| SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES | 2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Principles of Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, the Bank and the Bank’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Seneca Savings Insurance Agency, Inc. dba Financial Quest (“Quest”). Quest offers financial planning and investment advisory services and sells various insurance and investment products through broker networks. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. The Company, as used in the consolidated financial statements, refers to the consolidated group. Comprehensive Income (Loss) Accounting principles generally require that recognized revenue, expenses, gains, and losses be included in earnings. Although certain changes in assets and liabilities, such as unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities and our defined benefit program, are reported as a separate component of the equity section of the consolidated statements of financial condition, such items, along with net income, are components of comprehensive income (loss). Use of Estimates The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“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 revenue and expense during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant changes in the near term relate to the determination of the allowance for loan losses, deferred tax assets, the assumptions used in the actuarial valuation and the estimation of fair values for accounting and disclosure purposes. The Company is subject to the regulations of various governmental agencies. The Company also undergoes periodic examinations by the regulatory agencies which may subject it to further changes with respect to asset valuations, amounts of required loss allowances, and operating restrictions resulting from the regulators’ judgements based on information available to them at the time of their examinations. Due to a change in New York State tax law, mortgage recording tax expenses is a refundable tax credit, at the election of the tax payer. Under New York law, a bank that paid special additional mortgage recording tax (“SAMRT”) on residential mortgages in most New York counties any year beginning on or before January 1, 2015, may elect to treat the unused portion of the SAMRT credit on those mortgages as overpayment of tax to be carried forward or refunded. Previously, any unused credit was only eligible to be carried forward to future years. The Bank made this election on July 1, 2018 and its impact is immaterial. Emerging Growth The Company, as an emerging growth company, has elected 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. Cash and Cash Equivalents For the purposes of the consolidated statements of cash flows, cash and cash equivalents include cash and amounts due from banks and interest-bearing deposits in the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York with original maturities of three months or less. Securities The Company classifies investment securities as available-for-sale. The Company does not hold any securities considered to be trading or held to maturity. Available-for-sale securities are reported at fair value, with net unrealized gains and losses reflected as a separate component of stockholders’ equity, net of the applicable income tax effect. Gains or losses on investment security transactions are based on the amortized cost of the specific securities sold. Premiums and discounts on securities are amortized and accreted into income using the interest method over the period to maturity or earliest call date. When the fair value of an available-for-sale security is less than its amortized cost basis, an assessment is made at the balance sheet date as to whether other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) is present. The Company considers numerous factors when determining whether potential OTTI exists and the period over which the debt security is expected to recover. The principal factors considered are (1) the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than amortized cost basis, (2) the financial condition of the issuer (and guarantor, if any) and adverse conditions specifically related to the security industry or geographic area, (3) failure of the issuer of the security to make scheduled interest or principal payments, (4) any changes to the rating of a security by a rating agency, and (5) the presence of credit enhancements, if any, including the guarantee of the federal government or any of its agencies. For debt securities, OTTI is considered to have occurred if (1) the Company intends to sell the security, (2) it is more likely than not the Company will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis, or (3) if the present value of expected cash flows is not sufficient to recover the entire amortized cost basis or carrying value. For debt securities, credit-related OTTI is recognized in earnings while noncredit-related OTTI on securities not expected to be sold is recognized in other comprehensive income (loss). Credit-related OTTI is measured as the difference between the present value of an impaired security’s expected cash flows and its amortized cost basis or carrying value. Noncredit-related OTTI is measured as the difference between the fair value of the security and its amortized cost, or carrying value, less any credit-related losses recognized. For securities classified as held-to-maturity, the amount of OTTI recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) is accreted to the credit-adjusted expected cash flow amounts of the securities over future periods. Investment securities are exposed to various risks such as interest rate, market, and credit risks. Due to the level of risk associated with certain investment securities, it is at least reasonably possible that changes in the values of investment securities will occur in the near term and that such changes could materially affect the amounts reported in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. Federal Home Loan Bank of New York Stock Federal law requires a member institution of the Federal Home Loan Bank System to hold