UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
(Mark One)
☒ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 20172020
◻☐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: 001-36388
Peoples Financial Services Corp.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
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Pennsylvania | 23-2391852 |
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State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
150 North Washington Avenue,
Scranton, PA18503
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
(570) (570) 346-7741
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
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Title of each class | Trading Symbol | Name of each exchange on which registered | ||
Common stock, $2.00 par value | PFIS | The Nasdaq Stock Market |
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ◻☐ No ☒
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 ☒
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 ☒ 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 (§ 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 ☒ No ◻
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§ 229.405 of this chapter) 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, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer”filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “smaller reporting“emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer |
| Accelerated filer | ☒ |
Non-accelerated filer |
| Smaller reporting company |
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Emerging growth company |
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If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ◻☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management's assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes ◻☐ No ☒
The aggregate market value of the registrant’s common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant on June 30, 20172020 was approximately $323,434,208$280,041,771 (based on the closing sales price of the registrant’s common stock on that date).
The number of shares of the registrant’s common stock outstanding as of February 28, 20182021 was 7,396,505.7,203,101.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the registrant’s definitive proxy statement to be filed in connection with solicitation of proxies for its 20182021 annual meeting of shareholders, within 120 days of the end of registrant’s fiscal year, isare incorporated by reference into Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.10-K.
Peoples Financial Services Corp.
Form 10K10-K
For the Year Ended December 31, 20172020
-i- Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements. This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which are subject to risks and uncertainties. These statements are based on assumptions and may describe future plans, strategies and expectations of Peoples Financial Services Corp. and its The ability of Peoples Financial Services Corp. to predict results or the actual effect of future plans or strategies is inherently uncertain. Important factors that could cause our actual results These risks and uncertainties should be considered in evaluating forward-looking statements and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. Except as required by applicable law or regulation, -ii- Part I
General
Peoples Financial Services Corp., a bank holding company incorporated under the laws of Pennsylvania, provides a full range of financial services through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Peoples Security Bank and Trust Company. Unless the context indicates otherwise, all references in this annual report to the “Peoples,” “Company,” “we,” “us” and “our” refer to Peoples Financial Services Corp. Peoples Bank is a state-chartered bank and trust company under the jurisdiction of the Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, or “FDIC.” Peoples Bank’s Market Areas Our principal market area consists of Bucks, Lackawanna, Lebanon, Lehigh, Luzerne, Monroe, Montgomery, Northampton, Susquehanna, Wayne and Wyoming Counties in Pennsylvania and Broome County in New York. In addition, parts of Bradford
Specifically, we conduct the majority of our business in our legacy market of Binghamton and the Peoples commenced a growth strategy during the fourth quarter of 2014 with the opening of a community banking In 2015, the Company entered the King of Prussia market, which includes parts of Bucks and Montgomery counties of Pennsylvania and suburban Philadelphia, with the establishment of a loan production office and a team of experienced lenders. During the fourth quarter of 2016, a retail branch office was established, replacing the loan production office, and staffed by personal bankers and our experienced lenders. Montgomery and Bucks counties are two of the wealthiest counties in Pennsylvania. Significant types of employment industries include pharmaceuticals, health care, electronics, computer
services, insurance, industrial machinery, retailing, schools and meat processing. In 2019, the Company entered the south central Pennsylvania market with the establishment of a full-service branch in In 2020, the Company permanently closed its Duryea, Gouldsboro, and South Scranton branches which had been temporarily closed during the pandemic. Each of -3- The Marcellus Shale formation located in the heart of our northern market area has provided economic benefits to the communities served and as a result to us. Natural gas producers have invested billions of dollars in Pennsylvania in lease and land acquisition, new well drilling, infrastructure development and community partnerships. COVID-19 As the COVID-19 events continue to unfold, our continued priority is the health and safety of our employees and customers. Our management team continues to implement its pandemic plan by modifying and enhancing strategies and protocols intended to protect our workforce and customers, maintain services for customers, assure the functional continuity of our operating systems, controls and processes, and mitigate financial risks posed by changing market conditions. We have followed the recommendations of our state governments by imposing business travel restrictions, implementing quarantine and work from home protocols and physically separating, to the extent possible, the critical operations site workforce that are unable to work remotely. As of March 1, 2021, we have re-opened the majority of our branch lobbies to the public with safety protocols in place. Our remaining branches are operating with drive-up services, with lobby access available by appointment only. We have also maintained active communications with our primary regulatory agencies and critical vendors in an effort to keep all mission-critical activities and functions performing in line with regulatory expectations and the Company’s service standards. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is fluid and continues to evolve, adversely affecting many of the Bank’s clients. The COVID-19 pandemic and its associated impacts on trade (including supply chains), travel, employee productivity, unemployment, consumer spending, and other economic activities have resulted in less economic activity and significant volatility and disruption in financial markets, and has had an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. The ultimate extent of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business, financial condition and results of operations is currently uncertain and will depend on various developments and other factors, including, among others, the duration and scope of the pandemic, as well as governmental, regulatory and private sector responses to the pandemic, and the associated impacts on the economy, financial markets and our customers, employees and vendors. Our business, financial condition and results of operations generally rely upon the ability of our borrowers to repay their loans, the value of collateral underlying our secured loans, and demand for loans and other products and services we offer, which are highly dependent on the business environment in our primary markets where we operate and in the United States generally. We have participated as a lender in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act ("CARES Act"), Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”), a $350 billion specialized low-interest loan program funded by the U.S. Treasury Department and administered by the U.S. Small Business Administration (“SBA”). The PPP provides borrower guarantees for lenders, as well as loan forgiveness incentives for borrowers that utilize the SBA loan proceeds to cover employee compensation related business operating costs. Our loan officers guided our commercial customers through the application process and now are guiding them through the forgiveness process and the second round of PPP. During 2020, we approved 1,450 PPP loans totaling $217.5 million. Substantially all of the loans were made to existing customers, funded under the two year PPP loan program, and the loan proceeds initially were deposited with our institution. At origination, loan fee income totaled $7.0 million and is being earned primarily over the 24-month duration of the loans as a part of the loan yield. PPP loan forgiveness commenced during the fourth quarter of 2020 with $27.8 million of forgiveness being received by our borrowers. We expect the majority of the remaining $189.7 million of PPP loans to be forgiven during 2021. At December 31, 2020, $4.0 million of fees remain to be earned in future periods and may be accelerated based on the timing of forgiveness of PPP loans by the SBA. In addition, the Company is participating in the 2021 second round of PPP lending and has received approval by the SBA on 605 applications totaling $80.7 million. The loans closed during January and February. From a credit risk perspective, we took actions to identify and assess our COVID-19 related credit exposures based on asset class and borrower type. From the onset of the crisis, we worked to proactively monitor our loan portfolio by contacting many of our borrowers to evaluate the impact of the pandemic on them, their businesses and the underlying collateral for our loans. The Company implemented a customer payment deferral program to assist both consumer and business borrowers that may be experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19 related challenges. For borrowers who received a loan payment deferral we worked with the borrowers to evaluate the potential for further deterioration of -4- credit quality at the end of the deferral period. We evaluated our commercial loan and commercial real estate loan portfolios to identify those loans in industries that are most at risk or where other information indicates the borrower may be significantly impacted by the effects of COVID-19. The Company granted payment deferral requests for up to six months to a total of 481 commercial loans with outstanding loan balances of $306.9 million and to 505 consumer loans with outstanding balances of $23.3 million. At December 31, 2020, the majority of loans are no longer in deferral as borrowers have begun to make their regular payments. Outstanding loan balances remaining in deferral at December 31, 2020 totaled $6.1 million, a decrease of $324.0 million from the $330.1 million in deferral at June 30, 2020. As a percentage of total loan balances, excluding PPP loans, loans in deferral represented 0.6% of loans outstanding at December 31, 2020 compared to 16.7% of loans outstanding at June 30, 2020. At December 31, 2020, commercial loan balances remaining in deferral total $5.8 million while consumer loans total $0.3 million. Loan deferrals and modifications have been executed consistent with the guidelines of the CARES Act. Human Capital Resource Staffing. At December 31, 2020, our 352 full-time employees and 32 part-time employees are the keys to the success of Peoples. We are committed to attracting, retaining and promoting top quality talent regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or genetic information. We strive to identify and select the best candidates for all open positions based on qualifying factors for each job. We are dedicated to providing a workplace for our employees in which they are treated with dignity, decency and respect; that is inclusive, supportive, and free of any form of discrimination or harassment; rewarding and recognizing our employees based on their individual results and performance; and recognizing and respecting all of the characteristics and differences that make each of our employees unique. Core values. We strive to meet our core values of integrity, excellence, teamwork and efficiency. Integrity is our foundation, the basis of everything we do, to be professional, honest, trustworthy, confidential and respectful at all times. We work together for a common good, engage our customers, coworkers, and partners. We work together to exceed our customers’ expectations as we pro-actively help them achieve their goals, to create a dynamic environment that promotes life-long learning and personal growth of our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Peoples is committed to fostering, cultivating and preserving a We embrace and encourage our employees’ differences in age, color, disability, ethnicity, family or marital status, gender identity or expression, language, national origin, physical and mental ability, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, veteran status, and other characteristics that make our employees unique. Health & Safety. Our health and safety policies, procedures and guidelines mandate all tasks be conducted in a safe and efficient manner complying with all local, state and federal safety and health regulations, and special safety concerns. Our policies and procedures encompass all facilities and operations and addresses on-site emergencies, injuries and illnesses, evacuation procedures, cell phone usage and general safety rules. As the COVID-19 crisis unfolded throughout 2020, the safety and well-being of our employees and families, customers, and communities were our top priority. We implemented our pandemic plan and executed various strategies and protocols intended to protect our employees, maintain services for customers, assure functional continuity of the Company’s operating systems, controls and processes, and mitigate financial risks posed by changing market conditions. We directed and enabled approximately 46% of our workforce to work remotely, imposed business travel restrictions, implemented quarantine protocols and physically separated, to the extent -5- appointment operating protocols for its bank branch network. We followed the recommendations of our state and local governments as to conducting business. Benefits. We are committed to offering a competitive total compensation package. We regularly compare compensation and benefits with peer companies and market data, making adjustments as needed to ensure compensation stays competitive. We also offer a wide array of benefits for our workforce and their families, including: •Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, as well as group life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, voluntary life insurance, and short-term and long-term disability insurance for all eligible employees •Employee Assistance Program •401(k) Profit Sharing Plan •Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) •Disaster pay •Paid time off (PTO), holidays and bank holidays •Unpaid leave of absence •Internal training and online development courses •Tuition reimbursement for eligible associates Products and Services Our primary products are loans to small- and medium-sized businesses. Other lending products include one-to-four family residential mortgages and consumer loans. We fund our loans, primarily, by offering
We generate interest income from our loan and securities portfolios. Other income is generated primarily from merchant transaction fees, trust and wealth management fees, fees generated from commercial loan interest rate swap transactions and service charges on deposit accounts. Our primary costs are interest paid on deposits and borrowings and general operating expenses. We provide a variety of commercial and retail banking services to business, non-profits, governmental, municipal agencies and professional customers, as well as retail customers, on a personalized basis. Our primary lending products are real estate, commercial and consumer loans. We also offer ATM access, credit cards, active investment accounts, trust department services and other various lending, depository and related financial services. Our primary deposit products are savings and demand deposit accounts and certificates of deposit. We are not dependent upon a single customer, or a few customers, the loss of one or more of which would have a material adverse effect on our operations. In the ordinary course of our business, our operations and earnings are not materially affected by seasonal changes or by compliance with Lending Activities We provide a full range of retail and commercial lending products designed to meet the borrowing needs of consumers and small- and medium-sized businesses in our market areas. A significant amount of our loans are to customers located within our market area. We have no foreign loans or highly leveraged transaction loans, as defined by the Federal Reserve Board. Although we participate in loans originated by other banks, we have originated the majority of the loans in our portfolio. -6- Our retail lending products include the following types of loans, among others: residential real estate; automobiles; manufactured housing; personal and home equity. Our commercial lending products include the following types of loans, among others: commercial real estate; working capital; equipment and other commercial needs; construction; Small Business Administration; and agricultural and mineral rights. The terms offered on a loan vary depending primarily on the type of loan and credit-worthiness of the borrower. Payment risk is a function of the economic climate in which our lending activities are conducted. Economic downturns in the economy generally or in a particular sector could cause cash flow problems for customers and make loan payments more difficult. We attempt to minimize this risk by not being exposed to loan concentrations of a single customer or a group of customers, the loss of any one or more of whom would have a materially adverse effect on our financial condition. One element of interest rate risk arises from our fixed rate loans in an environment of changing interest rates. We attempt to mitigate this risk by making adjustable rate commercial loans and by limiting repricing terms to five years or less for customers requiring fixed rate loans. Our lending activity also exposes us to risks that any collateral we take as security is not adequate. We attempt to manage collateral risk by avoiding loan concentrations to particular borrowers, by perfecting liens on collateral and by obtaining appraisals on property prior to extending loans. We attempt to mitigate our exposure to these and other types of risks by stratifying authorization requirements by loan size and complexity. We offer a variety of loans including commercial, residential and consumer loans as described above. The consumer portfolio includes automobile loans, educational loans and lines of credit.
We intend to continue to evaluate commercial real estate, commercial business and governmental lending opportunities, including small business lending. We continue to proactively monitor and manage existing credit relationships. We have not engaged in sub-prime residential mortgage lending, which is defined as mortgage loans advanced to borrowers who do not qualify for market interest rates because of problems with their credit history. We focus our lending efforts within our market area. One-to-Four Family Residential Loans. We offer two types of residential mortgage loans: fixed-rate loans, with terms of up to 30 years, and adjustable-rate loans, with interest rates and payments that adjust annually after an initial fixed period of one, three, five or Borrower demand for adjustable-rate loans compared to fixed-rate loans is a function of the level of interest rates, the expectations of changes in the level of interest rates, and the difference between the interest rates and loan fees offered for fixed-rate mortgage loans as compared to the interest rates and loan fees for adjustable-rate loans, among other factors. The loan fees, interest rates and other provisions of mortgage loans are determined by us on the basis of our own pricing criteria and competitive market conditions. Most of our residential loans are underwritten to standards established by the secondary market. We also offer While one-to-four family residential real estate loans are normally originated with up to 30-year terms, such loans typically remain outstanding for substantially shorter periods because borrowers often prepay their loans in full either upon sale of the property pledged as security or upon refinancing the original loan. Therefore, average loan maturity is a function of, among other factors, the level of purchase and sale activity in the real estate market, prevailing interest rates and the interest rates payable on outstanding loans. We do not offer loans with negative amortization or interest only loans. -7- We offer home equity loans and lines of credit, typically with a maximum combined loan-to-value ratio of 80%. Home equity loans generally have fixed-rates of interest and are originated with terms of up to 15 years. Home equity lines of credit generally have variable rates and are indexed to the prime rate. Home equity lines of credit generally have draw periods with 20 year repayment periods. We generally do not make high loan-to-value loans (defined as loans with a loan-to-value ratio in excess of 80%) without private mortgage insurance. The maximum loan-to-value ratio we generally permit is 95% with private mortgage insurance. We require all properties securing residential mortgage loans to be appraised by a board-approved independent appraiser. We generally require title insurance on all first mortgage loans. Borrowers must obtain hazard insurance, and flood insurance is required for loans on properties located in a flood zone. Commercial Real Estate Loans. We offer commercial real estate loans secured by real estate primarily with adjustable rates. We originate a variety of commercial real estate loans generally for terms up to 25 years and payments based on an amortization schedule of up to 25 years. These loans are typically based on either the Federal Home Loan Bank borrowing rate or our own pricing criteria and adjust every three,
