’s debt securities, the Corporation receives estimated fair values of debt securities from an independent valuation service, or from brokers. In developing fair values, the valuation service and the brokers use estimates of cash flows, based on historical performance of similar instruments in similar interest rate environments. Based on experience, management is aware that estimated fair values of debt securities tend to vary among brokers and other valuation services.

 

As described in Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements, management evaluates securities for other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”). In making that evaluation, consideration is given to (1) the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than cost, (2) the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, and (3) whether the Corporation intends to sell the security or more likely than not will be required to sell the security before its anticipated recovery. Management’s assessments of the likelihood and potential for recovery in value of securities are subjective and based on sensitive assumptions.

 

NET INTEREST INCOME

 

The Corporation’s primary source of operating income is net interest income, which is equal to the difference between the amounts of interest income and interest expense. Tables I, II and III include information regarding the Corporation’s net interest income in 2014, 2013, and 2012. In each of these tables, the amounts of interest income earned on tax-exempt securities and loans have been adjusted to a fully taxable-equivalent basis. Accordingly, the net interest income amounts reflected in these tables exceed the amounts presented in the consolidated financial statements. The discussion that follows is based on amounts in the tables.

 

2014 vs. 2013

 

Fully taxable equivalent net interest income was $43,893,000 in 2014, which was $2,491,000 (5.3%) lower than in 2013. As shown in Table III, in 2014 compared to 2013, interest rate changes had the effect of decreasing net interest income $1,622000, and net changes in volume had the effect of decreasing net interest income $869,000. The most significant component of the rate-related change in net interest income in 2014 was a decrease in interest income of $1,718,000 attributable to lower rates earned on loans receivable. The most significant components of the volume-related decrease in net interest income in 2014 were a decrease in interest income of $1,602,000 attributable to a decline in the balance of loans receivable, partially offset by a volume-related increase in interest income on available-for-securities of $499,000, a decrease in interest expense of $161,000 attributable to a reduction in the balance of interest-bearing deposits (primarily certificates of deposit) and a decrease in interest expense of $109,000 attributable to a reduction in the balance of borrowed funds. As presented in Table II, the “Interest Rate Spread” (excess of average rate of return on earning assets over average cost of funds on interest-bearing liabilities) was 3.63% in 2014 as compared to 3.88% in 2013.

 

INTEREST INCOME AND EARNING ASSETS

 

Interest income totaled $49,015,000 in 2014, a decrease of 6.0% from 2013. Interest and fees on loans receivable decreased $3,320,000, or 8.8%. As indicated in Table II, average available-for-sale securities (at amortized cost) totaled $494,934,000 in 2014, an increase of $33,370,000 (7.2%) from 2013. Net increase in the Corporation’s available-for-sale securities portfolio was primarily made up of U.S. Government agency mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations. This increase was partially offset by decreases in the balances of U.S. Government agency bonds. The Corporation’s yield on securities was lower in 2014 than in 2013, primarily because of low market interest rates. The average rate of return on available-for-sale securities was 2.95% for 2014 and 3.12% in 2013.

 

The average balance of gross loans receivable decreased 4.3% to $627,753,000 in 2014 from $656,495,000 in 2013. The Corporation experienced contraction in the balance of loans receivable due to borrowers prepaying or refinancing existing loans combined with modest demand for new loans. The decline in the balance of the residential mortgage portfolio was also affected by management’s decision to sell a significant portion of newly originated residential mortgages on the secondary market. The Corporation’s average rate of return on loans receivable declined to 5.46% in 2014 from 5.73% in 2013.

 

14
 

 

The average balance of interest-bearing due from banks increased to $32,510,000 in 2014 from $26,159,000 in 2013. This has consisted primarily of balances held by the Federal Reserve and also includes other overnight deposits and FDIC-insured certificates of deposit issued by other financial institutions.

 

INTEREST EXPENSE AND INTEREST-BEARING LIABILITIES

 

Interest expense fell $643,000, or 11.1%, to $5,122,000 in 2014 from $5,765,000 in 2013. Table II shows that the overall cost of funds on interest-bearing liabilities fell to 0.61% in 2014 from 0.67% in 2013.

 

Total average deposits (interest-bearing and noninterest-bearing) increased 0.1%, to $965,418,000 in 2014 from $964,031,000 in 2013. Decreases in the average balances of certificates of deposit, Individual Retirement Accounts, and money market accounts were partially offset by increases in average balances of interest checking, savings accounts and non-interest bearing demand deposits. Consistent with continuing low short-term market interest rates, the average rates incurred on certificates of deposit and Individual Retirement Accounts have continued to decrease in 2014 as compared to 2013.

 

Total average borrowed funds decreased $2,388,000 to $79,940,000 in 2014 from $82,328,000 in 2013. The average rate on borrowed funds was 3.70% in 2014, compared to 3.72% in 2013.

 

2013 vs. 2012

 

Fully taxable equivalent net interest income was $46,384,000 in 2013, $4,657,000 (9.1%) lower than in 2012. As shown in Table III, in 2013 compared to 2012, interest rate changes had the effect of decreasing net interest income $3,743,000, and net changes in volume had the effect of decreasing net interest income $914,000. The most significant components of the rate change in net interest income in 2013 were a decrease in interest income of $2,615,000 attributable to lower rates earned on loans receivable and a decrease in interest income of $2,554,000 attributable to lower rates earned on available-for-sale securities, partially offset by a decrease in interest expense of $1,413,000 due to lower rates paid on interest-bearing deposits. The most significant components of the volume change in net interest income in 2013 were a decrease in interest income of $2,588,000 attributable to a decline in the balance of loans receivable, a decrease in interest expense of $1,180,000 attributable to a reduction in the balance of borrowed funds, and a decrease in interest expense of $691,000 attributable to a reduction in the balance of interest-bearing deposits (primarily certificates of deposit). As presented in Table II, the “Interest Rate Spread” (excess of average rate of return on earning assets over average cost of funds on interest-bearing liabilities) was 3.88% in 2013, as compared to 4.04% in 2012.

 

INTEREST INCOME AND EARNING ASSETS

 

Interest income totaled $52,149,000 in 2013, a decrease of 13.2% from 2012. Interest and fees on loans receivable decreased $5,203,000, or 12.2%. As indicated in Table II, average available-for-sale securities (at amortized cost) totaled $461,564,000 in 2013, a decrease of $2,785,000 (0.6%) from 2012. Net contraction in the Corporation’s available-for-sale securities portfolio was primarily made up of U.S. Government agency mortgage-backed securities and trust preferred securities. This contraction was partially offset by increases in the balances of U.S. Government agency bonds, municipal securities, and U.S. Government agency collateralized mortgage obligations. The Corporation’s yield on securities fell in 2012 and 2013 because of low market interest rates, which had the effect of increasing the volume of calls on municipal bonds and trust preferred securities, and prepayments on mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations, with new purchases made at lower yields than the yields on the securities being replaced. Also, the yield on available-for-sale securities was enhanced in 2012 by accretion income of $855,000 from a security for which principal was fully paid in 2012 after OTTI write-downs had been recorded in prior periods. The average rate of return on available-for-sale securities was 3.12% for 2013 and 3.67% in 2012.

 

The average balance of gross loans receivable decreased 6.2% to $656,495,000 in 2013 from $700,241,000 in 2012. The Corporation experienced contraction in the balance of loans receivable due to borrowers prepaying or refinancing existing loans combined with modest demand for new loans. The decline in the balance of the residential mortgage portfolio was also affected by management’s decision to sell a significant portion of newly originated residential mortgages on the secondary market. The Corporation’s average rate of return on loans receivable declined to 5.73% in 2013 from 6.11% in 2012.

 

The average balance of interest-bearing due from banks decreased to $26,159,000 in 2013 from $32,337,000 in 2012. This has consisted primarily of balances held by the Federal Reserve and also includes other overnight deposits and FDIC-insured certificates of deposit issued by other financial institutions.

 

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INTEREST EXPENSE AND INTEREST-BEARING LIABILITIES

 

Interest expense fell $3,266,000, or 36.2%, to $5,765,000 in 2013 from $9,031,000 in 2012. Table II shows that the overall cost of funds on interest-bearing liabilities fell to 0.67% in 2013 from 0.97% in 2012.

 

Total average deposits (interest-bearing and noninterest-bearing) decreased 4.4%, to $964,031,000 in 2013 from $1,008,469,000 in 2012. Decreases in the average balances of certificates of deposit, Individual Retirement Accounts, and money market accounts were partially offset by increases in average balances of interest checking and savings accounts. Consistent with continuing low short-term market interest rates, the average rates incurred on certificates of deposit and Individual Retirement Accounts have decreased significantly in 2013 as compared to 2012.

 

Total average borrowed funds decreased $29,723,000 to $82,328,000 in 2013 from $112,051,000 in 2012. During 2012 and 2013, the Corporation has paid off long-term borrowings as they matured using the cash flow received from loans and investment securities. In 2012, the Corporation prepaid principal totaling $17,000,000 on long-term borrowings (repurchase agreements); the Corporation incurred losses from the prepayments totaling $2,333,000. In March 2013, the Corporation prepaid principal of $7,000,000 on a long-term borrowing (repurchase agreement) with a rate of 3.60%; the Corporation incurred a loss from the prepayment totaling $1,023,000, which is reported in Other Expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Management expects that the prepayments will have a favorable effect on the net interest margin in the future. After the effect of the prepayments, the remaining balance of long-term borrowings under repurchase agreements was $61,000,000 at December 31, 2013. The average rate on borrowed funds was 3.72% in 2013, compared to 3.77% in 2012.

 

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TABLE I - ANALYSIS OF INTEREST INCOME AND EXPENSE      
           
           
  Years Ended December 31,  Increase/(Decrease)
(In Thousands) 2014 2013 2012 2014/2013 2013/2012
           
INTEREST INCOME          
Available-for-sale securities:          
 Taxable $8,028 $7,105 $9,334 $923 ($2,229)
 Tax-exempt 6,577 7,296 7,725 (719) (429)
 Total available-for-sale securities 14,605 14,401 17,059 204 (2,658)
Interest-bearing due from banks 125 105 114 20 (9)
Loans held for sale 16 54 107 (38) (53)
Loans receivable:          
 Taxable 32,127 35,484 40,453 (3,357) (4,969)
 Tax-exempt 2,142 2,105 2,339 37 (234)
 Total loans receivable 34,269 37,589 42,792 (3,320) (5,203)
Total Interest Income 49,015 52,149 60,072 (3,134) (7,923)
           
INTEREST EXPENSE          
Interest-bearing deposits:          
 Interest checking 216 211 206 5 5
 Money market 286 290 354 (4) (64)
 Savings 121 117 108 4 9
 Certificates of deposit 1,069 1,522 3,002 (453) (1,480)
 Individual Retirement Accounts 470 562 1,136 (92) (574)
 Other time deposits 1 1 1 0 0
 Total interest-bearing deposits 2,163 2,703 4,807 (540) (2,104)
Borrowed funds:          
 Short-term 9 9 10 0 (1)
 Long-term 2,950 3,053 4,214 (103) (1,161)
 Total borrowed funds 2,959 3,062 4,224 (103) (1,162)
Total Interest Expense 5,122 5,765 9,031 (643) (3,266)
           
Net Interest Income $43,893 $46,384 $51,041 ($2,491) ($4,657)

 

(1)Interest income from tax-exempt securities and loans has been adjusted to a fully taxable-equivalent basis, using the Corporation’s marginal federal income tax rate of 35%.

(2) Fees on loans are included with interest on loans and amounted to $1,013,000 in 2014, $1,338,000 in 2013 and $1,427,000 in 2012.

 

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TABLE II - ANALYSIS OF AVERAGE DAILY BALANCES AND RATES        
(Dollars in Thousands)            
  Year   Year   Year  
  Ended Rate of Ended Rate of Ended Rate of
  12/31/2014 Return/ 12/31/2013 Return/ 12/31/2012 Return/
  Average Cost of Average Cost of Average Cost of
  Balance Funds % Balance Funds % Balance Funds %
EARNING ASSETS            
Available-for-sale securities,            
at amortized cost:            
Taxable $371,125 2.16% $330,980 2.15% $332,911 2.80%
Tax-exempt 123,809 5.31% 130,584 5.59% 131,438 5.88%
 Total available-for-sale securities 494,934 2.95% 461,564 3.12% 464,349 3.67%
Interest-bearing due from banks 32,510 0.39% 26,159 0.40% 32,337 0.35%
Federal funds sold 0 0.00% 4 0.00% 0 0.00%
Loans held for sale 204 7.84% 1,118 4.83% 2,611 4.10%
Loans receivable:            
Taxable 589,120 5.45% 620,412 5.72% 662,751 6.10%
Tax-exempt 38,633 5.54% 36,083 5.83% 37,490 6.24%
 Total loans receivable 627,753 5.46% 656,495 5.73% 700,241 6.11%
 Total Earning Assets 1,155,401 4.24% 1,145,340 4.55% 1,199,538 5.01%
Cash 16,865   16,854   17,408  
Unrealized gain/loss on securities 6,350   8,875   18,444  
Allowance for loan losses (7,992)   (7,204)   (7,688)  
Bank premises and equipment 16,789   18,154   18,956  
Intangible Asset - Core Deposit Intangible 70   113   176  
Intangible Asset – Goodwill 11,942   11,942   11,942  
Other assets 40,472   43,022   46,387  
Total Assets $1,239,897   $1,237,096   $1,305,163  
             
INTEREST-BEARING LIABILITIES            
Interest-bearing deposits:            
Interest checking $183,874 0.12% $174,790 0.12% $163,840 0.13%
Money market 198,990 0.14% 203,023 0.14% 208,814 0.17%
Savings 121,685 0.10% 117,055 0.10% 108,218 0.10%
Certificates of deposit 134,732 0.79% 148,598 1.02% 194,175 1.55%
Individual Retirement Accounts 120,016 0.39% 129,255 0.43% 142,315 0.80%
 Other time deposits 1,039 0.10% 1,062 0.09% 1,191 0.08%
 Total interest-bearing deposits 760,336 0.28% 773,783 0.35% 818,553 0.59%
Borrowed funds:            
 Short-term 6,744 0.13% 6,422 0.14% 6,831 0.15%
 Long-term 73,196 4.03% 75,906 4.02% 105,220 4.00%
 Total borrowed funds 79,940 3.70% 82,328 3.72% 112,051 3.77%
 Total Interest-bearing Liabilities 840,276 0.61% 856,111 0.67% 930,604 0.97%
Demand deposits 205,082   190,248   189,916  
Other liabilities 9,070   9,325   8,821  
Total Liabilities 1,054,428   1,055,684   1,129,341  
Stockholders' equity, excluding            
 other comprehensive income/loss 181,271   175,893   164,316  
Other comprehensive income/loss 4,198   5,519   11,506  
Total Stockholders' Equity 185,469   181,412   175,822  
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity $1,239,897   $1,237,096   $1,305,163  
Interest Rate Spread   3.63%   3.88%   4.04%
Net Interest Income/Earning Assets   3.80%   4.05%   4.26%
             
Total Deposits (Interest-bearing            
 and Demand) $965,418   $964,031   $1,008,469  

 

(1)Rates of return on tax-exempt securities and loans are presented on a fully taxable-equivalent basis, using the Corporation’s marginal federal income tax rate of 35%.
(2)Nonaccrual loans have been included with loans for the purpose of analyzing net interest earnings.

 

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TABLE III - ANALYSIS OF VOLUME AND RATE CHANGES        
(In Thousands) Year Ended 12/31/14 vs. 12/31/13 Year Ended 12/31/13 vs. 12/31/12
  Change in Change in Total Change in Change in Total
  Volume Rate Change Volume Rate Change
EARNING ASSETS            
Available-for-sale securities:            
 Taxable $868 $55 $923 ($54) ($2,175) ($2,229)
 Tax-exempt (369) (350) (719) (50) (379) (429)
 Total available-for-sale securities 499 (295) 204 (104) (2,554) (2,658)
Interest-bearing due from banks 24 (4) 20 (24) 15 (9)
Loans held for sale (60) 22 (38) (69) 16 (53)
Loans receivable:            
 Taxable (1,746) (1,611) (3,357) (2,502) (2,467) (4,969)
 Tax-exempt 144 (107) 37 (86) (148) (234)
 Total loans receivable (1,602) (1,718) (3,320) (2,588) (2,615) (5,203)
Total Interest Income (1,139) (1,995) (3,134) (2,785) (5,138) (7,923)
             
INTEREST-BEARING LIABILITIES            
Interest-bearing deposits:            
 Interest checking 11 (6) 5 13 (8) 5
 Money market (6) 2 (4) (10) (54) (64)
 Savings 5 (1) 4 9 0 9
 Certificates of deposit (133) (320) (453) (607) (873) (1,480)
 Individual Retirement Accounts (38) (54) (92) (96) (478) (574)
 Other time deposits 0 0 0 0 0 0
 Total interest-bearing deposits (161) (379) (540) (691) (1,413) (2,104)
Borrowed funds:            
 Short-term 0 0 0 (1) 0 (1)
 Long-term (109) 6 (103) (1,179) 18 (1,161)
 Total borrowed funds (109) 6 (103) (1,180) 18 (1,162)
Total Interest Expense (270) (373) (643) (1,871) (1,395) (3,266)
             
Net Interest Income ($869) ($1,622) ($2,491) ($914) ($3,743) ($4,657)

 

(1)Changes in income on tax-exempt securities and loans are presented on a fully taxable-equivalent basis, using the Corporation’s marginal federal income tax rate of 35%.
(2)The change in interest due to both volume and rates has been allocated to volume and rate changes in proportion to the relationship of the absolute dollar amounts of the change in each.

 

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NONINTEREST INCOME

Years Ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012

 

The table below presents a comparison of noninterest income and excludes realized gains on available-for-sale securities, which are discussed in the “Earnings Overview” section of Management’s Discussion and Analysis.

 

TABLE IV - COMPARISON OF NONINTEREST INCOME      
 (In Thousands)        
   Years Ended    
   December 31, $ %
  2014 2013  Change  Change
Service charges on deposit accounts $5,025 $5,246 ($221) (4.2)
Service charges and fees 538 597 (59) (9.9)
Trust and financial management revenue 4,490 4,087 403 9.9
Brokerage revenue 901 784 117 14.9
Insurance commissions, fees and premiums 118 170 (52) (30.6)
Interchange revenue from debit card transactions 1,959 1,941 18 0.9
Net gains from sales of loans 768 1,969 (1,201) (61.0)
(Decrease) increase in fair value of servicing rights (27) 67 (94) (140.3)
Increase in cash surrender value of life insurance 376 399 (23) (5.8)
Net gain (loss) from premises and equipment 8 (16) 24 (150.0)
Other operating income 1,264 1,207 57 4.7
 Total other operating income before realized gains        
 on available-for-sale securities, net $15,420 $16,451 ($1,031) (6.3)

 

   Years Ended    
   December 31, $ %
  2013 2012  Change  Change
Service charges on deposit accounts $5,246 $5,322 ($76) (1.4)
Service charges and fees 597 643 (46) (7.2)
Trust and financial management revenue 4,087 3,847 240 6.2
Brokerage revenue 784 801 (17) (2.1)
Insurance commissions, fees and premiums 170 221 (51) (23.1)
Interchange revenue from debit card transactions 1,941 1,938 3 0.2
Net gains from sales of loans 1,969 2,016 (47) (2.3)
Increase (decrease) in fair value of servicing rights 67 (188) 255 (135.6)
Increase in cash surrender value of life insurance 399 455 (56) (12.3)
Net (loss) gain from premises and equipment (16) 270 (286) (105.9)
Other operating income 1,207 1,058 149 14.1
 Total other operating income before realized gains        
 on available-for-sale securities, net $16,451 $16,383 $68 0.4

 

Total noninterest income, excluding realized gains on available-for-sale securities, decreased $1,031,000 or 6.3% in 2014 compared to 2013. In 2013, total noninterest income increased $68,000 (0.4%) from 2012. Changes of significance are discussed in the narrative that follows.

 

2014 vs. 2013

 

Net gains from sales of loans decreased $1,201,000 in 2014. Since December 2009, the Corporation has sold a significant amount of residential mortgage loans into the secondary market through the MPF Xtra and Original programs administered by the Federal Home Loan Banks of Pittsburgh and Chicago. Volume remained brisk throughout most of 2013, slowing somewhat in the fourth quarter 2013 with a continued slowdown throughout 2014 reflecting a decrease in refinancing activity.

 

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Service charges on deposit accounts were $221,000 lower in 2014 than 2013. Consumer and business overdraft fees decreased $543,000 in 2014 as compared to 2013. Changes made as a result of recommendations made by a consulting firm in 2013 resulted in service charges on deposit accounts of $611,000 in 2014 as compared to $229,000 in 2013, as most of the recommendations were implemented in the fourth quarter 2013.

 

In 2014, Trust and financial management revenue increased $403,000, or 9.9%. The increase in trust revenue in 2014 reflects the impact of new business obtained as well as higher valuations of U.S. equity securities throughout most of the period. Assets under management by the Corporation’s Trust and financial management group totaled $825,918,000 at December 31, 2014, an increase of 3.7% over the total one year earlier.

 

As a result of increased annuity sales, brokerage revenue increased $117,000 or 14.9% in 2014 over 2013.

 

2013 vs. 2012

 

The fair value of servicing rights increased $67,000 in 2013 as compared to a decrease of $188,000 in 2012. Management’s estimated prepayment speeds on mortgage loans sold and serviced were lower at December 31, 2013 than at December 31, 2012, which had the effect of increasing the estimated fair value of the related servicing rights. Conversely, estimated prepayment speeds at December 31, 2012 were higher than the corresponding speeds at the end of 2011, causing the fair value of servicing rights to decline in 2012.

 

In 2013, Trust and financial management revenue increased $240,000, or 6.2%. Trust revenue from employee benefit and retirement services was $121,000 higher in 2013 as compared to 2012. The increase in trust revenue in 2013 reflects the impact of new business obtained as well as higher valuations of U.S. equities and fixed income securities throughout most of the period. Assets under management by the Corporation’s Trust and financial management group totaled $796,115,000 at December 31, 2013, an increase of 12.5% over the total one year earlier.

 

Other operating income increased $149,000, or 14.1%, in 2013 as compared to 2012, as mortgage servicing revenue increased $127,000 due to a higher volume of mortgage loans sold and serviced.

 

The net gain from premises and equipment of $270,000 in 2012 included a gain of $272,000 from the excess of insurance proceeds received over the historical book value of assets replaced or reconstructed at the Athens, PA branch, which was damaged by a flood in September 2011 and remained closed until it was re-opened in April 2012. The loss of $16,000 in 2013 included charges related to the abandonment of certain communications equipment

 

NONINTEREST EXPENSE

Years Ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012

 

As shown in Table V below, total noninterest expense, excluding losses from prepayment of debt, increased $686,000 in 2014 as compared to 2013. Excluding losses from prepayment of debt, total noninterest expense was $557,000 (16.9%) higher in 2013 as compared to 2012. In 2013, the Corporation incurred losses totaling $1,023,000 and, in 2012, losses totaling $2,333,000 from prepayment of borrowings (repurchase agreements). There were no losses from prepayment of borrowings incurred in 2014. Changes of significance (other than the previously discussed loss on prepayment of debt) are discussed in the narrative that follows.

 

TABLE V - COMPARISON OF NONINTEREST EXPENSE        
 (In Thousands)      
       $  %
  2014 2013  Change  Change
 Salaries and wages $15,121 $14,206 $915 6.4
 Pensions and other employee benefits 4,769 4,150 619 14.9
 Occupancy expense, net 2,628 2,473 155 6.3
 Furniture and equipment expense 1,859 1,948 (89) (4.6)
 FDIC Assessments 600 604 (4) (0.7)
 Pennsylvania shares tax 1,350 1,402 (52) (3.7)
 Professional fees 699 1,534 (835) (54.4)
 Automated teller machine and interchange expense 924 1,020 (96) (9.4)
 Software subscriptions 784 836 (52) (6.2)
 Loss on prepayment of debt 0 1,023 (1,023) (100.0)
 Other operating expense 5,423 5,298 125 2.4
         
 Total Other Expense $34,157 $34,494 ($337) (1.0)

 

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       $  %
  2013 2012  Change  Change
Salaries and wages $14,206 $14,370 ($164) (1.1)
Pensions and other employee benefits 4,150 4,497 (347) (7.7)
Occupancy expense, net 2,473 2,476 (3) (0.1)
Furniture and equipment expense 1,948 1,887 61 3.2
FDIC Assessments 604 633 (29) (4.6)
Pennsylvania shares tax 1,402 1,312 90 6.9
Professional fees 1,534 486 1,048 215.6
Automated teller machine and interchange expense 1,020 1,136 (116) (10.2)
Software subscriptions 836 890 (54) (6.1)
Loss on prepayment of debt 1,023 2,333 (1,310) (56.2)
Other operating expense 5,298 5,227 71 1.4
Total Other Expense $34,494 $35,247 ($753) (2.1)

 

2014 vs. 2013

 

Salaries and wages increased $915,000, or 6.4%. As noted in the Earnings Overview section, this increase is primarily the result of severance benefits incurred and paid in 2014

 

Pensions and other employee benefits increased $619,000, or 14.9%. Health care expense increased $415,000 as the amount of claims incurred during 2014 was higher than 2013. The Corporation is self-insured for health insurance, up to a cap for catastrophic levels of losses, which are insured by a third party In addition, the Corporation incurred a $196,000 charge related to a distribution from a defined benefit plan.