stock of its district Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) according to a predetermined formula. This restricted stock is carried at cost. Management’s determination of whether this investment is impaired is based on their assessment of the ultimate recoverability of its cost rather than by recognizing temporary declines in value. The determination of whether a decline affects the ultimate recoverability of cost is influenced by criteria such as (1) the significance of the decline in net assets of the FHLB as compared to the capital stock amount for the FHLB and the length of time this situation has persisted, (2) commitments by the FHLB to make payments required by law or regulation and the level of such payments in relation to the operating performance of the FHLB, and (3) the impact of legislative and regulatory changes on institutions and, accordingly, on the customer base of the FHLB. Loans The Company grants mortgage, commercial and consumer loans to customers. A substantial portion of the loan portfolio is represented by residential mortgage loans in Onondaga County located in Upstate New York. The ability of the Company’s debtors to honor their contracts is dependent upon the real estate market and general economic conditions in these areas. Loans that management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity or pay-off are reported at their unpaid principal balances, less the allowance for loan losses and net deferred fees or costs on originated loans. Interest income is generally recognized when income is earned using the interest method. Loan origination and commitment fees, as well as certain direct origination costs, are deferred and amortized over the life of the loan using the interest method, resulting in a constant effective yield over the loan term. Deferred fees are recognized in income and deferred costs are charged to income immediately upon prepayment of the related loan. The loans receivable portfolio is segmented into mortgage loans on real estate, commercial and industrial loans, and consumer loans. The mortgage loans on real estate segment consists of the following classes of loans: one-to-four family first-lien residential mortgages, residential construction, home equity loans and lines of credit, and commercial loans. Consumer loans includes home equity lines of credit on real estate, loans with junior liens and other consumer loans. Mortgage loans on real estate: • One- to four-family first-lien residential • Home equity loans and lines of credit Home equity loans may have increased risk of loss if the Company does not hold the first mortgage resulting in the Company being in a secondary position in the event of collateral liquidation. The Company does not originate interest only home equity loans. • Commercial • Residential Construction Commercial and industrial loans Includes business installment loans, lines of credit, and other commercial loans. Most of the Company’s commercial loans have fixed interest rates and are for terms generally not in excess of 5 years. Whenever possible, the Company collateralizes these loans with a lien on business assets and equipment and require the personal guarantees from principals of the borrower. Commercial loans generally involve a higher degree of credit risk because the collateral underlying the loans may be in the form of intangible assets and/or inventory subject to market obsolescence. Commercial loans can also involve relatively large loan balances to a single borrower or groups of related borrowers, with the repayment of such loans typically dependent on the successful operation of the commercial business and the income stream of the borrower. Such risks can be significantly affected by economic conditions. Although commercial loans may be collateralized by equipment or other business assets, the liquidation of collateral in the event of a borrower default may be an insufficient source of repayment because the equipment or other business assets may be obsolete or of limited use, among other things. Accordingly, the repayment of a commercial loan depends primarily on the credit worthiness of the borrowers (and any guarantors), while liquidation of collateral is a secondary and often insufficient source of repayment. Consumer loans Consist of loans secured by collateral such as an automobile or a deposit account, unsecured loans, and lines of credit. Consumer loans tend to have a higher credit risk due to the loans being either unsecured or secured by rapidly depreciable assets. Furthermore, consumer loan payments are dependent on the borrower’s continuing financial stability, and therefore are more likely to be adversely affected by job loss, divorce, illness, or personal bankruptcy. Loans Held for Sale Mortgage loans originated and intended for sale in the secondary market are carried at the lower of cost or market in the aggregate. Net unrealized losses, if any, are recognized through a valuation allowance Allowance for Loan Losses The allowance for loan losses represents management’s estimate of losses inherent in the loan portfolio as of the date of the consolidated statement of financial condition and it is recorded as a reduction of loans. The allowance is increased by the provision for loan losses, and decreased by charge-offs, net of recoveries. Loans deemed to be uncollectible are charged against the allowance for loan losses, and subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance. All, or part, of the principal balance of loans receivable are charged off to the allowance as soon as it is determined that the repayment of all, or part, of the principal balance is highly unlikely. Non-residential consumer loans are generally charged off no later than 180 days past due on a contractual basis, unless productive collection efforts are providing results. Consumer loans may be charged off earlier in the event of bankruptcy, or if there is an amount that is deemed uncollectible. Because all identified losses are immediately charged off, no portion of the allowance for loan losses is restricted to any individual loan and the entire allowance is available to absorb all loan losses. The allowance for