Commercial Loans. We offer commercial business loans to professionals, sole proprietorships and small businesses in our market area. We offer term loans for capital improvements, equipment acquisition and long-term working capital. These loans are typically priced at short term fixed rates or variable rates based on the prime rate. These loans are secured by business assets other than real estate, such as business equipment and inventory, and, generally, are backed by personal guarantees of the owner or owners of the business. We originate lines of credit to finance the working capital needs of businesses to be repaid by seasonal cash flows or to provide a period of time during which the business can borrow funds for planned equipment purchases. We have participated in the CARES Act, Paycheck Protection Program, a $350 billion specialized low-interest loan program funded by the U.S. Treasury Department and administered by the U.S. Small Business When making commercial business loans, we consider the consolidated financial statements of the borrower and any guarantors, the borrower’s payment history of both corporate and personal debt, the debt service capabilities of the -8- borrower, the projected cash flows of the business and guarantor, the viability of the industry in which the customer operates and the value of the collateral. Unlike residential mortgage loans, which generally are made on the basis of the borrower’s ability to make repayment from his or her employment or other income, and which are secured by real property, the value of which tends to be more easily ascertainable, commercial business loans are of higher risk and typically are made on the basis of the borrower’s ability to make repayment from the cash flow of the borrower’s business. As a result, the availability of funds for the repayment of commercial business loans may depend substantially on the success of the business itself. Further, any collateral securing such loans may depreciate over time, may be difficult to appraise and may fluctuate in value. Consumer Loans. We offer a variety of consumer loans, including lines of credit, automobile loans and loans secured by savings accounts and certificates of deposit. We also offer unsecured loans. Consumer loans may entail greater risk than do residential mortgage loans, particularly in the case of consumer loans that are unsecured or secured by assets that depreciate rapidly, such as motor vehicles. In the latter case, repossessed collateral for a defaulted consumer loan may not provide an adequate source of repayment for the outstanding loan and a small remaining deficiency often does not warrant further substantial collection efforts against the borrower. Consumer loan collections depend on the borrower’s continuing financial stability, and therefore are likely to be adversely affected by various factors, including job loss, divorce, illness or personal bankruptcy. Furthermore, the application of various federal and state laws, including federal and state insolvency laws, may limit the amount that can be recovered on such loans. Loans secured by new and used automobiles are offered, primarily indirectly through dealerships. These loans have fixed interest rates and generally have terms up to seven years. We offer automobile loans with loan-to-value ratios of up to 100% or more of the purchase price of the vehicle depending upon the credit history of the borrower and other factors. Consumer loans secured by savings accounts and certificates of deposit held by us are offered based upon the deposit rates plus a margin with terms up to five years. We offer such loans up to 100% of the principal balance of the certificate of deposit or balance in the savings account. We also offer unsecured loans and lines of credit with terms up to five years. Our unsecured loans and lines of credit bear a substantially higher interest rate than our secured loans and lines of credit. The procedures for underwriting consumer loans include an assessment of the applicant’s payment history on other debts and ability to meet existing obligations and payments on the proposed loan. Although the applicant’s creditworthiness is a primary consideration, the underwriting process also includes a comparison of the value of the collateral, if any, to the proposed loan amount. We have adhered and continue to adhere to credit policies, which management believes are sound. Our loan policies require verification of information provided by loan applicants as well as an assessment of their ability to repay for all loans. At no time have we made loans similar to those commonly referred to as “no doc” or “stated income” loans. While the vast majority of the loans in our loan portfolio are secured by collateral, we have made and will continue to make loans on an unsecured basis. Unsecured commercial loans are only granted to those borrowers exhibiting historically strong cash flow and capacity with seasoned management. Unsecured consumer loans are made for relatively short terms and to borrowers with strong credit histories. Requests to modify, restructure or otherwise change the terms of loans are considered on an individual basis as circumstances and/or reasons for such changes may vary. All such changes in terms must be authorized by the appropriate approval body. Also, our credit policy prohibits the modification of loans or the extension of additional credit to borrowers who are not current on their payments. Exceptions are approved only where our position in the credit relationship is expected to be enhanced by such action. -9- Adjustable-Rate Loans. While we anticipate that adjustable-rate loans will better offset the adverse effects of an increase in interest rates as compared to fixed-rate loans, an increased monthly loan payment required of adjustable-rate loan borrowers in a rising interest rate environment could cause an increase in delinquencies and defaults. The marketability of collateral also may be adversely affected in a high interest rate environment. In addition, although adjustable-rate mortgage loans make our asset base more responsive to changes in interest rates, the extent of this interest sensitivity is limited by the annual and lifetime interest rate adjustment limits on residential mortgage loans. We attempt to negotiate floors on most adjustable rate commercial loans. The commercial adjustable rate loans generally provide a fixed rate re-negotiation at the end of the initial fixed rate period. If we and the borrower are unable to agree on a new fixed rate then the rate converts to a floating rate obligation. In addition, some commercial loans adjust to a predetermined index plus a spread at the end of the initial fixed rate period, for a like period of time. To a lesser degree, we have entered into transactions with collars generally for periods of five years or less. Loan Originations. Loan originations come from a number of sources. The primary sources of loan originations are existing customers, walk-in traffic, advertising and referrals from customers. We also purchase participations in loans from local financial institutions to supplement our lending portfolio. Loan participations are subject to the same credit analysis and loan approvals as the loans we originate. We are permitted to review all of the documentation relating to any loan in which we participate. However, in a purchased participation loan, we do not service the loan and are subject to the policies and practices of the lead lender with regard to monitoring delinquencies, pursuing collections and instituting foreclosure proceedings. Loan Approval Procedures and Authority. Our lending activities follow written, non-discriminatory, underwriting standards and loan origination procedures established by our board of directors and management. The board of directors has granted loan approval authority to certain officers or groups of officers up to prescribed limits, based on the officer’s experience. Loans to One Borrower. The maximum amount that we may lend to one borrower and the borrower’s related entities generally is limited, by regulation, to 15% of the capital accounts of Peoples Bank. Capital accounts include the aggregate of capital, surplus, undivided profits, capital securities and reserve for loan losses. At December 31,
Deposit Activities Our primary source of funds is the cash flow provided by our financing activities, mainly deposit gathering. Other sources of funds are provided by investing activities, including principal and interest payments on loans and investment securities, and operating activities, primarily net income. We offer a variety of deposit accounts with a range of interest rates and terms, including, among others: money market accounts; NOW accounts; savings accounts; certificates of deposit; individual retirement accounts, and demand deposit accounts. These deposits are primarily obtained from areas surrounding our branch offices. We rely primarily on marketing, product innovation, technology, service and long-standing relationships with customers to attract and retain these deposits. Other deposit related services include: remote deposit capture; automatic clearing house transactions; cash management services; automated teller machines; point of sale transactions; safe deposit boxes; night depository services; direct deposit, and official check services. Trust, Wealth Management and Brokerage Services Through our trust department, we offer a broad range of fiduciary and investment services. Our trust and investment services
We provide a comprehensive array of wealth management products and services to individuals, small businesses and nonprofit entities. These products and services include the following, among others: investment portfolio management; estate planning; annuities; business succession planning; insurances; retirement plan services; education funding strategies, and tax planning. -10- We have a third party marketing agreement with a broker-dealer that allows us to offer a full range of securities, brokerage services and annuity sales to our customers. Our investor services division is located in our headquarters building and the services are offered throughout the branch system. Through this relationship, our clients have access to a wide array of financial and wealth management strategies, including services such as professional money management, retirement and education planning, and investment products including stocks, bonds, mutual funds, annuities and insurance products. Merchant Services We offer credit card processing and a variety of other products and services to our merchant customers,
Competition We compete primarily with commercial banks, online financial institutions, thrift institutions and credit unions, many of which are substantially larger in terms of assets and available resources. Certain of these institutions have significantly higher lending limits than we do, and may provide various services for their customers that we presently do not. In addition, we experience competition for deposits from mutual funds and security brokers, while consumer discount, mortgage and insurance companies compete for various types of loans. Credit unions, finance companies and mortgage companies enjoy certain competitive advantages over us, as they are not subject to the same regulatory restrictions and taxations as commercial banks. Principal methods of competing for bank products, permitted nonbanking services and financial activities include price, nature of product, quality of service and convenience of location. In our market area, we expect continued competition from these financial institutions in the foreseeable future. With the continued acceptance of internet banking by our customers and consumers generally, competition for deposits has increased from institutions operating outside of our market area as well as from insurance companies. We believe that our most significant competitive advantage originates from our business philosophy which includes offering direct access to senior management and other officers and providing friendly, informed and courteous service, local and timely decision making, flexible and reasonable operating procedures and consistently applied credit policies. In addition, our success has been, and will continue to be, a result of our emphasis on community involvement and customer relationships. With consolidation continuing in the financial industry, and particularly in our market area, community banks like us are gaining opportunities and market share as larger institutions reduce their emphasis on or exit Seasonality Generally, our operations are not seasonal in nature. Supervision and Regulation We are extensively regulated under federal and state laws. Generally, these laws and regulations are intended to protect consumers, not shareholders. The following is a summary description of certain provisions of law that affect the regulation of bank holding companies and banks. This discussion is qualified in its entirety by reference to applicable laws and regulations. Changes in law and regulation may have a material effect on our business and prospects. Peoples is a bank holding company within the meaning of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended, and is subject to regulation, supervision, and examination by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, referred to as the “Federal Reserve Board” or the “FRB.” We are required to file annual and quarterly reports with the FRB and to provide the FRB with such additional information as the FRB may require. The FRB also conducts examinations of Peoples. -11- With certain limited exceptions, we are required to obtain prior approval from the FRB before acquiring direct or indirect ownership or control of more than 5% of any voting securities or substantially all of the assets of a bank or bank holding
company, or before merging or consolidating with another bank holding company. Additionally, with certain exceptions, any person or entity proposing to acquire control through direct or indirect ownership of 25% or more of our voting securities is required to give 60 days’ written notice of the acquisition to the FRB, which may prohibit the transaction, and to publish notice to the public. Peoples Bank is regulated by the Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities (the “Department of Banking”) and the FDIC. The Department of Banking may prohibit an institution over which it has supervisory authority from engaging in activities or investments that the agency believes constitute unsafe or unsound banking practices. Federal banking regulators have extensive enforcement authority over the institutions they regulate to prohibit or correct activities that violate law, regulation or a regulatory agreement or which are deemed to constitute unsafe or unsound practices. Enforcement actions may include:
We are subject to certain restrictions on extensions of credit to executive officers, directors, principal shareholders or any related interests of such persons which generally require that such credit extensions be made on substantially the same terms as are available to third persons dealing with us, and not involving more than the normal risk of repayment. Other laws tie the maximum amount that may be loaned to any one customer and its related interests to our capital levels. Other laws restrict or prohibit transactions between Peoples Bank and its affiliates. Limitations on Dividends and Other Payments Our ability to pay dividends is largely dependent upon the receipt of dividends from Peoples Bank. Both federal and state laws impose restrictions on our ability and the ability of Peoples Bank to pay dividends. Under such restrictions, Peoples Bank may only declare and pay dividends out of accumulated net earnings, including accumulated net earnings acquired as a result of a merger within seven years. Further, Peoples Bank may not declare or pay any dividends unless Peoples Bank’s surplus would not be reduced by the payment of the dividend below 100% of our capital stock. Pennsylvania law requires that each year Peoples Bank set aside as surplus, a sum equal to not less than 10 percent of its net earnings if surplus does not equal at least 100 percent of our capital stock. In addition to these specific restrictions, bank regulatory agencies, in general, also have the ability to prohibit proposed dividends by a financial institution that would otherwise be permitted under applicable regulations if the regulatory body determines that such distribution would constitute an unsafe or unsound practice. Permitted Non-Banking Activities
-12- Subsidiary banks of a bank holding company are subject to certain quantitative and qualitative restrictions on extensions of credit to the bank holding company or its subsidiaries, and on the use of their securities as collateral for loans to any borrower. These regulations and restrictions may limit our ability to obtain funds from Peoples Bank for our cash needs, including funds for the payment of dividends, interest and operating expenses. Further, subject to certain exceptions, a bank holding company and its subsidiaries are prohibited from engaging in certain tie-in arrangements in connection with any extension of credit, lease or sale of property or furnishing of services.
A bank holding company is required to act as a source of financial strength to its subsidiary banks and to make capital injections into a troubled subsidiary bank, and the FRB may charge the bank holding company with engaging in unsafe and unsound practices for failure to commit resources to a subsidiary bank when required. A required capital injection may be called for at a time when the holding company does not have the resources to provide it. In addition, depository institutions insured by the FDIC can be held liable for any losses incurred by, or reasonably anticipated to be incurred by, the FDIC in connection with the default of or assistance provided to, a commonly controlled FDIC-insured depository institution. Accordingly, in the event that any insured subsidiary of a bank holding company causes a loss to the FDIC, other insured subsidiaries of a bank holding company could be required to compensate the FDIC by reimbursing it for the estimated amount of such loss. Such cross guarantee liabilities generally are superior in priority to the obligation of the depository institutions to its shareholders due solely to their status as shareholders and obligations to other affiliates. Pennsylvania Law As a Pennsylvania incorporated bank holding company, Peoples is subject to various restrictions on its activities as set forth in Pennsylvania law. This is in addition to those restrictions set forth in federal law. Under Pennsylvania law, a bank holding company that desires to acquire a bank or bank holding company that has its principal place of business in Pennsylvania must obtain permission from the Department of Banking. Financial Institution Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act (“FIRREA”) FIRREA was enacted into law in order to address the financial condition of the Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation, to restructure the regulation of the thrift industry, and to enhance the supervisory and enforcement powers of the federal bank and thrift regulatory agencies. As the primary federal regulator of Peoples Bank, the FDIC, in conjunction with the Department of Banking, is responsible for its supervision. When dealing with capital requirements, those regulatory bodies have the flexibility to impose supervisory agreements on institutions that fail to comply with regulatory requirements. The imposition of a capital plan, termination of deposit insurance, and removal or temporary suspension of an officer, director or other institution-affiliated person may cause enforcement actions. There are three levels of civil penalties under FIRREA, with the amount of the penalty varying based on the action penalized.
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991 (“FDICIA”) FDICIA provides for, among other things:
-13- A central feature of FDICIA is the requirement that the federal banking agencies take “prompt corrective action” with respect to depository institutions that do not meet minimum capital requirements. Pursuant to FDICIA, the federal bank regulatory authorities have adopted regulations setting forth a five-tiered system for measuring the capital adequacy of the depository institutions that they supervise. Under these regulations, a depository institution is classified in one of the following capital categories:
Peoples Bank was “well capitalized” based on its actual capital position at December 31,
FDICIA generally prohibits a depository institution from making any capital distributions including payment of a cash dividend or paying any management fees to its holding company, if the depository institution would thereafter be undercapitalized. Undercapitalized depository institutions are subject to growth limitations and are required to submit capital restoration plans. If a depository fails to submit an acceptable plan, it is treated as if it is “significantly undercapitalized”. Significantly undercapitalized depository institutions may be subject to a number of other requirements and restrictions, including orders to sell sufficient voting stock to become adequately capitalized, requirements to reduce total assets and stop accepting deposits from correspondent banks. Critically undercapitalized institutions are subject to the appointment of a receiver or conservator; generally within 90 days of the date such institution is determined to be critically undercapitalized. FDICIA provides the federal banking agencies with significantly expanded powers to take enforcement action against institutions that fail to comply with capital or other standards. Such actions may include the termination of deposit insurance by the FDIC or the appointment of a receiver or conservator for the institution. FDICIA also limits the circumstances under which the FDIC is permitted to provide financial assistance to an insured institution before appointment of a conservator or receiver. Under FDICIA, each federal banking agency is required to prescribe, by regulation, non-capital safety and soundness standards for institutions under its authority.
Any institution that fails to meet these standards may be required to develop an acceptable plan, specifying the steps that the institutions will take to meet the standards. Failure to submit or implement such a plan may subject the institution to regulatory sanctions. Peoples believes that it meets substantially all the standards that have been adopted. -14- Risk-Based Capital Requirements The federal banking regulators have adopted certain risk-based capital guidelines to assist in assessing capital adequacy of a banking organization’s operations for both transactions reported on the balance sheet as assets and transactions, such as letters of credit, and recourse agreements, which are recorded as off-balance sheet items. Under these guidelines, nominal dollar amounts of assets and credit-equivalent amounts of off-balance sheet items are multiplied by one of several risk adjustment percentages, which range from 0% for assets with low credit risk, such as certain
A banking organization’s risk-based capital ratios are obtained by dividing its qualifying capital by its total risk adjusted assets. The regulators measure risk-adjusted assets, which include off-balance-sheet items, against both total qualifying capital, Common Equity Tier 1 capital, and Tier 1 capital.
In addition, the
The
Failure to meet applicable capital guidelines could subject a banking organization to a variety of enforcement actions including:
In addition, future changes in regulations or practices could further reduce the amount of capital recognized for purposes of capital adequacy. Such a change could affect the ability of Peoples Bank to grow and could restrict the amount of profits, if any, available for the payment of dividends to Peoples. At December 31, A qualifying community banking organization (defined to have, among other things, total consolidated assets of less than $10 billion) that has made an election to use the community bank leverage ratio framework will be considered to have met the minimum capital requirements, the capital ratio requirements, and any other capital or leverage requirements to which the qualifying community banking organization would be subject, if it has a leverage ratio of greater than 9 percent. Interest Rate Risk Regulatory agencies include, in their evaluations of a bank’s capital adequacy, an assessment of the bank’s interest rate risk exposure. The standards for measuring the adequacy and effectiveness of a banking organization’s interest rate risk management includes a measurement of board of directors and senior management oversight, and a determination of whether a banking organization’s procedures for comprehensive risk management are appropriate to the circumstances of the specific banking organization. We utilize interest rate risk models to measure and monitor interest rate risk. In addition, we employ an independent consultant to provide a quarterly assessment of our interest rate risk. Finally, regulatory agencies, as part of the scope of their periodic examinations, evaluate our interest rate risk. Community Reinvestment Act (“CRA”) The Community Reinvestment Act of 1977 is designed to create a system for bank regulatory agencies to evaluate a depository institution’s record in meeting the credit needs of its community. The CRA regulations USA Patriot Act of 2001 The Patriot Act contains anti-money laundering and financial transparency laws and imposes various regulations, including standards for verifying client identification at account opening, and rules to promote cooperation among financial institutions, regulators and law enforcement entities in identifying parties that may be involved in terrorism or money laundering. Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (Dodd-Frank) In 2010, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act was signed into law. Dodd-Frank is intended to effect a fundamental restructuring of federal banking regulation. Among other things, Dodd-Frank created the Financial Stability Oversight Council to identify systemic risks in the financial system and gives federal regulators authority to take control of and liquidate financial firms. Dodd-Frank additionally created an independent federal regulator to administer federal consumer protection laws. Dodd-Frank has and is expected to continue to have a significant impact on our business operations as its provisions take effect. Holding Company Capital Requirements. Dodd-Frank requires the FRB to apply consolidated capital requirements to bank holding companies that are no less stringent than those currently applied to depository institutions. Deposit Insurance. Dodd-Frank permanently increases the maximum deposit insurance amount for banks, savings institutions and credit unions to $250,000 per depositor. Dodd-Frank also broadens the base for FDIC insurance assessments. Further, Dodd-Frank eliminated the federal statutory prohibition against the payment of interest on business -16- checking accounts. Assessments for institutions such as Peoples Bank (assets of less than $10 billion),
Corporate Governance. Dodd-Frank requires publicly-traded companies to give stockholders a non-binding vote on executive compensation at least every three years, a non-binding vote regarding the frequency of the vote on executive compensation at least every six years, and a non-binding vote on “golden parachute” payments in connection with approvals of mergers and acquisitions unless previously voted on by stockholders. Additionally, Dodd-Frank directs the federal banking regulators to promulgate rules prohibiting excessive compensation paid to executives of depository institutions and their holding companies with assets of $1.0 billion or more, regardless of whether the company is publicly traded. Dodd-Frank also gives the SEC authority to prohibit broker discretionary voting on elections of directors and executive compensation matters.
Limits on Interstate Acquisitions and Mergers. Dodd-Frank precludes a bank holding company from engaging in an interstate acquisition–the acquisition of a bank outside its home state–unless the bank holding company is both well capitalized and well managed. Furthermore, a bank may not engage in an interstate merger with another bank headquartered in another state unless the surviving institution will be well capitalized and well managed. Limits on Interchange Fees. Dodd-Frank amended the Electronic Fund Transfer Act to, among other things, give the Federal Reserve the authority to establish rules regarding interchange fees charged for electronic debit transactions by payment card issuers having assets of $10 billion or more and to enforce a statutory requirement that such fees be reasonable and proportional to the actual cost of a transaction to the issuer. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Dodd-Frank created the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), which is granted broad rulemaking, supervisory and enforcement powers under various federal consumer financial protection Ability to Repay and Qualified Mortgage Rule.
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Alternatively, the mortgage lender can originate “qualified mortgages,” which are entitled to a presumption that the creditor making the loan satisfied the ability-to-repay requirements. In general, a “qualified mortgage” is a mortgage loan without negative amortization, interest-only payments, balloon payments, or terms exceeding 30 years. In addition, to be a qualified mortgage, the points and fees paid by a consumer cannot exceed 3% of the total loan amount. Loans which meet these criteria will be considered qualified mortgages, and as a result generally protect lenders from fines or litigation in the event of foreclosure. Qualified mortgages that are “higher-priced” (e.g. subprime loans) garner a rebuttable presumption of compliance with the ability-to-repay rules, while qualified mortgages that are not “higher-priced” (e.g. prime loans) are given a safe harbor of compliance.
Future Legislation Proposed legislation is introduced in almost every legislative session that would dramatically affect the regulation of the banking industry. We cannot predict if any such legislation will be adopted nor if adopted how it would affect our business. Past history has demonstrated that new legislation or change to existing laws or regulations usually results in greater compliance burden and therefore generally increases the cost of doing business.