 

Occupancy expense increased $155,000, or 6.3%, primarily due to increased weather related costs such as snow removal, fuel, utilities and maintenance.

 

Professional fees decreased $835,000, or 54.4%. As noted below, the Corporation incurred professional fee expense of $1,039,000 in 2013 for two large consulting engagements. Similar size engagements did not occur during 2014.

 

Automated teller machine and interchange expenses decreased $96,000, or 9.4%, mainly resulting from benefits derived from consulting project noted below.

 

2013 vs. 2012

 

Professional fees increased $1,048,000, or 215.6%. As noted in the Earnings Overview section, the Corporation incurred professional fee expense of $315,000 in 2013 for a consulting project related to debit card operations and electronic funds processing, for which management expects the consultants’ services to result in increases in noninterest revenue and reductions in noninterest expense going forward, most significantly from an estimated total reduction in expense of $1.9 million for electronic funds processing over approximately the next 5 years. In addition, the Corporation incurred professional fees expense of $724,000 related to a consulting engagement in which the consulting firm identified recommendations for potential increases in revenues, mainly related to service charges on deposit accounts.

 

Pensions and other employee benefits decreased $347,000, or 7.7%. Health care expense decreased $171,000 as the amount of claims incurred during 2013 was lower than 2012. The Corporation is self-insured for health insurance, up to a cap for catastrophic levels of losses, which are insured by a third party. Postretirement health care expense decreased $156,000, reflecting amendments to the plan that include elimination of the accrual of service time by full-time employees as well as changes to some of the age and length-of-service requirements for participants to receive some of the benefits provided under the plan. Unemployment compensation decreased $51,000 as a result of a decrease in the Corporation’s experience-based Pennsylvania rate in 2013.

 

Salaries and wages decreased $164,000, or 1.1%, mainly as a result of reduced incentive bonus compensation.

 

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Automated teller machine and interchange expenses decreased $116,000, or 10.2%, mainly resulting from benefits derived from the consulting project previously noted.

INCOME TAXES

 

The effective income tax rate was approximately 25% of pre-tax income in 2014 and 2013, down from approximately 27% in 2012. The Corporation’s effective tax rates differ from the statutory rate of 35% principally because of the effects of tax-exempt interest income.

 

The Corporation recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities based on differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax basis of assets and liabilities. At December 31, 2014, the net deferred tax asset was $1,668,000, down from the balance at December 31, 2013 of $6,344,000. The largest changes in temporary difference components were as follows:

 

·At December 31, 2014, net unrealized gains on available-for-securities resulted in a deferred tax liability of $2,844,000. In contrast, at December 31, 2013, the deferred tax asset associated with unrealized losses on available-for-sale securities was $541,000. The increase in fair value of available-for-securities in 2014 was caused primarily by decreases in long-term interest rates.

 

·The deferred tax asset representing the credit for alternative minimum tax paid fell to $537,000 at December 31, 2014, a reduction of $1,368,000 from December 31, 2013, as the Corporation’s federal taxable income in 2014 exceeded alternative minimum taxable income.

 

The Corporation regularly reviews deferred tax assets for recoverability based on history of earnings, expectations for future earnings and expected timing of reversals of temporary differences. Realization of deferred tax assets ultimately depends on the existence of sufficient taxable income, including taxable income in prior carryback years, as well as future taxable income. Management believes the recorded net deferred tax asset at December 31, 2014 is fully realizable; however, if management determines the Corporation will be unable to realize all or part of the net deferred tax asset, the Corporation would adjust the deferred tax asset, which would negatively impact earnings.

 

Additional information related to income taxes is presented in Note 14 to the consolidated financial statements.

 

SECURITIES

 

Table VI shows the composition of the investment portfolio at December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012. Comparison of the amortized cost totals of available-for-sale securities at each year-end presented reflects an increase of $29,422,000 to $484,203,000 at December 31, 2013 from December 31, 2012. This change was followed by an increase of $24,479,000 to $508,682,000 at December 31, 2014. The increase in securities over this period reflects, in part, the reinvestment of cash received due to the reduction in loans outstanding (discussed below). Over the two-year period, the largest change in the composition of the portfolio was an increase of $59,850,000 in collateralized mortgage-backed obligations (CMOs) issued or guaranteed by U.S. Government agencies. The increase in CMOs reflects management’s effort to maintain a monthly return of cash flow from the portfolio that is somewhat consistent in order to provide ongoing opportunities to reinvest at higher interest rates if rates were to rise. As discussed in more detail in Note 7 to the financial statements, the Corporation reported net realized gains from available-for-sale securities of $1,104,000 in 2014, $1,718,000 in 2013, and $2,682,000 in 2012.

 

As reflected in Table VI, the fair value of available-for-sale securities as of December 31, 2014 was $8,125,000, or 1.6%, higher than the total amortized cost basis. The aggregate unrealized gain position at December 31, 2014 included an unrealized gain of $5,076,000 on debt securities as well as an unrealized gain of $3,049,000 on marketable equity securities (bank stocks). Decreases in intermediate-term and long-term interest rates in 2014 led to an increase in the aggregate fair value of debt securities in 2014 in comparison to historical cost basis. Management has reviewed the Corporation’s holdings as of December 31, 2014 and concluded that unrealized losses on all of the securities in an unrealized loss position are considered temporary. Notes 6 and 7 to the consolidated financial statements provide more detail concerning the Corporation’s processes for evaluating securities for other-than-temporary impairment. Management will continue to closely monitor the status of impaired securities in 2015.

 

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TABLE VI - INVESTMENT SECURITIES            
      As of December 31,    
  2014 2013 2012
  Amortized Fair Amortized Fair Amortized Fair
(In Thousands) Cost Value Cost Value Cost Value
             
AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE SECURITIES:            
Obligations of U.S. Government agencies $27,221 $26,676 $47,382 $45,877 $30,695 $31,217
Obligations of states and political subdivisions:            
Tax-exempt 120,086 124,839 127,748 128,426 130,168 137,020
Taxable 33,637 33,878 35,154 34,471 24,426 24,817
Mortgage-backed securities 82,479 83,903 84,849 86,208 76,368 80,196
Collateralized mortgage obligations,            
 Issued by U.S. Government agencies 239,620 238,823 182,372 178,092 179,770 183,510
Trust preferred securities issued by individual institutions 0 0 0 0 5,167 5,171
Collateralized debt obligations:            
 Pooled trust preferred securities - senior tranches 0 0 0 0 1,615 1,613
 Other collateralized debt obligations 34 34 660 660 660 660
Total debt securities 503,077 508,153 478,165 473,734 448,869 464,204
Marketable equity securities 5,605 8,654 6,038 8,924 5,912 8,373
Total $508,682 $516,807 $484,203 $482,658 $454,781 $472,577

 

The following table presents the contractual maturities and the weighted-average yields (calculated based on amortized cost) of investment securities as of December 31, 2014. Yields on tax-exempt securities are presented on a nominal basis, that is, the yields are not presented on a fully taxable-equivalent basis. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because counterparties may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.

 

(In Thousands, Except for Percentages) Within   One-   Five-   After      
  One   Five   Ten   Ten      
  Year Yield Years Yield Years Yield Years Yield Total Yield
                     
AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE SECURITIES:                    
Obligations of U.S. Government agencies $0 0.00% $14,171 1.34% $13,050 1.49% $0 0.00% $27,221 1.41%
Obligations of states and political subdivisions:                    
 Tax-exempt 5,464 3.50% 26,918 1.92% 32,470 2.68% 55,234 4.61% 120,086 3.43%
 Taxable 2,445 2.39% 14,410 1.99% 16,217 2.79% 565 3.60% 33,637 2.43%
Other collateralized debt obligations 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 34 0.00% 34 0.00%
Subtotal $7,909 3.16% $55,499 1.79% $61,737 2.46% $55,833 4.59% $180,978 2.94%
Mortgage-backed securities                 82,479 2.33%
Collateralized mortgage obligations,                    
 Issued by U.S. Government agencies                 239,620 2.05%
Total                 $503,077 2.42%

 

The Corporation’s mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations have stated maturities that may differ from actual maturities due to borrowers’ ability to prepay obligations. Cash flows from such investments are dependent upon the performance of the underlying mortgage loans and are generally influenced by the level of interest rates. As rates increase, cash flows generally decrease as prepayments on the underlying mortgage loans decrease. As rates decrease, cash flows generally increase as prepayments increase. In the table above, the entire balances and weighted-average rates for mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations are shown in one period.

 

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FINANCIAL CONDITION

 

Significant changes in the average balances of the Corporation’s earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities are described in the Net Interest Income section of Management’s Discussion and Analysis. The discussion provides useful information regarding changes in the Corporation’s balance sheet over the 3-year period ended December 31, 2014, including discussions related to available-for-sale securities, loans, deposits and borrowings. Other significant balance sheet items - the allowance for loan losses and stockholders’ equity - are discussed in separate sections of Management’s Discussion and Analysis.

 

The total of loans outstanding (without consideration of the allowance for loan losses) at December 31, 2014 reflects a total decrease of $99,866,000 (13.7%) from the balance at December 31, 2010 to the total outstanding of $630,545,000 at December 31, 2014. Loan volumes are heavily dependent on economic conditions in the Corporation’s market area, and are significantly influenced by interest rates. Since the end of 2010, the Corporation experienced a net decrease in total loans outstanding under the residential mortgage segment ($39,418,000) with more residential mortgage originations than in previous years sold into the secondary market. In 2009, the Corporation initiated participation in the MPF Xtra program administered by the Federal Home Loan Banks of Pittsburgh and Chicago for the sale of mortgage loans to the secondary market. In 2014, the Corporation initiated participation in the MPF Original program, which is also a Federal Home Loan Bank program. At December 31, 2014, the outstanding balance of residential mortgage loans originated by the Corporation, and sold with servicing retained under these two programs was $152,505,000. Total commercial segment loans outstanding decreased ($55,686,000) at December 31, 2014 as compared to December 31, 2010, including a reduction of $8,336,000 at December 31, 2014 from year-end 2013 and a reduction of $26,176,000 at December 31, 2013 from year-end 2012. Also, in the last four years, consumer loans have steadily decreased ($4,762,000) to the December 31, 2014 balance of $10,234,000.

 

Table VIII presents loan maturity data as of December 31, 2014. The interest rate simulation model classifies certain loans under different categories than they appear in Table VII. Fixed-rate loans are shown in Table VIII based on their contractually scheduled principal repayments, and variable-rate loans are shown based on the date of the next change in rate. Table VIII shows that fixed-rate loans are approximately 37% of the loan portfolio. Of the 63% of the portfolio made up of variable-rate loans, a significant portion (45%) will re-price after more than one year. Variable-rate loans re-pricing after more than one year include significant amounts of residential and commercial real estate loans. The Corporation’s substantial investment in long-term, fixed-rate loans and variable-rate loans with extended periods until re-pricing is one of the concerns management attempts to address through interest rate risk management practices. See Part II, Item 7A for a more detailed discussion of the Corporation’s interest rate risk.

 

Total future capital purchases in 2015 are estimated at approximately $2.6 million. Management does not expect capital expenditures to have a material, detrimental effect on the Corporation’s financial condition during 2015.

 

TABLE VII - Five-year Summary of Loans by Type

                 
(In Thousands)                    
  2014 % 2013 % 2012 % 2011 % 2010 %
Residential mortgage:                    
 Residential mortgage loans - first liens $291,882 46.3 $299,831 46.5 $311,627 45.6 $331,015 46.7 $333,012 45.6
 Residential mortgage loans - junior liens 21,166 3.4 23,040 3.6 26,748 3.9 28,851 4.1 31,590 4.3
 Home equity lines of credit 36,629 5.8 34,530 5.4 33,017 4.8 30,037 4.2 26,853 3.7
 1-4 Family residential construction 16,739 2.7 13,909 2.2 12,842 1.9 9,959 1.4 14,379 2.0
Total residential mortgage 366,416 58.1 371,310 57.6 384,234 56.2 399,862 56.5 405,834 55.6
Commercial:                    
 Commercial loans secured by real estate 145,878 23.1 147,215 22.8 158,413 23.2 156,388 22.1 167,094 22.9
 Commercial and industrial 50,157 8.0 42,387 6.6 48,442 7.1 57,191 8.1 59,005 8.1
 Political subdivisions 17,534 2.8 16,291 2.5 31,789 4.6 37,620 5.3 36,480 5.0
 Commercial construction 6,938 1.1 17,003 2.6 28,200 4.1 23,518 3.3 24,004 3.3
 Loans secured by farmland 7,916 1.3 10,468 1.6 11,403 1.7 10,949 1.5 11,353 1.6
 Multi-family (5 or more) residential 8,917 1.4 10,985 1.7 6,745 1.0 6,583 0.9 7,781 1.1
 Agricultural loans 3,221 0.5 3,251 0.5 3,053 0.4 2,987 0.4 3,472 0.5
 Other commercial loans 13,334 2.1 14,631 2.3 362 0.1 552 0.1 392 0.1
Total commercial 253,895 40.3 262,231 40.7 288,407 42.2 295,788 41.8 309,581 42.4
Consumer 10,234 1.6 10,762 1.7 11,269 1.6 12,665 1.8 14,996 2.1
Total 630,545 100.0 644,303 100.0 683,910 100.0 708,315 100.0 730,411 100.0
Less: allowance for loan losses (7,336)   (8,663)   (6,857)   (7,705)   (9,107)  
Loans, net $623,209   $635,640   $677,053   $700,610   $721,304  

 

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TABLE VIII – LOAN MATURITY DISTRIBUTION

(In Thousands) As of December 31, 2014

 

   Fixed-Rate Loans  Variable- or Adjustable-Rate Loans
   1 Year  1-5  >5    1 Year  1-5  >5  
   or Less  Years  Years  Total  or Less  Years  Years  Total
Real Estate $644 $16,154 $161,132 $177,930 $69,359 $194,051 $61,178 $324,588
Commercial 11,371 19,757 11,470 42,598 47,178 27,089 740 75,007
Consumer 2,630 4,541 3,074 10,245 56 73 48 177
Total $14,645 $40,452 $175,676 $230,773 $116,593 $221,213 $61,966 $399,772

 

PROVISION AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES

 

The Corporation maintains an allowance for loan losses that represents management’s estimate of the losses inherent in the loan portfolio as of the balance sheet date and recorded as a reduction of the investment in loans. Notes 1 and 8 to the consolidated financial statements provide an overview of the process management uses for evaluating and determining the allowance for loan losses.

 

While management uses available information to recognize losses on loans, changes in economic conditions may necessitate revisions in future years. In addition, various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the Corporation’s allowance for loan losses. Such agencies may require the Corporation to recognize adjustments to the allowance based on their judgments of information available to them at the time of their examination.

 

The allowance for loan losses was $7,336,000 at December 31, 2014, down from $8,663,000 at December 31, 2013. As shown in Table X, specific allowances on impaired loans totaled $769,000 at December 31, 2014, which was $1,564,000 lower than the total of specific allowances on impaired loans at December 31, 2013. The specific allowances on impaired loans in 2013 included an allowance of $1,552,000 established on loans to one commercial borrower. The decrease in the allowance in 2014 included the effect of a charge-off of $1,486,000 on these loans in 2014. Table X also shows the collectively determined component of the allowance for commercial loans was $149,000 higher and for residential mortgages was $139,000 higher at December 31, 2014 than at December 31, 2013. The allowance for the commercial and residential mortgage loan segments were affected by increases in the net charge-off percentage used to determine a portion of the collectively determined allowance, which was higher at December 31, 2014 than at December 31, 2013. In addition, the collectively evaluated components of the allowance for the residential and commercial segments were also affected by increases in qualitative factors at December 31, 2014 as compared to December 31, 2013, while lower loan balances had the effect of decreasing the collectively evaluated components of the allowance for all segments.

 

The provision for loan losses is determined based on the amount required in order to maintain an appropriate allowance for loan losses in light of all factors considered. The provision for loan losses by segment for 2014, 2013 and 2012 is as follows:

 

(In Thousands)      
  2014 2013 2012
Residential mortgage $250 $559 $149
Commercial 227 1,507 20
Consumer 2 24 112
Unallocated (3) (43) 7
Total $476 $2,047 $288

 

The provision for loan losses was $476,000 in 2014, in comparison to a provision for loan losses of $2,047,000 in 2013 and a provision for loan losses of $288,000 in 2012. As shown in Table XII, the average provision for loan losses for the five-year period ended December 31, 2014 was $743,000. The total amount of the provision for loan losses for each period is determined based on the amount required to maintain an appropriate allowance in light of all of the factors described above.

 

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In 2014, the provision for loan losses related to the commercial segment was $227,000 compared to $1,507,000 in 2013 and $20,000 in 2012. In 2014, the provision for the commercial segment included the effects of increases in average net charge-offs (based on historical experience over the previous thirty-six months) and qualitative factors used to estimate a portion of the collectively determined allowance, partially offset by lower loan balances. The 2013 provision for loan losses related to the commercial segment included a provision of $1,552,000 from the establishment of an allowance on loans to one borrower. In 2012, the Corporation’s provision for loan losses for the commercial segment included a net provision of $464,000 related to a commercial relationship for which charge-offs totaling $760,000 were recorded, while the provision was reduced by the net decrease in the collectively evaluated portion of the allowance for loan losses as a result of a lower balance of outstanding loans. In 2014, the provision for the residential mortgage segment included the effect of increases in average net charge-offs and qualitative factors used to estimate a portion of the collectively determined allowance, partially offset by lower loan balances. The provision for loan losses for the residential mortgage segment increased in 2013, mainly as a result of the increase in average net charge-offs used to estimate a portion of the collectively determined allowance.

 

Table XI presents information related to past due and impaired loans, and loans that have been modified under terms that are considered troubled debt restructurings (TDRs). Table XI shows total impaired loans of $12,316,000 at December 31, 2014, down from the corresponding amount at December 31, 2013 of $16,321,000. Though down from year-end 2013, the amount of impaired loans (as well as nonperforming loans as reflected in the table) at December 31, 2014 is significantly higher than it was from 2010 through 2012. The increase in impaired and nonperforming loans at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 as compared to the other periods presented reflected the classification as nonperforming of two large commercial loan relationships with outstanding balances totaling $6,995,000 at December 31, 2014 and $7,599,000 at December 31, 2013. The total of the specific allowance for loan losses on those two relationships amounted to $211,000 at December 31, 2014 and $1,624,000 at December 31, 2013. As described in the following paragraph, during the second quarter 2014, a charge-off of $1,486,000 was made related to one of these

commercial loan relationships resulting in the decrease in the specific allowance as well as total impaired loans with a valuation allowance.

 

As shown in Table XI, loans classified as TDRs increased to $7,195,000 at December 31, 2014 from $4,175,000 at December 31, 2013. This increase relates mainly to one commercial borrower. The Corporation entered into a forbearance agreement with this commercial borrower which includes a reduction in monthly payment amounts over a fifteen-month period. At the end of the fifteen-month period, the monthly payment amounts would revert to the original amounts, unless the forbearance agreement is extended or the payment requirements are otherwise modified. The Corporation recorded a charge-off of $1,486,000 in the second quarter 2014 as a result of these modifications, as the payment amounts based on the forbearance agreement are not sufficient to fully amortize the contractual amount of principal outstanding on the loans. The amount of the charge-off was determined based on the excess of the contractual principal due over the present value of the payment amounts provided for in the forbearance agreement, assuming the revised payment amounts would continue until maturity, at the contractual interest rates.

 

Table XI reflects a lower amount of total loans past due 30-89 days and still accruing interest at December 31, 2014 of $7,121,000 as compared to the December 31, 2013 total of $8,305,000, mainly due to a lower amount of past due residential mortgage loans. Total loans past due 90 days or more and still in accrual status decreased to $2,843,000 at December 31, 2014 from $3,131,000 at December 31, 2013. Interest continues to be accrued on loans 90 days or more past due that management deems to be well secured and in the process of collection, and for which no loss is anticipated. Over the period 2010-2014, each period includes a few large commercial relationships that have required significant monitoring and workout efforts. As a result, a limited number of relationships may significantly impact the total amount of allowance required on impaired loans, and may significantly impact the amount of total charge-offs reported in any one period.

 

Management believes it has been conservative in its decisions concerning identification of impaired loans, estimates of loss, and nonaccrual status; however, the actual losses realized from these relationships could vary materially from the allowances calculated as of December 31, 2014. Management continues to closely monitor its commercial loan relationships for possible credit losses, and will adjust its estimates of loss and decisions concerning nonaccrual status, if appropriate.

 

Tables IX through XII present historical data related to the allowance for loan losses.

 

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TABLE IX - ANALYSIS OF THE ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES

 

(In Thousands) Years Ended December 31,
  2014 2013 2012 2011 2010
Balance, beginning of year $8,663 $6,857 $7,705 $9,107 $8,265
Charge-offs:          
Residential mortgage (327) (95) (552) (100) (340)
Commercial (1,715) (459) (498) (1,189) (91)
Consumer (97) (117) (171) (157) (188)
Total charge-offs (2,139) (671) (1,221) (1,446) (619)
Recoveries:          
Residential mortgage 25 24 18 3 55
Commercial 264 348 8 255 113
Consumer 47 58 59 71 102
Total recoveries 336 430 85 329 270
Net charge-offs (1,803) (241) (1,136) (1,117) (349)
Provision (credit) for loan losses 476 2,047 288 (285) 1,191
Balance, end of period $7,336 $8,663 $6,857 $7,705 $9,107
           
Net charge-offs as a % of average loans 0.29% 0.04% 0.16% 0.16% 0.05%

 

TABLE X - COMPONENTS OF THE ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES

(In Thousands)

 

  As of December 31,
  2014 2013 2012 2011 2010
ASC 310 - Impaired loans $769 $2,333 $623 $1,126 $2,288
ASC 450 - Collective segments:          
Commercial 2,732 2,583 2,594 2,811 3,047
Residential mortgage 3,295 3,156 3,011 3,130 3,227
Consumer 145 193 188 204 232
Unallocated 395 398 441 434 313
Total Allowance $7,336 $8,663 $6,857 $7,705 $9,107

 

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TABLE XI - PAST DUE AND IMPAIRED LOANS, NONPERFORMING ASSETS

AND TROUBLED DEBT RESTRUCTURINGS (TDRs)

(In Thousands)

 

  As of December 31,
  2014 2013 2012 2011 2010
Impaired loans with a valuation allowance $3,241 $9,889 $2,710 $3,433 $5,457
Impaired loans without a valuation allowance 9,075 6,432 4,719 4,431 3,191
Total impaired loans $12,316 $16,321 $7,429 $7,864 $8,648
           
Total loans past due 30-89 days and still accruing $7,121 $8,305 $7,756 $7,898 $7,125
           
Nonperforming assets:          
Total nonaccrual loans $12,610 $14,934 $7,353 $7,197 $10,809
Total loans past due 90 days or more and still accruing 2,843 3,131 2,311 1,267 727
Total nonperforming loans 15,453 18,065 9,664 8,464 11,536
Foreclosed assets held for sale (real estate) 1,189 892 879 1,235 537
Total nonperforming assets $16,642 $18,957 $10,543 $9,699 $12,073
           
Loans subject to troubled debt restructurings (TDRs):          
Performing $1,807 $3,267 $906 $1,064 $645
Nonperforming 5,388 908 1,155 2,413 0
Total TDRs $7,195 $4,175 $2,061 $3,477 $645
           
Total nonperforming loans as a % of loans 2.45% 2.80% 1.41% 1.19% 1.58%
Total nonperforming assets as a % of assets 1.34% 1.53% 0.82% 0.73% 0.92%
Allowance for loan losses as a % of total loans 1.16% 1.34% 1.00% 1.09% 1.25%
Allowance for loan losses as a % of nonperforming loans 47.47% 47.95% 70.95% 91.03% 78.94%

 

TABLE XII - FIVE-YEAR HISTORY OF LOAN LOSSES

(In Thousands)

 

  2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 Average
Average gross loans $627,753 $656,495 $700,241 $714,421 $721,997 $684,181
Year-end gross loans 630,545 644,303 683,910 708,315 730,411 679,497
Year-end allowance for loan losses 7,336 8,663 6,857 7,705 9,107 7,934
Year-end nonaccrual loans 12,610 14,934 7,353 7,197 10,809 10,581
Year-end loans 90 days or more            
  past due and still accruing 2,843 3,131 2,311 1,267 727 2,056
Net charge-offs 1,803 241 1,136 1,117 349 929
Provision (credit) for loan losses 476 2,047 288 (285) 1,191 743
Earnings coverage of charge-offs 9 77 20 21 55 22
Allowance coverage of charge-offs 4 36 6 7 26 9
Net charge-offs as a % of            
  provision (credit) for loan losses 378.78% 11.77% 394.44% -391.93% 29.30% 125.03%
Net charge-offs as a % of            
  average gross loans 0.29% 0.04% 0.16% 0.16% 0.05% 0.14%
Net income 17,086 18,594 22,705 23,368 19,055 20,162

 

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CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS AND OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

 

Table XIII presents the Corporation’s significant fixed and determinable contractual obligations as of December 31, 2014 by payment date. The payment amounts represent the principal amounts of time deposits and borrowings and do not include interest.