loan losses is maintained at a level considered adequate to provide for losses that can be reasonably anticipated. Management performs a quarterly evaluation of the adequacy of the allowance. The allowance is based on the Company’s past loan loss experience, known and inherent risks in the portfolio, adverse situations that may affect the borrower’s ability to repay, the estimated value of any underlying collateral, composition of the loan portfolio, current economic conditions, and other relevant factors. This evaluation is inherently subjective, as it requires material estimates that may be susceptible to significant revision as more information becomes available. The allowance consists of specific, general, and unallocated components. The specific component relates to loans that are classified as impaired. For loans that are classified impaired, an allowance is established when the discounted cash flows or collateral value of the impaired loan are lower than the carrying value of that loan. The general component covers pools of loans, by loan class, including commercial loans not considered impaired, as well as smaller balance homogenous loans, such as residential real estate, home equity and other consumer loans. These pools of loans are evaluated for loss exposure based on historical loss rates for each of these categories of loans, which are adjusted for qualitative factors. The qualitative factors include: • Lending policies and procedures, including underwriting standards and collection, charge-off and recovery practices • National, regional, and local economic and business conditions as well as the condition of various market segments, including the value of underlying collateral for collateral dependent loans • Nature and volume of the portfolio and terms of the loans • Experience, ability and depth of the lending management and staff • Volume and severity of past due, classified, and non-accrual loans, as well as other loan modifications • Quality of the Company’s loan review system and the degree of oversight by the Company’s Board of Directors Each factor is assigned a value to 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 analysis and calculation. An unallocated component is maintained to cover uncertainties that could affect management’s estimate of probable losses. The unallocated component of the allowance reflects the margin of imprecision inherent in the underlying assumptions used in the methodologies for estimating specific and general losses in the portfolio. A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect the scheduled payments of principal or interest when due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Factors considered by management in determining impairment include payment status, collateral value, and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due. Loans that experience insignificant payment delays and payment shortfalls generally are not classified as impaired. Management determines the significance of payment delays and shortfalls on a case-by case basis, taking into consideration all the circumstances surrounding the loan and the borrower, including the length and reason for the delay, the borrower’s prior payment record and the amount of shortfall in relation to what is owed. Impairment is measured by either the present value of the expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate or the fair value of the underlying collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. An allowance for loan loss is established for an impaired loan if it’s carrying value exceeds its estimated fair value. The estimated fair values of substantially all the Company’s impaired loans are measured based on the estimated fair value of the loan’s collateral. For loans secured by real estate, estimated fair values are determined primarily through third-party appraisals. When a real estate secured loan becomes impaired, a decision is made regarding whether an updated certified appraisal of the real estate is necessary. This decision is based on various considerations, including the age of the most recent appraisal, the loan-to-value ratio based on the original appraisal, and the condition of the property. Appraised values are discounted to arrive at the estimated selling price of the collateral, which is the estimated fair value. The discounts also include estimated costs to sell the property. For commercial and industrial loans secured by non-real estate collateral, such as accounts receivable, inventory and equipment, estimated fair values are determined based on the borrower’s financial statements, inventory reports, account receivable aging or equipment appraisals or invoices. Indications of value from these sources are generally discounted based on the age of the financial information or the quality of the assets. Large groups of homogeneous loans are collectively evaluated for impairment. Accordingly, the Company does not separately identify individual residential mortgage loans, home equity and other consumer loans for impairment disclosures, unless such loans are related to borrowers with impaired commercial loans or they are the subject to a troubled debt restructuring agreement. Loans whose terms are modified are classified as troubled debt restructurings if the Company grants such borrowers concessions and it is deemed that those borrowers are experiencing financial difficulty. Concessions granted under a troubled debt restructuring generally involve a temporary reduction in the interest rate or an extension of a loan’s stated maturity date. Loans classified as troubled debt restructurings are designated as impaired and evaluated as discussed above. The allowance estimation methodology includes further segregation of loan classes into risk rating categories. The borrower’s overall financial condition, repayment sources, guarantors, and value of the collateral, if appropriate, are evaluated annually for commercial loans or when credit deficiencies arise on all loans. Credit quality risk ratings include regulatory classifications of special mention, substandard, doubtful and loss. See Note 4 for a description of these regulatory classifications. In