Exhibit 99.1
February 9, 2015 | |||||||
We are pleased to report the financial results for your company for the year ended December 31, 2014. Net income for the year end was $7.7 million, a 7.8% improvement over 2013 earnings of $7.1 million. Earnings per share for 2014 were $1.73 compared to $1.60 per share for 2013, an 8.1% improvement. Results for 2014 reflect a year to year increase in net interest income of $675 thousand and an increase in noninterest income of $408 thousand. The provision for loan losses increased $40 thousand and noninterest expense increased $373 thousand as a result of increases in occupancy, equipment, and other expenses, which were partially offset by a decrease in total personnel expense. Earnings for the fourth quarter of 2014 were $1.9 million, or $0.43 per share, compared to $1.5 million, or $0.34 per share, for 2013 representing a quarter over quarter improvement of 26.5%. Net interest income improved $133 thousand, the provision for loan losses decreased $30 thousand, noninterest income increased $82 thousand, and noninterest expenses decreased $147 thousand. These positive changes were offset by an increase in the provision for income taxes of $35 thousand. Total assets grew to $623.8 million as of December 31, 2014 compared to $585.4 million as of December 31, 2013, a 6.6% increase. Total loans increased $25.9 million to $491.1 million, or 5.6%, as of December 31, 2014 compared to $465.1 million as of December 31, 2013. The 2014 loan growth was net of $94.9 million of residential mortgage loans sold to the secondary market during the year to manage long-term interest rate risk, compared to sales of $123.1 million in 2013. Total deposits reached $552.1 million compared to the prior year of $518.4 million, an increase of $33.7 million, or 6.5%. Borrowed funds increased $1.9 million, or 14.4% to $15.1 million as of December 31, 2014 compared to $13.2 million. The company had total capital of $52.0 million with a book value per share of $11.66 as of December 31, 2014 compared to $50.0 million with a book value of $11.17 as of December 31, 2013. Management and the Board are pleased with 2014 results. Our strategy to improve core operating income and control noninterest expense generated good improvement in 2014. At the same time we opened a new branch in Lincoln, New Hampshire in June and a Loan Production Office in Newport, Vermont in August. We also rolled out mobile check deposit service expanding the ways our customers can access banking services utilizing cell or Wi-Fi service. In addition we have many technology based projects that we are in the midst of, mostly focused on projects that enhance the customer experience or provide added security for the bank and its customers. The local economy seems to continue to improve despite, not because of, State and National politics. Of the past several years 2014 was the best of a lackluster bunch. Improvements are still spotty geographically, with some of the towns in our market area improving at a faster pace than others. We have indications that 2015 will be another year of improvement, with the snow sport season beginning reasonably well and construction projects in the pipeline. | An economic bright spot has been the travel and tourism industry throughout our footprint. Since 2011 this industry had one good season after another, allowing folks who came out of the recession caused by the 2008 financial crises weakened, to survive and thrive. And for those of you living away, Vermont and New Hampshire are participating in the creation of new industries driven by those who wish to imbibe artisan made “adult” beverages. Few among us would have believed several years ago that within 20 minutes of our headquarters there would be not less than five craft beer brewers and three artisan distilleries, with more coming soon. This has created a new phenomenon some refer to as “beer” or “beverage” tourism, and it is becoming an important element of Northern Vermont’s and Northern New Hampshire’s economies. At our Board meeting held on January 21, 2015, after considering our 2014 earnings and our capital ratios, we voted to issue a quarterly dividend of 27 cents per share with a declaration date of January 21, 2015, with a record date of January 31, 2015, and a payable date of February 9, 2015. The dividend represents a 1 cent increase over the dividend issued last quarter. As always, the Board and management appreciate your support of our endeavors. | ||||||
If you need assistance with a change in registration of certificates, combining your certificates into one, reporting lost certificates, non-receipt or loss of dividend checks, assistance regarding direct deposit of dividends, information about the Company, or to receive copies of financial reports, please contact Kristy Adams Alfieri, Assistant Secretary at 802-888-0982 or contact our Transfer Agent at the address and phone number listed below: | |||||||
Sincerely, | |||||||
TRANSFER AGENT: | |||||||
Broadridge Corporate Issuer Solutions, Inc. P.O. Box 1342 Brentwood, NY 11717 (866)-321-8022 or (720)-378-5956 E-mail: shareholder@broadridge.com | |||||||
Kenneth D. Gibbons Chairman | David S. Silverman President & Chief Executive Officer | ||||||
NASDAQ STOCK MARKET | |||||||
Ticker Symbol: UNB Corporate Name: Union Bankshares, Inc. Corporate Address: 20 Lower Main Street PO Box 667 Morrisville, VT 05661-0667 Investor Relations: www.UnionBankVT.com | |||||||