 

TABLE XIII – CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

(In Thousands)

 

  1 Year 1-3 3-5 Over 5  
  or Less Years Years Years Total
Time deposits $128,966 $84,704 $20,837 $4,430 $238,937
Short-term borrowings:          
Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh 0 0 0 0 0
Customer repurchase agreements 5,537 0 0 0 5,537
Long-term borrowings:          
Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh 0 10,123 0 1,937 12,060
Repurchase agreements 0 61,000 0 0 61,000
Total $134,503 $155,827 $20,837 $6,367 $317,534

 

In addition to the amounts described in Table XIII, the Corporation has obligations related to deposits without a stated maturity with outstanding principal balances totaling $729,052,000 at December 31, 2014.

 

The Corporation’s operating lease commitments at December 31, 2014 are immaterial. The Corporation’s significant off-balance sheet arrangements consist of commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit. Off-balance sheet arrangements are described in Note 16 to the consolidated financial statements.

 

LIQUIDITY

 

Liquidity is the ability to quickly raise cash at a reasonable cost. An adequate liquidity position permits the Corporation to pay creditors, compensate for unforeseen deposit fluctuations and fund unexpected loan demand. At December 31, 2014, the Corporation maintained overnight interest-bearing deposits with the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia and other correspondent banks totaling $26,084,000.

 

The Corporation maintains overnight borrowing facilities with several correspondent banks that provide a source of day-to-day liquidity. Also, the Corporation maintains borrowing facilities with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh, secured by various mortgage loans.

 

The Corporation has a line of credit with the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia’s Discount Window. Management intends to use this line of credit as a contingency funding source. As collateral for the line, the Corporation has pledged available-for-sale securities with a carrying value of $26,092,000 at December 31, 2014.

 

The Corporation’s outstanding, available, and total credit facilities at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 are as follows:

 

   Outstanding  Available  Total Credit
(In Thousands)  Dec. 31,  Dec. 31, Dec. 31,  Dec. 31, Dec. 31,  Dec. 31,
  2014 2013 2014 2013 2014 2013
Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh $12,060 $34,335 $311,007 $304,875 $323,067 $339,210
Federal Reserve Bank Discount Window 0 0 25,367 26,078 25,367 26,078
Other correspondent banks 0 0 45,000 45,000 45,000 45,000
Total credit facilities $12,060 $34,335 $381,374 $375,953 $393,434 $410,288

 

At December 31, 2014, the Corporation’s outstanding credit facilities with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh consisted of long-term borrowings with a total amount of $12,060,000. At December 31, 2013, the Corporation’s outstanding credit facilities with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh consisted of a short-term borrowing of $20,000,000, long-term borrowings with a total amount of $12,338,000 and a letter of credit in the amount of $1,997,000. Additional information regarding borrowed funds is included in Note 12 to the consolidated financial statements.

 

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Additionally, the Corporation uses repurchase agreements placed with brokers to borrow funds secured by investment assets and “RepoSweep” arrangements to borrow funds from commercial banking customers on an overnight basis. If required to raise cash in an emergency situation, the Corporation could sell available-for-sale securities to meet its obligations. At December 31, 2014, the carrying value of available-for-sale securities in excess of amounts required to meet pledging or repurchase agreement obligations was $282,456,000.

 

Management believes the Corporation is well-positioned to meet its short-term and long-term obligations.

 

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND CAPITAL ADEQUACY

 

The Corporation and C&N Bank are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the federal banking agencies. Details concerning regulatory capital amounts and ratios are presented in Note 18 to the consolidated financial statements. As reflected in Note 18, at December 31, 2014 and 2013, the ratios of total capital to risk-weighted assets, tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets and tier 1 capital to average total assets are well in excess of regulatory capital requirements.

 

Future dividend payments will depend upon maintenance of a strong financial condition, future earnings and capital and regulatory requirements. In addition, the Corporation and C&N Bank are subject to restrictions on the amount of dividends that may be paid without approval of banking regulatory authorities. These restrictions are described in Note 18 to the consolidated financial statements.

 

Management expects the Corporation and C&N Bank to maintain capital levels that exceed the regulatory standards for well-capitalized institutions for the next 12 months and for the foreseeable future. Planned capital expenditures are not expected to have a significantly detrimental effect on capital ratios. See the discussion of future changes in regulatory capital requirements in the “New Capital Rule” section below.

 

The Corporation’s total stockholders’ equity is affected by fluctuations in the fair values of available-for-sale securities. The difference between amortized cost and fair value of available-for-sale securities, net of deferred income tax, is included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) within stockholders’ equity. The balance in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income related to unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities, net of deferred income tax, amounted to $5,281,000 at December 31, 2014 and ($1,004,000) at December 31, 2013. Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are excluded from earnings and directly increase or decrease stockholders’ equity. If available-for-sale securities are deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired, unrealized losses are recorded as a charge against earnings, and amortized cost for the affected securities is reduced. Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements provides additional information concerning management’s evaluation of available-for-sale securities for other-than-temporary impairment at December 31, 2014.

 

Stockholders’ equity is also affected by the underfunded or overfunded status of defined benefit pension and postretirement plans. The balance in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income related to defined benefit plans, net of deferred income tax, was $79,000 at December 31, 2014 and $11,000 at December 31, 2013.

 

NEW CAPITAL RULE

 

In July 2013, the federal regulatory authorities issued a new capital rule based, in part, on revisions developed by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision to the Basel capital framework (Basel III). The Corporation and C&N Bank are subject to the new rule on January 1, 2015. Generally, the new rule implements higher minimum capital requirements, revises the definition of regulatory capital components and related calculations, adds a new common equity tier 1 capital ratio, implements a new capital conservation buffer, increases the risk weighting for past due loans and provides a transition period for several aspects of the new rule.

 

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A summarized comparison of the existing capital requirements with requirements under the new rule is as follows:

 

  Current General  
  Risk-Based  
  Capital Rule New Capital Rule
Minimum regulatory capital ratios:    
Common equity tier 1 capital/
risk-weighted assets (RWA)
N/A 4.5%
Tier 1 capital / RWA 4% 6%
Total capital / RWA 8% 8%
Tier 1 capital / Average assets    
(Leverage ratio) 4% 4%
     
Capital buffers:    
Capital conservation buffer N/A   2.5% of RWA; composed of
common equity tier 1 capital
     
Prompt correction action levels -
Common equity tier 1 capital ratio:
   
Well capitalized N/A ³6.5%
Adequately capitalized N/A ³4.5%
Undercapitalized N/A <4.5%
Significantly undercapitalized N/A <3%
     
Prompt correction action levels -
Tier 1 capital ratio:
   
Well capitalized ³6% ³8%
Adequately capitalized ³4% ³6%
Undercapitalized <4% <6%
Significantly undercapitalized <3% <4%
     
Prompt correction action levels -
Total capital ratio:
   
Well capitalized ³10% ³10%
Adequately capitalized ³8% ³8%
Undercapitalized <8% <8%
Significantly undercapitalized <6% <6%
     
Prompt correction action levels -
Leverage ratio:
   
Well capitalized ³5% ³5%
Adequately capitalized ³4% ³4%
Undercapitalized <4% <4%
Significantly undercapitalized <3% <3%
     
Prompt correction action levels -
Critically undercapitalized:
   
Tangible equity to total assets ≤2% ≤2%

 

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The new capital rule provides that, in order to avoid limitations on capital distributions, including dividend payments and certain discretionary bonus payments to executive officers, a banking organization must hold a capital conservation buffer composed of common equity tier 1 capital above its minimum risk-based capital requirements. The buffer is measured relative to risk-weighted assets. Phase-in of the capital conservation buffer requirements will begin January 1, 2016. The transition schedule for new ratios, including the capital conservation buffer, is as follows:

 

  As of January 1:      
  2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
Minimum common equity tier 1 capital ratio 4.5% 4.5% 4.5% 4.5% 4.5%
Common equity tier 1 capital conservation buffer N/A 0.625% 1.25% 1.875% 2.5%
Minimum common equity tier 1 capital ratio plus          
  capital conservation buffer 4.5% 5.125% 5.75% 6.375% 7.0%
Phase-in of most deductions from common equity          
  tier 1 capital 40% 60% 80% 100% 100%
Minimum tier 1 capital ratio 6.0% 6.0% 6.0% 6.0% 6.0%
Minimum tier 1 capital ratio plus capital          
  conservation buffer N/A 6.625% 7.25% 7.875% 8.5%
Minimum total capital ratio 8.0% 8.0% 8.0% 8.0% 8.0%
Minimum total capital ratio plus capital          
  conservation buffer N/A 8.625% 9.25% 9.875% 10.5%

 

As fully phased in, a banking organization with a buffer greater than 2.5% would not be subject to additional limits on dividend payments or discretionary bonus payments; however, a banking organization with a buffer less than 2.5% would be subject to increasingly stringent limitations as the buffer approaches zero. The new rule also prohibits a banking organization from making dividend payments or discretionary bonus payments if its eligible retained income is negative in that quarter and its capital conservation buffer ratio was less than 2.5% as of the beginning of that quarter. Eligible net income is defined as net income for the four calendar quarters preceding the current calendar quarter, net of any distributions and associated tax effects not already reflected in net income. A summary of payout restrictions based on the capital conservation buffer is as follows:

 

Capital Conservation Buffer Maximum Payout
(as a % of risk-weighted assets) (as a % of eligible retained income)
Greater than 2.5% No payout limitation applies
≤2.5% and >1.875% 60%
≤1.875% and >1.25% 40%
≤1.25% and >0.625% 20%
≤0.625% 0%

 

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

 

Comprehensive Income is the total of (1) net income, and (2) all other changes in equity from non-stockholder sources, which are referred to as Other Comprehensive Income. Changes in the components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) are included in Other Comprehensive Income, and for the Corporation, consist of changes in unrealized gains or losses on available-for-sale securities and changes in underfunded or overfunded defined benefit plans.

 

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Comprehensive Income totaled $23,439,000 in 2014 as compared to $6,598,000 in 2013, and $23,548,000 in 2012. In 2014, Comprehensive Income included: (1) Net Income of $17,086,000, which was $1,508,000 lower than in 2013 and $5,619,000 lower than in 2012; (2) Other Comprehensive Gain from unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities, net of deferred income tax, of $6,285,000 as compared to Other Comprehensive Loss of ($12,572,000) in 2013 and Other Comprehensive Gain of $777,000 in 2012; and (3) Other Comprehensive Income from defined benefit plans of $68,000 in 2014 as compared to Other Comprehensive Income of $576,000 in 2013 and Other Comprehensive Income of $66,000 in 2012. Fluctuations in interest rates significantly affected fair values of available-for-sale securities in 2012 through 2014, and accordingly have an effect on Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) in each year.

 

INFLATION

 

The Corporation is significantly affected by the Federal Reserve Board’s efforts to control inflation through changes in short-term interest rates. Beginning in September 2007, in response to concerns about weakness in the U.S. economy, the Federal Reserve lowered the fed funds target rate numerous times; in December 2008, it established a target range of 0% to 0.25%, which it has maintained through 2014. Also, the Federal Reserve has injected massive amounts of liquidity into the nation’s monetary system through a variety of programs. The Federal Reserve has purchased large amounts of securities in an effort to keep interest rates low and stimulate economic growth. Beginning in late 2013, the Federal Reserve began reducing the amount of securities purchased under its asset purchase program and then ended the program in October 2014, though still reinvesting principal payments from its holdings of agency debt and agency mortgage-backed securities in agency mortgage-backed securities and continued to roll over maturing Treasury securities at auction. The Federal Reserve is expected to continue its highly accommodative monetary policy in the form of low short-term interest rates for the foreseeable future, though many observers believe the fed funds target rate may be raised above its current level in 2015.

 

Despite the current low short-term rate environment, inflation statistics indicate that the overall rate of inflation is unlikely to significantly affect the Corporation’s operations within the near future. Although management cannot predict future changes in the rates of inflation, management monitors the impact of economic trends, including any indicators of inflationary pressures, in managing interest rate and other financial risks.

 

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

 

See Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements for a description of recent accounting pronouncements and their recent or potential future effects on the Corporation’s financial statements.

 

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

MARKET RISK

 

Market risk is the risk of loss arising from adverse changes in market rates and prices of the Corporation’s financial instruments. In addition to the effects of interest rates, the market prices of the Corporation’s debt securities within the available-for-sale securities portfolio are affected by fluctuations in the risk premiums (amounts of spread over risk-free rates) demanded by investors. Management attempts to limit the risk that economic conditions would force the Corporation to sell securities for realized losses by maintaining a strong capital position (discussed in the “Stockholders’ Equity and Capital Adequacy” section of Management’s Discussion and Analysis) and ample sources of liquidity (discussed in the “Liquidity” section of Management’s Discussion and Analysis).

 

The Corporation’s two major categories of market risk are interest rate risk and equity securities risk, which are discussed in the following sections.

 

INTEREST RATE RISK

 

Business risk arising from changes in interest rates is an inherent factor in operating a bank. The Corporation’s assets are predominantly long-term, fixed-rate loans and debt securities. Funding for these assets comes principally from shorter-term deposits and borrowed funds. Accordingly, there is an inherent risk of lower future earnings or decline in fair value of the Corporation’s financial instruments when interest rates change.

 

The Corporation uses a simulation model to calculate the potential effects of interest rate fluctuations on net interest income and the market value of portfolio equity. For purposes of these calculations, the market value of portfolio equity includes the fair values of financial instruments, such as securities, loans, deposits and borrowed funds, and the book values of nonfinancial assets and liabilities, such as premises and equipment and accrued expenses. The model measures and projects potential changes in net interest income, and calculates the discounted present value of anticipated cash flows of financial instruments, assuming an immediate increase or decrease in interest rates. Management ordinarily runs a variety of scenarios within a range of plus or minus 100-400 basis points of current rates.

 

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The model makes estimates, at each level of interest rate change, regarding cash flows from principal repayments on loans and mortgage-backed securities and call activity on other investment securities. Actual results could vary significantly from these estimates, which could result in significant differences in the calculations of projected changes in net interest income and market value of portfolio equity. Also, the model does not make estimates related to changes in the composition of the deposit portfolio that could occur due to rate competition, and the table does not necessarily reflect changes that management would make to realign the portfolio as a result of changes in interest rates.

 

The Corporation’s Board of Directors has established policy guidelines for acceptable levels of interest rate risk, based on an immediate increase or decrease in interest rates. The policy limits acceptable fluctuations in net interest income from the baseline (flat rates) one-year scenario and variances in the market value of portfolio equity from the baseline values based on current rates.

 

Table XIV, which follows this discussion, is based on the results of calculations performed using the simulation model as of October 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013. The table shows that as of the respective dates, the changes in net interest income and changes in market value were within the policy limits in all scenarios.

 

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TABLE XIV - THE EFFECT OF HYPOTHETICAL CHANGES IN INTEREST RATES

 

October 31, 2014 Data        
(In Thousands)   Period Ending October 31, 2015  
           
Basis Point Interest Interest Net Interest NII NII
Change in Rates Income Expense Income (NII)  % Change Risk Limit
+400 $55,351 $23,123 $32,228 -20.3% 25.0%
+300 52,975 18,223 34,752 -14.1% 20.0%
+200 50,546 13,618 36,928 -8.7% 15.0%
+100 47,977 9,330 38,647 -4.4% 10.0%
0 45,478 5,043 40,435 0.0% 0.0%
-100 42,869 4,794 38,075 -5.8% 10.0%
-200 41,095 4,729 36,366 -10.1% 15.0%
-300 40,123 4,707 35,416 -12.4% 20.0%
-400 39,998 4,707 35,291 -12.7% 25.0%
           
   Market Value of Portfolio Equity at October 31, 2014  
           
  Present Present Present    
Basis Point Value Value Value    
Change in Rates Equity  % Change Risk Limit    
+400 $176,447 -24.4% 50.0%    
+300 189,184 -18.9% 45.0%    
+200 203,838 -12.6% 35.0%    
+100 218,314 -6.4% 25.0%    
0 233,255 0.0% 0.0%    
-100 232,818 -0.2% 25.0%    
-200 232,294 -0.4% 35.0%    
-300 251,791 7.9% 45.0%    
-400 288,059 23.5% 50.0%    
           
December 31, 2013 Data          
(In Thousands)   Period Ending December 31, 2014  
           
Basis Point Interest Interest Net Interest NII NII
Change in Rates Income Expense Income (NII)  % Change Risk Limit
+400 $53,993 $23,975 $30,018 -24.4% 25.0%
+300 51,748 18,975 32,773 -17.4% 20.0%
+200 49,496 14,091 35,405 -10.8% 15.0%
+100 47,146 9,552 37,594 -5.3% 10.0%
0 44,821 5,123 39,698 0.0% 0.0%
-100 42,432 4,897 37,535 -5.4% 10.0%
-200 40,747 4,895 35,852 -9.7% 15.0%
-300 40,059 4,895 35,164 -11.4% 20.0%
-400 39,968 4,895 35,073 -11.7% 25.0%
           
   Market Value of Portfolio Equity at December 31, 2013  
           
  Present Present Present    
Basis Point Value Value Value    
Change in Rates Equity  % Change Risk Limit    
+400 $161,652 -28.5% 50.0%    
+300 175,176 -22.6% 45.0%    
+200 192,513 -14.9% 35.0%    
+100 209,428 -7.4% 25.0%    
0 226,204 0.0% 0.0%    
-100 230,189 1.8% 25.0%    
-200 233,902 3.4% 35.0%    
-300 250,451 10.7% 45.0%    

 

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EQUITY SECURITIES RISK

 

The Corporation’s equity securities portfolio consists of investments in stocks of banks and bank holding companies. Investments in bank stocks are subject to risk factors that affect the banking industry in general, including credit risk, competition from non-bank entities, interest rate risk and other factors, which could result in a decline in market prices. Also, losses could occur in individual stocks held by the Corporation because of specific circumstances related to each bank. As discussed further in Note 7 of the consolidated financial statements, the Corporation had no other-than-temporary impairment losses related to bank stocks in 2014. The Corporation recognized OTTI losses of $25,000 in 2013 and $67,000 in 2012.

 

Equity securities held as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 are presented in Table XV. Table XV presents quantitative data concerning the effects of a decline in fair value of the Corporation’s equity securities of 10% or 20%. The data in Table XV does not reflect the effects of any appreciation in value that may occur, nor does it present the Corporation’s maximum exposure to loss on equity securities, which would be 100% of their fair value as of December 31, 2014.

 

TABLE XV - EQUITY SECURITIES RISK

(In Thousands)    

 

  Dec. 31, Dec. 31,
  2014 2013
Cost $5,605 $6,038
Fair Value 8,654 8,924
Hypothetical 10% Decline In Market Value (865) (892)
Hypothetical 20% Decline In Market Value (1,731) (1,785)

 

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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS    
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS    
(In Thousands, Except Share and Per Share Data) December 31, December 31,
  2014 2013
ASSETS    
Cash and due from banks:    
Noninterest-bearing $14,812 $15,917
Interest-bearing 21,235 28,702
Total cash and due from banks 36,047 44,619
Available-for-sale securities, at fair value 516,807 482,658
Loans held for sale 0 54
     
Loans receivable 630,545 644,303
Allowance for loan losses (7,336) (8,663)
Loans, net 623,209 635,640
Bank-owned life insurance 22,119 21,743
Accrued interest receivable 3,908 4,146
Bank premises and equipment, net 16,256 17,430
Foreclosed assets held for sale 1,189 892
Deferred tax asset, net 1,668 6,344
Intangible asset - Core deposit intangibles 52 87
Intangible asset – Goodwill 11,942 11,942
Other assets 8,766 12,140
TOTAL ASSETS $1,241,963 $1,237,695
     
LIABILITIES    
Deposits:    
Noninterest-bearing $212,439 $191,245
Interest-bearing 755,550 763,271
Total deposits 967,989 954,516
Short-term borrowings 5,537 23,385
Long-term borrowings 73,060 73,338
Accrued interest and other liabilities 7,015 6,984
TOTAL LIABILITIES 1,053,601 1,058,223
     
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY    
Preferred stock, $1,000 par value; authorized 30,000 shares; $1,000 liquidation preference    
per share; no shares issued at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 0 0
Common stock, par value $1.00 per share; authorized 20,000,000 shares in 2014 and    
2013; issued 12,655,171 at December 31, 2014 and 12,596,540 at December 31, 2013 12,655 12,596
Paid-in capital 71,541 70,105
Retained earnings 105,550 101,216
Treasury stock, at cost; 375,191 shares at December 31, 2014    
and 206,477 shares at December 31, 2013 (6,744) (3,452)
Sub-total 183,002 180,465
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):    
Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities 5,281 (1,004)
Defined benefit plans gain 79 11
Total accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) 5,360 (993)
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY 188,362 179,472
TOTAL LIABILITIES & STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY $1,241,963 $1,237,695

 

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

 

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Consolidated Statements of Income  Years Ended December 31,
 (In Thousands Except Per Share Data)    
 INTEREST INCOME 2014 2013 2012
 Interest and fees on loans $32,127 $35,484 $40,453
 Interest on balances with depository institutions 125 105 114
 Interest on loans to political subdivisions 1,403 1,381 1,539
 Interest on mortgages held for sale 16 54 107
 Income from available-for-sale securities:      
      Taxable 7,721 6,810 9,029
      Tax-exempt 4,310 4,785 5,085
      Dividends 307 295 305
 Total interest and dividend income 46,009 48,914 56,632
 INTEREST EXPENSE      
 Interest on deposits 2,163 2,703 4,807
 Interest on short-term borrowings 9 9 10
 Interest on long-term borrowings 2,950 3,053 4,214
 Total interest expense 5,122 5,765 9,031
 Net interest income 40,887 43,149 47,601
 Provision for loan losses 476 2,047 288
 Net interest income after provision for loan losses 40,411 41,102 47,313
 OTHER INCOME      
 Service charges on deposit accounts 5,025 5,246 5,322
 Service charges and fees 538 597 643
 Trust and financial management revenue 4,490 4,087 3,847
 Brokerage revenue 901 784 801
 Insurance commissions, fees and premiums 118 170 221
 Interchange revenue from debit card transactions 1,959 1,941 1,938
 Net gains from sale of loans 768 1,969 2,016
 (Decrease) increase in fair value of servicing rights (27) 67 (188)
 Increase in cash surrender value of life insurance 376 399 455
 Net gain (loss) from premises and equipment 8 (16) 270
 Other operating income 1,264 1,207 1,058
 Sub-total 15,420 16,451 16,383
 Total other-than-temporary impairment losses on available-for-sale securities 0 (25) (67)
  Portion of (gain) recognized in other comprehensive loss (before taxes) 0 0 0
 Net impairment losses recognized in earnings 0 (25) (67)
 Realized gains on available-for-sale securities, net 1,104 1,743 2,749
 Total other income 16,524 18,169 19,065
 OTHER EXPENSES      
 Salaries and wages 15,121 14,206 14,370
 Pensions and other employee benefits 4,769 4,150 4,497
 Occupancy expense, net 2,628 2,473 2,476
 Furniture and equipment expense 1,859 1,948 1,887
 FDIC Assessments 600 604 633
 Pennsylvania shares tax 1,350 1,402 1,312
 Professional fees 699 1,534 486
 Automated teller machine and interchange expense 924 1,020 1,136
 Software subscriptions 784 836 890
 Loss on prepayment of debt 0 1,023 2,333
 Other operating expense 5,423 5,298 5,227
 Total other expenses 34,157 34,494 35,247
 Income before income tax provision 22,778 24,777 31,131
 Income tax provision 5,692 6,183 8,426
 NET INCOME $17,086 $18,594 $22,705
 NET INCOME PER SHARE - BASIC $1.38 $1.51 $1.86
 NET INCOME PER SHARE - DILUTED $1.38 $1.50 $1.85

 

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

  

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Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income    
(In Thousands) Years Ended December 31,
  2014 2013 2012
Net income $17,086 $18,594 $22,705
       
Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities:      
Unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities 10,774 (17,623) 4,128
Reclassification adjustment for gains realized in income (1,104) (1,718) (2,682)
Other comprehensive gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities 9,670 (19,341) 1,446
       
Unfunded pension and postretirement obligations:      
Changes from plan amendments and actuarial gains and losses      
included in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) gain (79) 885 8
Amortization of net transition obligation, prior service cost, net      
actuarial loss and loss on settlement included in net periodic benefit cost 184 2 77
Other comprehensive gain on unfunded retirement obligations 105 887 85
       
Other comprehensive income (loss) before income tax 9,775 (18,454) 1,531
Income tax related to other comprehensive (income) loss (3,422) 6,458 (688)
       