Availability of Securities Filings We
In addition to the other information set forth in this report, one should carefully consider the factors discussed below, which could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results. The risks described below are not the only risks that we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be insignificant also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and/or operating results. Risks Relating to Peoples and Its Business The outbreak of the coronavirus ("COVID-19"), or an outbreak of another highly infectious or contagious disease, could adversely affect our business activities, financial condition and results of operations. Our business is dependent upon the willingness and ability of our customers to conduct banking and other financial transactions. The spread of a highly infectious or contagious disease, such as COVID-19, could cause severe disruptions in the U.S. economy, which could in turn disrupt the business, activities, and operations of our customers, as well as our business and operations. Moreover, since the beginning of January 2020, the coronavirus outbreak has caused significant disruption in the financial markets both globally and in the United States. The spread of COVID-19, or an outbreak of another highly infectious or contagious disease, may result in a significant decrease in business and/or cause our customers to be unable to meet existing payment or other obligations to us, particularly in the event of a spread of COVID-19 or an outbreak of an infectious disease in our market area. Although we maintain contingency plans for pandemic outbreaks, a spread of COVID-19, or an outbreak of another contagious disease, could also negatively impact the availability of key personnel necessary to conduct our business activities. Such a spread or outbreak could also negatively impact the business and operations of third-party service providers who perform critical services for us. If COVID-19, or another highly infectious or contagious disease, spreads or the response to contain COVID-19 is unsuccessful, we could experience a material adverse effect to our business, financial condition, and results of operations. -18- The extent of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our capital, liquidity, and other financial positions and on our business, results of operations, and prospects will depend on a number of evolving factors, including: The duration, extent, and severity of the pandemic. COVID-19 has not been contained and could affect significantly more households and businesses. The uncertain duration and severity of the pandemic continues. The response of governmental authorities. Many of the actions taken by the national and state governmental authorities have been directed at curtailing personal and business activity to contain COVID-19 while simultaneously deploying fiscal-and monetary-policy measures to assist in mitigating the adverse effects on individuals and businesses. These actions are not consistent across jurisdictions but, in general, have been rapidly expanding in scope and intensity. The effect on our customers, counterparties, employees, and third-party service providers. COVID-19 and its associated consequences and uncertainties may affect individuals, households, and businesses differently and unevenly. Our credit, operational, and other risks are generally expected to increase. The effect on economies and markets. Whether the actions of governmental authorities will be successful in mitigating the adverse effects of COVID-19 is unclear. National, regional, and local economies and markets could suffer lasting disruptions. The success of relief efforts to bridge the gap to reopening the economy. The U.S. government has implemented programs to directly compensate individuals and grant or loan money to businesses in an effort to provide funding while the economy is shut down. Many banks, including Peoples, have implemented hardship relief programs that include payment deferral options. The success of these programs could mute the effect on the Company's credit losses, which may be difficult to determine. The duration of these business interruptions and related impacts on our business and operations, which will depend on future developments, are highly uncertain and cannot be reasonably estimated at this time. The pandemic could cause us to experience higher credit losses in our lending portfolio, impairment of our goodwill and other financial assets, reduced demand for our products and services, and other negative impacts on our financial position, results of operations, and prospects. We are subject to credit risk in connection with our lending activities, and our financial condition and results of operations may be negatively impacted by economic conditions and other factors that adversely affect our borrowers. Lending money is a significant part of the banking business and interest income on our loan portfolio is the principal component of our revenue. Our financial condition and results of operations are affected by the ability of our borrowers to repay their loans, and in a timely manner. Borrowers, however, do not always repay their loans. The risk of non-payment is assessed through our underwriting and loan review procedures based on several factors including credit risks of a particular borrower, changes in economic conditions, the duration of the loan and in the case of a collateralized loan, uncertainties as to the future value of the collateral and other factors. Despite our efforts, we do and will experience loan and lease losses, and our financial condition and results of operations will be adversely affected. Our loans which were between 30 and 89 days delinquent on December 31, Our emphasis on the Eastern Pennsylvania and the Southern Tier of New York market area exposes us to a risk of loss associated with the region. At December 31, -19- decline in economic conditions may adversely affect the quality of our loan portfolio (including the level of non-performing We make commercial and industrial, construction, and commercial real estate loans, which present greater risks than other types of loans. As of December 31, The commercial real estate market is cyclical and poses risks of loss to us because of the concentration of commercial real estate loans in our loan portfolio, and the lack of diversity in risk associated with such a concentration. Banking regulators have been giving and continue to give commercial real estate lending greater scrutiny, and banks with larger commercial real estate loan portfolios are expected by their regulators to implement improved underwriting, internal
controls, risk management policies and portfolio stress-testing practices to manage risks associated with commercial real estate lending. Additional losses or regulatory requirements related to our commercial real estate loan concentration could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Our allowance for loan We attempt to maintain an allowance for loan The determination of the allowance for loan In addition to our internal processes for determining loss allowances, bank regulatory agencies periodically review our allowance for loan -20- Changes in interest rates could adversely impact our financial condition and results of operations. Our ability to generate net income substantially depends upon our net interest income, which is the difference between the interest income earned on interest-earning assets, such as loans and investment securities, and the interest expense paid on interest-bearing liabilities, such as deposits and borrowings. Certain assets and liabilities react differently to changes in market interest rates. Further, interest rates on some types of assets and liabilities may fluctuate prior to changes in broader market interest rates, while rates on other types of assets may lag behind. Additionally, some assets such as adjustable-rate mortgages have features, and rate caps, which restrict changes in their interest rates. Factors such as monetary policy, inflation, recession, unemployment, money supply, global disorder, terrorist activity, instability in domestic and foreign financial markets, global pandemic, and other factors beyond our control, may affect interest rates. Changes in market interest rates will also affect the level of voluntary prepayments on loans and the receipt of payments on mortgage-backed securities, resulting in the receipt of proceeds that may have to be reinvested at a lower rate than the loan or mortgage-backed security being prepaid. Although we pursue an asset-liability management strategy designed to manage our risk from changes in market interest rates, changes in interest rates can still have a material adverse effect on our profitability. The Company may be required to transition from the use of the LIBOR interest rate index in the future. The Company has certain loans and derivative instruments whose interest rate is indexed to the London InterBank Offered Rate (LIBOR). The United Kingdom’s Financial Conduct Authority, which is responsible for regulating LIBOR, has announced that the publication of one week and two month U.S. dollar (USD) LIBOR settings is not guaranteed beyond December 31, 2021 and the remaining USD LIBOR settings beyond June 30, 2023. At this time, no consensus exists as to what reference rate or rates or benchmarks may become acceptable alternatives to LIBOR, although the Alternative Reference Rates Committee (a group of private-market participants convened by the Federal Reserve Board and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York) has identified the Secured Overnight Financing Rate, or SOFR, as the recommend alternative to LIBOR. Uncertainty as to the adoption, market acceptance or availability of SOFR or other alternative reference rates may adversely affect the value of LIBOR-based loans in the Company’s portfolio and may impact the availability and cost of hedging instruments and borrowings. The language in the Company’s LIBOR-based contracts and financial instruments has developed over time and may have various events that trigger when a successor index to LIBOR would be selected. If a trigger is satisfied, contracts and financial instruments may give the Company or the calculation agent, as applicable, discretion over the selection of the substitute index for the calculation of interest rates. The implementation of a substitute index for the calculation of interest rates under the Company’s loan agreements may result in the Company incurring significant expenses in effecting the transition and may result in disputes or litigation with customers over the appropriateness or comparability to LIBOR of the substitute index, any of which could have an adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations. Changes in interest rates could affect our investment values and impact comprehensive income and stockholders’ equity. At December 31,
taxes. As of December 31, Our results of operations may be materially and adversely affected by other-than-temporary impairment charges relating to our investment portfolio. Numerous factors, including the lack of liquidity for re-sales of certain investment securities, the absence of reliable pricing information for investment securities, adverse changes in the business climate, adverse regulatory actions or unanticipated changes in the competitive environment, could have a negative effect on our investment portfolio in future periods. Investments are evaluated periodically to determine whether a decline in their value is other than temporary. -21- Management utilizes criteria such as the magnitude and duration of the decline, in addition to the reasons underlying the decline, to determine whether the loss in value is other than temporary. The term “other than temporary” indicates that the prospects for a near term recovery of value are not necessarily favorable, or that there is a lack of evidence to support fair values equal to, or greater than, the carrying value of the investment. Once a decline in value is determined to be other than temporary, the value of the security is reduced and a corresponding charge to earnings is recognized. If an impairment charge is significant enough, it could affect our ability to pay dividends, which could materially adversely affect us and our ability to pay dividends to shareholders. Significant impairment charges could also negatively impact our regulatory capital ratios and result in us not being classified as “well-capitalized” for regulatory purposes. The requirement to record certain assets and liabilities at fair value may adversely affect our financial results. We report certain assets, including available-for-sale investment securities, at fair value. Generally, for assets that are reported at fair value we use quoted market prices or valuation models that utilize market data inputs to estimate fair value. Because we record these assets at their estimated fair value, we may incur losses even if the asset in question presents minimal credit risk. The level of interest rates can impact the estimated fair value of investment securities. Disruptions in the capital markets may require us to recognize other-than-temporary impairments in future periods with respect to investment securities in our portfolio. The amount and timing of any impairment recognized will depend on the severity and duration of the decline in fair value of our investment securities and our estimation of the anticipated recovery period. Changes in the value of goodwill and intangible assets could reduce our earnings. We account for goodwill and other intangible assets in accordance with
-22- of real estate, extended federal government shutdowns, or other events that affect household and/or corporate incomes could impair the ability of the Company’s borrowers to repay their loans in
Strong competition within our market area may limit our growth and profitability. Competition in the banking and financial services industry is intense. We compete actively with other Pennsylvania and southern New York financial institutions, many larger than us, as well as with financial and non-financial institutions headquartered elsewhere. Commercial banks, savings banks, savings and loan associations, credit unions, and money market funds actively compete for deposits and loans. Such institutions, as well as consumer finance, insurance companies and brokerage firms, may be considered competitors with respect to one or more services they render. Many of the institutions with which we compete have substantially greater resources and lending limits and may offer certain services that we do not or cannot provide. Our profitability depends upon our ability to successfully compete in our market area. Increased needs for disbursement of funds on loans and deposits can affect our liquidity. We manage our liquidity with an objective of maintaining a balance between sources and uses of funds in such a way that the cash requirements of customers for loans and deposit withdrawals are met in the most economical manner. If we do not properly manage our liquidity, our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows may be materially and adversely affected. Our future pension plan costs and contributions could be unfavorably impacted by the factors that are used in the actuarial calculations.
rates of return on plan assets, discount rates, the level of interest rates used to measure the required minimum funding levels of the plans, future government regulation and required or voluntary contributions made to the plans. Without sustained growth in the pension investments over time to increase the value of our plan assets and depending upon the other factors impacting Our holding company is dependent for liquidity on payments from Peoples Bank, which payments are subject to restrictions. We depend on dividends, distributions and other payments from Peoples Bank to fund dividend payments to our shareholders, if any, and to fund all payments on obligations of our holding company. Peoples Bank is subject to laws that restrict dividend payments or authorize regulatory bodies to block or reduce the flow of funds from Peoples Bank to us. Restrictions or regulatory actions of that kind could impede our access to funds that we may need to make payments on our obligations or dividend payments, if any. In addition, our right to participate in a distribution of assets upon a subsidiary’s liquidation or reorganization is subject to the prior claims of the subsidiary’s creditors. Holders of our common stock are entitled to receive dividends if and when declared from time to time by our board of directors in its sole discretion out of funds legally available for that purpose. We need to continually attract and retain qualified personnel for our operations. Our ability to provide high-quality customer service and to operate efficiently and profitably is dependent on our ability to attract and retain qualified individuals for key positions within the organization. We rely heavily on our executive officers and employees. The loss of certain executive officers or employees could have an adverse effect on us because, as a community bank, the executive officers and employees typically have more responsibility than would be typical at a larger financial institution with more employees. In addition, due to our size as a community bank, we have fewer management-level and other personnel who are in position to succeed to and assume the responsibilities of certain -23- existing executive officers and employees. If we expand geographically or expand to provide non-banking services, current management may not have the necessary experience for successful operation in these new areas. There is no guarantee that management would be able to meet these new challenges or that we would be able to retain new Our financial performance may suffer if our information technology is unable to keep pace with growth or industry developments. Effective and competitive delivery of our products and services is increasingly dependent upon information technology resources and processes, both those provided internally as well as those provided through third party vendors. In addition to better serving customers, the effective use of technology increases efficiency and enables us to reduce costs. Our future success will depend, in part, upon our ability to address the needs of our customers by using technology to provide products and services to enhance customer convenience, as well as to create additional efficiencies in our operations. Many of our competitors have greater resources to invest in technological improvements. Additionally, as technology in the financial services industry changes and evolves, keeping pace becomes increasingly complex and expensive for us. There can be no assurance that we will be able to effectively implement new technology-driven products and services, which could reduce our ability to compete effectively. A failure in or a breach of our information systems or infrastructure, including as a result of cyber-attacks, could disrupt our business, damage our reputation, and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. In the ordinary course of our business activities, including the ongoing maintenance of deposits, loan and other account relationships for our customers, receiving instructions and effecting transactions for those customers and other users of our products and services, we regularly collect, process, transmit and store significant amounts of confidential information regarding our customers, employees and others. In addition to confidential information regarding our customers, employees and others, we, and in some cases a third party, compile, process, transmit and store proprietary, non-public information concerning our business, operations, plans and strategies.
Information security risks have significantly increased in recent years in part because of the proliferation of new technologies, the use of the Internet and telecommunications technologies to conduct financial transactions, and the increased sophistication and activities of organized crime, hackers, terrorists and other external parties. We rely on digital technologies, computer and email systems, software, and networks to conduct secure processing, transmission and storage of confidential information. In addition, to access our products and services, our customers may use personal smart phones, tablet PCs and other mobile devices that are beyond our control systems. Our technologies, systems, networks and our customers’ devices have been subject to, and are likely to continue to be the target of, cyber-attacks, computer viruses, malicious code, phishing attacks or information security breaches that could result in the unauthorized use, loss or destruction of our or our customers’ or third parties’ confidential information, or otherwise disrupt our or our customers’ or other third parties’ business operations. In addition to cyber-attacks or other security breaches involving the theft of sensitive and confidential information, hackers Although we use a variety of physical, procedural and technological safeguards to protect confidential information from mishandling, misuse or loss, these safeguards cannot provide assurance that mishandling, misuse or loss of the information will not occur, and that if mishandling, misuse or loss of the information did occur, those events will be promptly detected and addressed. A failure in or breach of our operational or information security systems, or those of a third-party service provider, as a result of cyber-attacks or information security breaches or otherwise could have a material adverse effect on our business, damage our reputation, increase our costs and/or cause significant losses. As information security risks and cyber threats continue to evolve, we may be required to expend substantial resources to -24- further enhance our information security measures and/or to investigate and remediate any information security vulnerabilities. If information security is breached, despite the controls we and our third-party vendors have instituted, information can be lost or misappropriated, resulting in financial loss or costs to us or damages to others. These costs or losses could materially exceed the amount of insurance coverage, if any, which would adversely affect our earnings. In addition, our reputation could be damaged which could result in loss of customers, greater difficulty in attracting new customers, or an adverse effect on the value of our common stock. Our disclosure controls and procedures and our internal control over financial reporting may not achieve their intended objectives. We maintain disclosure controls and procedures designed to ensure that we timely report information as specified in the rules and forms of the Securities and Exchange We are exposed to environmental liabilities with respect to real estate. We currently operate
from environmental contamination emanating from the property. Although we have policies and procedures to perform an environmental review before acquiring title to any real property, these may not be sufficient to detect all potential environmental hazards. If we were to become subject to significant environmental liabilities, it could materially and adversely affect us. The soundness of other financial services institutions may adversely affect our credit risk. We rely on other financial services institutions through trading, clearing, counterparty, and other relationships. We maintain limits and monitor concentration levels of our counterparties as specified in our internal policies. Our reliance on other financial services institutions exposes us to credit risk in the event of default by these institutions or counterparties. These losses could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition. Our operations could be interrupted if certain external vendors on which we rely experience difficulty, terminate their services or fail to comply with applicable laws and regulations. We depend to a significant extent on relationships with third party service providers. Specifically, we utilize third party core banking services and receive credit card and debit card services, branch capture services, Internet banking services and services complementary to our banking products from various third party service providers. If these third party service providers experience difficulties or terminate their services and we are unable to replace them with other service providers, our operations could be interrupted. It may be difficult for us to replace some of our third party vendors, particularly vendors providing our core banking, credit card and debit card services, in a timely manner if they were unwilling or unable to provide us with these services in the future for any reason. If an interruption were to continue for a significant period of time, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of -25- operations. Even if we are able to replace them, it may be at higher cost to us, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. In addition, if a third party provider fails to provide the services we require, fails to meet contractual requirements, such as compliance with applicable laws and regulations, or suffers a cyber-attack or other security breach, our business could suffer economic and reputational harm that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. Our use of third party vendors and our other ongoing third party business relationships are subject to We regularly use third party vendors as part of our business. We also have substantial ongoing business relationships with other third parties. These types of third party relationships are subject to Risks Related to Our Common Stock Our ability to pay dividends or repurchase shares is subject to limitations.
Our ability to pay dividends on or repurchase shares of our stock depends upon our receipt of dividends from Peoples As a state-chartered bank, Peoples Bank is subject to regulatory restrictions on the payment and amounts of dividends under the Pennsylvania Banking Code.