addition, Federal regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the Company’s allowance for loan losses and may require the Company to recognize additions to the allowance based on their judgments about information available to them at the time of their examination, which may not be currently available to management. Based on management’s comprehensive analysis of the loan portfolio, management believes the current level of the allowance for loan losses is adequate. Income Recognition on Impaired and Nonaccrual Loans For residential and commercial classes of loans receivable, the accrual of interest is discontinued when the contractual payment of principal or interest has become 90 days past due or management has serious doubts about further collectability of principal or interest, even though the loan may be currently performing. For other loan classes of loans receivable, the accrual of interest is discontinued when the contractual payment of principal or interest has become 90 days past due or management has serious doubts about further collectability of principal or interest, even though the loan may be currently performing. A loan may remain on accrual status if it is in the process of collection and is either guaranteed or well secured. When a loan is placed on non-accrual status, unpaid interest is reversed and charged to interest income. Interest received on non-accrual loans, including impaired loans, generally is either applied against principal or reported as interest income, according to management’s judgment as to the collectability of principal. Generally, loans are restored to accrual status when the obligation is brought current, has performed in accordance with the contractual terms for a reasonable period and the ultimate collectability of the total contractual principal and interest is no longer in doubt. Nonaccrual troubled debt restructurings are restored to accrual status if principal and interest payments, under the modified terms, are current for six consecutive months after modification. For non-accrual loans, when future collectability of the recorded loan balance is expected, interest income may be recognized on a cash basis. In the case where a non-accrual loan had been partially charged off, recognition of interest on a cash basis is limited to that which would have been recognized on the recorded loan balance at the contractual interest rate. Cash interest receipts in excess of that amount are recorded as recoveries to the allowance for loan losses until prior charge-offs have been fully recovered. Foreclosed Real Estate Real estate properties acquired through, or in lieu of, loan foreclosure are initially recorded at fair value less estimated selling costs at the date of foreclosure establishing a new cost basis. Any write-downs based on the asset’s fair value at date of acquisition are charged to the allowance for loan losses. After foreclosure, property held for sale is carried at the lower of the new cost basis or fair value less any costs to sell. Costs of significant property improvements are capitalized, whereas costs relating to holding property are expensed. Valuations are periodically performed by management, and any subsequent write-downs are recorded as a charge to earnings, if necessary, to reduce the carrying value of the property to the lower of its cost or fair value less cost to sell. The Company did not have foreclosed real estate at December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017. The Company had residential real estate loans in the process of foreclosure of $444,000 and $257,000 at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Premises and Equipment Land is carried at cost. Land improvements, buildings and building improvements, furniture, fixtures, and equipment are carried at cost, less accumulated depreciation computed on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Estimated useful lives are generally seven to 39 years for buildings and building improvements and three to 10 years for furniture, fixtures, and equipment. Income Taxes Income taxes are provided for the tax effects of certain transactions reported in the consolidated financial statements. Income taxes consist of taxes currently due plus deferred taxes related primarily to temporary differences between the financial reporting and income tax basis of the allowance for loan losses, premises and equipment, certain state tax credits, and deferred loan origination costs. The deferred tax assets and liabilities represent the future tax return consequences of the temporary differences, which will either be taxable or deductible when the assets and liabilities are recovered or settled. 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 reflected at income tax rates applicable to the period in which the deferred tax assets and liabilities are expected to be realized or settled. As changes in tax laws or rates are enacted, deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted through the provision for income taxes. The Company’s Federal and New York State tax returns, constituting the returns of the major taxing jurisdictions, are subject to examination by the authorities for 2015, 2016 and 2017 as prescribed by applicable statute. No waivers have been executed that would extend the period subject to examination beyond the period prescribed by statute. Advertising The Company charges the costs associated with advertising to expense as incurred. Advertising expenses charged to operations for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 was $191,000 and $157,000, respectively. Off-Balance Sheet Credit Related Financial Instruments In the ordinary course of business, the Company has entered into commitments to extend credit, including commitments under commercial lines of credit. Such financial instruments are recorded when they are funded. The Company does not engage in the use of derivative financial instruments. Transfers of Financial Assets 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. Revenue Recognition The Company recognizes revenue in the consolidated statements of income as it is earned and when collectability is reasonably