Net other comprehensive income (loss) 6,353 (11,996) 843
       
Comprehensive income $23,439 $6,598 $23,548

 

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

 

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Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity

(In Thousands Except Share and Per Share Data)

 

          Accumulated    
            Other    
  Common Treasury Common Paid-in Retained Comprehensive Treasury  
  Shares Shares Stock Capital Earnings Income Stock Total
            (Loss)    
Balance, January 1, 2012 12,460,920 305,391 $12,461 $67,568 $82,302 $10,160 ($5,106) $167,385
Net income         22,705     22,705
Other comprehensive income, net           843   843
Cash dividends declared on common                
  stock, $.84 per share         (10,272)     (10,272)
Shares issued for dividend reinvestment                
     Plan 64,491   64 1,147       1,211
Shares issued from treasury related to                
     exercise of stock options   (15,023)   (22)     251 229
Restricted stock granted   (42,552)   (711)     711 0
Forfeiture of restricted stock   3,560   59     (59) 0
Stock-based compensation expense       567       567
Tax effect of stock option exercises       14       14
Tax benefit from employee benefit plan         104     104
Balance, December 31, 2012 12,525,411 251,376 12,525 68,622 94,839 11,003 (4,203) 182,786
Net income         18,594     18,594
Other comprehensive loss, net           (11,996)   (11,996)
Cash dividends declared on common                
  stock, $1.00 per share         (12,343)     (12,343)
Shares issued for dividend reinvestment                
     Plan 71,129   71 1,356       1,427
Shares issued from treasury related to                
     exercise of stock options   (10,656)   5     179 184
Restricted stock granted   (37,886)   (633)     633 0
Forfeiture of restricted stock   3,643   61     (61) 0
Stock-based compensation expense       696       696
Tax effect of stock option exercises       (2)       (2)
Tax benefit from employee benefit plan         126     126
Balance, December 31, 2013 12,596,540 206,477 12,596 70,105 101,216 (993) (3,452) 179,472
Net income         17,086     17,086
Other comprehensive income, net           6,353   6,353
Cash dividends declared on common                
  stock, $1.04 per share         (12,889)     (12,889)
Shares issued for dividend reinvestment                
     Plan 59,498 (18,473) 60 1,069     368 1,497
Treasury stock purchased   208,300         (4,002) (4,002)
Shares issued from treasury and redeemed                
     related to exercise of stock options (867) (11,860) (1) (64)     188 123
Restricted stock granted   (16,711)   (279)     279 0
Forfeiture of restricted stock   7,458   125     (125) 0
Stock-based compensation expense       565       565
Tax effect of stock option exercises       (1)       (1)
Tax benefit from dividends on restricted stock       21       21
Tax benefit from employee benefit plan         137     137
Balance, December 31, 2014 12,655,171 375,191 $12,655 $71,541 $105,550 $5,360 ($6,744) $188,362

 

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

 

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS Years Ended December 31,
(In Thousands) 2014 2013 2012
 CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:      
Net income $17,086 $18,594 $22,705
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:      
Provision for loan losses 476 2,047 288
Realized gains on available-for-sale securities, net (1,104) (1,718) (2,682)
Loss on prepayment of debt 0 1,023 2,333
Realized (gain) loss on foreclosed assets (136) 71 66
(Gain) loss on disposition of premises and equipment (8) 16 (270)
Depreciation expense 1,940 2,020 1,939
Accretion and amortization on securities, net 1,375 1,836 1,581
Accretion and amortization on loans and deposits, net (27) (32) (49)
Decrease (increase) in fair value of servicing rights 27 (67) 188
Increase in cash surrender value of life insurance (376) (399) (455)
Stock-based compensation 565 696 567
Amortization of core deposit intangibles 35 51 74
Deferred income taxes 1,254 1,839 3,760
Gains on sales of loans, net (768) (1,969) (2,016)
Origination of loans for sale (21,680) (58,427) (62,829)
Proceeds from sales of loans 22,317 62,436 62,821
Decrease (increase) in accrued interest receivable and other assets 1,395 3,234 (1,043)
(Decrease) increase in accrued interest payable and other liabilities (90) (679) 674
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities 22,281 30,572 27,652
 CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:      
Proceeds from maturities of certificates of deposit 2,560 480 0
Purchase of certificates of deposit (960) (1,688) (1,060)
Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities 56,269 25,500 24,228
Proceeds from calls and maturities of available-for-sale securities 78,101 97,123 114,247
Purchase of available-for-sale securities (158,894) (152,163) (126,820)
Redemption of Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh stock 2,804 2,680 1,931
Purchase of Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh stock (602) (1,624) 0
Net decrease in loans 10,317 39,059 22,320
Purchase of premises and equipment (801) (801) (1,622)
Proceeds from disposition of premises and equipment 43 42 456
Purchase of investment in limited liability entity 0 (147) (538)
Return of principal on limited liability entity investments 173 164 114
Proceeds from sale of foreclosed assets 1,504 255 1,380
Net Cash (Used in) Provided by Investing Activities (9,486) 8,880 34,636
 CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:      
Net increase (decrease) in deposits 13,473 (51,590) (12,106)
Net (decrease) increase in short-term borrowings (17,848) 17,818 617
Repayments of long-term borrowings (278) (11,497) (43,884)
Purchase of treasury stock (4,002) 0 0
Sale of treasury stock 123 184 229
Tax benefit from compensation plans 157 124 118
Common dividends paid (11,392) (10,916) (9,061)
Net Cash Used in Financing Activities (19,767) (55,877) (64,087)
(DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS (6,972) (16,425) (1,799)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF YEAR 38,591 55,016 56,815
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF YEAR $31,619 $38,591 $55,016
       
 SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:      
Assets acquired through foreclosure of real estate loans $1,665 $339 $1,004
Accrued purchase of available-for-sale securities $226 $0 $0
Interest paid $5,138 $5,782 $9,246
Income taxes paid $4,432 $4,213 $4,250

 

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

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

1. NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

BASIS OF CONSOLIDATION - The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Citizens & Northern Corporation and its subsidiaries, Citizens & Northern Bank (“C&N Bank”), Bucktail Life Insurance Company and Citizens & Northern Investment Corporation (collectively, “Corporation”), as well as C&N Bank’s wholly-owned subsidiary, C&N Financial Services Corporation. All material intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

NATURE OF OPERATIONS - The Corporation is primarily engaged in providing a full range of banking and mortgage services to individual and corporate customers in North Central Pennsylvania and Southern New York State. Lending products include mortgage loans, commercial loans and consumer loans, as well as specialized instruments such as commercial letters-of-credit. Deposit products include various types of checking accounts, passbook and statement savings, money market accounts, interest checking accounts, Individual Retirement Accounts and certificates of deposit. The Corporation also offers non-insured “RepoSweep” accounts.

 

The Corporation provides Trust and Financial Management services, including administration of trusts and estates, retirement plans, and other employee benefit plans, and investment management services. The Corporation offers a variety of personal and commercial insurance products through C&N Financial Services Corporation. C&N Financial Services Corporation also offers mutual funds, annuities, educational savings accounts and other investment products through registered agents. Management has determined that the Corporation has one reportable segment, “Community Banking.” All of the Corporation’s activities are interrelated, and each activity is dependent and assessed based on how each of the activities of the Corporation supports the others.

 

The Corporation is subject to competition from other financial institutions. It is also subject to regulation by certain federal and state agencies and undergoes periodic examination by those regulatory authorities. As a consequence, the Corporation’s business is particularly susceptible to being affected by future federal and state legislation and regulations.

 

USE OF ESTIMATES - The financial information is presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and general practice for financial institutions in the United States of America. In preparing financial statements, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements. In addition, these estimates and assumptions affect revenues and expenses in the financial statements and as such, actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to change include: (1) the allowance for loan losses, (2) fair values of debt securities based on estimates from independent valuation services or from brokers, (3) assessment of impaired securities to determine whether or not the securities are other-than-temporarily impaired, (4) valuation of deferred tax assets and (5) valuation of obligations from defined benefit plans.

 

INVESTMENT SECURITIES - Investment securities are accounted for as follows:

 

Available-for-sale securities - includes debt securities not classified as held-to-maturity or trading, and unrestricted equity securities. Such securities are reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses excluded from earnings and reported separately through accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax. Amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts on available-for-sale securities are recorded using the level yield method over the remaining contractual life of the securities, adjusted for actual prepayments. Realized gains and losses on sales of available-for-sale securities are computed on the basis of specific identification of the adjusted cost of each security. Securities within the available-for-sale portfolio may be used as part of the Corporation’s asset and liability management strategy and may be sold in response to changes in interest rate risk, prepayment risk or other factors.

 

Other-than-temporary impairment - Declines in the fair value of available-for-sale securities that are deemed to be other-than-temporary are reflected in earnings as realized losses. In estimating other-than-temporary impairment losses, management considers (1) the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than cost, (2) the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, (3) the intent and ability of the Corporation to retain its investment in the issuer for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value, and (4) whether the Corporation intends to sell the security or if it is more likely than not that the Corporation will be required to sell the security before the recovery of its amortized cost basis. The credit-related impairment is recognized in earnings and is the difference between a security’s amortized cost basis and the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the security’s effective interest rate. For debt securities classified as held-to-maturity, if any, the amount of noncredit-related impairment is recognized in other comprehensive income and accreted over the remaining life of the debt security as an increase in the carrying value of the security. In addition, the risk of future other-than-temporary impairment may be influenced by additional bank failures, prolonged recession in the U.S. economy, changes to real estate values, interest deferrals and whether the federal government provides assistance to financial institutions.

 

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Restricted equity securities - Restricted equity securities consist primarily of Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh stock, and are carried at cost and evaluated for impairment. Holdings of restricted equity securities are included in Other Assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheet, and dividends received on restricted securities are included in Other Income in the Consolidated Statement of Income.

 

LOANS HELD FOR SALE - Mortgage loans held for sale are reported at the lower of cost or market, determined in the aggregate.

 

LOANS RECEIVABLE - Loans receivable which management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity or payoff are stated at unpaid principal balances, less the allowance for loan losses and net deferred loan fees. Interest income is accrued on the unpaid principal balance. Loan origination and commitment fees, as well as certain direct origination costs, are deferred and amortized as a yield adjustment over the lives of the related loans using the interest method.

 

The loans receivable portfolio is segmented into residential mortgage, commercial and consumer loans. The residential mortgage segment includes the following classes: first and junior lien residential mortgages, home equity lines of credit and residential construction loans. The most significant classes of commercial loans are commercial loans secured by real estate, non-real estate secured commercial and industrial loans, loans to political subdivisions, commercial construction, and loans secured by farmland.

 

Loans are placed on nonaccrual status for all classes of loans when, in the opinion of management, collection of interest is doubtful. Any unpaid interest previously accrued on those loans is reversed from income. Interest income is not recognized on specific impaired loans unless the likelihood of further loss is remote. Interest payments received on loans for which the risk of further loss is greater than remote are applied as a reduction of the loan principal balance. Interest income on other nonaccrual loans is recognized only to the extent of interest payments received. Generally, loans are restored to accrual status when the obligation is brought current, has performed in accordance with the contractual terms for a reasonable period of time (generally six months) and the ultimate collectability of the total contractual principal and interest is no longer in doubt. The past due status of all classes of loans receivable is determined based on contractual due dates for loan payments. Also, the amortization of deferred loan fees is discontinued when a loan is placed on nonaccrual status.

 

ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES - The allowance for loan losses represents management’s estimate of losses inherent in the loan portfolio as of the balance sheet date and is recorded as a reduction to loans. The allowance for loan losses is increased by the provision for loan losses, and decreased by charge-offs, net of recoveries. Loans deemed to be uncollectible are charged against the allowance for loan losses, and subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance. All, or part, of the principal balance of loans receivable are charged off to the allowance as soon as it is determined that the repayment of all, or part, of the principal balance is highly unlikely. Non-residential consumer loans are generally charged off no later than when they are 120 days past due on a contractual basis, or earlier in the event of bankruptcy or if there is an amount deemed uncollectible.

 

The allowance for loan losses is maintained at a level considered adequate to provide for losses that can be reasonably anticipated. Management performs a quarterly evaluation of the adequacy of the allowance. The allowance is based on the Corporation’s past loan loss experience, known and inherent risks in the portfolio, adverse situations that may affect the borrower’s ability to repay, the estimated value of any underlying collateral, composition of the loan portfolio, current economic conditions and other relevant factors. This evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires material estimates that may be susceptible to significant revision as more information becomes available. In addition, various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the Corporation’s allowance for loan losses. Such agencies may require the Corporation to recognize adjustments to the allowance based on their judgments of information available to them at the time of their examination. In the process of evaluating the loan portfolio, management also considers the Corporation’s exposure to losses from unfunded loan commitments. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, management determined that no allowance for credit losses related to unfunded loan commitments was required.

 

The allowance consists primarily of two major components – (1) a specific component based on a detailed assessment of certain larger loan relationships, mainly commercial purpose, determined on a loan-by-loan basis; and (2) a general component for the remainder of the portfolio based on a collective evaluation of pools of loans with similar risk characteristics. The general component is assigned to each pool of loans based on both historical net charge-off experience, and an evaluation of certain qualitative factors. An unallocated component is maintained to cover uncertainties that could affect management’s estimate of probable losses. The unallocated component of the allowance reflects the margin of imprecision inherent in the underlying assumptions used in the above methodologies for estimating specific and general losses in the portfolio.

 

The specific component relates to loans that are classified as impaired based on a detailed assessment of certain larger loan relationships evaluated by a management committee referred to as the Watch List Committee. Specific loan relationships are identified for evaluation based on the related credit risk rating. For individual loans classified as impaired, an allowance is established when the collateral value less estimated selling costs, present value of discounted cash flows or observable market price of the impaired loan is lower than the carrying value of that loan.

 

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The general component covers pools of loans by loan class including commercial loans not considered individually impaired, as well as smaller balance homogeneous classes of loans, such as residential real estate, home equity lines of credit and other consumer loans. Accordingly, the Corporation generally does not separately identify individual consumer and residential loans for impairment disclosures, unless such loans are subject to a restructuring agreement. The pools of loans for each loan segment are evaluated for loss exposure based upon average historical net charge-off rates (currently thirty-six months), adjusted for qualitative factors. Qualitative risk factors (described in the following paragraph) are evaluated for the impact on each of the three distinct segments (residential mortgage, commercial and consumer) within the loan portfolio. Each qualitative factor is assigned a value to reflect improving, stable or declining conditions based on management’s judgment using relevant information available at the time of the evaluation. Any adjustments to the factors are supported by a narrative documentation of changes in conditions accompanying the allowance for loan loss calculation.

 

The qualitative factors used in the general component calculations are designed to address credit risk characteristics associated with each segment. The Corporation’s credit risk associated with all of the segments is significantly impacted by these factors, which include economic conditions within its market area, the Corporation’s lending policies, changes or trends in the portfolio, risk profile, competition, regulatory requirements and other factors. Further, the residential mortgage segment is significantly affected by the values of residential real estate that provide collateral for the loans. The majority of the Corporation’s commercial segment loans (approximately 67% at December 31, 2014) are secured by real estate, and accordingly, the Corporation’s risk for the commercial segment is significantly affected by commercial real estate values. The consumer segment includes a wide mix of loans for different purposes, primarily secured loans, including loans secured by motor vehicles, manufactured housing and other types of collateral.

 

Loans are classified as impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Corporation will be unable to collect the scheduled payments of principal or interest when due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Factors considered by management in determining impairment include payment status, collateral value and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due. Loans that experience insignificant payment delays and payment shortfalls generally are not classified as impaired. Management determines the significance of payment delays and payment shortfalls on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration all of the circumstances surrounding the loan and the borrower, including the length of the delay, the reasons for the delay, the borrower’s prior payment record and the amount of shortfall in relation to the principal and interest owed. Impairment is measured on a loan-by-loan basis for commercial loans by the fair value of the collateral (if the loan is collateral dependent), by future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective rate or by the loan’s observable market price.

 

For commercial loans secured by real estate, estimated fair values are determined primarily through third-party appraisals. When a real estate secured loan becomes impaired, a decision is made regarding whether an updated certified appraisal of the real estate is necessary. This decision is based on various considerations, including the age of the most recent appraisal, the loan-to-value ratio based on the original appraisal and the condition of the property. Appraised values are discounted to arrive at the estimated selling price of the collateral, which is considered to be the estimated fair value. The discounts also include estimated costs to sell the property.

 

For commercial and industrial loans secured by non-real estate collateral, such as accounts receivable, inventory and equipment, estimated fair values are determined based on the borrower’s financial statements, inventory reports, accounts receivable agings or equipment appraisals or invoices. Indications of value from these sources are generally discounted based on the age of the financial information or the quality of the assets.

 

Loans whose terms are modified are classified as troubled debt restructurings if the Corporation grants such borrowers concessions and it is deemed that those borrowers are experiencing financial difficulty. Concessions granted under a troubled debt restructuring generally involve an extension of a loan’s stated maturity date or a temporary reduction in interest rate. Non-accrual troubled debt restructurings may be restored to accrual status if principal and interest payments, under the modified terms, are current for six consecutive months after modification. Loans classified as troubled debt restructurings are designated as impaired.

 

BANK PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT - Bank premises and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Repair and maintenance expenditures which extend the useful lives of assets are capitalized, and other repair and maintenance expenditures are expensed as incurred. Depreciation expense is computed using the straight-line method.

 

IMPAIRMENT OF LONG-LIVED ASSETS - The Corporation reviews long-lived assets, such as premises and equipment and intangibles, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. These changes in circumstances may include a significant decrease in the market value of an asset or the manner in which an asset is used. If there is an indication the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable, future undiscounted cash flows expected to result from use of the asset are estimated. If the sum of the expected cash flows is less than the carrying value of the asset, a loss is recognized for the difference between the carrying value and fair market value of the asset.

 

INTEREST COSTS - The Corporation capitalizes interest as a component of the cost of premises and equipment constructed or acquired for its own use. The amount of capitalized interest in 2014, 2013, and 2012 was not significant.

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FORECLOSED ASSETS HELD FOR SALE - Foreclosed assets held for sale consist of real estate acquired by foreclosure and are initially recorded at fair value, less estimated selling costs.

 

GOODWILL AND CORE DEPOSIT INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of acquisitions over the fair value of the net assets acquired. Goodwill is tested at least annually for impairment, or more often if events or circumstances indicate there may be impairment. Core deposit intangibles are being amortized over periods of time that represent the expected lives using a method of amortization that reflects the pattern of economic benefit. Core deposit intangibles are subject to impairment testing whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate their carrying amounts may not be recoverable.

 

SERVICING RIGHTS - The estimated fair value of servicing rights related to mortgage loans sold and serviced by the Corporation is recorded as an asset upon the sale of such loans. The valuation of servicing rights is adjusted quarterly, with changes in fair value included in Other Operating Income in the consolidated statements of operations. Significant inputs to the valuation include expected net servicing income to be received, the expected life of the underlying loans and the discount rate. The servicing rights asset is included in Other Assets in the consolidated balance sheet, with a balance equal to fair value of $1,281,000 at December 31, 2014 and $1,123,000 at December 31, 2013.

 

INCOME TAXES - Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amount of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases given the provisions of the enacted tax laws. Deferred tax assets are reduced, if necessary, by the amount of such benefits that are not expected to be realized based upon available evidence. Tax benefits from investments in limited partnerships that have qualified for federal low-income tax credits are recognized as a reduction in the provision for income tax over the term of the investment using the effective yield method. The Corporation includes income tax penalties in the provision for income tax. The Corporation has no accrued interest related to unrecognized tax benefits.

 

STOCK COMPENSATION PLANS - The Corporation’s stock-based compensation policy applies to all forms of stock-based compensation including stock options and restricted stock units. All stock-based compensation is accounted for under the fair value method as required by generally accepted accounting principles in the United States. The expense associated with stock-based compensation is recognized over the vesting period of each individual arrangement.

 

The fair value of each stock option is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes-Merton option valuation model. The fair value of restricted stock is based on the current market price on the date of grant.

 

OFF-BALANCE SHEET FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS - In the ordinary course of business, the Corporation has entered into off-balance sheet financial instruments consisting of commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit. Such financial instruments are recorded in the financial statements when they become payable.

 

CASH FLOWS - The Corporation utilizes the net reporting of cash receipts and cash payments for certain deposit and lending activities. Cash equivalents include federal funds sold and all cash and amounts due from depository institutions and interest-bearing deposits in other banks with original maturities of three months or less.

 

TRUST ASSETS AND INCOME - Assets held by the Corporation in a fiduciary or agency capacity for its customers are not included in the financial statements since such items are not assets of the Corporation. Trust income is recorded on a cash basis, which is not materially different from the accrual basis.

 

2. RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS:

 

The FASB issues Accounting Standards Updates (ASUs) to the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (ASC). This section provides a summary description of recent ASUs that have significant implications (elected or required) within the consolidated financial statements, or that management expects may have a significant impact on financial statements issued in the near future.

 

In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-11, Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists. The amendments in this standard clarify that an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, should be presented in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward, except as follows. To the extent a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward is not available at the reporting date under the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction to settle any additional income taxes that would result from the disallowance of a tax position or the applicable jurisdiction does not require the entity to use, and the entity does not intend to use, the deferred tax asset for such purpose, the unrecognized tax benefit should be presented in the financial statements as a liability and should not be combined with deferred tax assets. For the Corporation, the amendments in this Update were effective beginning in the first quarter 2014. The Corporation will be affected by these amendments if unrecognized tax benefits arise in future periods.

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In January 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-01, Accounting for Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing Projects. This Update provides guidance on accounting for investments in flow-through limited liability entities that qualify for the federal low-income housing tax credit. Currently, under U.S. GAAP, a reporting entity that invests in a qualified affordable housing project may elect to account for that investment using the effective yield method if certain conditions are met, or alternatively, the investment would be accounted for under either the equity method or the cost method. Generally, investors in qualified affordable housing project investments expect to receive all of their return through the receipt of tax credits and tax deductions from operating losses, and use of the effective yield method results in recognition of the return as a reduction of income tax expense over the period of the investment. The amendments in this Update modify the conditions that a reporting entity must meet to be eligible to use a method other than the equity or cost methods to account for investments in qualified affordable housing projects. Additionally, the amendments introduce new recurring disclosure requirements about investments in qualified affordable housing projects. The amendments in this Update are effective for the Corporation for annual and interim periods beginning in the first quarter 2015, and are to be applied retrospectively. Information concerning the Corporation’s investments in qualified affordable housing projects is provided in Note 14 to these consolidated financial statements.

 

In January 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-04, Reclassification of Residential Real Estate Collateralized Consumer Mortgage Loans upon Foreclosure. The objective of the amendments in this Update is to reduce diversity among reporting entities by clarifying when an in substance foreclosure occurs. The amendments in this Update clarify that an in substance foreclosure occurs, and a creditor is considered to have received physical possession of residential real property collateralizing a consumer mortgage loan, upon either (1) the creditor obtaining legal title to the residential real estate property upon completion of a foreclosure or (2) the borrower conveying all interest in the residential real estate property to the creditor to satisfy that loan through completion of a deed in lieu of foreclosure or through a similar legal agreement. Additionally, the amendments require interim and annual disclosure of both (1) the amount of foreclosed residential real estate property held by the creditor and (2) the recorded investment in consumer mortgage loans collateralized by residential real estate property that are in the process of foreclosure according to the requirements of the applicable jurisdiction. An entity can elect to adopt the amendments in this Update using either a modified retrospective transition method or a prospective transition method. Under the modified retrospective transition method, an entity would record a cumulative-effect adjustment to residential consumer mortgage loans and foreclosed residential real estate properties existing as of the beginning of the annual period for which the amendments are effective. For prospective transition, an entity would apply the amendments to all instances of an entity receiving physical possession of residential real estate property collateralizing consumer mortgage loans that occur after the date of adoption. Early adoption is permitted. The amendments in this Update are effective for the Corporation for annual and interim periods beginning in the first quarter 2015, and the Corporation is in the process of determining how it will apply the amendments to its accounting and reporting practices.

 

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which provides a principles-based framework for revenue recognition that supersedes virtually all previously issued revenue recognition guidance under U.S. GAAP. Additionally, the ASU requires improved disclosures to help users of financial statements better understand the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue that is recognized. The core principle of the five-step revenue recognition framework is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The ASU will be effective for all annual and interim periods beginning in the first quarter 2017. The amendments in the ASU should be applied either retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented or retrospectively with the cumulative effect of initially applying this ASU recognized at the date of initial application. The Corporation is in the process of evaluating the potential impact of adopting this ASU, including determining which transition method to apply.