Further, Peoples Bank’s ability to pay dividends is also subject to its profitability, financial condition, capital expenditures and other cash flow requirements. There is no assurance that Peoples Bank will be able to pay Proxy contests and shareholder litigation may adversely affect our results of operations. Proxy contests or shareholder litigation could cause us to use resources, both in expense and in the time and attention of our management, which could otherwise be used in operating our business. Accordingly, our results of operations may be adversely effected. Risks Related to Potential Future Transactions Future acquisitions by us could dilute existing shareholders’ ownership of Peoples and may cause us to become more susceptible to adverse economic events. We may issue shares of our common stock in connection with future acquisitions and other investments, which would dilute existing shareholders’ ownership interests in Peoples. While there is no assurance that these transactions will occur, or that they will occur on terms favorable to us, future business acquisitions could be material to us, and the -26- degree of success achieved in acquiring and integrating these businesses could have a material effect on the value of our common stock. In addition, these acquisitions could require us to expend substantial cash or other liquid assets or to incur debt, which could cause us to become more susceptible to economic downturns and competitive pressures. Our governing documents, Pennsylvania law, and current policies of our board of directors contain provisions which may reduce the likelihood of a change in control transaction that may otherwise be available and attractive to shareholders. Our articles of incorporation and bylaws contain certain anti-takeover provisions that may make it more difficult or expensive or may discourage a tender offer, change in control or takeover attempt that is opposed by our board of directors. In particular, the articles of incorporation and bylaws: classify our board of directors into three groups, so that shareholders elect only approximately one-third of the board each year; require our shareholders to give us advance notice to nominate candidates for election to the board of directors or to make shareholder proposals at a shareholders’ meeting; and require the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 75% of our common stock to approve amendments to our bylaws or to approve certain business combinations that have not received the support of two-thirds of our board of directors. These provisions of our articles of incorporation and bylaws could discourage potential acquisition proposals and could delay or prevent a change in control, even though a majority of our shareholders may consider such proposals desirable. Such provisions could also make it more difficult for third parties to remove and replace the members of our board of directors. Moreover, these provisions could diminish the opportunities for shareholders to participate in certain tender offers, including tender offers at prices above the then-current market value of our common stock, and may also inhibit increases in the trading price of our common stock that could result from takeover attempts or speculation. In addition, anti-takeover provisions in Pennsylvania law could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire control of us. These provisions could adversely affect the market price of our common stock and could reduce the amount that shareholders might receive if we are sold. For example, Pennsylvania law may restrict a third party’s ability to obtain control of Peoples and may prevent shareholders from receiving a premium for their shares of our common stock. Pennsylvania law also provides that our shareholders are not entitled by statute to propose amendments to our articles of incorporation. Our ability to make opportunistic acquisitions is subject to significant risks, including the risk that regulators will not provide the requisite approvals. We may make opportunistic whole or partial acquisitions of other banks, branches, financial institutions, or related businesses from time to time that we expect may further our business strategy. Any possible acquisition will be subject to regulatory approval, and there can be no assurance that we will be able to obtain such approval in a timely manner or at all. Even if we obtain regulatory approval, these acquisitions could involve numerous risks, including lower than expected performance or higher than expected costs, difficulties related to integration, diversion of management’s
attention from other business activities, changes in relationships with customers, and the potential loss of key employees. In addition, we may not be successful in identifying acquisition candidates, integrating acquired institutions, or preventing deposit erosion or loan quality deterioration at acquired institutions. Competition for acquisitions can be highly competitive, and we may not be able to acquire other institutions on attractive terms. There can be no assurance that we will be successful in completing or will even pursue future acquisitions, or if such transactions are completed, that we will be successful in integrating acquired businesses into operations. Our ability to grow may be limited if we choose not to pursue or are unable to successfully make acquisitions in the future. Risks Related to Government Regulation We operate in a highly regulated environment and may be adversely affected by changes in laws and regulations. We are subject to extensive regulation, supervision and examination by certain state and federal agencies including the -27- determination of the level of the allowance for loan losses. Any change in such regulation and oversight, whether in the form of regulatory policy, regulations, legislation or supervisory action, may have a material impact on us and our operations. There also are several federal and state statutes which regulate the obligation and liabilities of financial institutions pertaining to environmental issues. In addition to the potential for attachment of liability resulting from our own actions, we may be held liable under certain circumstances for the actions of our borrowers, or third parties, when such actions result in environmental problems on properties that collateralize loans held by us. Further, the liability has the potential to far exceed the original amount of a loan. We
Future increases, if any, in minimum capital requirements could adversely affect our net income. Furthermore, our failure to comply with the minimum capital requirements could result in our regulators taking formal or informal actions against us which could restrict our future growth or operations. The
The Increases in FDIC insurance premiums may adversely affect our earnings. Our deposits are insured by the FDIC up to legal limits and, accordingly, we are subject to FDIC deposit insurance assessments.
Regulations relating to privacy, information security and data protection could increase our costs, affect or limit how we collect and use personal information and adversely affect our business opportunities. We are subject to various privacy, information security and data protection laws, including requirements concerning security breach notification, and we could be negatively impacted by these laws. For example, our business is subject to the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act which, among other things: (i) imposes certain limitations on our ability to share nonpublic personal information about our customers with nonaffiliated third parties; (ii) requires that we provide certain disclosures to customers about our information collection, sharing and security practices and afford customers the right to “opt out” of any information sharing by us with nonaffiliated third parties (with certain exceptions) and (iii) requires that we develop, implement and maintain a written comprehensive information security program containing safeguards appropriate based on our size and complexity, the nature and scope of our activities, and the sensitivity of customer information we process, as well as plans for responding to data security breaches. Various state and federal banking regulators and states have also enacted data security breach notification requirements with varying levels of individual, consumer, regulatory or law enforcement notification in certain circumstances in the event of a security breach. Moreover, legislators and regulators in the United States are increasingly adopting or revising privacy, information security and data protection laws that potentially could have a significant impact on our current and planned privacy, data protection and information security-related practices, our collection, use, sharing, retention and safeguarding of consumer or employee information, and some of our current or planned business activities. This could also increase our costs of compliance and business operations and could reduce income from certain business initiatives. This includes increased privacy-related enforcement activity at the federal level, by the Federal Trade Commission, as well as at the state level, such as with regard to mobile applications. -28- Compliance with current or future privacy, data protection and information security laws (including those regarding security breach notification) affecting customer or employee data to which we are subject could result in higher compliance and technology costs and could restrict our ability to provide certain products and services, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial conditions or results of operations. Our failure to comply with privacy, data protection and information security laws could result in potentially significant regulatory or governmental investigations or actions, litigation, fines, sanctions, increased insurance cost and damage to our reputation, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
None.
Our corporate headquarters is located at 150 N. Washington Avenue, Scranton, Pennsylvania, which houses our finance and planning, trust, commercial lending, We operate We lease several remote ATM locations throughout our market area. All branches and ATM locations are equipped with closed circuit television monitoring.
We consider our properties to be suitable and adequate for our current and immediate future purposes.
There are no material pending legal proceedings, other than ordinary routine litigation incidental to our business, as to which we are a party or of which any of our property is subject.
Not applicable.
As of February 28, Peoples has paid cash dividends since its incorporation in 1986. -29- refer to the consolidated financial statements and notes to these statements filed at Item 8 to this report and incorporated in their entirety by reference under this Item 5.
The following table presents information with respect to purchases made by or on behalf of the Company or any “affiliated purchaser,” as defined in the Exchange Act Rule 10b-18(a)(3), of the Company’s common stock during each of the three months ended December 31,
On February 28, 2020, our board of directors authorized a common stock repurchase plan whereby we were authorized to repurchase up to 225,000 shares of our outstanding common stock through open market purchases. That plan expired on December 31, 2020. On January 29, 2021, our board of directors authorized a new common stock repurchase plan whereby we are authorized to repurchase up to 4.9 percent of our outstanding common stock, or 353,422 shares.
The following graph and table show the cumulative total return on the common stock of the Company over the last five years, compared with the cumulative total return of a broad stock market index (the Russell 2000 Index or “Russell 2000”), and the SNL Bank and Thrift Index. The Comparison of Five-Year Cumulative Total Returns Performance Graph of PEOPLES FINANCIAL SERVICES CORP
Source: S& P Global Market Intelligence ©
Consolidated Selected Financial Data (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
Note: Average balances were calculated using average daily balances. Average balances for loans include nonaccrual loans. Tax-equivalent adjustments were calculated using the prevailing statutory tax rate of 21.0% for 2020, 2019, and 2018 and 35.0% for the years 2017
Management’s Discussion and Analysis (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) Management’s Discussion and Analysis appearing on the following pages should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and Management’s Discussion and Analysis Forward-Looking Discussion: In addition to the historical information contained in this document, the discussion presented may contain and, from time to time, may make, certain statements that constitute forward-looking statements. Words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates” and other similar expressions or future or conditional verbs such as You should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statement and should consider the uncertainties and risks discussed in the “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A of this Annual Report, among others, and in any of our subsequent Critical Accounting Policies: Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with For a discussion of the recent Accounting Standards Updates (“ASU”) issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) refer to Note 1 entitled “Summary of significant accounting policies — Recent accounting standards,” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report. An accounting estimate requires assumptions about uncertain matters that could have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements if a different amount within a range of estimates were used or if estimates changed from period to period. Readers of this report should understand that estimates are made considering facts and circumstances at a point in time, and changes in those facts and circumstances could produce results that differ from when those estimates were made. Significant estimates that are particularly susceptible to material change within the near term relate to the determination of allowance for loan losses, determination of other-than-temporary impairment of investment securities, fair value of financial instruments, the valuation of real estate acquired in connection with foreclosures or satisfaction of loans, the valuation of deferred tax assets,
We maintain the allowance for loan losses at a level we believe adequate to absorb probable credit losses related to individually evaluated loans, as well as probable incurred losses inherent in the remainder of the loan portfolio as of the balance sheet date. The balance in the allowance for loan losses account is based on past events and current economic conditions among other things. The allowance for loan losses account consists of an allocated element and an unallocated element. The allocated element consists of a specific portion for the impairment of loans individually evaluated and a formula portion for loss contingencies on those loans collectively evaluated. The unallocated element, if any, is used to cover inherent losses that exist as of the evaluation date, but which have not been identified as part of the allocated allowance using our impairment evaluation methodology due to limitations in the process. We monitor the adequacy of the allocated portion of the allowance quarterly and adjust the allowance as necessary through normal operations. This ongoing evaluation reduces potential differences between estimates and actual observed losses. The determination of the level of the allowance for loan losses is inherently subjective as it requires estimates that are susceptible to significant revision as more information becomes available. Accordingly, management cannot ensure that charge-offs in future periods will not exceed the allowance for loan losses or that additional increases in the allowance for loan losses will not be required, resulting in an adverse impact on operating results. In determining the requirement to record an other-than-temporary impairment on securities owned by us, four main characteristics are considered including: (i) the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than amortized cost; (ii) the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer; (iii) whether the market decline was affected by macroeconomic conditions and (iv) whether the Company has the intent to sell the debt security or more likely than not will be required to sell the debt security before its anticipated recovery. The assessment of whether an other-than-temporary impairment exists involves a high degree of subjectivity and judgment and is based on information available to us at a point in time. Fair values of financial instruments, in cases where quoted market prices are not available, are based on estimates using present value or other valuation techniques which are subject to change. Real estate acquired in connection with foreclosures or in satisfaction of loans is adjusted to fair value based upon current estimates derived through independent appraisals less cost to sell. However, proceeds realized from sales may ultimately be higher or lower than those estimates. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated future tax effects of temporary differences by applying enacted statutory tax rates to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax bases of existing assets and liabilities. The amount of deferred tax assets is reduced, if necessary, to the amount that, based on available evidence, will more likely than not be realized. As changes in tax laws or rates are enacted, deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted through the provision for income taxes.
Goodwill is evaluated at least annually for impairment or more frequently if conditions indicate potential impairment exist. Any impairment losses arising from such testing are reported in the income statement in the current period as a separate line item within operations. For a further discussion of our critical accounting policies, refer to Note 1 entitled, “Summary of significant accounting policies,” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements to this Annual Report. Note 1 lists the significant accounting policies used by us in the development and presentation of the consolidated financial statements. This discussion and analysis, the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements and other financial statement disclosures identify and address key variables and other qualitative and quantitative factors that are necessary for the understanding and evaluation of our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
Operating Environment: On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared a coronavirus, identified as COVID-19, a global pandemic. In the United States, the rapid spread of the COVID-19 virus invoked various federal, state and local authorities to make emergency declarations and issue executive orders to limit the spread of the disease. Measures included restrictions on travel, limitations on public gatherings, implementation of social distancing protocols, school closings, orders to shelter in place and mandates to close all non-essential businesses to the public. Concerns about the spread of the disease and its anticipated negative impact on economic activity severely disrupted domestic financial markets prompting the Federal Reserve System’s FOMC to aggressively cut the target federal funds rate to a range of 0% to 0.25%, including a 50 basis point reduction in the target federal funds rate on March 3, 2020 and an additional 100 basis point reduction on March 15, 2020. In addition, the Federal Reserve rolled out various market support programs to ease the stress on financial markets which continue to be in place. The The employment situation deteriorated in
future periods. On a national level, as with our regional and local economies, employment conditions -35- National, Pennsylvania, New York and our market area’s non-seasonally-adjusted annual unemployment rates in
With respect to the banking industry, net income for all
Review of Financial Position: Peoples Financial Services Corp., a bank holding company incorporated under the laws of Pennsylvania, provides a full range of financial services through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Peoples Security Bank and Trust Company (“Peoples Bank”), collectively, the “Company” or “Peoples”. Peoples Bank is a state-chartered bank and trust company under the jurisdiction of the Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. Peoples Bank’s primary product is loans to small- and medium-sized businesses. Other lending products include one-to-four family residential mortgages and consumer loans. Peoples Bank primarily funds its loans by offering The Company faces competition primarily from commercial banks, thrift institutions and credit unions within its Pennsylvania and New York market, many of which are substantially larger in terms of assets and capital. In addition, mutual funds and security brokers compete for various types of deposits, and consumer, mortgage, leasing and insurance companies compete for various types of loans and leases. Principal methods of competing for banking and permitted nonbanking services include price, nature of product, quality of service and convenience of location. -36- The Company and Peoples Bank are subject to regulations of certain federal and state regulatory agencies, including the Federal Reserve, the FDIC, and Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities, and undergo periodic examinations by such agencies. Total assets, loans and deposits were $2.9 billion, $2.2 billion The loan portfolio consisted of Stockholders’ equity equaled Nonperforming assets equaled
Investment Portfolio: Primarily, our investment portfolio provides a source of liquidity needed to meet expected loan demand and generates a reasonable return in order to increase our profitability. Additionally, we utilize the investment portfolio to meet pledging requirements and reduce income taxes. At December 31, Our investment portfolio is subject to various risk elements that may negatively impact our liquidity and profitability. The greatest risk element affecting our portfolio is market risk or interest rate risk (“IRR”). Understanding IRR, along with other inherent risks and their potential effects, is essential in effectively managing the investment portfolio. Market risk or IRR relates to the inverse relationship between bond prices and market yields. It is defined as the risk that increases in general market interest rates will result in market value depreciation. A marked reduction in the value of the investment portfolio could subject us to liquidity strains and reduced earnings if we are unable or unwilling to sell these investments at a loss. Moreover, the inability to liquidate these assets could require us to seek alternative funding, which may further reduce profitability and expose us to greater risk in the future. In addition, since the majority of our investment portfolio is designated as available-for-sale and carried at estimated fair value, with net unrealized gains and losses reported as a separate component of stockholders’ equity, market value depreciation could negatively impact our capital position. During -37- Specifically, the parts of the yield curve most closely related to our investments include the 2-year and 10-year U.S. Treasury
The carrying values of the major classifications of investment securities and their respective percentages of total investment securities for the past three years are summarized as follows: Distribution of investment securities(Dollars in thousands)
Investment securities Repayments of investment securities totaled -38- the second half of 2020 with proceeds totaling $38.3 million and gains recognized of $651 thousand due to favorable market rates. Sales of $9.7 million of low-yielding municipal securities during The composition of our investment portfolio changed during There were no other-than-temporary impairments (“OTTI”) recognized for the years ended December 31, Investment securities averaged At December 31,
The maturity distribution based on the carrying value and weighted-average, tax-equivalent yield of the investment portfolio at December 31, -39- Maturity distribution of investment securities(Dollars in thousands)
Loan Portfolio: Economic factors and how they affect loan demand are of extreme importance to us and the overall banking industry, as lending is a primary business activity. Loans are the most significant component of earning assets and they generate the greatest amount of revenue for us. Similar to the investment portfolio, there are risks inherent in the loan portfolio that must be understood and considered in managing the lending function. These risks include IRR, credit concentrations and fluctuations in demand. Changes in economic conditions and interest rates affect these risks which influence loan demand, the composition of the loan portfolio and profitability of the lending function. The composition of the loan portfolio at year-end for the past five years is summarized as follows: Distribution of loan portfolio(Dollars in thousands)
From a lending perspective, organic loan growth, with the exception of PPP loans, slowed during 2020 as we focused on managing our existing portfolio during the pandemic. We participated in the CARES Act, Paycheck Protection Program, a $350 billion specialized low-interest loan program funded by the U.S. Treasury Department and administered by the U.S. Small Business Administration. The PPP provides borrower guarantees for lenders, as well as loan forgiveness incentives for borrowers that utilize the loan proceeds to cover employee compensation related business operating costs. During 2020, we had approved 1,450 PPP loans totaling $217.5 million. Substantially all of the loans were made to existing customers, funded under the two year PPP loan program. PPP loan forgiveness commenced during the fourth quarter of 2020 with $27.8 million being received. We expect the majority of the remaining $189.7 million to be forgiven during 2021. In addition, the Company is participating in the 2021 second round of PPP lending and has
-40-
received approval by the SBA on 605 applications totaling $80.7 million. These loans closed during January and February. Overall, total loans increased
Residential mortgage loans decreased $24.0 million during 2020 as low market rates due to the FOMC’s actions to cut rates in response to the adverse economic impact of the pandemic, were an incentive for borrowers to refinance their current mortgages. We sold the majority of our residential mortgage originations into the secondary market instead of holding the mortgages in portfolio to mitigate interest rate risk. Consumer loans declined $19.2 million during 2020 primarily from the run-off in our indirect automobile portfolio due to pricing changes. Loans averaged The tax-equivalent yield on our loan portfolio decreased -41- The maturity distribution and sensitivity information of the loan portfolio by major classification at December 31, Maturity distribution and interest sensitivity of loan portfolio(Dollars in thousands)
As previously mentioned, there are numerous risks inherent in the loan portfolio. We manage the portfolio by employing sound credit policies and utilizing various modeling techniques in order to limit the effects of such risks. In addition, we utilize private mortgage insurance (“PMI”) and guaranteed Small Business Administration and Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh (“FHLB-Pgh”) loan programs to mitigate credit risk in the loan portfolio. In an attempt to limit
Additionally, our secondary market mortgage banking program provides us with an additional source of liquidity and a means to limit our exposure to IRR. Through this program, we are able to competitively price conforming one-to-four family residential mortgage loans without taking on IRR which would result from retaining these long-term, low fixed-rate loans on our books. The loans originated are subsequently sold in the secondary market, with the sales price locked in at the time of commitment, thereby greatly reducing our exposure to IRR. Loan concentrations are considered to exist when the total amount of loans to any one borrower, or a multiple number of borrowers engaged in similar business activities or having similar characteristics, exceeds 25.0 percent of capital outstanding in any one category. We provide deposit and loan products and other financial services to individual and corporate customers in our current market area. There are no significant concentrations of credit risk from any individual counterparty or groups of counterparties, except for geographic Off- Balance Sheet Arrangements: In addition to the risks inherent in our loan portfolio, in the normal course of business, we are also a party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk to meet the financing needs of our customers. These instruments include legally binding commitments to extend credit, unused portions of lines of credit and commercial letters of credit, and may involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit risk and IRR in excess of the amount recognized in the consolidated financial statements. -42- Credit risk is the principal risk associated with these instruments. Our involvement and exposure to credit loss in the event that the instruments are fully drawn upon and the customer defaults is represented by the contractual amounts of these instruments. In order to control credit risk associated with entering into commitments and issuing letters of credit, we employ the same credit quality and collateral policies in making commitments that we use in other lending activities. We evaluate each customer’s creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis, and if deemed necessary, obtain collateral. The amount and nature of the collateral obtained is based on our credit evaluation. The contractual amounts of off-balance sheet commitments at year-end for the past three years are summarized as follows: Distribution of off-balance sheet commitments(Dollars in thousands)
We record a valuation allowance for off-balance sheet credit losses, if deemed necessary, separately as a liability. The valuation allowance amounted to Contractual Obligations and Commitments: In the ordinary course of operations, we enter into various financial obligations, including contractual obligations that may require future cash payments. As a financial services provider, we routinely enter into commitments to extend credit, including loan commitments, standby and commercial letters of credit. Such commitments are subject to the same credit policies and approval process accorded to loans made by the Bank. See Note 5 of the consolidated financial statements for additional information. The following table summarizes our contractual obligations and other commitments to make future payments as of December 31,
presented at contractual amounts; however, since many of these commitments are expected to expire unused or only -43- partially used based upon our historical experience, the total amounts of these commitments do not necessarily reflect future cash requirements.