assured. The primary source of revenue is interest income from interest earning assets, which is recognized on the accrual basis of accounting using the effective interest method. The recognition of revenues from interest earning assets is based upon formulas from underlying loan agreements, securities contracts, or other similar contracts. Non-interest income is recognized on the accrual basis of accounting as services are provided or as transactions occur. Non-interest income includes earnings on bank-owned life insurance, fees from brokerage and advisory service, deposit accounts, merchant services, ATM and debit card fees, mortgage banking activities, and other miscellaneous services and transactions. See Note 15 for more informaiton regarding the Company’s non-interest income. Significant Group Concentrations of Credit Risk Most of the Company’s activities are with customers located primarily in Onondaga County of New York State. A large portion of the Company’s portfolio is centered in residential and commercial real estate. The Company closely monitors real estate collateral values and requires additional reviews of commercial real estate appraisals by a qualified third party for commercial real estate loans more than $249,999. All residential loan appraisals are reviewed by an individual or third party who is independent of the loan origination or approval process and was not involved in the approval of appraisers or selection of the appraiser for the transaction, and has no direct or indirect interest, financial or otherwise in the property or the transaction. Note 3 discusses the types of securities that the Company invests in. Note 4 discusses the types of lending that the Company engages in. The Company does not have any significant concentrations to any one industry or customer. 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 by the Company on a chosen group of employees. The Company is the owner and beneficiary of the life insurance policies, and as such, the investment is carried at the cash surrender value of the underlying policies. Income from the increase in cash surrender value of the policies is included in noninterest income in the consolidated statements of income. The BOLI policies are an asset that can be liquidated, if necessary, with associated tax costs. However, the Company intends to hold these policies and, accordingly, has not provided for deferred income taxes on the earnings from the increases in cash surrender value. Pension and Postretirement Plans The Company sponsors qualified defined benefit pension plan and supplemental executive retirement plan (SERP). The qualified defined benefit pension plan is funded with trust assets invested in a diversified portfolio of debt and equity securities. Accounting for pensions and other postretirement benefits involves estimating the cost of benefits to be provided well into the future and attributing that cost over the time period each employee works. To accomplish this, the Company makes extensive use of assumptions about inflation, investment returns, mortality, turnover, and discount rates. The Company has established a process by which management reviews and selects these assumptions annually. Among other factors, changes in interest rates, investment returns and the market value of plan assets can (i) affect the level of plan funding; (ii) cause volatility in the net periodic pension cost; and (iii) increase our future contribution requirements. A significant decrease in investment returns or the market value of plan assets or a significant decrease in interest rates could increase the Company’s net periodic pension costs and adversely affect the Company’s results of operations. A significant increase in the Company’s contribution requirements with respect to the Company’s qualified defined benefit pension plan could have an adverse impact on the Company’s cash flow. Changes in the key actuarial assumptions would impact net periodic benefit expense and the projected benefit obligation for the Company’s defined benefit and other postretirement benefit plan. See Note 10, “Employee Benefit Plans,” for information on these plans and the assumptions used. Employee Stock Ownership Plan (“ESOP”) Compensation expense is recognized based on the current market price of shares committed to be released to employees. All shares released and committed to be released are deemed outstanding for purposes of earnings per share calculations. Dividends declared and paid on allocated shares held by the ESOP are charged to retained earnings. The value of unearned shares to be allocated to ESOP participants for future services not yet performed is reflected as a reduction of stockholders’ equity. Dividends declared on unallocated shares held by the ESOP are recorded as a reduction of the ESOP’s loan payment to the Company.
Federal Home Loan Bank of New York Letter (FHLBNY) of Credit (LOC) The Bank has secured a LOC from the FHLBNY to collateralize New York state deposits related to the Banking Development District Program. The program helps to give incentives for banks to open branches in communities with underserved banking resources. The Bridgeport branch will allow us to market our deposit products in Madison county and is tentatively scheduled to be open in the later part of 2019. The LOC is collateralized by one-to four- mortgage loans pledged to the FHLBNY. Earnings per Common Share Basic net income per common share is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. The Company has a simple capital structure as it has not granted any restricted stock awards or stock options and, during the year ended December 31, 2018, had no potentially dilutive common stock equivalents. Unallocated common shares held by the ESOP are not included in the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for purposes of calculating earnings per common share until they are committed to be released.
Reclassifications Certain amounts in the 2017 consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform with the 2018 presentation format. These classifications are immaterial and had no effect on net income or stockholders’ equity for the periods |