 

In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-11, Repurchase-to-Maturity Transactions, Repurchase Financings, and Disclosures. In addition to various other amendments that will affect accounting and disclosures for transactions in which the Corporation has not engaged to date, this Update requires expanded disclosures for repurchase agreements that are accounted for as secured borrowings, including: (1) a disaggregation of the gross obligation by the class of collateral pledged, (2) the remaining contractual tenor of the agreements and (3) a discussion of the potential risks associated with the agreements and the related collateral pledged, including obligations arising from a decline in the fair value of the collateral pledged and how those risks are managed. The expanded disclosure requirements associated with repurchase agreements are effective for the Corporation for annual and interim periods beginning in the second quarter 2015. Information concerning the Corporation’s repurchase agreements is provided in Note 12 to these consolidated financial statements.

 

In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-14, Receivables – Troubled Debt Restructuring by Creditors, which requires that a mortgage loan be derecognized and that a separate other receivable be recognized upon foreclosure if the following conditions are met: (1) the loan has a government guarantee that is not separable from the loan before foreclosure, (2) at the time of foreclosure, the creditor has the intent to convey the real estate property to the guarantor and make a claim on the guarantee, and the creditor has the ability to recover under the claim and (3) at the time of foreclosure, any amount of the claim that is determined on the basis of the fair value of the real estate is fixed. The amendments in this Update are effective for the Corporation for annual and interim periods beginning in the first quarter 2015.

 

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3. COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

 

Comprehensive income (loss) is the total of (1) net income (loss), and (2) all other changes in equity from non-stockholder sources, which are referred to as other comprehensive income. The components of other comprehensive income (loss), and the related tax effects, are as follows:

 

(In Thousands) Before-Tax Income Tax Net-of-Tax
  Amount Effect Amount
2014      
Unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities:      
Unrealized holding gains on available-for-sale securities $10,774 ($3,771) $7,003
Reclassification adjustment for (gains) realized in income (1,104) 386 (718)
Other comprehensive  income on available-for-sale securities 9,670 (3,385) 6,285
       
Unfunded pension and postretirement obligations:      
Changes from plan amendments and actuarial gains and losses included in other comprehensive income (79) 28 (51)
Amortization of net transition obligation, prior service cost, net actuarial loss and loss on settlement included in net periodic benefit cost 184 (65) 119
Other comprehensive  income on unfunded retirement obligations 105 (37) 68
       
Total other comprehensive  income $9,775 ($3,422) $6,353

 

(In Thousands) Before-Tax Income Tax Net-of-Tax
  Amount Effect Amount
2013      
Unrealized losses gains on available-for-sale securities:      
Unrealized holding losses on available-for-sale securities ($17,623) $6,168 ($11,455)
Reclassification adjustment for (gains) realized in income (1,718) 601 (1,117)
Other comprehensive loss on available-for-sale securities (19,341) 6,769 (12,572)
       
Unfunded pension and postretirement obligations:      
Changes from plan amendments and actuarial gains and losses included in other comprehensive income 885 (310) 575
Amortization of net transition obligation, prior service cost and net actuarial loss included in net periodic benefit cost 2 (1) 1
Other comprehensive incomeon unfunded retirement obligations 887 (311) 576
       
Total other comprehensive loss ($18,454) $6,458 ($11,996)

 

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(In Thousands) Before-
Tax
Income
Tax
Net-of-
Tax
  Amount Effect Amount
2012      
Unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities:      
Unrealized holding gains on available-for-sale securities $4,128 ($1,608) $2,520
Reclassification adjustment for (gains) realized in income (2,682) 939 (1,743)
Other comprehensive gain on available-for-sale securities 1,446 (669) 777
       
Unfunded pension and postretirement obligations:      
Changes from plan amendments and actuarial gains and losses included in other comprehensive income 8 (2) 6
Amortization of net transition obligation, prior service cost and net actuarial loss included in net periodic benefit cost 77 (17) 60
Other comprehensive gain on unfunded retirement obligations 85 (19) 66
       
Total other comprehensive income $1,531 ($688) $843

 

Changes in the components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), included in stockholders’ equity, are as follows:

 

(In Thousands) Unrealized Unfunded Accumulated
  Holding Gains Pension and Other
  (Losses) Postretirement Comprehensive
  on Securities Obligations Income (Loss)
2014      
Balance, beginning of period ($1,004) $11 ($993)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications 7,003 (51) 6,952
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other     comprehensive income (718) 119 (599)
Other comprehensive income 6,285 68 6,353
Balance, end of period $5,281 $79 $5,360
       
2013      
Balance, beginning of period $11,568 ($565) $11,003
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications (11,455) 575 (10,880)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss (1,117) 1 (1,116)
Other comprehensive (loss) income (12,572) 576 (11,996)
Balance, end of period ($1,004) $11 ($993)
       
2012      
Balance, beginning of period $10,791 ($631) $10,160
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications 2,520 6 2,526
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (1,743) 60 (1,683)
Other comprehensive income    777 66 843
Balance, end of period $11,568 ($565) $11,003

 

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Items reclassified out of each component of other comprehensive income are as follows:

 

For the Year Ended December 31, 2014    
(In Thousands)    
  Reclassified from  
Details about Accumulated Other Accumulated Other Affected Line Item in the Consolidated
Comprehensive Income Components Comprehensive Income Statements of Income
Unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale    
Securities ($1,104) Realized gains on available-for-sale securities, net
  386 Income tax provision
  (718) Net of tax
Amortization of defined benefit pension and postretirement items:    
Prior service cost (31) Pensions and other employee benefits
Actuarial loss 19 Pensions and other employee benefits
Loss on settlement 196 Pensions and other employee benefits
  184 Total before tax
  (65) Income tax provision
  119 Net of tax
Total reclassifications for the period ($599)  

 

For the Year Ended December 31, 2013    
(In Thousands)    
  Reclassified from  
Details about Accumulated Other Accumulated Other Affected Line Item in the Consolidated
Comprehensive Income Components Comprehensive Income Statements of Income
Unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale    
Securities $25 Total other-than-temporary impairment losses on
     available-for-sale securities
  (1,743) Realized gains on available-for-sale securities, net
  (1,718) Total before tax
  601 Income tax provision
  (1,117) Net of tax
Amortization of defined benefit pension and postretirement items:    
Prior service cost (31) Pensions and other employee benefits
Actuarial loss 33 Pensions and other employee benefits
  2 Total before tax
  (1) Income tax provision
  1 Net of tax
Total reclassifications for the period ($1,116)  

 

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4. PER SHARE DATA

 

Net income per share is based on the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding. The following data show the amounts used in computing basic and diluted net income per share. As shown in the table that follows, diluted earnings per share is computed using weighted average common shares outstanding, plus weighted-average common shares available from the exercise of all dilutive stock options, less the number of shares that could be repurchased with the proceeds of stock option exercises based on the average share price of the Corporation's common stock during the period.

 

    Weighted-  
    Average Earnings
  Net Common Per
  Income Shares Share
2014      
Earnings per share – basic $17,086,000 12,390,067 $1.38
Dilutive effect of potential common stock      
arising from stock options:      
Exercise of outstanding stock options   224,015  
Hypothetical share repurchase at $19.41   (202,032)  
Earnings per share – diluted $17,086,000 12,412,050 $1.38
       
2013      
Earnings per share – basic $18,594,000 12,352,383 $1.51
Dilutive effect of potential common stock      
arising from stock options:      
Exercise of outstanding stock options   250,236  
Hypothetical share repurchase at $19.86   (219,829)  
Earnings per share – diluted $18,594,000 12,382,790 $1.50
       
2012      
Earnings per share – basic $22,705,000 12,235,748 $1.86
Dilutive effect of potential common stock   arising from stock options:      
Exercise of outstanding stock options   200,589  
Hypothetical share repurchase at $19.16   (176,129)  
Earnings per share – diluted $22,705,000 12,260,208 $1.85

 

Stock options that were anti-dilutive were excluded from net income per share calculations. Weighted-average common shares available from anti-dilutive instruments totaled 151,310 shares in 2014, 88,521 shares in 2013 and 145,333 shares in 2012.

 

5. CASH AND DUE FROM BANKS

 

Cash and due from banks at December 31, 2014 and 2013 include the following:

 

(In thousands) Dec. 31, Dec. 31,
  2014 2013
Cash and cash equivalents $31,619 $38,591
Certificates of deposit 4,428 6,028
Total cash and due from banks $36,047 $44,619

 

Certificates of deposit are issues by U.S. banks with original maturities greater than three months. Each certificate of deposit is fully FDIC-insured. The Corporation maintains cash and cash equivalents with certain financial institutions in excess of the FDIC insurance limit.

 

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The Corporation is required to maintain reserves against deposit liabilities in the form of cash and balances with the Federal Reserve Bank. The reserves are based on deposit levels, account activity, and other services provided by the Federal Reserve Bank. Required reserves were $16,853,000 at December 31, 2014 and $15,318,000 at December 31, 2013.

 

6. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS AND FAIR VALUES OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

 

The Corporation measures certain assets at fair value. Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. FASB ASC topic 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures” establishes a framework for measuring fair value that includes a hierarchy used to classify the inputs used in measuring fair value. The hierarchy prioritizes the inputs used in determining valuations into three levels. The level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement falls is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The levels of the fair value hierarchy are as follows:

 

Level 1 – Fair value is based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible to the Corporation for identical assets. These generally provide the most reliable evidence and are used to measure fair value whenever available.

 

Level 2 – Fair value is based on significant inputs, other than Level 1 inputs, that are observable either directly or indirectly for substantially the full term of the asset through corroboration with observable market data. Level 2 inputs include quoted market prices in active markets for similar assets, quoted market prices in markets that are not active for identical or similar assets and other observable inputs.

 

Level 3 – Fair value is based on significant unobservable inputs. Examples of valuation methodologies that would result in Level 3 classification include option pricing models, discounted cash flows and other similar techniques.

 

The Corporation monitors and evaluates available data relating to fair value measurements on an ongoing basis and recognizes transfers among the levels of the fair value hierarchy as of the date of an event or change in circumstances that affects the valuation method chosen. Examples of such changes may include the market for a particular asset becoming active or inactive, changes in the availability of quoted prices, or changes in the availability of other market data.

 

At December 31, 2014 and 2013, assets measured at fair value and the valuation methods used are as follows:

 

  December 31, 2014
  Quoted
Prices
Other    
  in Active Observable Unobservable Total
  Markets Inputs Inputs Fair
(In Thousands) (Level 1) (Level 2) (Level 3) Value
         
Recurring fair value measurements        
AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE SECURITIES:        
Obligations of U.S. Government agencies $0 $26,676 $0 $26,676
Obligations of states and political subdivisions:        
Tax-exempt 0 124,839 0 124,839
Taxable 0 33,878 0 33,878
Mortgage-backed securities 0 83,903 0 83,903
Collateralized mortgage obligations,      Issued by U.S. Government agencies 0 238,823 0 238,823
Collateralized debt obligations 0 34 0 34
Total debt securities 0 508,153 0 508,153
Marketable equity securities 8,654 0 0 8,654
Total available-for-sale securities 8,654 508,153 0 516,807
Servicing rights 0 0 1,281 1,281
Total recurring fair value measurements $8,654 $508,153 $1,281 $518,088
         
Nonrecurring fair value measurements        
Impaired loans with a valuation allowance $0 $0 $3,241 $3,241
Valuation allowance 0 0 (769) (769)
Impaired loans, net 0 0 2,472 2,472
Foreclosed assets held for sale 0 0 1,189 1,189
Total nonrecurring fair value measurements $0 $0 $3,661 $3,661

 

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  December 31, 2013
  Quoted
Prices
Other    
  in Active Observable Unobservable Total
  Markets Inputs Inputs Fair
(In Thousands) (Level 1) (Level 2) (Level 3) Value
         
Recurring fair value measurements        
AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE SECURITIES:        
Obligations of U.S. Government agencies $0 $45,877 $0 $45,877
Obligations of states and political subdivisions:        
Tax-exempt 0 128,426 0 128,426
Taxable 0 34,471 0 34,471
Mortgage-backed securities 0 86,208 0 86,208
Collateralized mortgage obligations, Issued by U.S. Government agencies 0 178,092 0 178,092
Collateralized debt obligations 0 660 0 660
Total debt securities 0 473,734 0 473,734
Marketable equity securities 8,924 0 0 8,924
Total available-for-sale securities 8,924 473,734 0 482,658
Servicing rights 0 0 1,123 1,123
Total recurring fair value measurements $8,924 $473,734 $1,123 $483,781
         
Nonrecurring fair value measurements        
Impaired loans with a valuation allowance $0 $0 $9,889 $9,889
Valuation allowance 0 0 (2,333) (2,333)
Impaired loans, net 0 0 7,556 7,556
Foreclosed assets held for sale 0 0 892 892
Total nonrecurring fair value measurements $0 $0 $8,448 $8,448

 

Loans are classified as impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Corporation will be unable to collect the scheduled payments of principal or interest when due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Foreclosed assets held for sale consist of real estate acquired by foreclosure. For impaired commercial loans secured by real estate and foreclosed assets held for sale, estimated fair values are determined primarily using values from third-party appraisals less estimated selling costs.

 

Management’s evaluation and selection of valuation techniques and the unobservable inputs used in determining the fair values of assets valued using Level 3 methodologies include sensitive assumptions. Other market participants might use substantially different assumptions, which could result in calculations of fair values that would be substantially different than the amount calculated by management. The following table shows quantitative information regarding significant techniques and inputs used at December 31, 2014 and 2013 for servicing rights assets measured using unobservable inputs (Level 3 methodologies) on a recurring basis:

 

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  Fair Value at        
  12/31/14 Valuation Unobservable Method or Value As of
Asset (In Thousands) Technique Input(s) 12/31/14
Servicing rights $1,281 Discounted cash flow Discount rate 10.00% Rate used through modeling period
           
      Loan prepayment speeds 156.00% Weighted-average PSA
      Servicing fees 0.25% of loan balances
        4.00% of payments are late
        5.00% late fees assessed
        $1.94 Miscellaneous fees per account per month
      Servicing costs $6.00 Monthly servicing cost per account
        $24.00 Additional monthly servicing cost per loan on loans more than 30 days delinquent
        1.50% of loans more than 30 days delinquent
        3.00% annual increase in servicing costs

 

  Fair Value at        
  12/31/13 Valuation Unobservable Method or Value As of
Asset (In Thousands) Technique Input(s) 12/31/13
Servicing rights $1,123 Discounted cash flow Discount rate 12.00% Rate used through modeling period
           
      Loan prepayment speeds 152.00% Weighted-average PSA
      Servicing fees 0.25% of loan balances
        4.00% of payments are late
        5.00% late fees assessed
        $1.94 Miscellaneous fees per account per month
      Servicing costs $6.00 Monthly servicing cost per account
        $24.00 Additional monthly servicing cost per loan on loans more than 30 days delinquent
        1.50% of loans more than 30 days delinquent
        3.00% annual increase in servicing costs

 

The fair value of servicing rights is affected by expected future interest rates. Increases (decreases) in future expected interest rates tend to increase (decrease) the fair value of the Corporation’s servicing rights because of changes in expected prepayment behavior by the borrowers on the underlying loans.

 

Following is a reconciliation of activity for Level 3 assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis:

 

  Year Ended
December 31,
2014
(In Thousands) Servicing
  Rights
Balance, beginning of period $1,123
Issuances of servicing rights 185
Unrealized losses included in earnings (27)
Balance, end of period $1,281

 

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  Year Ended December 31, 2013
  Pooled Trust Pooled Trust    
   Preferred  Preferred    
  Securities - Securities -    
(In Thousands) Senior Mezzanine Servicing  
  Tranches Tranches Rights Total
Balance, beginning of period $1,613 $0 $605 $2,218
Issuances of servicing rights 0 0 451 451
Accretion and amortization, net (2) 0 0 (2)
Proceeds from sales and calls (1,636) (571) 0 (2,207)
Realized gains, net 23 571 0 594
Unrealized gains included in earnings 0 0 67 67
Unrealized gains included in other comprehensive income 2 0 0 2
Balance, end of period $0 $0 $1,123 $1,123

 

  Year Ended December 31, 2012
  Pooled Trust Pooled Trust    
   Preferred  Preferred    
  Securities - Securities -    
  Senior Mezzanine Servicing  
  Tranches Tranches Rights Total
Balance, beginning of period $4,638 $730 $375 $5,743
Issuances of servicing rights 0 0 418 418
Accretion and amortization, net (8) 0 0 (8)
Proceeds from sales and calls (3,429) (1,835) 0 (5,264)
Realized gains, net 56 1,835 0 1,891
Unrealized losses included in earnings 0 0 (188) (188)
Unrealized gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income 356 (730) 0 (374)
Balance, end of period $1,613 $0 $605 $2,218

 

No other-than-temporary impairment losses on securities valued using Level 3 methodologies were recorded in 2014, 2013 or 2012.

 

Certain of the Corporation’s financial instruments are not measured at fair value in the consolidated financial statements. In cases where quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on estimates using present value or other valuation techniques. Those techniques are significantly affected by the assumptions used, including the discount rate and estimates of future cash flows. Accordingly, the fair value estimates may not be realized in an immediate settlement of the instrument. Certain financial instruments and all nonfinancial instruments are excluded from disclosure requirements. Therefore, the aggregate fair value amounts presented may not represent the underlying fair value of the Corporation.

 

The Corporation used the following methods and assumptions in estimating fair value disclosures for financial instruments:

 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS - The carrying amounts of cash and short-term instruments approximate fair values.

 

CERTIFICATES OF DEPOSIT - Fair values for certificates of deposit, included in cash and due from banks in the consolidated balance sheet, are based on quoted market prices for certificates of similar remaining maturities.

 

SECURITIES - Fair values for securities, excluding restricted equity securities, are based on quoted market prices or other methods as described above. The carrying value of restricted equity securities approximates fair value based on applicable redemption provisions.

 

LOANS HELD FOR SALE - Fair values of loans held for sale are determined based on applicable sale prices available under the Federal Home Loan Banks’ MPF Original or Xtra program.

 

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LOANS - Fair values are estimated for portfolios of loans with similar financial characteristics. Loans are segregated by type such as commercial, commercial real estate, residential mortgage and other consumer. Each loan category is further segmented into fixed-rate and adjustable-rate interest terms and by performing and nonperforming categories. The fair value of performing loans is calculated by discounting contractual cash flows, adjusted for estimated prepayments based on historical experience, using estimated market discount rates that reflect the credit and interest rate risk inherent in the loans. Fair value of nonperforming loans is based on recent appraisals or estimates prepared by the Corporation’s lending officers.

 

SERVICING RIGHTS - The fair value of servicing rights, included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheet, is determined through a discounted cash flow valuation. Significant inputs include expected net servicing income, the discount rate and the expected prepayment speeds of the underlying loans.

 

DEPOSITS - The fair value of deposits with no stated maturity, such as noninterest-bearing demand deposits, savings, money market and interest checking accounts, is (by definition) equal to the amount payable at December 31, 2014 and 2013. The fair value of time deposits, such as certificates of deposit and Individual Retirement Accounts, is based on the discounted value of contractual cash flows. The discount rate is estimated using the rates currently offered for deposits of similar remaining maturities. The fair value estimates of deposits do not include the benefit that results from the low-cost funding provided by the deposit liabilities compared to the cost of borrowing funds in the market, commonly referred to as the core deposit intangible.

 

BORROWED FUNDS - The fair value of borrowings is estimated using discounted cash flow analyses based on rates currently available to the Corporation for similar types of borrowing arrangements.

 

ACCRUED INTEREST - The carrying amounts of accrued interest receivable and payable approximate fair values.

 

OFF-BALANCE SHEET COMMITMENTS - The Corporation has commitments to extend credit and has issued standby letters of credit. Standby letters of credit are conditional guarantees of performance by a customer to a third party. Estimates of the fair value of these off-balance sheet items were not made because of the short-term nature of these arrangements and the credit standing of the counterparties.

 

The estimated fair values, and related carrying amounts, of the Corporation’s financial instruments are as follows:

 

(In Thousands) Valuation December 31, 2014 December 31, 2014
  Method(s) Carrying Fair Carrying Fair
  Used Amount Value Amount Value
Financial assets:          
Cash and cash equivalents Level 1 $31,619 $31,619 $38,591 $38,591
Certificates of deposit Level 2 4,428 4,443 6,028 6,057
Available-for-sale securities See Above 516,807 516,807 482,658 482,658
Restricted equity securities (included in Other Assets) Level 2 1,584 1,584 3,786 3,786
Loans held for sale Level 2 0 0 54 54
Loans, net Level 3 623,209 629,267 635,640 634,937
Accrued interest receivable Level 2 3,908 3,908 4,146 4,146
Servicing rights Level 3 1,281 1,281 1,123 1,123
           
Financial liabilities:          
Deposits with no stated maturity Level 2 729,052 729,052 693,479 693,479
Time deposits Level 2 238,937 239,712 261,037 262,376
Short-term borrowings Level 2 5,537 5,473 23,385 23,356
Long-term borrowings Level 2 73,060 78,866 73,338 79,400
Accrued interest payable Level 2 104 104 120 120

 

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7. SECURITIES

 

Amortized cost and fair value of available-for-sale securities at December 31, 2014 and 2013 are summarized as follows:

 

  December 31, 2014
    Gross Gross  
    Unrealized Unrealized  
  Amortized Holding Holding Fair
(In Thousands) Cost Gains Losses Value
         
Obligations of U.S. Government agencies $27,221 $38 ($583) $26,676
Obligations of states and political subdivisions:        
Tax-exempt 120,086 5,134 (381) 124,839
Taxable 33,637 415 (174) 33,878
Mortgage-backed securities 82,479 1,493 (69) 83,903
Collateralized mortgage obligations, Issued by U.S. Government agencies 239,620 1,239 (2,036) 238,823
Collateralized debt obligations: 34 0 0 34
Total debt securities 503,077 8,319 (3,243) 508,153
Marketable equity securities 5,605 3,058 (9) 8,654
Total $508,682 $11,377 ($3,252) $516,807

 

  December 31, 2013
    Gross Gross  
    Unrealized Unrealized  
  Amortized Holding Holding Fair
(In Thousands) Cost Gains Losses Value
         
Obligations of U.S. Government agencies $47,382 $282 ($1,787) $45,877
Obligations of states and political subdivisions:        
Tax-exempt 127,748 2,766 (2,088) 128,426
Taxable 35,154 206 (889) 34,471
Mortgage-backed securities 84,849 1,819 (460) 86,208
Collateralized mortgage obligations,  Issued by U.S. Government agencies 182,372 761 (5,041) 178,092
Collateralized debt obligations: 660 0 0 660
Total debt securities 478,165 5,834 (10,265) 473,734
Marketable equity securities 6,038 2,886 0 8,924
Total $484,203 $8,720 ($10,265) $482,658

 

The following table presents gross unrealized losses and fair value of available-for-sale securities with unrealized loss positions that are not deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired, aggregated by length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at December 31, 2014 and 2013:

 

December 31, 2014 Less Than 12 Months 12 Months or More Total
(In Thousands) Fair Unrealized Fair Unrealized Fair Unrealized
  Value Losses Value Losses Value Losses
             
Obligations of U.S. Government agencies $0 $0 $24,020 ($583) $24,020 ($583)
Obligations of states and political subdivisions:            
Tax-exempt 11,898 (289) 6,991 (92) 18,889 (381)
Taxable 4,240 (22) 9,159 (152) 13,399 (174)
Mortgage-backed securities 0 0 4,160 (69) 4,160 (69)
Collateralized mortgage obligations, Issued by U.S. Government agencies 58,812 (396) 60,897 (1,640) 119,709 (2,036)
Total debt securities 74,950 (707) 105,227 (2,536) 180,177 (3,243)
Marketable equity securities 134 (9) 0 0 134 (9)
Total temporarily impaired available-for-sale securities $75,084 ($716) $105,227 ($2,536) $180,311 ($3,252)
                   

 

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December 31, 2013 Less Than 12 Months 12 Months or More Total
(In Thousands) Fair Unrealized Fair Unrealized Fair Unrealized
  Value Losses Value Losses Value Losses
             
Obligations of U.S. Government agencies $22,489 ($1,337) $4,598 ($450) $27,087 ($1,787)
Obligations of states and political subdivisions:            
Tax-exempt 44,285 (1,425) 5,808 (663) 50,093 (2,088)
Taxable 20,873 (766) 2,378 (123) 23,251 (889)
Mortgage-backed securities 34,377 (460) 0 0 34,377 (460)
Collateralized debt obligations, Issued by U.S. Government agencies 113,204 (4,608) 7,399 (433) 120,603 (5,041)
Total temporarily impaired available-for-sale securities $235,228 ($8,596) $20,183 ($1,669) $255,411 ($10,265)

 

Gross realized gains and losses from available-for-sale securities (including OTTI losses in gross realized losses) and the related income tax provision were as follows:

 

(In Thousands)      
  2014 2013 2012
Gross realized gains from sales $1,328 $1,918 $2,798
Gross realized losses from sales (224) (175) (49)
Losses from OTTI Impairment 0 (25) (67)
Net realized gains $1,104 $1,718 $2,682
Income tax provision related to net realized gains $386 $601 $939

 

The amortized cost and fair value of available-for-sale debt securities by contractual maturity are shown in the following table as of December 31, 2014. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because counterparties may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.