Asset Quality: We are committed to developing and maintaining sound, quality assets through our credit risk management policies and procedures. Credit risk is the risk to earnings or capital which arises from a borrower’s failure to meet the terms of their loan obligations. We manage credit risk by diversifying the loan portfolio and applying policies and procedures designed to foster sound lending practices. These policies include certain standards that assist lenders in making judgments regarding the character, capacity, cash flow, capital structure and collateral of the borrower. With regard to managing our exposure to credit risk in light of general devaluations in real estate values, we have established maximum loan-to-value ratios for commercial mortgage loans not to exceed 80.0 percent of the appraised value. With regard to residential mortgages, customers with loan-to-value ratios in excess of 80.0 percent are generally required to obtain Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI). PMI is used to protect us from loss in the event loan-to-value ratios exceed 80.0 percent and the customer defaults on the loan. Appraisals are performed by an independent appraiser engaged by us, not the customer, who is either state certified or state licensed depending upon collateral type and loan amount. With respect to lending procedures, lenders and our credit underwriters must determine the borrower’s ability to repay their loans based on prevailing and expected market conditions prior to requesting approval for the loan. The Credit risk is also managed by monthly internal reviews of individual credit relationships in our loan portfolio by credit administration and the asset quality committee. These reviews aid us in identifying deteriorating financial conditions of borrowers and allows us the opportunity to assist customers in remedying these situations. Nonperforming assets consist of nonperforming loans and foreclosed assets. Nonperforming loans include nonaccrual loans, troubled debt restructured loans and accruing loans past due 90 days or more. For a discussion of our policy regarding nonperforming assets and the recognition of interest income on impaired loans, refer to the notes entitled,
-44- Information concerning nonperforming assets for the past five years is summarized as follows. The table includes credits classified for regulatory purposes and all material credits that cause us to have serious doubts as to the borrower’s ability to comply with present loan repayment terms. Distribution of nonperforming assets(Dollars in thousands)
We maintain the allowance for loan losses at a level we believe adequate to absorb probable credit losses related to individually evaluated loans, as well as probable incurred losses inherent in the remainder of the loan portfolio as of the balance sheet date. The balance in the allowance for loan losses account is based on past events and current economic conditions. We employ the FFIEC Interagency Policy Statement, as amended, and GAAP in assessing the adequacy of the allowance account. Under GAAP, the adequacy of the allowance account is determined based on the provisions of FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 310 for loans specifically identified to be individually evaluated for -45- impairment and the requirements of FASB ASC 450, for large groups of smaller-balance homogeneous loans to be collectively evaluated for impairment.
We follow our systematic methodology in accordance with procedural discipline by applying it in the same manner regardless of whether the allowance is being determined at a high point or a low point in the economic cycle. Each quarter, our credit administration department identifies those loans to be individually evaluated for impairment and those to be collectively evaluated for impairment utilizing a standard criteria. We consistently use loss experience from the latest twelve quarters in determining the historical loss factor for each pool collectively evaluated for impairment. Qualitative factors are evaluated in the same manner each quarter and are adjusted within a relevant range of values based on current conditions to assure directional consistency of the allowance for loan loss account. Regulators, in reviewing the loan portfolio as part of the scope of a regulatory examination, may require us to increase our allowance for loan losses or take other actions that would require increases to our allowance for loan losses. For a further discussion of our accounting policies for determining the amount of the allowance and a description of the systematic analysis and procedural discipline applied, refer to the note entitled, “Summary of significant accounting policies — Allowance for loan losses,” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements to this Annual Report. A reconciliation of the allowance for loan losses Reconciliation of allowance for loan losses(Dollars in thousands)
The allowance for loan losses increased -46- been subsequently paid off in January 2021, a charge-off of $0.6 million to a specific commercial credit during the first quarter and $0.9 million related to a group of small business lines of credit in our Greater Delaware Valley market. Commercial loan recoveries increased $0.5 million and included $0.2 million related to the group of small business lines of credit in the Greater Delaware Valley market and $0.2 million on a separate credit. We charged-off $3.3 million of commercial loans in 2019 substantially all of which were in the fourth quarter. Included in this amount was $2.3 million related to certain small business lines of credit in our Greater Delaware Valley market and $1.0 million of other commercial loan relationships. The allowance for loan losses, as a percentage of loans, net of unearned income, was Past due loans not satisfied through repossession, foreclosure or related actions are evaluated individually to determine if all or part of the outstanding balance should be charged against the allowance for loan losses account. Any subsequent recoveries are credited to the allowance account. Net loans charged-off decreased
Allocation of the allowance for loan losses(Dollars in thousands) The allocation of the allowance for loan losses for the past five years is summarized as follows:
The
The coverage ratio, the allowance for loan losses, -47- Deposits: Our deposit base is the primary source of funds to support our operations. We offer a variety of deposit products to meet the needs of our individual and commercial customers. Total deposits grew
With regard to interest-bearing deposits, interest-bearing transaction accounts, which include money market accounts and NOW accounts, and savings accounts, increased The average amount of, and the rate paid on, the major classifications of deposits for the past three years are summarized as follows: Deposit distribution(Dollars in thousands)
Total deposits averaged Our cost of interest-bearing deposits -48- 2019 to March 2020, first in response to economic slowdown and most recently due to the Volatile deposits, time deposits $100 or more, averaged
Maturities of time deposits $100 thousand or more, which entirely consist of certificates of deposits, for the past three years are summarized as follows: Maturity distribution of time deposits $100 thousand or more(Dollars in thousands)
In addition to deposit gathering, we have Subordinated Debt: On June 1, 2020, the Company sold $33,000 aggregate principal amount of Subordinated Notes due 2030 (the “2020 Notes”) to accredited investors. The 2020 Notes are intended to be treated as Tier 2 capital for regulatory capital purposes. The 2020 Notes bear interest at a rate of 5.375% per year for the first five years and then float based on a benchmark rate (as defined), provided that the interest rate applicable to the outstanding principal balance during the period the 2020 Notes are floating will at no time be less the 4.75%. Interest will be payable semi-annually in arrears on June 1 and December 1 of each year, beginning on June 1, 2020, for the first five years after issuance and will be payable quarterly in arrears thereafter on March 1, June 1, September 1, and December 1. The 2020 Notes will mature on June 1, 2030 and are redeemable in whole or in part, without premium or penalty, at any time on or after June 1, 2025 and prior to June 1, 2030. Additionally, if all or any portion of the 2020 Notes cease to be deemed Tier 2 Capital, the Company may redeem, in whole and not in part, at any time upon giving not less than ten days’ notice, an amount equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the principal amount outstanding plus accrued but unpaid interest to but excluding the date fixed for redemption. Holders of the 2020 Notes may not accelerate the maturity of the 2020 Notes, except upon the bankruptcy, insolvency, liquidation, receivership or similar proceeding by or against the Company. Market Risk Sensitivity: Market risk is the risk to our earnings and/or financial position resulting from adverse changes in market rates or prices, such as interest rates, foreign exchange rates or equity prices. Our exposure to market risk is primarily IRR associated with our lending, investing and deposit gathering activities. During the normal course of business, we are not exposed to -49- foreign exchange risk or commodity price risk. Our exposure to IRR can be explained as the potential for change in our reported earnings and/or the market value of our net worth. Variations in interest rates affect the underlying economic value of our assets, liabilities and off-balance sheet items. These changes arise because the present value of future cash flows, and often the cash flows themselves, change with interest rates. The effects of the changes in these present values reflect the change in our underlying economic value, and provide a basis for the expected change in future earnings related to interest rates. Interest rate changes affect earnings by changing net interest income and the level of other interest-sensitive income and operating expenses. IRR is inherent in the role of banks as financial intermediaries. However, a bank with a high degree of IRR may experience lower earnings, impaired liquidity and capital positions, and most likely, a greater risk of insolvency. Therefore, banks must carefully evaluate IRR to promote safety and soundness in their activities. The FOMC, The Asset/Liability Committee (“ALCO”), comprised of members of our
market interest rate trends, as well as competitive pressures, and utilizes several computerized modeling techniques to reveal potential exposure to IRR. This allows us to monitor and attempt to control the influence these factors may have on our rate sensitive assets (“RSA”), rate sensitive liabilities (“RSL”) and overall operating results and financial position. With respect to evaluating our exposure to IRR on earnings, we utilize a gap analysis model that considers repricing frequencies of RSA and RSL. Gap analysis attempts to measure our interest rate exposure by calculating the net amount of RSA and RSL that reprice within specific time intervals. A positive gap occurs when the amount of RSA repricing in a specific period is greater than the amount of RSL repricing within that same time frame and is indicated by a RSA/RSL ratio greater than 1.0. A negative gap occurs when the amount of RSL repricing is greater than the amount of RSA and is indicated by a RSA/RSL ratio less than 1.0. A positive gap implies that earnings will be impacted favorably if interest rates rise and adversely if interest rates fall during the period. A negative gap tends to indicate that earnings will be affected inversely to interest rate changes. Our interest rate sensitivity gap position, illustrating RSA and RSL at their related carrying values, is summarized as follows. The distributions in the table are based on a combination of maturities, call provisions, repricing frequencies and prepayment patterns. Adjustable-rate assets and liabilities are distributed based on the repricing frequency of the instrument. Mortgage instruments are distributed in accordance with estimated cash flows, assuming there is no change in the current interest rate environment. -50- Interest rate sensitivity(Dollars in thousands)
At December 31,
statements are qualified in the aforementioned section entitled “Forward-Looking Discussion” in this Management’s Discussion and Analysis. The change in our cumulative one-year ratio from the previous year-end resulted from a
-51- With respect to the $30.6 million increase in RSL maturing or repricing within a twelve month time horizon, non-maturity deposits increased $181.0 million due to customers seeking liquid accounts and saving at a higher percentage due to the economic uncertainty of the pandemic. The growth in deposits resulted in lower short-term borrowings of $102.1 million. Time deposits $100 thousand or more also declined when comparing year end 2020 to 2019 as a number of large accounts matured and customers sought more liquid alternatives. Static gap analysis, although a credible measuring tool, does not fully illustrate the impact of interest rate changes on future earnings. First, market rate changes normally do not equally or simultaneously affect all categories of assets and liabilities. Second, assets and liabilities that can contractually reprice within the same period may not do so at the same time or to the same magnitude. Third, the interest rate sensitivity table presents a one-day position and variations occur daily as we adjust our rate sensitivity throughout the year. Finally, assumptions must be made in constructing such a table. For example, the conservative nature of our Asset/Liability Management Policy assigns personal NOW accounts to the “Due after three months but within twelve months” repricing interval. In reality, these accounts may reprice less frequently and in different magnitudes than changes in general market interest rate levels. We utilize a simulation model to address the failure of the static gap model to address the dynamic changes in the balance sheet composition or prevailing interest rates and to enhance our asset/liability management. This model creates pro forma net interest income scenarios under various interest rate shocks. Given instantaneous and parallel shifts in general market rates of plus 100 basis points, our projected net interest income for the 12 months ending December 31, We will continue to monitor our IRR position in Financial institutions are affected differently by inflation than commercial and industrial companies that have significant investments in fixed assets and inventories. Most of our assets are monetary in nature and change correspondingly with variations in the inflation rate. It is difficult to precisely measure the impact inflation has on us, however, we believe that our exposure to inflation can be mitigated through our asset/liability management program. Liquidity: Liquidity management is essential to our continuing operations as it gives us the ability to meet our financial obligations as they come due, as well as to take advantage of new business opportunities as they arise. Our financial obligations include, but are not limited to, the following:
Our liquidity position is impacted by several factors which include, among others, loan origination volumes, loan and investment maturity structure and cash flows, demand for core deposits and certificate of deposit maturity structure and retention. We manage these liquidity risks daily, thus enabling us to -52- Historically, core deposits have been our primary source of liquidity because of their stability and lower cost, in general, than other types of funding. Providing additional sources of funds are loan and investment payments and prepayments and the ability to sell both available-for-sale securities and mortgage loans held for sale. As a final source of liquidity, we have available borrowing arrangements with various financial intermediaries, including the FHLB-Pgh. At December 31, We maintain a
We have increased our borrowing capacity at the Federal Reserve by establishing a Based on our liquidity position at December 31, We employ a number of analytical techniques in assessing the adequacy of our liquidity position. One such technique is the use of ratio analysis to illustrate our reliance on noncore funds to fund our investments and loans maturing after
potentially volatile liabilities as -53- a percentage of total assets, The Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows present the change in cash and cash equivalents from operating, investing and financing activities. Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on hand, cash items in the process of collection, noninterest-bearing and interest-bearing deposits with other banks and federal funds sold. Cash and cash equivalents Operating activities provided net cash of Net cash provided by financing activities equaled Our primary investing activities involve transactions related to our investment and loan portfolios. Net cash used in investing activities totaled We anticipate Capital Adequacy: We believe a strong capital position is essential to our continued growth and profitability. We strive to maintain a relatively high level of capital to provide our depositors and stockholders with a margin of safety. In addition, a strong capital base allows us to take advantage of profitable opportunities, support future growth and provide protection against any unforeseen losses. Our ALCO -54- Based on the recent regulatory emphasis placed on banks to assure capital adequacy, our
(ii) evaluates our capital adequacy exposure through a comprehensive risk assessment; (iii) incorporates periodic stress testing in accordance with the Federal Reserve Board’s Supervisory Capital Assessment Program (“SCAP”); (iv) establishes event triggers and action plans to ensure capital adequacy; and (v) identifies realistic and readily available alternative sources for augmenting capital if higher capital levels are required. Bank regulatory agencies consider capital to be a significant factor in ensuring the safety of a depositor’s accounts. These agencies have adopted minimum capital adequacy requirements that include mandatory and discretionary supervisory actions for noncompliance. Our and Peoples Bank’s risk-based capital ratios are strong and have consistently exceeded the minimum regulatory capital ratios required for adequately capitalized institutions. Our ratio of Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets and off-balance sheet items was 12.2 percent and 11.9 percent at December 31,
Stockholders’ equity was We declared dividends of
Review of Financial Performance: Net income -55- (“ROAE”) were Tax-equivalent net interest income, a non-GAAP measure, was Non-GAAP Financial Measures (Dollars in thousands) The following are non-GAAP financial measures which provide useful insight to the reader of the consolidated financial statements but should be supplemental to GAAP used to prepare Peoples’ financial statements and should not be read in isolation or relied upon as a substitute for GAAP measures. In addition, Peoples’ non-GAAP measures may not be comparable to non-GAAP measures of other companies. The tax rate used to calculate the fully-taxable equivalent (FTE) adjustment was 21% for 2020, 2019, and 2018. The following table reconciles the non-GAAP financial measures of FTE net interest income for the years ended 2020, 2019 and 2018:
The efficiency ratio is noninterest expenses, less amortization of intangible assets, as a percentage of FTE net interest income plus noninterest income less gains on equity securities and gains on sale of assets. The following table reconciles the non-GAAP financial measures of the efficiency ratio to GAAP for the years ended 2020, 2019, and 2018:
-56- Net Interest Income: Net interest income is the fundamental source of earnings for commercial banks. Moreover, fluctuations in the level of net interest income can have the greatest impact on net profits. Net interest income is defined as the difference between interest revenue, interest and fees earned on interest-earning assets, and interest expense, the cost of interest-bearing liabilities supporting those assets. The primary sources of earning assets are loans and investment securities, while interest-bearing deposits and borrowings comprise interest-bearing liabilities. Net interest income is impacted by:
Changes in net interest income are measured by the net interest spread and net interest margin. Net interest spread, the difference between the average yield earned on earning assets and the average rate incurred on interest-bearing liabilities, illustrates the effects changing interest rates have on profitability. Net interest margin, net interest income as a percentage of average earning assets, is a more comprehensive ratio, as it reflects not only the spread, but also the change in the composition of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities. Tax-exempt loans and investments carry pretax yields lower than their taxable counterparts. Therefore, in order to make the Similar to all banks, we consider the maintenance of an adequate net interest margin to be of primary concern. The current economic environment has been very challenging for the banking We analyze interest income and interest expense by segregating rate and volume components of earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities. The impact changes in the interest rates earned and paid on assets and liabilities, along with changes in the volumes of earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, have on net interest income are summarized as follows. The net change or mix component, attributable to the combined impact of rate and volume changes within earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities’ categories, has been allocated proportionately to the change due to rate and the change due to volume.
Net interest income changes due to rate and volume(Dollars in thousands)
Average earning assets increased Average interest-bearing liabilities An unfavorable rate variance occurred, as the tax-equivalent yield on earning assets decreased -58- decreasing 11 basis points to
liabilities. Specifically, the cost of money market and NOW accounts The average balances of assets and liabilities, corresponding interest income and expense and resulting average yields or rates paid are summarized as follows. Averages for earning assets include nonaccrual loans. Investment averages include available-for-sale securities at amortized cost. Income on investment securities and loans is adjusted to a tax-equivalent basis, a non-GAAP measure, using the prevailing federal statutory tax rate of 21.0 percent in 2020, 2019 and 2018.
Summary of net interest income(Dollars in thousands)
Note: Average balances were calculated using average daily balances. Interest income on loans includes fees of
Provision for Loan Losses: We evaluate the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses account on a quarterly basis utilizing our systematic analysis in accordance with procedural discipline. We take into consideration certain factors such as composition of the loan portfolio, volume of nonperforming loans, volumes of net charge-offs, prevailing economic conditions and other relevant factors when determining the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses account. We make monthly provisions to the allowance for loan losses account in order to maintain the allowance at an appropriate level. The provision for loan losses equaled -61- December 31,
Noninterest Income: Our noninterest income increased Noninterest Expense: In general, our noninterest expense is categorized into three main groups, including employee-related expense, occupancy and equipment expense and other expenses. Employee-related expenses are costs associated with providing salaries, including payroll taxes and benefits to our employees. Occupancy and equipment expenses, the costs related to the maintenance of facilities and equipment, include depreciation, general maintenance and repairs, real estate taxes, rental expense offset by any rental income and utility costs. Other expenses include general operating expenses such as marketing, other taxes, stationery and supplies, contractual services, insurance, including FDIC assessment and loan collection costs. Several of these costs and expenses are variable while the remainder is fixed. We utilize budgets and other related strategies in an effort to control the variable expenses. -62- The major components of noninterest expense for the past three years are summarized as follows:
Noninterest expense
Salaries and employee benefits expense constitute the majority of our noninterest expenses accounting for Occupancy and equipment expense increased Other expenses, which consist of merchant transaction expense, FDIC insurance and assessments, professional fees and outside services, other taxes, stationary and supplies, advertising, amortization of intangible assets and all other expenses were -63- Income Taxes: Our income tax expense was The effective tax rate in
Management’s Discussion and Analysis (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) Operating Environment: The United States economy
On a national level, employment conditions improved in National, Pennsylvania, New York and our market area’s non-seasonally-adjusted annual unemployment rates in
Employment conditions With respect to the banking industry, net income for all
2018. Net interest income increased for the -65- 2018. Total noninterest expense
Review of Financial Position: Total assets, loans and deposits were The loan portfolio consisted of Stockholders’ equity equaled Nonperforming assets equaled Investment Portfolio: Primarily, our investment portfolio provides a source of liquidity needed to meet expected loan demand and generates a reasonable return in order to increase our profitability. Additionally, we utilize the investment portfolio to meet pledging requirements and reduce income taxes. At December 31, Investment securities Repayments of investment securities totaled
Investment securities averaged -66- Loan Portfolio:
Loans averaged Asset Quality:
We maintain the allowance for loan losses at a level we believe adequate to absorb probable credit losses related to individually evaluated loans, as well as probable incurred losses inherent in the remainder of the loan portfolio as of the balance sheet date. The balance in the allowance for loan losses account is based on past events and current economic conditions. We employ the FFIEC Interagency Policy Statement, as amended, and GAAP in assessing the adequacy of the allowance account. Under GAAP, the adequacy of the allowance account is determined based on the provisions of FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 310 for loans specifically identified to be individually evaluated for impairment and the requirements of FASB ASC 450, for large groups of smaller-balance homogeneous loans to be collectively evaluated for impairment. The allowance for loan losses increased -67- Past due loans not satisfied through repossession, foreclosure or related actions are evaluated individually to determine if all or part of the outstanding balance should be charged against the allowance for loan losses account. Any subsequent recoveries are credited to the allowance account. Net loans charged-off increased
2018. The allocated element of the allowance for loan losses account increased There was no unallocated element of the total allowance for loan losses at December 31, The coverage ratio, the allowance for loan losses account, as a percentage of nonperforming loans, is an industry ratio used to test the ability of the allowance account to absorb potential losses arising from nonperforming loans. The coverage ratio was Deposits: Our deposit base is the primary source of funds to support our operations. We offer a variety of deposit products to meet the needs of our individual and commercial customers. Total deposits grew With regard to interest-bearing deposits, interest-bearing transaction accounts, which include money market accounts and NOW accounts, and savings accounts, increased Total deposits averaged -68- grew Our cost of interest-bearing deposits increased
overall deposit costs. Volatile deposits, time deposits $100 or more, averaged Market Risk Sensitivity: With respect to evaluating our exposure to IRR on earnings, we utilize a gap analysis model that considers repricing frequencies of RSA and RSL. Gap analysis attempts to measure our interest rate exposure by calculating the net amount of RSA and RSL that reprice within specific time intervals. A positive gap occurs when the amount of RSA repricing in a specific period is greater than the amount of RSL repricing within that same time frame and is indicated by a RSA/RSL ratio greater than 1.0. A negative gap occurs when the amount of RSL repricing is greater than the amount of RSA and is indicated by a RSA/RSL ratio less than 1.0. A positive gap implies that earnings will be impacted favorably if interest rates rise and adversely if interest rates fall during the period. A negative gap tends to indicate that earnings will be affected inversely to interest rate changes. At December 31, The change in our cumulative one-year ratio from the With respect to the increase in RSA maturing or repricing within a twelve month time horizon, loans, net increased -69- Liquidity: We employ a number of analytical techniques in assessing the adequacy of our liquidity position. One such technique is the use of ratio analysis to illustrate our reliance on noncore funds to fund our investments and loans maturing after
4.1 percent at December 31, The Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows present the change in cash and cash equivalents from operating, investing and financing activities. Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on hand, cash items in the process of collection, noninterest-bearing and interest-bearing deposits with other banks and federal funds sold. Cash and cash equivalents Operating activities provided net cash of Net cash provided by financing activities equaled Our primary investing activities involve transactions related to our investment and loan portfolios. Net cash used in investing activities totaled Capital Adequacy: Bank regulatory agencies consider capital to be a significant factor in ensuring the safety of a depositor’s accounts. These agencies have adopted minimum capital adequacy requirements that include mandatory and discretionary supervisory actions for noncompliance. Our and Peoples Bank’s risk-based capital ratios are strong and have consistently exceeded the minimum regulatory capital ratios required for adequately capitalized institutions. Our ratio of Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets and off-balance sheet items was -70- December 31, Stockholders’ equity was Review of Financial Performance: Net income was $25.7 million or $3.48 per share in 2019 and $24.9 million or $3.37 per share in 2018. The increase in earnings in 2019 is the result of higher net interest income of $4.2 million due to growth of our earning assets and higher noninterest income of $1.5 million which were partially offset by an increase of $1.9 million in
Tax-equivalent net interest income, a non-GAAP measure, was Net Interest Income:
Average earning assets increased Average interest-bearing liabilities rose An unfavorable rate variance occurred, as -71- in 2018 resulting in
Provision for Loan Losses: We evaluate the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses account on a quarterly basis utilizing our systematic analysis in accordance with procedural discipline. We take into consideration certain factors such as composition of the loan portfolio, volume of nonperforming loans, volumes of net charge-offs, prevailing economic conditions and other relevant factors when determining the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses account. We make monthly provisions to the allowance for loan losses account in order to maintain the allowance at an appropriate level. The provision for loan losses equaled Noninterest Income: Our noninterest income increased Noninterest Expense: Noninterest expense was Salaries and employee benefits expense constitute the majority of our noninterest expenses accounting for -72- to Occupancy and equipment expense increased Other expenses, which consist of merchant transaction expense, FDIC insurance and assessments, professional fees and outside services, other taxes, stationary and supplies, advertising, amortization of intangible assets and all other expenses were
Income Taxes: Our income tax expense was The effective tax rate in
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Market risk is the risk to our earnings and/or financial position resulting from adverse changes in market rates or prices, such as interest rates, foreign exchange rates or equity prices. Our exposure to market risk is primarily interest rate risk A bank with a high degree of IRR may experience lower earnings, impaired liquidity and capital positions, and most likely, a greater risk of insolvency. Therefore, banks must carefully evaluate IRR to promote safety and soundness in their activities.
The Company utilizes the pricing and structure of loans and deposits, the size and duration of the investment securities portfolio, the size and duration of the wholesale funding portfolio, and off-balance sheet interest rate contracts to manage interest rate risk. The off-balance sheet interest rate contracts may include interest rate swaps, caps and floors. These interest rate contracts involve, to varying degrees, credit risk and interest rate risk. Credit risk is the possibility that a loss may occur if a counterparty to a transaction fails to perform according to terms of the contract. The notional amount of the interest rate contracts is the amount upon which interest and other payments are based. The notional amount is not exchanged, and therefore, should not be taken as a measure of credit risk. See Note 15 to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information. The ALCO uses income simulation to measure interest rate risk inherent in the The ALCO reviews simulation results to determine whether the Company’s exposure to a decline in net interest income remains within established tolerance levels over the simulation horizons and to develop appropriate strategies to manage this exposure. As of December -74- Model results at December 31, 2020 indicated a lower starting level of net interest income (“NII”) compared to the December 31, 2019 model as the balance sheet spread contracted 46 basis points due primarily to lower asset yields resulting from the action of the FOMC The ALCO regularly reviews a With rates having fallen materially in 2020, the down 100 basis point In response to the economic disruption and uncertainty brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, the FOMC The projected impact of instantaneous changes in interest rates on our net interest income and economic value of equity at December 31,
Our simulation model creates pro forma net interest income scenarios under various interest rate shocks. Given instantaneous and parallel shifts in general market rates of plus 100 basis points, our projected net interest income for the 12 months ending December 31, The Company has certain loans and derivative instruments whose interest rate is indexed to the London Inter Bank Offered Rate (LIBOR). The United Kingdom’s Financial Conduct Authority, which is responsible for regulating LIBOR, has announced that the publication of one week and two month U.S. dollar (USD) LIBOR settings is not guaranteed beyond December 31, 2021 and the remaining USD LIBOR settings beyond June 30, 2023. At this time, no consensus exists as to what reference rate or rates or benchmarks may become acceptable alternatives to LIBOR, although the Alternative Reference Rates Committee (a group of private-market participants convened by the Federal Reserve Board and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York) has identified the Secured Overnight Financing Rate, or SOFR, as the recommend alternative to LIBOR. The Company has material contracts that are indexed to USD-LIBOR. Industry organizations are currently working on the transition plan. The Company is currently monitoring this activity and evaluating the risks involved.
Item REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM To the Stockholders and Board of Directors of Opinions on the Financial Statements and Internal Control over Financial Reporting We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, Basis for The Company’s management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's consolidated financial statements and an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our We conducted our
Our -76- Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting 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 consolidated financial statements. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. Critical Audit Matters The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate. Allowance for Loan Losses – General Component Qualitative Factors As discussed in Notes 1 and 4 to the consolidated financial statements, the allowance for loan losses is established through a provision for loan losses and represents an amount, which, in management’s judgment, will be adequate to absorb losses in the loan portfolio. The Company’s allowance for loan losses was $27.3 million at December 31, 2020 and consists of specific and general components of $1.2 million and $26.1 million, respectively. Management develops the general component based on historical loan loss experience adjusted for qualitative factors not reflected in the historical loss experience. Historical loss ratios are measured on a rolling twelve-quarter basis for all loans. The qualitative factors used by the Company include factors such as national and local economic conditions, levels of and trends in classified loans, delinquency rates and nonaccrual loans, trends in volumes and terms of loans, changes in lending policies, lending personnel, and collateral, as well as concentrations in loan types, industry, and geography. The adjustments for qualitative factors require a significant amount of judgment by management and involve a high degree of estimation uncertainty. We identified the qualitative factor component of the allowance for loan losses as a critical audit matter as auditing the underlying qualitative factors required significant auditor judgment as amounts determined by management rely on analysis that is highly subjective and includes significant estimation uncertainty. Our audit procedures related to the qualitative factor component of the allowance for loan losses included the following, among others:
-77-
Goodwill Impairment Evaluation The Company has recorded goodwill of $63.4 million. As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, goodwill is not amortized but is tested for impairment at least annually. Impairment exists when the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. Due to volatility in its stock price and economic conditions resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company engaged a third-party valuation specialist to perform a quantitative test of goodwill impairment at June 30, 2020 using a discounted cash flow analysis (income approach) and estimates of selected market information (market approach). Each approach was weighted 50%. The determination of the fair value of the Company requires management to make significant estimates and assumptions including, among other things, the selection of appropriate discount rates, the identification of relevant market comparables and the development of cash flow projections. At December 31, 2020, its annual impairment testing date, the Company performed a qualitative review to determine if changes since June 30, 2020 resulted in a conclusion that it was more likely than not that fair value was less than carrying value. The Company concluded fair value continued to be in excess of carrying value at December 31, 2020. We identified the goodwill impairment assessment as a critical audit matter due to the degree of auditor judgment in performing procedures over the key assumptions noted above. Our audit procedures performed to address this critical matter included the following, among others:
/s/ Baker Tilly US, LLP We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2017.
Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania March 16, 2021
Peoples Financial Services Corp.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Dollars in thousands, except share data)
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
Peoples Financial Services Corp. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
See notes to consolidated financial statements
Peoples Financial Services Corp. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
See notes to consolidated financial statements
Peoples Financial Services Corp. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
Peoples Financial Services Corp. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
See notes to consolidated financial statements
Peoples Financial Services Corp. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) 1. Summary of significant accounting policies: Nature of operations: Peoples Financial Services Corp., a bank holding company incorporated under the laws of Pennsylvania, provides a full range of financial services through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Peoples Security Bank and Trust Company (“Peoples Bank”), collectively, the “Company” or “Peoples”. Peoples Bank is a state-chartered bank and trust company under the jurisdiction of the Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. Peoples Bank’s primary product is loans to The Company faces competition primarily from commercial banks, thrift institutions and credit unions within its market, many of which are
Basis of presentation:
The consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in
The Company has evaluated events and transactions occurring subsequent to the balance sheet date of December 31, Estimates: The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Significant estimates that are particularly susceptible to material change in the near term relate to the determination of the allowance for loan losses, fair value of financial instruments, the valuation of real estate acquired in connection with foreclosures or in satisfaction of loans, the valuation of deferred tax assets, the valuation of derivative instruments, determination of other-than-temporary impairment losses on securities and impairment of goodwill. Actual results could differ from those estimates. -84- Investment securities:
Management evaluates each investment security to determine if a decline in fair value below its amortized cost is an other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) at least quarterly, and more frequently when economic or market concerns warrant an evaluation. Factors considered in determining whether an other-than-temporary impairment was incurred include: (i) the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than amortized cost; (ii) the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer; (iii) whether a decline in fair value is attributable to adverse conditions specifically related to the security or specific conditions in an industry or geographic area; (iv) the credit-worthiness of the issuer of the security; (v) whether dividend or interest payments have been reduced or have not been made; (vi) an adverse change in the remaining expected cash flows from the security such that the Company will not recover the amortized cost of the security; (vii) whether management intends to sell the security; and (viii) if it is more likely than not that management will be required to sell the security before recovery. If a decline is judged to be other-than-temporary, the individual security is written-down to fair value with the credit related component of the write-down included in earnings and the non-credit related component included in other comprehensive income or loss. The assessment of whether an other-than-temporary impairment exists involves a high degree of subjectivity and judgment and is based on information available to management at a point in time.
Transfers of financial assets are accounted for as sales, when control over the assets has been surrendered. Control over transferred assets is deemed to be surrendered when (1) the assets have been isolated from the Company, (2) the transferee obtains the right (free of conditions that constrain it from taking advantage of that right) to pledge or exchange the transferred assets, and (3) the Company does not maintain effective control over the transferred assets through an agreement to repurchase them before their maturity. Loans held for sale: Loans held for sale consist of one-to-four family residential mortgages originated and intended for sale in the secondary market. The loans are carried in aggregate at the lower of cost or estimated market value, based upon current delivery prices in the secondary mortgage market. Net unrealized losses are recognized through a valuation allowance by corresponding charges to income. Gains or losses on the sale of these loans are recognized in noninterest income at the time of sale using the specific identification method. Loan origination fees, net of certain direct loan origination costs, are included in net gains or losses upon the sale of the related mortgage loan. -85- Loans, net: Loans that management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity or payoff are stated at their outstanding unpaid principal balances, net of deferred fees or costs. Interest income is accrued on the principal amount outstanding. Loan origination fees, net of certain direct origination costs, are deferred and recognized over the contractual life of the related loan as an adjustment to yield using the effective interest method. Premiums and discounts on purchased loans are amortized as adjustments to interest income using the effective interest method. Delinquency fees are recognized in income at the time when they are paid by customer. Transfers of financial assets, which include loan participation sales, are accounted for as sales, when control over the assets has been surrendered. Control over transferred assets is deemed to be surrendered when: (i) the assets have been isolated from the Company; (ii) the transferee obtains the right, free of conditions that constrain it from taking advantage of that right, to pledge or exchange the transferred assets and (iii) the Company does not maintain effective control over the transferred assets through an agreement to repurchase them before their maturity. The loan portfolio is segmented into commercial and retail loans. Commercial loans consist of commercial, commercial real estate, municipal and other related tax free loans. Retail loans consist of residential real estate and other consumer loans. The Company makes commercial loans for real estate development and other business purposes required by the customer base. The Company’s credit policies establish advance rates against the different forms of collateral that can be pledged against various commercial loans. Typically, the majority of loans will be underwritten to a percentage of their underlying collateral values such as real estate values, equipment, eligible accounts receivable and inventory. Individual loan advance rates may be higher or lower depending upon the financial strength of the borrower and/or term of the loan. Generally, assets financed through commercial loans are used for the operations of the business. Repayment for these types of loans generally comes from the cash flow of the business or the ongoing conversion of assets. Commercial real estate loans include construction, mini-perm, or longer term loans financing commercial properties. Repayment of these loans are generally dependent upon either the ongoing business cash flow from an owner occupied property or the lease/rental income or sale of a non-owner occupied property. Commercial real estate loans typically require a loan to value of not greater than 80% and vary in terms. Commercial and commercial real estate loans generally have higher credit risk compared to residential mortgage loans and consumer loans, as they typically involve larger loan balances concentrated with single borrowers or groups of borrowers. In addition, the payment expectations on loans secured by income-producing properties typically depend on the successful operations of the related business and thus may be subject to a greater extent to adverse conditions in the real estate market and in the general economy. Loans secured by commercial real estate generally have larger balances and involve a greater degree of risk than one-to-four family residential mortgage loans. Of primary concern in commercial real estate lending is the borrower’s and any guarantor’s creditworthiness and the feasibility and cash flow potential of the financed project. Additional considerations include: location, market and geographic concentration risks, loan to value, strength of guarantors and quality of tenants. Payments on loans secured by income properties often depend on successful operation and management of the properties. As a result, repayment of such loans may be subject to a higher level of risk than residential real estate loans, which could be caused by unfavorable conditions in the real estate market or the economy. To effectively monitor loans on income properties, the Company requires borrowers and loan guarantors, if any, to provide annual financial statements on commercial real estate loans and rent rolls where applicable. In reaching a decision on whether to make a
commercial real estate loan, the Company considers and reviews a cash flow analysis of the borrower and guarantor, when applicable. In addition, the Company evaluates business cash flows, if applicable, net operating income of the property, the borrower’s expertise, credit history and the value of the underlying property. The Company has generally required that the properties securing these real estate loans have debt service coverage ratios, which is net cash flow before debt service to debt service, of at least 1.2 times. An environmental report is obtained when the possibility exists that hazardous materials may have existed on the site, or the site may have been impacted by adjoining properties that handled hazardous materials. -86- Commercial loans are generally made on the basis of a business entity or individual borrower’s ability to make repayment from business cash flows or individual borrowers’ employment and other income. Commercial business loans tend to have a slightly higher risk than commercial real estate loans because collateral usually consists of business assets versus real estate. Further, any collateral securing such loans may depreciate over time and could be difficult to appraise and liquidate. As a result, repayment of commercial business loans may depend substantially on the success of the business itself. Residential mortgages, including home equity loans, are secured by the borrower’s residential real estate in either a first or second lien position. Residential mortgages have varying loan rates depending on the financial condition of the borrower, loan to value ratio and term. Residential mortgages may have amortizations up to 30 years. Consumer loans include installment loans, car loans, and overdraft lines of credit. These loans are both secured and unsecured. Consumer loans may entail greater risk than do residential mortgage loans, particularly in the case of consumer loans that are unsecured. Repossessed collateral for a defaulted consumer loan may not provide an adequate source of repayment for the outstanding loan and a small remaining deficiency often does not warrant further substantial collection efforts against the borrower. Consumer loan collections depend on the borrower’s continuing financial stability, and therefore are likely to be adversely affected by various factors, including job loss, divorce, illness or personal bankruptcy. Furthermore, the application of various federal and state laws, including federal and state insolvency laws, may limit the amount that can be recovered on such loans. Off-balance sheet financial instruments: In the ordinary course of business, the Company has entered into off-balance sheet financial instruments consisting of commitments to extend credit, unused portions of lines of credit and standby letters of credit. These financial instruments are recorded in the consolidated financial statements when they are funded. Fees on commercial letters of credit and on unused available lines of credit are recorded as interest and fees on loans and are included in interest income when paid. The Company records an allowance for off-balance sheet credit losses, if deemed necessary, separately as a liability. Nonperforming assets: Nonperforming assets consist of nonperforming loans and other real estate owned. Nonperforming loans include nonaccrual loans, troubled debt restructured loans and accruing loans past due 90 days or more. Past due status is based on contractual terms of the loan. Generally, a loan is classified as nonaccrual when it is determined that the collection of all or a portion of interest or principal is doubtful or when a default of interest or principal has existed for 90 days or more, unless the loan is well secured and in the process of collection. When a loan is placed on nonaccrual, interest accruals discontinue and uncollected accrued interest is reversed against income in the current period. Interest collections after a loan has been placed on nonaccrual status are credited to a suspense account until either the loan is returned to performing status or charged-off. The interest accumulated in the suspense account is credited to income over the remaining life of the loan using the effective yield method if the nonaccrual loan is returned to performing status. However, if the nonaccrual loan is charged-off, the accumulated interest is applied as a reduction to principal at the time the loan is charged-off. A nonaccrual loan is returned to performing status when the loan is current as to principal and interest and has performed according to the contractual terms for a minimum of six months.