 

  Amortized Fair
(In Thousands) Cost Value
     
Due in one year or less $7,909 $7,992
Due from one year through five years 55,499 55,826
Due from five years through ten years 61,737 62,306
Due after ten years 55,833 59,303
Subtotal 180,978 185,427
Mortgage-backed securities 82,479 83,903
Collateralized mortgage obligations, Issued by U.S. Government agencies 239,620 238,823
Total $503,077 $508,153

 

The Corporation’s mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations have stated maturities that may differ from actual maturities due to borrowers’ ability to prepay obligations. Cash flows from such investments are dependent upon the performance of the underlying mortgage loans and are generally influenced by the level of interest rates. In the table above, mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations are shown in one period.

 

Investment securities carried at $369,945,000 at December 31, 2014 and $323,613,000 at December 31, 2013 were pledged as collateral for public deposits, trusts and certain other deposits as provided by law. See Note 12 for information concerning securities pledged to secure borrowing arrangements.

 

Management evaluates securities for OTTI at least on a quarterly basis, and more frequently when economic or market conditions warrant such evaluation. Consideration is given to (1) the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than cost, (2) the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, and (3) whether the Corporation intends to sell the security or more likely than not will be required to sell the security before its anticipated recovery.

 

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The Corporation recognized net impairment losses in earnings, as follows:

 

(In Thousands)      
  2014 2013 2012
Marketable equity securities (bank stocks) $0 ($25) ($67)

 

A summary of information management considered in evaluating debt and equity securities for OTTI at December 31, 2014 is provided below.

 

Debt Securities

 

At December 31, 2014, management performed an assessment for possible OTTI of the Corporation’s debt securities on an issue-by-issue basis, relying on information obtained from various sources, including publicly available financial data, ratings by external agencies, brokers and other sources. The extent of individual analysis applied to each security depended on the size of the Corporation’s investment, as well as management’s perception of the credit risk associated with each security. Based on the results of the assessment, management believes impairment of these debt securities, including municipal bonds with no external ratings, at December 31, 2014 to be temporary.

 

At December 31, 2014, the total amortized cost basis of municipal bonds with no external credit ratings was $15,854,000, with an aggregate unrealized gain of $1,000. At the time of purchase, each of these bonds was considered investment grade and had been rated by at least one credit rating agency. Most of the bonds for which credit rating agencies have withdrawn their ratings were insured by an entity that has reported significant financial problems and declines in its regulatory capital ratios, and most of the ratings were removed in the fourth quarter 2009. However, the insurance remains in effect on the bonds. In the third quarter 2013, a credit rating agency withdrew its ratings on several bonds due to changes in its rating methodology related to credit enhancement programs provided by issuers’ state governments. However, the credit enhancement remains in effect on the bonds. None of the unrated municipal bonds has failed to make a scheduled payment.

 

During the second quarter 2013, the Corporation’s holding of the senior tranche of MMCAPS Funding I, Ltd., a pooled trust preferred security, was fully redeemed primarily due to prepayments of debt by the underlying issuers in the pool. The Corporation received aggregate proceeds of $1,636,000, which included a realized pretax gain of $23,000. Also during the second quarter 2013, Astoria Financial Corporation redeemed (called) the trust preferred security held by the Corporation. The Corporation received aggregate proceeds of $5,171,000, which included a realized pretax gain of $13,000.

 

During the first quarter 2013, management sold the Corporation’s holding of the mezzanine tranche of ALESCO Preferred Funding IX, Ltd. for aggregate pretax proceeds of $571,000, which was recorded as a gain on the sale of securities.

 

During the third quarter 2012, management sold the Corporation’s holdings of the mezzanine tranches of U.S. Capital Funding II, Ltd. The securities were sold for aggregate pretax proceeds of $1,754,000, which was recorded as a gain on the sale of securities.

 

Equity Securities

 

The Corporation’s marketable equity securities at December 31, 2014 and 2013 consisted exclusively of stocks of banking companies. The Corporation recognized no other-than-temporary impairment losses related to bank stocks in 2014. In 2013, the Corporation recognized an other-than-temporary impairment loss related to a bank stock of $25,000. In 2012, the Corporation recognized an other-than-temporary impairment loss related to a bank stock of $67,000. Management’s decisions to recognize other-than-temporary impairment losses followed evaluations of the issuers’ published financial results in which management determined that the recovery of the Corporation’s cost basis within the foreseeable future was uncertain. As a result of this determination, the Corporation recognized impairment losses to write each stock down to the most recent trade price at the end of the quarter in which each loss was recognized. At December 31, 2014, the Corporation held three stocks with an aggregate unrealized loss of $9,000 for which management determined an OTTI charge was not required.

 

Realized gains from sales of bank stocks totaled $363,000 in 2014, $1,018,000 in 2013, and $538,000 in 2012.

 

C&N Bank is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh (FHLB-Pittsburgh), which is one of 12 regional Federal Home Loan Banks. As a member, C&N Bank is required to purchase and maintain stock in FHLB-Pittsburgh. There is no active market for FHLB-Pittsburgh stock, and it must ordinarily be redeemed by FHLB-Pittsburgh in order to be liquidated. C&N Bank’s investment in FHLB-Pittsburgh stock, included in Other Assets in the consolidated balance sheet, was $1,454,000 at December 31, 2014 and $3,656,000 at December 31, 2013. The Corporation evaluated its holding of FHLB-Pittsburgh stock for impairment and deemed the stock to not be impaired at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013. In making this determination, management concluded that recovery of total outstanding par value, which equals the carrying value, is expected. The decision was based on review of financial information that FHLB-Pittsburgh has made publicly available.

 

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8. LOANS

 

Loans outstanding at December 31, 2014 and 2013 are summarized as follows:

 

Summary of Loans by Type    
(In Thousands) Dec. 31, Dec. 31,
  2014 2013
Residential mortgage:    
Residential mortgage loans - first liens $291,882 $299,831
Residential mortgage loans - junior liens 21,166 23,040
Home equity lines of credit 36,629 34,530
1-4 Family residential construction 16,739 13,909
Total residential mortgage 366,416 371,310
Commercial:    
Commercial loans secured by real estate 145,878 147,215
Commercial and industrial 50,157 42,387
Political subdivisions 17,534 16,291
Commercial construction and land 6,938 17,003
Loans secured by farmland 7,916 10,468
Multi-family (5 or more) residential 8,917 10,985
Agricultural loans 3,221 3,251
Other commercial loans 13,334 14,631
Total commercial 253,895 262,231
Consumer 10,234 10,762
Total 630,545 644,303
Less: allowance for loan losses (7,336) (8,663)
Loans, net $623,209 $635,640

 

The Corporation grants loans to individuals as well as commercial and tax-exempt entities. Commercial, residential and personal loans are made to customers geographically concentrated in the Pennsylvania and New York counties that make up the market serviced by Citizens & Northern Bank. Although the Corporation has a diversified loan portfolio, a significant portion of its debtors’ ability to honor their contracts is dependent on the local economic conditions within the region. There is no concentration of loans to borrowers engaged in similar businesses or activities that exceed 10% of total loans at December 31, 2014.

 

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Transactions within the allowance for loan losses, summarized by segment and class, were as follows:

 

Year Ended December 31, 2014 Dec. 31,       Dec. 31,
(In Thousands) 2013
Balance
Charge-offs Recoveries Provision
(Credit)
2014
Balance
Allowance for Loan Losses:          
Residential mortgage:          
Residential mortgage loans - first liens $2,974 ($164) $25 $106 $2,941
Residential mortgage loans - junior liens 294 (101) 0 (17) 176
Home equity lines of credit 269 (62) 0 115 322
1-4 Family residential construction 168 0 0 46 214
Total residential mortgage 3,705 (327) 25 250 3,653
Commercial:          
Commercial loans secured by real estate 3,123 (1,521) 250 (94) 1,758
Commercial and industrial 591 (24) 9 112 688
Political subdivisions 0 0 0 0 0
Commercial construction and land 267 (170) 5 181 283
Loans secured by farmland 115 0 0 50 165
Multi-family (5 or more) residential 103 0 0 (16) 87
Agricultural loans 30 0 0 1 31
Other commercial loans 138 0 0 (7) 131
Total commercial 4,367 (1,715) 264 227 3,143
Consumer 193 (97) 47 2 145
Unallocated 398 0 0 (3) 395
           
Total Allowance for Loan Losses $8,663 ($2,139) $336 $476 $7,336

 

Year Ended December 31, 2013          
(In Thousands) Dec. 31,       Dec. 31,
  2012     Provision 2013
  Balance Charge-offs Recoveries (Credit) Balance
Allowance for Loan Losses:          
Residential mortgage:          
Residential mortgage loans - first liens $2,619 ($84) $24 $415 $2,974
Residential mortgage loans - junior liens 247 0 0 47 294
Home equity lines of credit 255 0 0 14 269
1-4 Family residential construction 96 (11) 0 83 168
Total residential mortgage 3,217 (95) 24 559 3,705
Commercial:          
Commercial loans secured by real estate 1,930 (169) 344 1,018 3,123
Commercial and industrial 581 (286) 4 292 591
Political subdivisions 0 0 0 0 0
Commercial construction and land 234 (4) 0 37 267
Loans secured by farmland 129 0 0 (14) 115
Multi-family (5 or more) residential 67 0 0 36 103
Agricultural loans 27 0 0 3 30
Other commercial loans 3 0 0 135 138
Total commercial 2,971 (459) 348 1,507 4,367
Consumer 228 (117) 58 24 193
Unallocated 441 0 0 (43) 398
           
Total Allowance for Loan Losses $6,857 ($671) $430 $2,047 $8,663

 

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Year Ended December 31, 2012          
(In Thousands) Dec. 31,       Dec. 31,
  2011     Provision 2012
  Balance Charge-offs Recoveries (Credit) Balance
Allowance for Loan Losses:          
Residential mortgage:          
Residential mortgage loans - first liens $3,026 ($543) $18 $118 $2,619
Residential mortgage loans - junior liens 266 (9) 0 (10) 247
Home equity lines of credit 231 0 0 24 255
1-4 Family residential construction 79 0 0 17 96
Total residential mortgage 3,602 (552) 18 149 3,217
Commercial:          
Commercial loans secured by real estate 2,004 0 1 (75) 1,930
Commercial and industrial 946 (57) 7 (315) 581
Political subdivisions 0 0 0 0 0
Commercial construction and land 267 (441) 0 408 234
Loans secured by farmland 126 0 0 3 129
Multi-family (5 or more) residential 66 0 0 1 67
Agricultural loans 27 0 0 0 27
Other commercial loans 5 0 0 (2) 3
Total commercial 3,441 (498) 8 20 2,971
Consumer 228 (171) 59 112 228
Unallocated 434 0 0 7 441
           
Total Allowance for Loan Losses $7,705 ($1,221) $85 $288 $6,857

 

In the evaluation of the loan portfolio, management determines two major components for the allowance for loan losses – (1) a specific component based on an assessment of certain larger relationships, mainly commercial purpose loans, on a loan-by-loan basis; and (2) a general component for the remainder of the portfolio based on a collective evaluation of pools of loans with similar risk characteristics.

 

In determining the larger loan relationships for detailed assessment under the specific allowance component, the Corporation uses an internal risk rating system. Under the risk rating system, the Corporation classifies problem or potential problem loans as “Special Mention,” “Substandard,” or “Doubtful” on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions and values. Substandard loans include those characterized by the distinct possibility that the Corporation will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected. Loans classified as Doubtful have all the weaknesses inherent in those classified as Substandard with the added characteristic that the weaknesses present make collection or liquidation in full, on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions and values, highly questionable and improbable. Loans that do not currently expose the Corporation to sufficient risk to warrant classification as Substandard or Doubtful, but possess weaknesses that deserve management’s close attention, are deemed to be Special Mention. Risk ratings are updated any time that conditions or the situation warrants. Loans not classified are included in the “Pass” column in the table below.

 

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The following tables summarize the aggregate credit quality classification of outstanding loans by risk rating as of December 31, 2014 and 2013:

 

December 31, 2014          
(In Thousands)   Special      
  Pass Mention Substandard Doubtful Total
Residential Mortgage:          
Residential mortgage loans - first liens $280,094 $1,246 $10,464 $78 $291,882
Residential mortgage loans - junior liens 20,502 112 552 0 21,166
Home equity lines of credit 35,935 294 400 0 36,629
1-4 Family residential construction 16,719 20 0 0 16,739
Total residential mortgage 353,250 1,672 11,416 78 366,416
Commercial:          
Commercial loans secured by real estate 133,204 2,775 9,899 0 145,878
Commercial and Industrial 41,751 7,246 1,042 118 50,157
Political subdivisions 17,534 0 0 0 17,534
Commercial construction and land 4,650 266 2,022 0 6,938
Loans secured by farmland 5,990 433 1,468 25 7,916
Multi-family (5 or more) residential 8,629 288 0 0 8,917
Agricultural loans 3,196 0 25 0 3,221
Other commercial loans 13,248 86 0 0 13,334
Total commercial 228,202 11,094 14,456 143 253,895
Consumer 10,095 22 117 0 10,234
Totals $591,547 $12,788 $25,989 $221 $630,545

 

December 31, 2013          
(In Thousands)   Special      
  Pass Mention Substandard Doubtful Total
Residential Mortgage:          
Residential mortgage loans - first liens $286,144 $1,876 $11,629 $182 $299,831
Residential mortgage loans - junior liens 21,694 351 995 0 23,040
Home equity lines of credit 33,821 295 414 0 34,530
1-4 Family residential construction 13,837 0 72 0 13,909
Total residential mortgage 355,496 2,522 13,110 182 371,310
Commercial:          
Commercial loans secured by real estate 129,834 5,866 11,368 147 147,215
Commercial and Industrial 32,317 6,697 3,138 235 42,387
Political subdivisions 16,291 0 0 0 16,291
Commercial construction and land 13,792 427 2,036 748 17,003
Loans secured by farmland 8,279 758 1,402 29 10,468
Multi-family (5 or more) residential 10,665 316 4 0 10,985
Agricultural loans 3,169 34 48 0 3,251
Other commercial loans 14,532 99 0 0 14,631
Total commercial 228,879 14,197 17,996 1,159 262,231
Consumer 10,587 6 169 0 10,762
Totals $594,962 $16,725 $31,275 $1,341 $644,303

 

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The scope of loans evaluated individually for impairment include all loan relationships greater than $200,000 for which there is at least one extension of credit graded Special Mention, Substandard or Doubtful. Also, all loans classified as troubled debt restructurings (discussed in more detail below) and all loan relationships less than $200,000 in the aggregate, but with an estimated loss of $100,000 or more, are individually evaluated for impairment. Loans that are individually evaluated for impairment, but which are not determined to be impaired, are combined with all remaining loans that are not reviewed on a specific basis, and such loans are included within larger pools of loans based on similar risk and loss characteristics for purposes of determining the general component of the allowance. The loans that have been individually evaluated, but which have not been determined to be impaired, are included in the “Collectively Evaluated” column in the table summarizing the allowance and associated loan balances as of December 31, 2014 and 2013.

 

The following tables present a summary of loan balances and the related allowance for loan losses summarized by portfolio segment and class for each impairment method used as of December 31, 2014 and 2013:

 

December 31, 2014 Loans:       Allowance for Loan Losses:
(In Thousands)              
  Individually Collectively     Individually Collectively  
  Evaluated Evaluated Totals   Evaluated Evaluated Totals
Residential mortgage:              
Residential mortgage loans - first liens $1,665 $290,217 $291,882   $358 $2,583 $2,941
Residential mortgage loans - junior liens 17 21,149 21,166   0 176 176
Home equity lines of credit 0 36,629 36,629   0 322 322
1-4 Family residential construction 0 16,739 16,739   0 214 214
               
Total residential mortgage 1,682 364,734 366,416   358 3,295 3,653
Commercial:              
Commercial loans secured by real estate 6,537 139,341 145,878   16 1,742 1,758
Commercial and industrial 663 49,494 50,157   82 606 688
Political subdivisions 0 17,534 17,534   0 0 0
Commercial construction and land 1,939 4,999 6,938   211 72 283
Loans secured by farmland 1,470 6,446 7,916   102 63 165
Multi-family (5 or more) residential 0 8,917 8,917   0 87 87
Agricultural loans 25 3,196 3,221   0 31 31
Other commercial loans 0 13,334 13,334   0 131 131
               
Total commercial 10,634 243,261 253,895   411 2,732 3,143
Consumer 0 10,234 10,234   0 145 145
Unallocated             395
               
Total $12,316 $618,229 $630,545   $769 $6,172 $7,336

 

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December 31, 2013 Loans:       Allowance for Loan Losses:
(In Thousands)              
  Individually Collectively     Individually Collectively  
  Evaluated Evaluated Totals   Evaluated Evaluated Totals
Residential mortgage:              
Residential mortgage loans - first liens $2,727 $297,104 $299,831   $449 $2,525 $2,974
Residential mortgage loans - junior liens 183 22,857 23,040   100 194 294
Home equity lines of credit 0 34,530 34,530   0 269 269
1-4 Family residential construction 0 13,909 13,909   0 168 168
               
Total residential mortgage 2,910 368,400 371,310   549 3,156 3,705
Commercial:              
Commercial loans secured by real estate 7,988 139,227 147,215   1,577 1,546 3,123
Commercial and industrial 1,276 41,111 42,387   106 485 591
Political subdivisions 0 16,291 16,291   0 0 0
Commercial construction and land 2,776 14,227 17,003   72 195 267
Loans secured by farmland 1,318 9,150 10,468   29 86 115
Multi-family (5 or more) residential 0 10,985 10,985   0 103 103
Agricultural loans 48 3,203 3,251   0 30 30
Other commercial loans 0 14,631 14,631   0 138 138
               
Total commercial 13,406 248,825 262,231   1,784 2,583 4,367
Consumer 5 10,757 10,762   0 193 193
Unallocated             398
               
Total $16,321 $627,982 $644,303   $2,333 $5,932 $8,663

 

Summary information related to impaired loans as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 is as follows:

 

(In Thousands) 2014 2013
Impaired loans with a valuation allowance $3,241 $9,889
Impaired loans without a valuation allowance 9,075 6,432
Total impaired loans $12,316 $16,321
     
Valuation allowance related to impaired loans $769 $2,333

 

Additional summary information related to impaired loans for 2014, 2013 and 2012 is as follows:

 

(In Thousands) 2014 2013 2012
Average investment in impaired loans $14,359 $9,690 $7,209
Interest income recognized on impaired loans $703 $426 $278
Interest income recognized on a cash basis on impaired loans $703 $426 $278

  

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The breakdown by portfolio segment and class of nonaccrual loans and loans past due ninety days or more and still accruing is as follows:

 

(In Thousands) December 31, 2014   December 31, 2013
  Past Due     Past Due  
  90+ Days and     90+ Days and  
  Accruing Nonaccrual   Accruing Nonaccrual
Residential mortgage:          
Residential mortgage loans - first liens $1,989 $3,440   $2,016 $3,533
Residential mortgage loans - junior liens 82 50   187 110
Home equity lines of credit 49 22   87 62
1-4 Family residential construction 0 0   0 72
Total residential mortgage 2,120 3,512   2,290 3,777
Commercial:          
Commercial loans secured by real estate 653 5,804   744 7,096
Commercial and industrial 5 379   17 434
Commercial construction and land 35 1,915   5 2,663
Loans secured by farmland 0 951   0 902
Agricultural loans 0 25   0 35
Total commercial 693 9,074   766 11,130
Consumer 30 24   75 27
           
Totals $2,843 $12,610   $3,131 $14,934

 

The amounts shown in the table immediately above include loans classified as troubled debt restructurings (described in more detail below), if such loans are considered past due ninety days or more, or nonaccrual.

 

The tables below present a summary of the contractual aging of loans as of December 31, 2014 and 2013:

 

  As of December 31, 2014   As of December 31, 2013
  Current &         Current &      
(In Thousands) Past Due Past Due Past Due     Past Due Past Due Past Due  
  Less than 30-89 90+     Less than 30-89 90+  
  30 Days Days Days Total   30 Days Days Days Total
Residential mortgage:                  
Residential mortgage loans - first liens $282,766 $5,443 $3,673 $291,882   $289,483 $6,776 $3,572 $299,831
Residential mortgage loans - junior liens 20,853 190 123 21,166   22,247 506 287 23,040
Home equity lines of credit 36,300 258 71 36,629   34,263 118 149 34,530
1-4 Family residential construction 16,739 0 0 16,739   13,837 0 72 13,909
Total residential mortgage 356,658 5,891 3,867 366,416   359,830 7,400 4,080 371,310
                   
Commercial:                  
Commercial loans secured by real estate 143,713 883 1,282 145,878   145,055 405 1,755 147,215
Commercial and industrial 49,994 43 120 50,157   41,730 434 223 42,387
Political subdivisions 17,534 0 0 17,534   16,291 0 0 16,291
Commercial construction and land 4,897 91 1,950 6,938   14,303 32 2,668 17,003
Loans secured by farmland 6,811 254 851 7,916   9,267 329 872 10,468
Multi-family (5 or more) residential 8,720 197 0 8,917   10,985 0 0 10,985
Agricultural loans 3,105 91 25 3,221   3,203 13 35 3,251
Other commercial loans 13,334 0 0 13,334   14,631 0 0 14,631
Total commercial 248,108 1,559 4,228 253,895   255,465 1,213 5,553 262,231
Consumer 10,164 40 30 10,234   10,516 171 75 10,762
                   
Totals $614,930 $7,490 $8,125 $630,545   $625,811 $8,784 $9,708 $644,303

 

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Nonaccrual loans are included in the contractual aging immediately above. A summary of the contractual aging of nonaccrual loans at December 31, 2014 and 2013 is as follows:

 

  Current &      
(In Thousands) Past Due Past Due Past Due  
  Less than 30-89 90+  
  30 Days Days Days Total
December 31, 2014 Nonaccrual Totals $6,959 $369 $5,282 $12,610
December 31, 2013 Nonaccrual Totals $7,878 $479 $6,577 $14,934

 

Loans whose terms are modified are classified as Troubled Debt Restructurings (TDRs) if the Corporation grants such borrowers concessions and it is deemed that those borrowers are experiencing financial difficulty. Loans classified as TDRs are designated as impaired. The outstanding balance of loans subject to TDRs, as well as the contractual aging information at December 31, 2014 and 2013 is as follows:

 

Troubled Debt Restructurings (TDRs):          
  Current &        
(In Thousands) Past Due Past Due Past Due    
  Less than 30-89 90+    
  30 Days Days Days Nonaccrual Total
December 31, 2014 Totals $1,725 $82 $0 $5,388 $7,195
December 31, 2013 Totals $3,254 $13 $0 $908 $4,175

 

A summary of TDRs that occurred during 2014, 2013 and 2012 is as follows:

 

Year Ended December 31, 2014   Pre- Post-
(Balances in Thousands)   Modification Modification
  Number Outstanding Outstanding
  of Recorded Recorded
  Contracts Investment Investment
Residential mortgage,      
Residential mortgage loans - first liens 3 $150 $150
Commercial:      
Commercial loans secured by real estate 5 6,679 5,193
Commercial and industrial 1 80 80
       
Year Ended December 31, 2013   Pre- Post-
(Balances in Thousands)   Modification Modification
  Number Outstanding Outstanding
  of Recorded Recorded
  Contracts Investment Investment
Residential mortgage:      
Residential mortgage loans - first liens 6 $677 $677
Residential mortgage loans - junior liens 3 102 102
Commercial:      
Commercial loans secured by real estate 2 866 866
Commercial and industrial 3 701 701
Loans secured by farmland 4 512 512
Agricultural loans 1 13 13
Consumer 1 6 6

 

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Year Ended December 31, 2012   Pre- Post-
(Balances in Thousands)   Modification Modification
  Number Outstanding Outstanding
  of Recorded Recorded
  Contracts Investment Investment
Commercial,      
Commercial and industrial 1 $65 $65

 

The TDRs that occurred in 2014 related to residential mortgage loans that included a reduction in payment amount on one contract, an interest only period on one contract and a reduction in interest rate and payment on one contract. The TDRs related to commercial loans in the period ended December 31, 2014 relate to six contracts associated with one relationship. The Corporation entered into a forbearance agreement with this commercial borrower which includes a reduction in monthly payment amounts over a fifteen-month period. At the end of the fifteen-month period, the monthly payment amounts would revert to the original amounts, unless the forbearance agreement is extended or the payment requirements are otherwise modified. The Corporation recorded a charge-off of $1,486,000 in the second quarter 2014 as a result of these modifications, as the payment amounts based on the forbearance agreement are not sufficient to fully amortize the contractual amount of principal outstanding on the loans. The amount of the charge-off was determined based on the excess of the contractual principal due over the present value of the payment amounts provided for in the forbearance agreement, assuming the revised payment amounts would continue until maturity, at the contractual interest rates. After the effect of the $1,486,000 charge-off related to loans to one commercial borrower described above, there was no allowance for loan losses on loans to that borrower at December 31, 2014, while the allowance on the loans amounted to $1,552,000 at December 31, 2013. There were no other changes in the allowance for loan losses related to TDRs that occurred during the year ended December 31, 2014.

 

The TDRs in 2013 included interest only payments for an extended period of time on fourteen contracts, extensions of the final maturity date on three contracts, reduction in interest rate on two contracts, and reduction in payment amount for one year on one contract. There was no allowance for loan losses on these loans at December 31, 2013 and no change in the allowance for loan losses resulting from these TDRs in the year ended December 31, 2013.

 

The TDR in 2012 was an extension of the final maturity date and reduction of monthly payments required on the commercial loan. There was no allowance for loan losses on this loan at December 31, 2012. This loan was charged off in 2013, and there had been no allowance for loan losses on this loan prior to charge-off.

 

In 2012, there were no defaults on loans for which modifications considered to be TDRs were entered into within the previous 12 months. For 2014 and 2013, defaults on loans for which modifications considered to be TDRs were entered into within the previous 12 months are summarized as follows:

  Number  
  Of Recorded
  Contracts Investment
Year Ended December 31, 2014    
(Balances in Thousands)    
Residential mortgage:    
Residential mortgage loans - first liens 3 $257
Residential mortgage loans - junior liens 1 62
Commercial:    
Commercial loans secured by real estate 1 429
Commercial construction and land 1 25
Loans secured by farmland 4 490
Agricultural loans 1 13
  Number  
  Of Recorded
  Contracts Investment
Year Ended December 31, 2013    
(Balances in Thousands)    
Residential mortgage,    
Residential mortgage loans - first liens 1 $85
Commercial,    
Commercial loans secured by real estate 2 588
Commercial construction and land 1 110
Agricultural loans 1 13

 

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The events of default in 2014 in the table listed above included the borrowers’ failure to make timely payments under the following circumstances: (1) for one customer relationship including one of the first lien Residential mortgages, the junior lien Residential mortgage, the Loans secured by farmland and the Agricultural loan, monthly payments of interest only were missed; however, in the fourth quarter 2014, the total principal balance of all of the loans except one of the Loans secured by farmland were fully paid off, and the balance on that loan was paid down to a balance at December 31, 2014 of $75,000; (2) for one of the Residential mortgage loans, monthly payments were missed after the interest rate and monthly payment amount had been reduced; (3) for one of the Residential mortgage loans and the Commercial loan secured by real estate, monthly payments of interest only were missed; and (4) for the Commercial construction and land loan, a monthly payment was missed after the term of the loan had been extended. There were no allowances for loan losses recorded on these loans at December 31, 2014.

 

The events of default in 2013 in the table above included the borrowers’ failure to make timely payments under the following circumstances: (1) for the Residential mortgage loan, the monthly payment amount had been reduced, (2) for the two Commercial loans secured by real estate, monthly payments of interest only were missed, (3) for the Commercial construction and land loan, a monthly payment was missed after the term of the loan had been extended, and (4) for the Agricultural loan, payment at maturity was not made on a loan that had been in interest only status. There were no adjustments to the allowance for loan losses in 2013 as a result of these events of default.

 

At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Corporation evaluated loans to the borrowers who defaulted subsequent to restructurings, in determining the specific allowance for loan loss amounts related to the underlying loans. Based on the estimated value of the underlying collateral, net of estimated costs to sell the collateral, the Corporation determined that no allowance for loan losses was required at December 31, 2014 and 2013 for loans for which an event of default had occurred subsequent to restructuring.

 

9. BANK PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT

 

Bank premises and equipment are summarized as follows:

(In Thousands)               December 31,
       2014    2013
Land   $2,818 $2,818
Buildings and improvements   26,973 26,869
Furniture and equipment   17,412 17,087
Construction in progress   98 2
Total   47,301 46,776
Less: accumulated depreciation   (31,045) (29,346)
Net   $16,256 $17,430

 

Depreciation expense included in occupancy expense and furniture and equipment expense was as follows:

 

(In Thousands) 2014 2013 2012
Occupancy expense $998 $1,022 $1,050
Furniture and equipment expense 942 998 889
Total $1,940 $2,020 $1,939

 

10. INTANGIBLE ASSETS

 

There were no changes in the carrying amount of goodwill in 2014 and 2013. The balance in goodwill was $11,942,000 at December 31, 2014 and 2013. The Corporation did not complete any acquisitions in 2014 or 2013.

 

The Corporation has adopted ASU No. 2011-08, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350) – Testing Goodwill for Impairment. In testing goodwill for impairment as of December 31, 2014, the Corporation assessed qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of its only reporting unit, its community banking operation, is less than its carrying amount. The qualitative factors assessed included the Corporation’s recent financial performance, economic conditions in the Corporation’s market area, macroeconomic conditions and other factors. Based on the assessment of qualitative factors, the Corporation determined that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of the community banking operation has fallen below its carrying value, and therefore, the Corporation did not perform the more detailed, two-step goodwill impairment test described in Topic 350. Accordingly, there was no goodwill impairment as of December 31, 2014.

 

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Information related to the core deposit intangibles is as follows:

 

  December 31,
       (In Thousands) 2014 2013
Gross amount $2,034 $2,034
Less: accumulated amortization (1,982) (1,947)
Net $52 $87

 

Amortization expense was $35,000 in 2014, $51,000 in 2013 and $74,000 in 2012. Estimated amortization expense for each of the ensuing five years is as follows:

 

(In Thousands)
   
2015 $22
2016 12
2017 6
2018 4
2019 3

 

11. DEPOSITS

 

At December 31, 2014, the scheduled maturities of time deposits are as follows:

 

(In Thousands)    
  2015 $128,966
  2016 64,850
  2017 19,854
  2018 12,128
  2019 8,709
  Thereafter 4,430
    $238,937

 

Included in interest-bearing deposits are time deposits in the amount of $100,000 or more. As of December 31, 2014, the remaining maturities or time to next re-pricing of time deposits of $100,000 or more are as follows:

 

(In Thousands)  
Three months or less $38,620
Over 3 months through 12 months 8,910
Over 1 year through 3 years 11,478
Over 3 years 8,786
Total $67,794

 

Interest expense from time deposits of $100,000 or more amounted to $563,000 in 2014, $721,000 in 2013 and $1,846,000 in 2012.

 

12. BORROWED FUNDS

 

SHORT-TERM BORROWINGS    
     
Short-term borrowings include the following:    
     
(In Thousands) Dec. 31, Dec. 31,
  2014 2013
FHLB-Pittsburgh borrowings $0 $20,000
Customer repurchase agreements 5,537 3,385
Total short-term borrowings $5,537 $23,385

 

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The weighted average interest rate on total short-term borrowings outstanding was 0.10% at December 31, 2014 and 0.22% at December 31, 2013. The maximum amount of total short-term borrowings outstanding at any month-end was $7,919,000 in 2014, $23,385,000 in 2013 and $20,120,000 in 2012.

 

The Corporation had available credit with other correspondent banks totaling $45,000,000 at December 31, 2014 and 2013. These lines of credit are primarily unsecured. No amounts were outstanding at December 31, 2014 or December 31, 2013.

 

The Corporation has a line of credit with the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia’s Discount Window. At December 31, 2014, the Corporation had available credit in the amount of $25,367,000 on this line with no outstanding advances. At December 31, 2013 the Corporation had available credit in the amount of $26,078,000 on this line with no outstanding advances. As collateral for this line, the Corporation has pledged available-for-sale securities with the carrying value of $26,092,000 at December 31, 2014 and $27,188,000 at December 31, 2013.

 

The FHLB-Pittsburgh loan facilities are collateralized by qualifying loans secured by real estate with a book value totaling $446,780,000 at December 31, 2014 and $453,792,000 at December 31, 2013. Also, the FHLB-Pittsburgh loan facilities require the Corporation to invest in established amounts of FHLB-Pittsburgh stock. The carrying values of the Corporation’s holdings of FHLB-Pittsburgh stock (included in Other Assets) were $1,454,000 at December 31, 2014 and $3,656,000 at December 31, 2013.

 

At December 31, 2013, the Corporation had a short-term borrowing from the FHLB-Pittsburgh of $20,000,000. This borrowing matured in January 2014 and had an interest rate of 0.24%.

 

The Corporation engages in repurchase agreements with certain commercial customers. These agreements provide that the Corporation sells specified investment securities to the customers on an overnight basis and repurchases them on the following business day. The weighted average rate paid by the Corporation on customer repurchase agreements was 0.10% at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013. The carrying value of the underlying securities was $15,229,000 at December 31, 2014 and $11,269,000 at December 31, 2013.

 

LONG-TERM BORROWINGS

   
     
Long-term borrowings are as follows:    
(In Thousands) Dec. 31, Dec. 31,
  2014 2013
FHLB-Pittsburgh borrowings $12,060 $12,338
Repurchase agreements 61,000 61,000
Total long-term borrowings $73,060 $73,338
     
Long-term borrowings from FHLB - Pittsburgh are as follows:    
(In Thousands) Dec. 31, Dec. 31,
  2014 2013
Loan maturing in 2016 with a rate of 6.86% $107 $153
Loan maturing in 2017 with a rate of 6.83% 16 22
Loan maturing in 2017 with a rate of 3.81% 10,000 10,000
Loan maturing in 2020 with a rate of 4.79% 987 1,146
Loan maturing in 2025 with a rate of 4.91% 950 1,017
Total long-term FHLB-Pittsburgh borrowings $12,060 $12,338
     
Repurchase agreements included in long-term borrowings are as follows:    
     
(In Thousands) Dec. 31, Dec. 31,
  2014 2013
Agreement maturing in 2017 with a rate of 3.595% $27,000 $27,000
Agreement maturing in 2017 with a rate of 4.265% 34,000 34,000
Total long-term repurchase agreements $61,000 $61,000

 

Each of the repurchase agreements is putable by the issuer at quarterly intervals. The Corporation incurred a loss of $1,023,000 in 2013 on prepayment of $7,000,000 of the agreement with an interest rate of 3.595%. In 2012, the Corporation incurred losses totaling $2,333,000 from prepayment of repurchase agreement obligations, including a loss of $2,190,000 on prepayment of a total $12,000,000 of the agreements shown in the table above.

 

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Securities sold under repurchase agreements were delivered to the broker-dealer who is the counter-party to the transactions. The broker-dealer may have sold, loaned or otherwise disposed of such securities to other parties in the normal course of their operations, and has agreed to resell to the Corporation substantially identical securities at the maturities of the agreements. The Master Repurchase Agreement between the Corporation and the broker-dealer provides that the Agreement constitutes a “netting contract,” as defined; however, the Corporation and the broker-dealer have no other obligations to one another and accordingly, no netting has occurred. The carrying value of the underlying securities was $70,982,000 at December 31, 2014 and $79,814,000 at December 31, 2013. Average daily repurchase agreement borrowings amounted to $61,000,000 in 2014, $62,630,000 in 2013 and $78,790,000 in 2012. The maximum amounts of outstanding borrowings under repurchase agreements with broker-dealers were $61,000,000 in 2014, $68,000,000 in 2013 and $85,000,000 in 2012. The weighted average interest rate on repurchase agreements was 4.02% in 2014, 4.01% in 2013 and 3.97% in 2012.

 

13. EMPLOYEE AND POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS

 

DEFINED BENEFIT PLANS

 

The Corporation sponsors a defined benefit health care plan that provides postretirement medical benefits and life insurance to employees who meet certain age and length of service requirements. Effective January 1, 2013, this plan was amended so that full-time employees no longer accrue service time toward the Corporation-subsidized portion of the medical benefits. The plan was also amended effective January 1, 2013 to change some of the age and length-of-service requirements for participants to receive some of the benefits provided under the plan. This plan contains a cost-sharing feature, which causes participants to pay for all future increases in costs related to benefit coverage. Accordingly, actuarial assumptions related to health care cost trend rates do not significantly affect the liability balance at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, and are not expected to significantly affect the Corporation's future expenses. The Corporation uses a December 31 measurement date for the postretirement plan.

 

In an acquisition in 2007, the Corporation assumed the Citizens Trust Company Retirement Plan, a defined benefit pension plan. This plan covers certain employees who were employed by Citizens Trust Company on December 31, 2002, when the plan was amended to discontinue admittance of any future participant and to freeze benefit accruals. Information related to the Citizens Trust Company Retirement Plan has been included in the tables that follow. The Corporation uses a December 31 measurement date for this plan.

 

The following table shows the funded status of the defined benefit plans:

(In Thousands)

 

  Pension:   Postretirement:
  2014 2013 2014 2013
CHANGE IN BENEFIT OBLIGATION:        
Benefit obligation at beginning of year $1,733 $1,783 $1,391 $2,081
Service cost 0 0 34 41
Interest cost 73 71 57 55
Plan participants' contributions 0 0 198 208
Actuarial loss (gain) 76 (104) (48) (171)
Plan amendments 0 0 0 (557)
Benefits paid (16) (17) (254) (266)
Settlement of plan obligation (781) 0 0 0
Benefit obligation at end of year $1,085 $1,733 $1,378 $1,391
         
CHANGE IN PLAN ASSETS:        
Fair value of plan assets at        
   beginning of year $1,968 $1,842 $0 $0
Actual return on plan assets 37 143 0 0
Employer contribution 0 0 56 58
Plan participants' contributions 0 0 198 208
Benefits paid (16) (17) (254) (266)
Settlement of plan obligation (781) 0 0 0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year $1,208 $1,968 $0 $0
Funded (underfunded) status at end of year $123 $235 ($1,378) ($1,391)

 

In 2014, there was a distribution from the plan of $781,000, or approximately 42% of the plan’s total accumulated benefit obligation prior to the distribution. The Corporation recognized a loss of $196,000 (included in net periodic benefit cost) in 2014 as a result of this settlement.

 

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At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the following pension plan and postretirement plan asset and liability amounts were recognized in the consolidated balance sheet:

 

Assets and liabilities:        
(In Thousands) Pension:   Postretirement:
  2014 2013 2014 2013
Other assets $123 $235    
Accrued interest and other liabilities     $1,378 $1,391

 

At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the following items included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) had not been recognized as components of expense:

 

Items not yet recognized as a component        
  of net periodic benefit cost:        
(In Thousands) Pension:   Postretirement:
  2014 2013 2014 2013
Prior service cost $0 $0 ($402) ($433)
Net actuarial loss 269 357 11 59
Total $269 $357 ($391) ($374)

 

For the defined benefit pension plan, amortization of the net actuarial loss is expected to be $10,000 in 2015. For the postretirement plan, the estimated amount of prior service cost that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into net periodic benefit cost in 2015 is a reduction in expense of $31,000, and no net actuarial loss is expected to be amortized in 2015.

 

The accumulated benefit obligation for the defined benefit pension plan was $1,085,000 at December 31, 2014 and $1,733,000 at December 31, 2013.

 

The components of net periodic benefit costs from defined benefit plans are as follows:

 

(In Thousands) Pension:     Postretirement:  
  2014 2013 2012 2014 2013 2012
Service  cost $0 $0 $0 $34 $41 $91
Interest cost 73 71 72 57 55 81
Expected return on plan assets (88) (90) (72) 0 0 0
Amortization of transition (asset) obligation 0 0 0 0 0 37
Amortization of prior service cost 0 0 0 (31) (31) 13
Recognized net actuarial loss 19 32 27 0 1 0
Loss on settlement 196 0 0 0 0 0
Total net periodic benefit cost $200 $13 $27 $60 $66 $222

 

The weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost are as follows:

 

  Pension:     Postretirement:  
  2014 2013 2012 2014 2013 2012
Citizens Trust Company Retirement Plan            
and postretirement plan:            
  Discount rate 4.50% 4.00% 4.50% 4.00% 4.00% 4.50%
  Expected return on plan assets 5.31% 5.31% 7.50% N/A N/A N/A
  Rate of compensation increase N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

 

The weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:

 

  Pension:   Postretirement:
  2014 2013 2014 2013
  Discount rate 3.75% 4.50% 4.00% 4.75%
  Rate of compensation increase N/A N/A N/A N/A

 

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Estimated future benefit payments, including only estimated employer contributions for the postretirement plan, which reflect expected future service, are as follows:

 

(In Thousands)   Pension Postretirement
2015   $235 $88  
2016   41 87  
2017   16 88  
2018   401 97  
2019   38 98  
2020-2024   208 515  

 

No estimated minimum contribution to the defined benefit pension plan is required in 2015, though the Corporation may make discretionary contributions.

 

The expected return on pension plan (Citizens Trust Company Retirement Plan) assets is a significant assumption used in the calculation of net periodic benefit cost. This assumption reflects the average long-term rate of earnings expected on the funds invested or to be invested to provide for the benefits included in the projected benefit obligation.

 

The fair values of pension plan assets at December 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:

 

  2014 2013
Cash and cash equivalents 3% 36%
Debt securities 37% 24%
Equity securities 47% 30%
Alternative funds 13% 10%
Total 100% 100%

 

C&N Bank’s Trust and Financial Management Department manages the investment of the Citizens Trust Company Retirement Plan (pension plan) assets. Most of the Plan’s securities are mutual funds, including mutual funds principally invested in debt securities, mutual funds invested in a diversified mix of large, mid- and small-capitalization U.S. stocks, foreign stocks, and mutual funds invested in alternative asset classes such as real estate, commodities, and inflation-protected securities. The fair values of plan assets are determined based on Level 1 inputs (as described in Note 6). At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the targeted asset allocation for pension plan was 26% equity securities, 61% debt securities, 11% alternative assets and 2% cash. The pension plan’s assets do not include any shares of the Corporation’s common stock.

 

PROFIT SHARING AND DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLANS

 

The Corporation has a profit sharing plan that incorporates the deferred salary savings provisions of Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Corporation’s matching contributions to the Plan depend upon the tax deferred contributions of employees. The Corporation’s total basic and matching contributions were $595,000 in 2014, $557,000 in 2013 and $587,000 in 2012.

 

The Corporation has an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). Contributions to the ESOP are discretionary, and the ESOP uses funds contributed to purchase Corporation stock for the accounts of ESOP participants. These purchases are made on the market (not directly from the Corporation), and employees are not permitted to purchase Corporation stock under the ESOP. The ESOP includes a diversification feature, which allows participants, upon reaching age 55 and 10 years of service (as defined), to sell up to 50% of their Corporation shares back to the ESOP over a period of 6 years. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, there were no shares allocated for repurchase by the ESOP.

 

Dividends paid on shares held by the ESOP are charged to retained earnings. All Corporation shares owned through the ESOP are included in the calculation of weighted-average shares outstanding for purposes of calculating earnings per share - basic and diluted. The ESOP held 409,197 shares of Corporation stock at December 31, 2014 and 362,888 shares at December 31, 2013, all of which had been allocated to Plan participants. The Corporation’s contributions to the ESOP totaled $512,000 in 2014, $509,000 in 2013 and $507,000 in 2012.

 

The Corporation also has a nonqualified supplemental deferred compensation arrangement with its key officers. Charges to operating expense for officers’ supplemental deferred compensation were $138,000 in 2014, $186,000 in 2013 and $140,000 in 2012.

 

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STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS

 

The Corporation has a Stock Incentive Plan for a selected group of senior officers. A total of 850,000 shares of common stock may be issued under the Stock Incentive Plan. Awards may be made under the Stock Incentive Plan in the form of qualified options (“Incentive Stock Options,” as defined in the Internal Revenue Code), nonqualified options, stock appreciation rights or restricted stock. Historically through December 31, 2014, all awards made under this Plan have consisted of Incentive Stock Options or restricted stock. Incentive Stock Options have an exercise price equal to the market value of the stock at the date of grant, vest after 6 months and expire after 10 years. Restricted stock awards issued under the Stock Incentive Plan vest ratably over terms ranging from 3-4 years, and most of the restricted stock awards issued under this Plan in 2014, 2013 and 2012 include a condition that the Corporation must meet an annual targeted return on average equity (“ROAE”) performance ratio, as defined, in order for participants to vest. The Corporation met the ROAE target for the 2014, 2013 and 2012 plan years. For 2014 restricted stock awards to individuals who are substantially involved in mortgage lending, vesting is not dependent on the Corporation’s ROAE. There are 286,386 shares available for issuance under the Stock Incentive Plan as of December 31, 2014.

 

Also, the Corporation has an Independent Directors Stock Incentive Plan. This plan permits awards of nonqualified stock options and/or restricted stock to non-employee directors. A total of 135,000 shares of common stock may be issued under the Independent Directors Stock Incentive Plan. The recipients’ rights to exercise stock options under this plan expire 10 years from the date of grant. The exercise prices of all stock options awarded under the Independent Directors Stock Incentive Plan are equal to market value as of the dates of grant. The restricted stock awards granted through the end of 2014 vest ratably over 3 years. There are 30,775 shares available for issuance under the Independent Directors Stock Incentive Plan as of December 31, 2014.

 

The Corporation records stock option expense based on estimated fair value calculated using the Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing model with the following assumptions:

 

  2014 2013 2012
Volatility 39% 41% 41%
Expected option lives         8 Years         8 Years         7 Years
Risk-free interest rate 2.85% 1.60% 1.53%
Dividend yield 4.33% 3.69% 3.97%

 

Management estimated the lives for options based on the Corporation’s average historical experience with both plans. The Corporation utilized its historical volatility and dividend yield over the immediately prior 8-year period to estimate future levels of volatility and dividend yield for the 2014 and 2013 awards, and utilized its historical volatility and dividend yield over the immediately prior 7-year period in estimating the value of the 2012 awards. The risk-free interest rate was based on the published yield of zero-coupon U.S. Treasury strips as of the grant date, with a maturity coinciding with the estimated option lives.

 

Total stock-based compensation expense is as follows:

 

(In Thousands) 2014 2013 2012
 Stock options $153 $242 $247
 Restricted stock 412 454 320
 Total $565 $696 $567

 

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A summary of stock option activity is presented below:

 

  2014   2013   2012  
    Weighted   Weighted   Weighted
    Average   Average   Average
    Exercise   Exercise   Exercise
  Shares Price Shares Price Shares Price
Outstanding, beginning of year 358,176 $19.03 337,670 $19.08 301,797 $19.05
Granted 39,027 $20.45 64,050 $19.21 64,757 $18.54
Exercised (50,415) $17.57 (10,656) $17.22 (17,284) $16.20
Forfeited (16,424) $20.03 (14,135) $20.13 (6,830) $21.51
Expired (14,207) $26.59 (18,753) $20.73 (4,770) $17.00
Outstanding, end of year 316,157 $19.05 358,176 $19.03 337,670 $19.08
Options exercisable at year-end 316,157 $19.05 358,176 $19.03 337,670 $19.08
Weighted-average fair value of options granted   $5.50   $5.56   $5.15
Weighted-average fair value of options forfeited   $4.89   $3.77   $4.03

 

The weighted-average remaining contractual term of outstanding stock options at December 31, 2014 was 5.4 years. The aggregate intrinsic value of stock options outstanding (excluding options issued at exercise prices greater than the final closing price of the Corporation’s stock in 2014) was $668,000 at December 31, 2014. The total intrinsic value of options exercised was $90,000 in 2014, $29,000 in 2013 and $72,000 in 2012.

 

The following summarizes non-vested stock options and restricted stock activity as of and for the year ended December 31, 2014:

 

  Stock Options   Restricted Stock
    Weighted     Weighted
    Average     Average
  Number Grant Date   Number Grant Date
  of Shares Fair Value   of Shares Fair Value
Outstanding, December 31, 2013 0     67,878 $18.67
Granted 39,027 $5.50   16,711 $20.40
Vested (39,027) $5.50   (24,695) $18.18
Forfeited 0     (7,458) $19.47
Outstanding, December 31, 2014 0     52,436 $19.34

 

Compensation cost related to restricted stock is recognized based on the market price of the stock at the grant date over the vesting period. As of December 31, 2014, there was $604,000 total unrecognized compensation costs related to restricted stock, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.5 years.

 

In the first two months of 2015, the Corporation awarded 22,496 shares of restricted stock under the Stock Incentive Plan and 7,130 shares of restricted stock under the Independent Directors Stock Incentive Plans. The 2015 restricted stock awards under the Stock Incentive Plan vest ratably over four years, and vesting for 20,298 of the restricted shares depends on the Corporation meeting a ROAE target each year. The 2015 restricted stock issued under the Independent Directors Stock Incentive Plan vests over one year. Total estimated stock-based compensation for 2015 is $628,000. The restricted stock awards made in the first two months of 2015 are not included in the tables above.

 

The Corporation has issued shares from treasury stock for almost all stock option exercises through December 31, 2014. Management does not anticipate that stock repurchases will be necessary to accommodate stock option exercises in 2015.