Troubled debt restructured loans are loans with original terms, interest rate, or both, that have been modified as a result of a deterioration in the borrower’s financial condition and a concession has been granted that the Company would not otherwise consider. Unless on nonaccrual, interest income on these loans is recognized when earned, using the interest method. The Company offers a variety of modifications to borrowers that would be considered concessions. The modification categories offered can generally fall within the following categories:
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The Company segments loans into risk categories based on relevant information about the ability of borrowers to service their debt such as current financial information, historical payment experience, credit documentation, public information, and current economic trends, among other factors. Loans are individually analyzed for credit risk by classifying them within the Company’s internal risk rating system. The Company’s risk rating classifications are defined as follows:
Other real estate owned is comprised of properties acquired through foreclosure proceedings or in-substance foreclosures. A loan is classified as in-substance foreclosure when the Company has taken possession of the collateral regardless of whether formal foreclosure proceedings take place. Other real estate owned is included in other assets and recorded at fair value less cost to sell at the time of acquisition, establishing a new cost basis. Any excess of the loan balance over the recorded value is charged to the allowance for loan losses. Subsequent declines in the recorded values
of the properties prior to their disposal and costs to maintain the assets are included in other expenses. Any gain or loss realized upon disposal of other real estate owned is included in noninterest expense. 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. The allowance for loan losses account is maintained through a provision for loan losses charged to earnings. Loans, or portions of loans, determined to be confirmed losses are charged against the allowance account and subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the account. A loss is considered confirmed when information available at the financial statement date indicates the loan, or a portion thereof, is uncollectible. Nonaccrual, troubled debt restructured and loans deemed impaired at the time of acquisition are reviewed monthly to determine if carrying value reductions are warranted -88- or if these classifications should be changed. Consumer loans are considered losses and charged-off when they are 120 days past due. Management evaluates the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses account quarterly. This assessment is based on past charge-off experience, known and inherent risks in the portfolio, adverse situations that may affect the borrower’s ability to repay, the estimated value of 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. Regulators, in reviewing the loan portfolio as part of the scope of a regulatory examination, may require the Company to increase its allowance for loan losses or take other actions that would require the Company to increase its allowance for loan losses. The allowance for loan losses is maintained at a level believed to be adequate to absorb probable credit losses related to specifically identified loans, as well as probable incurred losses inherent in the remainder of the loan portfolio as of the balance sheet date. The allowance for loan losses consists of an allocated element and an unallocated element. The allocated element consists of a specific allowance for impaired loans individually evaluated A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. All amounts due according to the contractual terms means that both the contractual interest and principal payments of a loan will be collected as scheduled in the loan agreement. Factors considered by management in determining impairment include payment status, ability to pay 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 the shortfall in relation to the principal and interest owed. The Company recognizes interest income on impaired loans, including the recording of cash receipts, for nonaccrual, restructured loans or accruing loans depending on the status of the impaired loan. Loans considered impaired The formula portion of the allowance for loan losses relates to large pools of smaller-balance homogeneous loans and those identified loans considered not individually impaired having similar characteristics as these loan pools. Loss contingencies for each of the major loan pools are determined by applying a total loss factor to the current balance outstanding for each individual pool. The total loss factor is comprised of a historical loss factor using a loss migration method plus qualitative factors, which adjusts the historical loss factor for changes in trends, conditions and other relevant factors that may affect repayment of the loans in these pools as of the evaluation date. Loss migration involves determining the percentage of each pool that is expected to ultimately result in loss based on historical loss experience.
-89- reflect improving, stable or declining conditions based on management’s best judgment using relevant information available at the time of the evaluation. Adjustments to the factors are supported through documentation of changes in conditions in a narrative accompanying the allowance for loan loss calculation.
Management believes the level of the allowance for loan losses was adequate to absorb probable credit losses inherent in the loan portfolio as of December 31, Revenue from Contracts with Customers: The Company records revenue from contracts with customers in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification Topic 606, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” (“Topic 606”). Under Topic 606, the Company must identify the contract with a customer, identify the performance obligations in the contract, determine the transaction price, allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract, and recognize revenue when (or as) the Company satisfies a performance obligation. Significant revenue has not been recognized in the current reporting period that results from performance obligations satisfied in previous periods. The Company’s primary sources of revenue are derived from interest and dividends earned on loans, investment securities, and other financial instruments that are not within the scope of Topic 606. The Company has evaluated the nature of its contracts with customers and determined that further disaggregation of revenue from contracts with customers into more granular categories beyond what is presented in the consolidated statements of income was not necessary. The Company generally fully satisfies its performance obligations on its contracts with customers as services are rendered and the transaction prices are typically fixed; charged either on a periodic basis or based on activity. The following is a discussion of revenues within the scope of the guidance:
Premises and equipment, net: Land is stated at cost. Premises, equipment and leasehold improvements are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. The cost of routine maintenance and repairs is expensed as incurred. The cost of major replacements, renewals and betterments is capitalized. When assets are retired or otherwise disposed of, the cost and related accumulated depreciation and amortization are eliminated and any resulting gain or loss is reflected in noninterest -90- income. Depreciation and amortization are computed principally using the straight-line method based on the following estimated useful lives of the related assets, or in the case of leasehold improvements, to the expected terms of the leases, if shorter:
Goodwill and other intangible assets, net: The Company accounts for its acquisitions using the purchase accounting method. Purchase accounting requires the total purchase price to be allocated to the estimated fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed, including certain intangible assets that must be recognized. Typically, this allocation results in the purchase price exceeding the fair value of net assets acquired, which is recorded as goodwill. Core deposit intangibles are a measure of the value of checking, money market and savings deposits acquired in business combinations accounted for under the purchase method. Core
deposit intangibles and other identified intangibles with finite useful lives are amortized using the sum of the year’s digits over their estimated useful lives of up to ten years.
Goodwill and other intangible assets are tested for impairment annually or when circumstances arise indicating impairment may have occurred. In making this assessment that impairment has occurred, management considers a number of factors including, but not limited to, operating results, business plans, economic projections, anticipated future cash flows, and current market data. There are inherent uncertainties related to these factors and management’s judgment in applying them to the analysis of impairment. Changes in economic and operating conditions, as well as other factors, could result in impairment in future periods. Any impairment losses arising from such testing would be reported in the Mortgage servicing rights: Mortgage servicing rights are recognized as a separate asset when acquired through sales of loan originations. The Company determines a mortgage servicing right by allocating the total costs incurred between the loan sold and the servicing right, based on their relative fair values at the date of the sale. Mortgage servicing rights are included in other assets and are amortized into noninterest income in proportion to, and over the period of, the estimated future net servicing income of the underlying mortgage loans. In addition, mortgage servicing rights are evaluated for impairment at each reporting date based on the fair value of those rights. For purposes of measuring impairment, the rights are stratified by loan type, term and interest rate. The amount of impairment recognized, through a valuation allowance, is the amount by which the mortgage servicing rights for a stratum exceed their fair value. Restricted equity securities: As a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh (“FHLB”), the Company is required to purchase and hold stock in the FHLB to satisfy membership and borrowing requirements. This stock is restricted in that it can only be redeemed by the FHLB or transferred to another member institution, and all redemptions of FHLB stock must be at par. As a result of these restrictions, FHLB stock is unlike other investment securities as there is no trading market for FHLB stock and the transfer price is determined by FHLB membership rules and not by market participants. The carrying value of restricted stock is included in other assets. Bank owned life insurance: The Company invests in bank owned life insurance (“BOLI”) as a source of funding for employee benefit expenses. BOLI involves the purchasing of life insurance
and beneficiary of the policies. This life insurance investment is carried at the cash surrender value of the underlying -91- necessary, with associated tax costs. However, the Company intends to hold these policies and, accordingly, the Company has not provided for income taxes on the earnings from the increase in cash surrender value. Pension and post-retirement benefit plans: The Company sponsors Statements of Cash Flows:
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities: The Company records all derivatives on the balance sheet at fair value. The accounting for changes in the fair value of derivatives depends on the intended use of the derivative, whether the Company has elected to designate a derivative in a hedging relationship and apply hedge accounting and whether the hedging relationship has satisfied the criteria necessary to apply hedge accounting. Derivatives designated and qualifying as a hedge of the exposure to changes in the fair value of an asset, liability, or firm commitment attributable to a particular risk, such as interest rate risk, are considered fair value hedges. Derivatives designated and qualifying as a hedge of the exposure to variability in expected future cash flows, or other types of forecasted transactions, are considered cash flow hedges. Derivatives may also be designated as hedges of the foreign currency exposure of a net investment in a foreign operation. Hedge accounting generally provides for the matching of the timing of gain or loss recognition on the hedging instrument with the recognition of the changes in the fair value of the hedged asset or liability that are attributable to the hedged risk in a fair value hedge or the earnings effect of the hedged forecasted transactions in a cash flow hedge. The Company may enter into derivative contracts that are intended to economically hedge certain of its risk, even though hedge accounting does not apply or the Company elects not to apply hedge accounting. The Company has elected to measure the credit risk of its derivative financial instruments that are subject to master netting agreements on a net basis by counterparty portfolio. Fair value of financial instruments: The Company uses fair value measurements to record fair value adjustments to certain assets and liabilities and to determine fair value disclosure under GAAP. Fair value estimates are calculated without attempting to estimate the value of anticipated future business and the value of certain assets and liabilities that are not considered financial. Accordingly, such assets and liabilities are excluded from disclosure requirements.
-92- Current fair value guidance provides a consistent definition of fair value, which focuses on exit price in an orderly transaction that is not a forced liquidation or distressed sale between participants at the measurement date under current market conditions. If there has been a significant decrease in the volume and level of activity for the asset or liability, a change in valuation technique or the use of multiple valuation techniques may be appropriate. In such instances, determining the price at which willing market participants would transact at the measurement date under current market conditions depends on the facts and circumstances and requires the use of significant judgment. The fair value is a reasonable point within the range that is most representative of fair value under current market conditions. In accordance with GAAP, the Company groups its assets and liabilities generally measured at fair value into three levels based on market information or other fair value estimates in which the assets and liabilities are traded or valued and the reliability of the assumptions used to determine fair value. These levels include:
The following methods and assumptions were used by the Company to construct the summary table in Note
Investment securities: The fair values of marketable equity securities are based on quoted market prices from active exchange markets. The fair values of debt securities are based on pricing from a matrix pricing model and quoted market prices.
Interest rate
Advertising: The Company follows the policy of charging marketing and advertising costs to expense as incurred. Advertising expense for the years ended December 31, Income taxes:
Deferred income taxes are provided on the balance sheet method whereby deferred tax assets are recognized for deductible temporary differences and deferred tax liabilities are recognized for taxable temporary differences. Temporary differences are the differences between the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and their tax basis. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for the effects of changes in tax laws and rates on the effective date. A tax position is recognized as a benefit only if it is more likely than not that the tax position would be sustained in a tax examination, with a tax examination being presumed to occur. The amount recognized is the largest amount of tax benefit that has a likelihood of being realized on examination of more than 50 percent. For tax positions not meeting the more likely than not threshold, no tax benefit is recorded. Under the -93- more likely than not threshold guidelines, the Company believes no significant uncertain tax positions exist, either individually or in the aggregate, that would give rise to the non-recognition of an existing tax benefit. The Company had
As applicable, the Company recognizes accrued interest and penalties assessed as a result of a taxing authority examination through income tax expense. The Company files consolidated income tax returns in the United States of America and various Other comprehensive income (loss): The components of other comprehensive income (loss) and their related tax effects are reported in the Earnings per share: Basic earnings per share represent income available to common stockholders divided by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share reflect additional common shares that would have been outstanding if dilutive potential common shares had been issued, as well as any adjustment to income that would result from the assumed issuance. Potential common shares that may be issued by the Company relate
Stock-based compensation: The Company recognizes all share-based payments to employees in the consolidated Recent accounting standards: In
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We are evaluating the
In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, “Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment,” - Intangibles In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-14, “Compensation - Retirement Benefits - Defined Benefit Plans - General (Subtopic 715-20)”, which provides changes to the disclosure requirements for defined benefit plans. The amended guidance modifies the disclosure requirements for employers that sponsor defined benefit pension or other postretirement plans. The amendments are a result of the disclosure framework project that focuses on improvements to the effectiveness of disclosures in the notes to financial statements. The amendments remove and add certain disclosure requirements. The disclosure requirements being removed relating to public companies are (1) the amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income expected to be recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost over the next fiscal year, (2) the amount and timing of plan assets expected to be returned to the employer, (3) the 2001 disclosure requirement relating to Japanese Welfare Pension Insurance Law, (4) related party disclosures about the amount of future annual benefits covered by insurance, and (5) the effects of a one-percentage-point change in assumed health care cost trends on the benefit cost and obligation. The disclosure requirements being added relating to public companies are (1) the weighted-average interest crediting rates for cash balance plans, and (2) an explanation of the reasons for significant gains and losses related to changes in the benefit obligation for the period. The Company adopted this guidance effective January 1, 2020. Adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact on its disclosures to the consolidated financial statements. In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes”, which aims to simplify the accounting for income taxes by removing certain exceptions to the general principles and also simplification of areas such as franchise taxes, step-up in tax basis goodwill, -95- and interim recognition of
In March The Company adopted the amendments in ASU 2020-04 as of the March 12, 2020 issuance date, on a prospective basis. The adoption did not have an immediate direct impact to the consolidated financial statements. As contracts are modified through December 2022, we will assess the impact based on this guidance. The Company does not expect there will be a material impact to the consolidated financial statements. In October 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-08, Codification Improvements to Subtopic 310-20, Receivables-Nonrefundable Fees and Other
2. Cash and due from banks:
3. Investment securities: The amortized cost and fair value of investment securities aggregated by investment category at December 31,
The Company had net unrealized -97- two mortgage-backed securities and received proceeds totaling $64,841. Gross gains of $923 and gross losses of $5 were At December 31, 2020, our equity security portfolio consisted of stock of 1 financial institution. During 2020, the Company sold its entire stock position in one other equity holding and received proceeds of $279 and recognized a gain of $29. At December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, we had $138 thousand and $423 thousand, respectively, in equity securities recorded at fair value. Prior to
The maturity distribution of the fair value, which is the net carrying amount, of the debt securities classified as available-for-sale at December 31,
Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. The maturity distribution of the amortized cost and fair value, of debt securities classified as held-to-maturity at December 31,
Securities with a carrying value of -98- Securities and short-term investment activities are conducted with a diverse group of government entities, corporations and state and local municipalities. The counterparty’s creditworthiness and type of collateral is evaluated on a case-by-case basis. At December 31,
The fair value and gross unrealized losses of investment securities with unrealized losses for which an OTTI has not been recognized at December 31,
The Company had 2020. There was Other assets include the Company’s investment in Visa Class B stock. The Company’s ownership includes shares acquired at no cost related to the Company’s prior ownership in Visa's network while Visa operated as a cooperative. The Company holds 44,982 shares of Visa Class B stock which, following resolution of Visa litigation, will be converted to Visa Class A shares (the conversion rate as of December 31, 2020 is 1.6228 shares of Class A stock for each share of Class B stock) for a total of 72,997 shares of Visa Class A stock.
There is a very limited market for this stock, as only current owners of Class B shares are permitted to transact in Class B. Due to the lack of orderly trades and public information of such trades, Visa Class B stock has no readily determinable fair value and is carried at cost. 4. Loans, net and allowance for loan losses: The major classifications of loans outstanding, net of deferred loan origination fees and costs at December 31,
Loans outstanding to directors, executive officers, principal stockholders or to their affiliates totaled 2019. Deposits from related parties At December 31,
The changes in the allowance for loan losses account by major classification of loan for the year ended December 31,
The allowance for loan losses increased $4.6 million to $27.3 million at December 31, 2020, from $22.7 million at the end of 2019. The increase resulted from a provision for loan losses of $7.4 million less net loans charged-off of $2.7 million. Changes made during the first six months of 2020 to the qualitative factors, which related to economic decline resulting from the adverse impact of the COVID-19 crisis, was the primary reason for the higher provision. Commercial loan charge-offs were $2.8 million and included a $1.1 million partial write down of a specific credit relationship, which has been subsequently paid off in January 2021 and $0.9 million related to a group of small business lines of credit in our Greater Delaware Valley market. Commercial loan recoveries increased $0.5 million and included $0.2 million related to the group of small business lines of credit in the Greater Delaware Valley market and $0.2 million on a separate credit. We charged-off $3.3 million of commercial loans in 2019 substantially all of which were in the fourth quarter. Included in this amount was $2.3 million related to certain small business lines of credit in our Greater Delaware Valley market and $1.0 million of other commercial loan relationships. In March 2020, we identified certain issues with a group of small business lines of credit, all of which had been originated by one of our lenders. All of these lines of credit were subject to credit review at origination and were considered satisfactory at such time. As a number of these lines of credit entered our annual renewal process, we identified changes in the credit quality of the borrowers which warranted action. We commenced a full review of this lender’s portfolio, as well as a review of other loans in our portfolio with similar characteristics. As a result of our review, we determined a number of the small business lines of credit originated by the particular lender to be impaired and collection doubtful at December 31, 2019. As such, we charged-off $2.3 million of these loans and established a specific reserve of $0.3 million on one other line of credit retrospectively to December 31, 2019. All remaining small business commercial lines of credit for this lender were downgraded to special mention. We believe that all of the other loans in our portfolio with similar characteristics that were subject to our review were properly reflected in our allowance methodology at December 31, 2020.
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The following tables present the major classification of loans summarized by the aggregate pass rating and the classified ratings of special mention, substandard and doubtful within the Company’s internal risk rating system at December 31,
The increase in commercial special mention loans from December 31, 2019 to December 31, 2020 is primarily associated with a credit relationship to a public entity totaling $13.0 million which is experiencing short-term cash flow issues. The increase in commercial real estate special mention loans is due to the reclassification of 4 large credits. NaN commercial real estate credits totaling $9.0 million were downgraded to special mention due to the loss of major tenants, while another credit totaling $4.5 million is related to the hospitality industry and is experiencing financial difficulties due to COVID-19. The decrease to commercial real estate substandard loans resulted in part from the payoff of a $5.1 million commercial real estate construction loan that had experienced significant construction delays.
Information concerning nonaccrual loans by major loan classification at December 31,
The major classification of loans by past due status at December 31,
The increase in the greater than 90 day category was due to a net increase in nonaccrual loans which are included in the category. NaN large commercial loans added to non-accrual were partially offset by a partial charge-off of a non-accrual commercial relationship. The 3 loans added all have been individually measured for impairment. NaN of the loans have specific reserves allocated, while the other credit was charged down to the SBA guaranteed amount.
The following tables summarize information concerning impaired loans as of and for the years ended December 31,
There were
Included in the commercial loan, commercial real estate and residential real estate categories are troubled debt restructurings that were classified as impaired. Trouble debt restructurings totaled There were
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There were The amount of residential loans in the formal process of foreclosure totaled The Company received a significant number of requests to modify loan terms and/or defer principal and/or interest payments from borrowers affected by COVID-19, and has agreed to many such deferrals. The federal banking regulators issued guidance and encouraged banks to work prudently with, and provide short-term payment accommodations to borrowers affected by COVID-19. Section 4013 of the CARES Act includes a provision for the Company to opt out of applying the troubled debt restructuring (“TDR”) guidance for certain loan modifications and specified that such modifications made on loans that were current as of December 31, 2019 do not need to be classified as TDRs. Peoples has applied this guidance. The payment modifications granted included principal only payments and principal and interest deferrals and generally ranged from 90 to 180 days. The modified loans were not considered past due unless the modified payment was delinquent. Similarly, FASB has confirmed that short-term modifications made on a good-faith basis in response to COVID-19 to loan customers who were current prior to any relief are not TDRs. Beginning in March 2020, the Company began receiving requests for temporary modifications to the repayment structure for borrower loans. During 2020, the Company made a total of 479 commercial loan and 512 consumer loan temporary modifications with principal balances totaling $330,119. At December 31, 2020, 18 commercial loans and 26 consumer loans remain on deferral with principal balances of $6,084. -107- The following tables provide information as of December 31, 2020 and the total during 2020 with respect to the Company’s payment deferrals granted in accordance with the CARES Act on commercial loans by North American Industry Classification System (“NAICS”) categories:
5. Off-balance sheet financial instruments: The Company is a party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its customers. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit, unused portions of lines of credit and standby letters of credit. Those instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit risk in excess of the amount recognized in the consolidated balance sheets. The Company’s exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to the financial instrument for commitments to extend credit, unused portions of lines of credit and standby letters of credit is represented by the contractual amounts of those instruments. The Company follows the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as it does for on-balance sheet instruments. The Company records a valuation allowance for
-108- The contractual amounts of off-balance sheet commitments at December 31,
Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Since many of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. The Company evaluates each customer’s credit worthiness on a case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral obtained, if deemed necessary by the Company upon extension of credit, is based on management’s credit evaluation. Collateral held varies but may include personal or commercial real estate, accounts receivable, inventory and equipment. Unused portions of lines of credit, including home equity and overdraft protection agreements, are commitments for possible future extensions of credit to existing customers. Unused portions of home equity lines are collateralized and generally have fixed expiration dates. Overdraft protection agreements are uncollateralized and usually do not carry specific maturity dates. Unused portions of lines of credit ultimately may not be drawn upon to the total extent to which the Company is committed. Standby letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by the Company to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. Generally, all standby letters of credit expire within twelve months. The credit risk involved in issuing standby letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending other loan commitments. The Company requires collateral supporting these standby letters of credit as deemed necessary. Collateral supporting standby letters of credit amounted to 6. Premises and equipment, net: Premises and equipment at December 31,
7. Operating lease commitments and The Company is obligated under non-cancelable operating leases for certain branch locations. We determine if an arrangement is a lease at inception by assessing whether a contract contains a right to control an identified asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration. For all leases, we recognize a right-of-use asset and lease liability at the effective date of the lease. Operating leases right-of-use assets are included other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet commencing at January 1, 2019. We have no
At December 31, 2020, right-of-use assets of $6,282 were included in premises and equipment, Future minimum
The gross carrying amount of core deposit intangible assets totaled $8,146 at December 31, The estimated amortization expense on intangible assets in years subsequent to December 31,
The major components of other assets at December 31,
The Company originates one-to-four family residential mortgage loans for sale in the secondary market with servicing rights retained. Mortgage loans serviced for others are not included in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. The unpaid principal balances of mortgage loans serviced for others were
The major components of interest-bearing and noninterest-bearing deposits at December 31,
The growth in deposits occurred in non-maturity deposits as demand for liquid accounts elevated due to low interest rates and economic uncertainty. Strong organic growth of core deposits from new and existing relationships, inflows of public fund deposits, and proceeds of PPP loans retained on deposit by our commercial borrowers, primarily in the second quarter, contributed to the increase. Time deposits $250 thousand or more decreased due to the maturity of a few large public fund certificates of deposit.
-111- The aggregate amounts of maturities for all time deposits at December 31,
The aggregate amount of deposits reclassified as loans was
Short-term borrowings consisted of FHLB advances representing overnight borrowings or borrowings with original terms of less than
The Company has an agreement with the FHLB which allows for borrowings up to its maximum borrowing capacity based on a percentage of qualifying collateral assets. At December 31, The Company also has unsecured line of credit agreements with two correspondent banks, where the total line amount was $18,000 at December 31, 2020 and 2019. There were 0 amounts outstanding on either line of credit at December 31, 2020 or 2019. Interest on these borrowings accrues daily based on the daily federal funds rate.
Long-term debt consisting of advances from the FHLB at December 31,
Maturities of long-term debt, by contractual maturity, in years subsequent to December 31,
None of the advances from the FHLB are convertible. At December 31, During 2020, the company participated in the Federal Reserve Banks PPPLF by pledging PPP loans as collateral. Borrowings from this facility are categorized as long-term based on 13. Subordinated debt: On June 1, 2020, the Company sold $33,000 aggregate principal amount of Subordinated Notes due 2030 (the “2020 Notes”) to accredited investors. The 2020 Notes qualify as Tier 2 capital for regulatory capital purposes. The 2020 Notes bear interest at a rate of 5.375% per year for the first five years and then float based on a benchmark rate (as defined), provided that the interest rate applicable to the outstanding principal balance during the period the 2020 Notes are floating will at no time be less the 4.75%. Interest will be payable semi-annually in arrears on June 1 and December 1 of each year, beginning on June 1, 2020, for the first five years after issuance and will be payable quarterly in arrears thereafter on March 1, June 1, September 1, and December 1. The 2020 Notes will mature on June 1, 2030 and are redeemable in whole or in part, without premium or penalty, at any time on or after June 1, 2025 and prior to June 1, 2030. Additionally, if all or any portion of the 2020 Notes cease to be deemed Tier 2 Capital, the Company may redeem, in whole and not in part, at any time upon giving not less than ten days’ notice, an amount equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the principal amount outstanding plus Holders of the 2020 Notes may not accelerate the maturity of the 2020 Notes, except upon the bankruptcy, insolvency, liquidation, receivership or similar proceeding by or against the Company.
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31,
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis at December 31,
The following table presents additional quantitative information about assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis and for which the Company has utilized Level 3 inputs to determine fair value:
Fair value is generally determined through independent appraisals of the underlying collateral, which generally include various Level 3 Appraisals may be adjusted by management for qualitative factors such as economic conditions and estimated liquidation expenses. The range and weighted average of liquidation expenses and other appraisal adjustments are presented as a percent of the appraisal.
The carrying and fair values of the Company’s financial instruments at December 31,
Risk Management Objective of Using Derivatives
The Company is exposed to certain
Cash Flow Hedges of Interest Rate Risk The Company’s objectives in using interest rate derivatives are to add stability to interest income/expense and to manage its exposure to interest rate movements. To accomplish this objective, the Company primarily uses interest rate swaps and floors as part of its interest rate risk management strategy. Interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges involve the receipt of variable amounts from a counterparty in -117- The Company executed an interest rate swap to reduce its exposure to variability in the interest rate associated with floating-rate borrowings. For derivatives designated and that qualify as cash flow hedges of interest rate risk, the gain or loss on the derivative is recorded in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income and subsequently reclassified into interest expense/income in the same period(s) during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. Amounts reported in accumulated other comprehensive income related to derivatives will be reclassified to interest expense/income as interest payments are made/received on the Company’s variable-rate debt/assets. During 2021 the Company estimates that an additional $50 will be reclassified as a decrease to interest income. Non-designated Hedges Derivatives not designated as hedges are not speculative and result from a service the Company provides to certain Fair Values of Derivative Instruments on the Balance Sheet The table below presents the fair value of the Company’s derivative financial instruments as well as their classification on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019.
-118- Effect of Fair Value and Cash Flow Hedge Accounting on Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) The table below presents the effect of fair value and cash flow hedge accounting on accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019.
* Amounts disclosed are gross and not net of taxes. Effect of Fair Value and Cash Flow Hedge Accounting on the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income The table below presents the effect of the Company’s derivative financial instruments on the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019.
-119- Effect of Derivative Instruments on the Consolidated Statements of Income The tables below present the effect of the Company’s other derivative financial instruments on the
Offsetting Derivatives The table below presents a gross presentation, the effects of offsetting, and a net presentation of the Company’s derivatives as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019. The net amounts of derivative assets or liabilities can be reconciled to the tabular disclosure of fair value. The tabular disclosure of fair value provides the location that derivative assets and liabilities are presented on the consolidated balance sheets.
Credit-risk-related Contingent Features The Company has agreements with certain of its derivative counterparties that contain a provision where if the Company defaults on any of its indebtedness, including default where repayment of the indebtedness has not been accelerated by the lender, then the Company could also be declared in default on its derivative obligations.
The Company also has agreements with certain of its derivative counterparties that contain a provision where if the Company fails to maintain its status as a well capitalized institution, then the counterparty could terminate the derivative positions and the Company would be required to settle its obligations under the agreements.
As of December 31,
The 2008 long-term incentive plan (“2008 Plan”) allowed for eligible participants to be granted equity awards.
In May 2017, the Company’s stockholders approved the 2017 equity incentive plan (“2017 Plan”). The 2017 Plan allows for eligible participants to be granted equity awards. Under the 2017 Plan the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors has the authority to, among other things:
Persons eligible to receive awards under the 2008 Plan and 2017 Plan include directors, officers, employees, consultants and other service providers of the Company and its subsidiaries.
As of December 31, The -121- were 1,875 shares forfeited under the provisions of the 2017 Plan. In 2019, 1,614 shares of non-performance-based restricted stock and 928 shares of performance-based shares granted under the 2017 Plan vested The non-performance restricted stock grants made in 2020, 2019, 2018 and 2017 vest equally over three years from the grant date. The activity related to
The Company expenses the fair value of all-share based compensation over the requisite service period commencing at grant date. The fair value of restricted stock is expensed on a straight-line basis.
The Company sponsors a separate Under the ESOP, amounts voted by the Company’s
Under the Retirement Profit Sharing Plan, amounts approved by the The Company contributed
The Company established a SERP Plan to replace certain 401(k) plan benefits lost due to compensation limits imposed on qualified plans by
The Company has SERPs for the benefit of certain Under the Employees’ Pension Plan, currently under curtailment, amounts computed on an actuarial basis were being paid by the Company into a trust fund. The plan provided for fixed benefits payable for life upon retirement at the age of 65, based on length of service and compensation levels as defined in the plan. As of June 22, 2008 Information related to the Employees’ Pension Plan is as follows:
The Society of Actuaries
2019. Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets are as follows:
-123- The accumulated benefit obligation for the defined benefit pension plan was Components of net periodic pension income and other amounts recognized in other comprehensive
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations and related expenses were as follows:
The expected long-term return on plan assets was determined using average historical returns of the Company’s plan assets.
The Company’s pension plan weighted-average asset allocations at December 31,
-124- Fair value measurement of pension plan assets at December 31,
The Company investment policies and strategies with respect to the pension plan include: (i) the Trust and Investment Division’s equity philosophy is
There is
2021. The following benefit payments are expected to be paid in the next five years and in the aggregate for the five years thereafter:
-125- 18. Income taxes: The current and deferred amounts of the provision for income taxes expense (benefit) for each of the years ended December 31,
The components of the net deferred tax asset at December 31,
Management believes that future taxable income will be sufficient to utilize deferred tax assets. Core earnings of the Company have remained strong and will continue to support the recognition of the deferred tax asset based on future growth projections.
A reconciliation between the amount of the effective income tax expense and the income tax expense that would have been provided at the federal statutory rate of
19. Parent Company financial statements: CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
-127- condensed Statements of Cash Flows
Dividends are paid by the Parent Company from its assets, which are mainly provided by dividends from Peoples Bank. Under the Pennsylvania Business Corporation Law of 1988, as amended, the Company may not pay a dividend if, after payment, either the Company could not pay its debts as they become due in the usual course of business, or the Company’s total assets would be less than its total liabilities. The determination of total assets and liabilities may be based upon: (i) financial statements prepared on the basis of GAAP; (ii) financial statements that are prepared on the basis of other accounting practices and principles that are reasonable under the circumstances; or (iii) a fair valuation or other method that is reasonable under the circumstances. In addition, the Federal Reserve Board has the power to prohibit dividends by bank holding companies if their actions constitute unsafe or unsound practices. The Federal Reserve Board has issued a policy statement on the payment of cash dividends by bank holding companies, which expresses the Federal Reserve Board’s view that a bank holding company should pay cash dividends only to the extent that the company’s net income for the past year is sufficient to cover both the cash dividends and a rate of earnings retention that is consistent with the company’s capital needs, asset quality and overall financial condition. The Federal Reserve Board also indicated that it would be inappropriate for a bank holding company experiencing serious financial problems to borrow funds to pay dividends. Under the prompt corrective action regulations, the Federal Reserve Board may prohibit a bank holding company from paying any dividends if the holding company’s bank subsidiary is classified as “undercapitalized.” In addition, under the Pennsylvania Banking Code of 1965, as amended, Peoples Bank may only declare and pay dividends out of accumulated net earnings, -128- years. Further, Peoples Bank may not declare or pay any dividend unless Peoples Bank’s surplus would not be reduced by the payment of the dividend below 100 percent of our capital stock. Pennsylvania law requires that each year Peoples Bank set aside as surplus, a sum equal to not less than 10 percent of its net earnings if surplus does not equal at least 100 percent of our capital stock. Under federal law and FDIC regulations, an insured bank may not pay dividends if
doing so would make it undercapitalized within the meaning of the prompt corrective action law or if in default of its deposit insurance fund assessment. Although subject to the aforementioned regulatory restrictions, the Company’s consolidated retained earnings at December 31, The Company has paid cash dividends since its formation as a bank holding company in 1986. It is the present intention of the Board of Directors to continue this dividend payment policy, however, further dividends must necessarily depend upon earnings, financial condition, appropriate legal restrictions and other factors relevant at the time the Board of Directors considers payment of dividends. The amount of funds available for transfer from Peoples Bank to the Company in the form of loans and other extensions of credit is also limited. Under Federal regulation, transfers to any one affiliate are limited to 10.0 percent of capital and surplus. At December 31, The Company and Peoples Bank are subject to certain regulatory capital requirements administered by the federal banking agencies, which are defined in Section 38 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991 (“FDICIA”). Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory and possibly additional discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the Company’s and Peoples Bank’s consolidated financial statements. In the event an institution is deemed to be undercapitalized by such standards, FDICIA prescribes an increasing amount of regulatory intervention, including the required institution of a capital restoration plan and restrictions on the growth of assets, branches or lines of business. Further restrictions are applied to the significantly or critically undercapitalized institutions including restrictions on interest payable on accounts, dismissal of management and appointment of a receiver. For well capitalized institutions, FDICIA provides authority for regulatory intervention when the institution is deemed to be engaging in unsafe and unsound practices or receives a less than satisfactory examination report rating. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Company and Peoples 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 classifications 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.
Peoples Bank met the capital requirement for the “well capitalized” category under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action at December 31,
The Company and Peoples Bank’s actual capital ratios at December 31,
Neither the Company nor any of its property is subject to any material legal proceedings. Management, after consultation with legal counsel, does not anticipate that the ultimate liability, if any, arising out of pending and threatened lawsuits will have a material effect on the operating results or financial position of the Company.
22. Accumulated Other Comprehensive The components of accumulated other comprehensive
Other comprehensive
None.
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Internal Controls At December 31, MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING We are responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Peoples Financial Services Corp. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, Our internal controls are designed to provide reasonable assurance that assets are safeguarded and transactions are initiated, executed, recorded and reported in accordance with our intentions and authorizations and to comply with applicable laws and regulations. The internal control system includes an organizational structure that provides appropriate delegation of authority and segregation of duties, established policies and procedures and comprehensive internal audit and loan review programs. To enhance the reliability of internal controls, we recruit and train highly qualified personnel and maintain sound risk management practices. The internal control system is maintained through a monitoring process that includes a program of internal audits. Under Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, we are required to assess the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting at the end of each fiscal year and report, based on that assessment, whether the Company’s internal control over financial reporting is effective. Our assessment includes controls over initiating, recording, processing and reconciling account balances, classes of transactions and disclosure and related assertions included in the financial statements. Our assessment also includes controls related to the initiation and processing of non-routine and non-systematic transactions, to the selection and application of appropriate accounting policies and to the prevention, identification and detection of fraud. There are inherent limitations in any internal control system, including the possibility of human error and the circumvention or overriding of controls. Accordingly, even effective internal controls can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation. Furthermore, due to changes in conditions, the effectiveness of internal controls may vary over time. Our internal auditor reviews, evaluates and makes recommendations on policies and procedures, which serves as an integral, but independent, component of our internal control.
Our financial reporting and internal controls are under the general oversight of our board of directors, acting through its audit committee. The audit committee is composed entirely of independent directors. The independent registered public -133- accounting firm and the internal auditor have direct and unrestricted access to the audit committee at all times. The audit committee meets periodically with us, the internal auditor and the independent registered public accounting firm to determine that each is fulfilling its responsibilities and to support actions to identify, measure and control risks and augment internal controls. Our management, including our CEO and Based on its assessment, management believes that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, Baker Tilly
March
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the fiscal quarter ended December 31,
None.
We incorporate the information required by this Item 10 by reference to the definitive proxy statement for our
We incorporate the information required by this Item 11 by reference to the definitive proxy statement for our
We incorporate the information required by this Item 12 by reference to the definitive proxy statement for our
We incorporate the information required by this Item 13 by reference to the definitive proxy statement for our
We incorporate the information required by this Item 14 by reference to the definitive proxy statement for our
All consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedules required to be filed by Form 10-K or by Regulation S-X that are applicable to us have been presented in the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto in Part II, Item 8, or elsewhere in this annual report, where appropriate. The listing of exhibits is set forth on the Exhibit Index beginning on page E-1 and is incorporated in this Item 15 by reference. We have elected to omit the optional summary of information included in this Form 10-K.
SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
POWER OF ATTORNEY KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints each of Craig W. Best and John R. Anderson III as his 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.
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