 

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14. INCOME TAXES

 

The net deferred tax asset at December 31, 2014 and 2013 represents the following temporary difference components:

 

  December 31, December 31,
  (In Thousands) 2014 2013
Deferred tax assets:    
  Unrealized holding losses on securities $0 $541
  Net realized losses on securities 144 91
  Allowance for loan losses 2,568 3,032
  Credit for alternative minimum tax paid 537 1,905
  Other deferred tax assets 2,595 2,332
Total deferred tax assets 5,844 7,901
     
Deferred tax liabilities:    
  Unrealized holding gains on securities 2,844 0
  Defined benefit plans - ASC 835 43 6
  Bank premises and equipment 1,134 1,314
  Core deposit intangibles 18 30
  Other deferred tax liabilities 137 207
Total deferred tax liabilities 4,176 1,557
Deferred tax asset, net $1,668 $6,344

 

The provision for income taxes includes the following:

 

(In thousands) 2014 2013 2012
Currently payable $4,280 $4,125 $4,545
Tax expense resulting from allocations      
  of certain tax benefits to equity or as a      
  reduction in other assets 158 219 121
Deferred 1,254 1,839 3,760
Total provision $5,692 $6,183 $8,426

 

A reconciliation of income tax at the statutory rate to the Corporation’s effective rate is as follows (amounts in thousands):

 

(Amounts in thousands) 2014   2013   2012  
   Amount %  Amount %  Amount %
Expected provision $7,973 35.00 $8,672 35.00 $10,896 35.00
Tax-exempt interest income (1,982) (8.70) (2,137) (8.62) (2,287) (7.35)
Nondeductible interest expense 56 0.25 60 0.24 92 0.30
Dividends received deduction (79) (0.35) (76) (0.31) (78) (0.25)
Increase in cash surrender value of life insurance (132) (0.58) (140) (0.57) (159) (0.51)
Employee stock option compensation 41 0.18 67 0.27 62 0.20
Tax benefit from limited partnership investment (83) (0.36) (85) (0.34) 0 0.00
Other, net (101) (0.45) (178) (0.72) (100) (0.32)
Effective income tax provision $5,692 24.99 $6,183 24.95 $8,426 27.07

 

The Corporation has investments in three limited partnerships that manage affordable housing projects that have qualified for the federal low-income housing tax credit. The Corporation’s expected return from these investments is based on the receipt of tax credits and tax benefits from deductions of operating losses. The Corporation uses the effective yield method to account for these investments, with the benefits recognized as a reduction of the provision for income taxes. For two of the three limited partnership investments, the tax credits have been received in full in prior years, and the Corporation has fully realized the benefits of the credits and amortized its initial investments in the partnerships. The most recent affordable housing project was completed in 2013, and the Corporation expects to receive tax credits over a 10-year period beginning in 2013. At December 31, 2014, the carrying amount of the Corporation’s investment is $906,000 (included in Other Assets in the consolidated balance sheets). In 2013, the Corporation received tax credits and other tax benefits totaling $160,000, and recognized a reduction of the provision for income tax of $85,000. The estimated amount of tax credits and other tax benefits to be received for 2014 is $159,000, and the amount recognized as a reduction of the provision for income taxes for 2014 is $83,000.

 

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The Corporation has no unrecognized tax benefits, nor pending examination issues related to tax positions taken in preparation of its income tax returns. With limited exceptions, the Corporation is no longer subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service for years prior to 2011.

 

15. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

Loans to executive officers, directors of the Corporation and its subsidiaries and any associates of the foregoing persons are as follows:

 

(In Thousands) Beginning New   Other Ending
  Balance Loans Repayments Changes Balance
12 directors, 8 executive officers 2014 $12,547 $188 ($1,358) $646 $12,023
11 directors, 8 executive officers 2013 14,125 1,110 (2,723) 35 12,547
11 directors, 7 executive officers 2012 12,997 2,517 (1,424) 35 14,125

 

The above transactions were made in the ordinary course of business on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with other persons and do not involve more than normal risks of collectability. Other changes represent net increases in existing lines of credit and transfers in and out of the related party category.

 

Deposits from related parties held by the Corporation amounted to $3,203,000 at December 31, 2014 and $3,897,000 at December 31, 2013.

 

16. OFF-BALANCE SHEET RISK

 

The Corporation is a party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financial needs of its customers. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit. These instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit, interest rate or liquidity risk in excess of the amount recognized in the consolidated balance sheet. The contract amounts of these instruments express the extent of involvement the Corporation has in particular classes of financial instruments.

 

The Corporation’s exposure to credit loss from nonperformance by the other party to the financial instruments for commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit is represented by the contractual amount of these instruments. The Corporation uses the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as it does for on-balance sheet instruments.

 

Financial instruments whose contract amounts represent credit risk at December 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:

 

(In Thousands) 2014 2013
Commitments to extend credit $143,863 $139,866
Standby letters of credit 13,415 21,590

 

Commitments to extend credit are legally binding agreements to lend to customers. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of fees. Since many of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future liquidity requirements. The Corporation evaluates each customer’s creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral obtained, if deemed necessary by the Corporation, for extensions of credit is based on management’s credit assessment of the counterparty.

 

Standby letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by the Corporation guaranteeing performance by a customer to a third party. Those guarantees are issued primarily to support public and private borrowing arrangements, including commercial paper, bond financing and similar transactions. The credit risk involved in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending loan facilities to customers. Some of the standby letters of credit are collateralized by real estate or other assets, and others are unsecured. The extent to which proceeds from liquidation of collateral would be expected to cover the maximum potential amount of future payments related to standby letters of credit is not estimable. The Corporation has recorded no liability associated with standby letters of credit as of December 31, 2014 and 2013.

 

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Standby letters of credit as of December 31, 2014 expire as follows:

 

  Amount
Year of Expiration (In Thousands)
2015 $8,932
2016 2,183
2017 60
2019 30
2020 and Thereafter 2,210
Total $13,415

 

17. CONTINGENCIES

 

In the normal course of business, the Corporation is subject to pending and threatened litigation in which claims for monetary damages are asserted. In management’s opinion, the Corporation’s financial position and results of operations would not be materially affected by the outcome of these legal proceedings.

 

18. REGULATORY MATTERS

 

The Corporation (on a consolidated basis) and C&N Bank are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the federal banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory - and possibly additional discretionary - actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the Corporation’s financial statements. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Corporation and C&N Bank must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of their assets, liabilities and certain off-balance sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. The capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings and other factors. Prompt corrective action provisions are not applicable to bank holding companies.

 

Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require the Corporation and C&N Bank to maintain minimum amounts and ratios (set forth in the following table) of total and Tier I capital (as defined in the regulations) to risk-weighted assets (as defined) and of Tier I capital (as defined) to average assets (as defined). Management believes, as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, that the Corporation and C&N Bank meet all capital adequacy requirements to which they are subject.

 

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To be categorized as well capitalized, an institution must maintain minimum total risk based, Tier I risk based and Tier I leverage ratios as set forth in the following table. The Corporation’s and C&N Bank’s actual capital amounts and ratios are also presented in the following table:

 

      Minimum To Be Well
(Dollars in Thousands)   Minimum Capitalized Under
    Capital Prompt Corrective
  Actual Requirement Action Provisions
  Amount Ratio Amount Ratio Amount Ratio
December 31, 2014:            
Total capital to risk-weighted assets:            
     Consolidated $179,588 27.60% $52,051 ³8%      n/a  n/a
     C&N Bank 156,420 24.33% 51,442 ³8% $64,303 ³10%
Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets:            
     Consolidated 170,880 26.26% 26,026 ³4%  n/a  n/a
     C&N Bank 149,055 23.18% 25,721 ³4%          38,582 ³6%
Tier 1 capital to average assets:            
     Consolidated 170,880 13.89% 49,224 ³4%  n/a  n/a
     C&N Bank 149,055 12.22% 48,798 ³4%          60,998 ³5%
             
December 31, 2013:            
Total capital to risk-weighted assets:            
     Consolidated $177,693 26.60% $53,449 ³8%      n/a  n/a
     C&N Bank 162,610 24.65% 52,783 ³8% $65,979 ³10%
Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets:            
     Consolidated 168,039 25.15% 26,724 ³4%  n/a  n/a
     C&N Bank 154,323 23.39% 26,392 ³4%          39,588 ³6%
Tier 1 capital to average assets:            
     Consolidated 168,039 13.78% 48,783 ³4%  n/a  n/a
     C&N Bank 154,323 12.77% 48,348 ³4%          60,435 ³5%

 

Banking regulators limit the amount of dividends that may be paid by C&N Bank to the Corporation. Retained earnings against which dividends may be paid without prior approval of the banking regulators amounted to approximately $84,022,000 at December 31, 2014, subject to the minimum capital ratio requirements noted above.

 

Restrictions imposed by federal law prohibit the Corporation from borrowing from C&N Bank unless the loans are secured in specific amounts. Such secured loans to the Corporation are generally limited to 10% of C&N Bank’s tangible stockholder’s equity (excluding accumulated other comprehensive income) or $15,580,000 at December 31, 2014.

 

19. PARENT COMPANY ONLY

 

The following is condensed financial information for Citizens & Northern Corporation:

 

CONDENSED BALANCE SHEET December 31,
(In Thousands) 2014 2013
ASSETS    
Cash $9,624 $2,297
Investment in subsidiaries:    
     Citizens & Northern Bank 164,551 163,711
     Citizens & Northern Investment Corporation 10,822 10,216
     Bucktail Life Insurance Company 3,336 3,254
Other assets 36 0
TOTAL ASSETS $188,369 $179,478
     
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY    
Other liabilities $7 $6
Stockholders' equity 188,362 179,472
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY $188,369 $179,478

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CONDENSED INCOME STATEMENT      
(In Thousands) 2014 2013 2012
Dividends from Citizens & Northern Bank $22,608 $11,108 $9,245
Expenses (112) (108) (105)
Income before equity in undistributed income      
  of subsidiaries 22,496 11,000 9,140
Equity in undistributed (loss) income of subsidiaries (5,410) 7,594 13,565
NET INCOME $17,086 $18,594 $22,705
       
CONDENSED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS      
(In Thousands)      
  2014 2013 2012
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:      
  Net income $17,086 $18,594 $22,705
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to net      
    cash provided by operating activities:      
     Equity in undistributed net loss (income) of      
       Subsidiaries 5,410 (7,594) (13,565)
     (Increase) decrease in other assets (36) 7 116
     Increase in other liabilities 1 0 6
     Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities 22,461 11,007 9,262
       
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:      
  Proceeds from sale of treasury stock 123 184 229
  Tax benefit from compensation plans, net 137 127 104
  Purchase of treasury stock (4,002) 0 0
  Dividends paid (11,392) (10,916) (9,061)
     Net Cash Used in Financing Activities (15,134) (10,605) (8,728)
       
INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 7,327 402 534
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF YEAR 2,297 1,895 1,361
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF YEAR $9,624 $2,297 $1,895

 

20. SUMMARY OF QUARTERLY CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA (Unaudited)

 

The following table presents summarized quarterly financial data for 2014 and 2013:

 

  2014 Quarter Ended
  Mar. 31, June 30, Sept. 30, Dec. 31,
Interest income $11,406 $11,563 $11,572 $11,468
Interest expense 1,288 1,290 1,287 1,257
Net interest income 10,118 10,273 10,285 10,211
(Credit) provision for loan losses (311) 446 218 123
Net interest income after (credit) provision for loan losses 10,429 9,827 10,067 10,088
Other income 3,751 3,980 3,887 3,802
Net gains on available-for-sale securities 31 103 760 210
Other expenses 8,524 8,347 9,036 8,250
Income before income tax provision 5,687 5,563 5,678 5,850
Income tax provision 1,399 1,400 1,411 1,482
Net income available to common shareholders $4,288 $4,163 $4,267 $4,368
Net income per share – basic $0.35 $0.33 $0.34 $0.36
Net income per share – diluted $0.34 $0.33 $0.34 $0.35

 

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  2013 Quarter Ended
  Mar. 31, June 30, Sept. 30, Dec. 31,
Interest income $12,647 $12,355 $12,027 $11,885
Interest expense 1,600 1,415 1,396 1,354
Net interest income 11,047 10,940 10,631 10,531
Provision for loan losses 183 66 239 1,559
Net interest income after provision for loan losses 10,864 10,874 10,392 8,972
Other income 3,843 4,191 4,293 4,124
Net gains on available-for-sale securities 1,159 100 193 266
Loss on prepayment of debt 1,023 0 0 0
Other expenses 8,553 8,520 8,610 7,788
Income before income tax provision 6,290 6,645 6,268 5,574
Income tax provision 1,584 1,671 1,579 1,349
Net income available to common shareholders $4,706 $4,974 $4,689 $4,225
Net income per share – basic $0.38 $0.40 $0.38 $0.34
Net income per share – diluted $0.38 $0.40 $0.38 $0.34

 

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

Stockholders and Board of Directors of Citizens & Northern Corporation:

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Citizens & Northern Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2014. Citizens & Northern Corporation and subsidiaries’ management is responsible for these financial statements. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

 

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

 

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

 

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Citizens & Northern Corporation and subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), and our report dated February 26, 2015 expressed an unqualified opinion.

 

/s/  Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP  
   
Williamsport, Pennsylvania  
February 26, 2015  

 

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ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

 

None

 

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

EVALUATION OF DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

The Corporation’s management, under the supervision of and with the participation of the Corporation’s Interim Chief Executive Officer and Interim Chief Financial Officer, has carried out an evaluation of the design and effectiveness of the Corporation’s disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and Rule 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon that evaluation, the Interim Chief Executive Officer and Interim Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the end of such period, the Corporation’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that all material information required to be disclosed in reports the Corporation files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms.

 

There were no significant changes in the Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or that is reasonably likely to affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

 

The Corporation’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as that term is defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f). The Corporation’s system of internal control over financial reporting has been designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation and fair presentation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that: (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the Corporation’s assets; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, and that receipts and expenditures of the Corporation are being made only in accordance with authorizations of the Corporation’s management and directors; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention, or timely detection and correction of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Corporation’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

 

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

 

The Corporation’s management has assessed the effectiveness of the Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014. To make this assessment, we used the criteria for effective internal control over financial reporting described in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013), issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on our assessment and based on such criteria, we believe that, as of December 31, 2014, the Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting was effective.

 

Baker Tilly Virchow Krause LLP, the independent registered public accounting firm that audited the Corporation’s consolidated financial statements, has issued an audit report on the Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014. That report appears below.

 

February 26, 2015 By:   /s/ Mark A. Hughes
Date   Interim President and Chief Executive Officer
     
February 26, 2015 By:   /s/ Anthony Peluso
Date   Interim Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer

 

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Report Of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

Stockholders and Board of Directors of Citizens & Northern Corporation:

 

We have audited Citizens & Northern Corporation and subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Citizens & Northern Corporation and subsidiaries’ management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on Citizens & Northern Corporation and subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

In our opinion, Citizens and Northern Corporation and subsidiaries maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).

 

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in stockholders’ equity, and cash flows of Citizens & Northern Corporation and subsidiaries, and our report dated February 26, 2015 expressed an unqualified opinion.

 

/s/  Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LL  
   
Williamsport, Pennsylvania  
February 26, 2015  

 

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ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION

 

There was no information the Corporation was required to disclose in a report on Form 8-K during the fourth quarter 2014 that was not disclosed.

 

PART III

 

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

 

Information concerning Directors and Executive Officers is incorporated herein by reference to disclosure under the captions “Proposal 1 - Election of Directors,” “Executive Officers,” “Information Concerning Security Ownership” and “Meetings and Committees of the Board of Directors” of the Corporation’s proxy statement dated March 13, 2015 for the annual meeting of stockholders to be held on April 23, 2015.

 

The Corporation’s Board of Directors has adopted a Code of Ethics, available on the Corporation’s web site at www.cnbankpa.com for the Corporation’s employees, officers and directors. (The provisions of the Code of Ethics are also included in the Corporation’s employee handbook.)

 

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

 

Information concerning executive compensation is incorporated herein by reference to disclosure under the captions “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” and “Executive Compensation Tables” of the Corporation’s proxy statement dated March 13, 2015 for the annual meeting of stockholders to be held on April 23, 2015.

 

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

 

Information concerning security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management is incorporated herein by reference to disclosure under the caption “Beneficial Ownership of Executive Officers and Directors” of the Corporation’s proxy statement dated March 13, 2015 for the annual meeting of stockholders to be held on April 23, 2015.

 

“Equity Compensation Plan Information” as required by Item 201(d) of Regulation S-K is incorporated by reference herein from Item 5 (Market for Registrant’s Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters) of this Form 10-K.

 

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

 

Information concerning loans and deposits with Directors and Executive Officers is provided in Note 15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, which is included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Additional information, including information concerning director independence, is incorporated herein by reference to disclosure appearing under the captions “Director Independence” and "Related Person Transaction and Policies" of the Corporation's proxy statement dated March 13, 2015 for the annual meeting of stockholders to be held on April 23, 2015.

 

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

 

Information concerning services provided by the Corporation’s independent auditor Baker Tilly Virchow Krause LLP , the audit committee’s pre-approval policies and procedures for such services, and fees paid by the Corporation to that firm, is incorporated herein by reference to disclosure under the caption “Fees of Independent Public Accountants” of the Corporation’s proxy statement dated March 13, 2015 for the annual meeting of stockholders to be held on April 23, 2015.

 

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PART IV

 

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

 

(a) (1). The following consolidated financial statements are set forth in Part II, Item 8:

 

  Page
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 83
    
Financial Statements:  
   Consolidated Balance Sheets - December 31, 2014 and 2013 38
   Consolidated Statements of Income - Years Ended  
      December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 39
   Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - Years  
      Ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 40
   Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity -  
      Years Ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012  41
   Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - Years Ended  
      December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 42
   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 43-82

 

(a)(2) Financial statement schedules are not applicable or included in the financial statements or related notes.

 

2. Plan of acquisition, reorganization, arrangement,   Not applicable
   liquidation or succession    
     
3. (i) Articles of Incorporation   Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of
    the Corporation's Form 8-K filed
    September 21, 2009
     
3. (ii) By-laws   Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of the
    Corporation's Form 8-K filed September 21, 2009
     
4. Instruments defining the rights of Security holders, including    
    indentures   Not applicable
     
9. Voting trust agreement   Not applicable
     
10. Material contracts:    
       10.1 Form of Restricted Stock agreement dated January 5, 2015   Filed herewith
             between the Corporation and certain officers pursuant to    
             the Citizens & Northern Corporation Stock Incentive Plan    
     
       10.2 Form of Restricted Stock agreement dated January 5, 2015   Filed herewith
             between the Corporation and certain mortgage lending officers    
             pursuant to the Citizens & Northern Corporation Stock    
             Incentive Plan    
     
       10.3 Form of Restricted Stock agreement dated January 5, 2015   Filed herewith
             between the Corporation and its independent directors    
             pursuant to the Citizens & Northern Corporation    
             Independent Directors Stock Incentive Plan    
     
       10.4 Form of Restricted Stock agreement dated February 5, 2015   Filed herewith
             between the Corporation and Mark A. Hughes pursuant to    
             the Citizens & Northern Corporation Stock Incentive Plan    
     
       10.5 Employment agreement dated September 19, 2013 between   Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 filed with
              the Corporation and Charles H. Updegraff, Jr.   Corporation’s Form 8-K on September 19, 2013

 

88
 

 

       10.6 Employment agreement dated September 19, 2013 between   Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 filed with
              the Corporation and Mark A. Hughes Corporation’s Form 8-K on September 19, 2013
     
       10.7 Employment agreement dated September 19, 2013 between   Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 filed with
              the Corporation and Harold F. Hoose, III Corporation’s Form 8-K on September 19, 2013
     
       10.8 Employment agreement dated September 19, 2013 between   Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 filed with
              the Corporation and Deborah E. Scott Corporation’s Form 8-K on September 19, 2013
     
       10.9 Form of Indemnification Agreement dated February 9,   Filed herewith
            2015 between the Corporation and Stan R. Dunsmore  
     
       10.10 Form of Indemnification Agreement dated January 2, 2013   Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 filed with
                between the Corporation and Shelley L. D'Haene   Corporation’s Form 10-K on February 21, 2013
     
       10.11 Form of Indemnification Agreement dated January 19,   Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 filed
            2011 between the Corporation and John M. Reber   with Corporation's Form 10-K on Feb. 28, 2011
     
       10.12 Change in Control Agreement dated January 2, 2013   Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 filed with
                between the Corporation and Shelley L. D'Haene   Corporation’s Form 10-K on February 21, 2013
     
       10.13 Change in Control Agreement dated April 15, 2008   Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9
               between the Corporation and George M. Raup   filed with the Corporation's Form 10-K
    on March 6, 2009
     
       10.14 Form of Indemnification Agreements dated May 2004   Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1
            between the Corporation and the Directors and certain officers filed with the Corporation's Form 10-K
    on March 11, 2005
     
       10.15 Change in Control Agreement dated December 31, 2003   Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2
                between the Corporation and Thomas L. Rudy, Jr.   filed with the Corporation's Form 10-K

          10.16 Employment Agreement to be effective as of March 2, 2015

between the Corporation, Citizens & Northern Bank and

J. Bradley Scovill

 

 

on March 11, 2005

 

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1

filed with the Corporation’s Form 8-K on

February 9, 2015

     
       10.17 Third Amendment to Citizens & Northern Corporation   Incorporated by reference to Exhibit A to
                Stock Incentive Plan   the Corporation's proxy statement
    dated March 18, 2008 for the annual meeting
    of stockholders held on April 15, 2008
     
       10.18 Second Amendment to Citizens & Northern Corporation   Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5
                Stock Incentive Plan   filed with the Corporation's Form 10-K
    on March 10, 2004
     
       10.19 First Amendment to Citizens & Northern Corporation   Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6
               Stock Incentive Plan   filed with the Corporation's Form 10-K
    on March 10, 2004
     
       10.20 Citizens & Northern Corporation Stock Incentive Plan   Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7
    filed with the Corporation's Form 10-K
    on March 10, 2004
     
       10.21 First Amendment to Citizens & Northern Corporation   Incorporated by reference to Exhibit B to
               Independent Directors Stock Incentive Plan   the Corporation's proxy statement
    dated March 18, 2008 for the annual
    meeting of stockholders held on April 15, 2008

 

89
 

 

       10.22 Citizens & Northern Corporation Independent Directors   Incorporated by reference to Exhibit A to
                Stock Incentive Plan   the Corporation's proxy statement
    dated March 19, 2001 for the annual
    meeting of stockholders held on
    April 17, 2001.
     
       10.23 Citizens & Northern Corporation Supplemental Executive   Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.21
                Retirement Plan (as amended and restated)   filed with the Corporation's Form 10-K
    on March 6, 2009
     
11. Statement re: computation of per share earnings   Information concerning the computation of
    earnings per share is provided in Note 4
    to the Consolidated Financial Statements,
    which is included in Part II, Item 8 of Form 10-K
     
12. Statements re: computation of ratios   Not applicable
     
13. Annual report to security holders, Form 10-Q or   Not applicable
      quarterly report to security holders    
     
14. Code of ethics   The Code of Ethics is available through the
    Corporation's website at www.cnbankpa.com.
    To access the Code of Ethics, click on
    "Investor Relations," followed by "Corporate
    Governance" and "Code of Ethics."
     
16. Letter re: change in certifying accountant   Incorporated by reference to Exhibit
   

16 filed with the Corporation’s Form 8-K on October 2, 2014.

 

18. Letter re: change in accounting principles

  Not applicable    
     
21. Subsidiaries of the registrant   Filed herewith
     
22. Published report regarding matters submitted to   Not applicable    
     vote of security holders    
     
23. Consents of experts and counsel   Filed herewith
     
24. Power of attorney   Not applicable
     
31. Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) certifications:    
       31.1 Certification of Chief Executive Officer   Filed herewith
       31.2 Certification of Chief Financial Officer   Filed herewith
     
32. Section 1350 certifications   Filed herewith
     
33. Report on assessment of compliance with servicing criteria for    
     asset-backed securities   Not applicable
     
34. Attestation report on assessment of compliance with servicing    
      criteria for asset-backed securities   Not applicable
     
35. Service compliance statement   Not applicable
     
99. Additional exhibits:    
       99.1 Additional information mailed or made available online to   Filed herewith
              shareholders with proxy statement and Form 10-K on    
              March 13, 2015    
     
100. XBRL-related documents   Not applicable
     
101. Interactive data file   Filed herewith

 

90
 

 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, Citizens & Northern Corporation has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized:

 

By: /s/ Mark A. Hughes  
Interim President and Chief Executive Officer  
   
Date: February 26, 2015  
   
By: /s/ Anthony Peluso  
Interim Treasurer and Principal Accounting Officer  
   
Date: February 26, 2015  

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

 

/s/  Dennis F. Beardslee   /s/ Edward H. Owlett, III  
        Dennis F. Beardslee           Edward H. Owlett, III  
  Date: February 26, 2015     Date: February 26, 2015  
           
/s/  Jan E. Fisher   /s/  Leonard Simpson  
        Jan E. Fisher          Leonard Simpson  
  Date: February 26, 2015     Date: February 26, 2015  
           
/s/  R. Bruce Haner   /s/ James E. Towner  
       R. Bruce Haner          James E. Towner  
  Date: February 26, 2015     Date: February 26, 2015  
           
/s/  Susan E. Hartley   /s/  Ann M. Tyler  
       Susan E. Hartley          Ann M. Tyler  
  Date: February 26, 2015     Date: February 26, 2015  
           
/s/ Leo F. Lambert   /s/ Mark A. Hughes  
       Leo F. Lambert          Mark A. Hughes  
  Date: February 26, 2015     Date: February 26, 2015  

 

91