About Union Bankshares | |||||||
Union Bankshares, Inc. operates as the holding company for Union Bank, which provides commercial, retail and municipal banking services and asset management services throughout northern Vermont and northwestern New Hampshire. Union Bank was founded in 1891 in Morrisville, Vermont, where the Bank's and its holding company's headquarters are located. Union Bank operates 17 banking offices and two loan centers and multiple ATMS throughout its geographical footprint. Union Bank is committed to the communities it serves, and encourages employee participation in community events and charitable services. Union Bank has consistently been recognized for our Community Reinvestment efforts and for our performance in residential lending to borrowers of all income levels. The US Small Business Administration has designated Union Bank as a Preferred Lender. | |||||||
Union Bankshares, Inc. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
DIRECTORS | OFFICERS | Consolidated Statements of Income (unaudited, in thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Kenneth D. Gibbons-Chairman | Kenneth D. Gibbons - Chairman | Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited, in thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cynthia D. Borck | David S. Silverman - President & CEO | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Steven J. Bourgeois | Karyn J. Hale - Chief Financial Officer | ASSETS | DEC. 31, 2014 | DEC. 31, 2013 | DEC. 31, 2014 | DEC. 31, 2013 | DEC. 31, 2014 | DEC. 31, 2013 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
John M. Goodrich | John H. Steel - Secretary | (3 months ended) | (12 months ended) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Timothy W. Sargent | Kristy Adams Alfieri - Assistant Secretary | Cash and Due from Banks | $ | 4,822 | $ | 5,223 | Interest Income | $ | 6,298 | $ | 6,233 | $ | 24,852 | $ | 24,481 | ||||||||||||||||
David S. Silverman | Jeffrey G. Coslett - Vice President | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
John H. Steel | Federal Funds Sold & Overnight Deposits | 36,922 | 25,496 | Interest Expense | 521 | 589 | 2,155 | 2,459 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Schuyler W. Sweet | Net Interest Income | 5,777 | 5,644 | 22,697 | 22,022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Neil J. Van Dyke | REGIONAL ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS | Interest Bearing Deposits in Banks | 12,252 | 17,613 | Provision for Loan Losses | 45 | 75 | 345 | 305 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Union Bank | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Investment Securities | 52,964 | 45,492 | Net Interest Income After Provision for Loan Losses | 5,732 | 5,569 | 22,352 | 21,717 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
DIRECTORS | Michael R. Barrett - St. Johnsbury | Loans Held for Sale | 10,743 | 3,840 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Kenneth D. Gibbons-Chairman | Joel S. Bourassa - Northern NH | Trust Income | 177 | 172 | 726 | 644 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cynthia D. Borck | Steven J. Bourgeois - St. Albans | Loans, net | 480,333 | 461,283 | Noninterest Income | 1,944 | 1,867 | 8,183 | 7,857 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Steven J. Bourgeois | Stanley T. Fillion - Northern NH | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
John M. Goodrich | Rosemary H. Gingue - St. Johnsbury | Reserve for Loan Losses | (4,694 | ) | (4,647 | ) | Noninterest Expenses: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Timothy W. Sargent | John M. Goodrich - St. Johnsbury | Salaries & Wages | 2,222 | 2,252 | 8,916 | 8,964 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
David S. Silverman | Christopher M. Knapp - Northern NH | Premises and Equipment, net | 11,853 | 10,678 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
John H. Steel | Coleen K. Kohaut - St. Albans | Pension & Employee Benefits | 663 | 860 | 2,725 | 2,777 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Schuyler W. Sweet | Justin P. Lavely - St. Johnsbury | Other Real Estate Owned, net | 297 | 559 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Neil J. Van Dyke | Daniel J. Luneau - St. Albans | Occupancy Expense, net | 293 | 285 | 1,199 | 1,156 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Alexandra S. Maclean - St. Johnsbury | Accrued Interest & Other Assets | 18,356 | 19,906 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Mary K. Parent - St. Johnsbury | Equipment Expense | 441 | 398 | 1,674 | 1,597 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Samuel H. Ruggiano - St. Albans | Total Assets | $ | 623,848 | $ | 585,443 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
David S. Silverman - All | Other Expenses | 1,958 | 1,929 | 7,080 | 6,727 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Schuyler W. Sweet - Northern NH | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Norrine A. Williams - Northern NH | Total | 5,577 | 5,724 | 21,594 | 21,221 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
LIABILITIES & SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY | DEC. 31, 2014 | DEC. 31, 2013 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Income Before Taxes | 2,276 | 1,884 | 9,667 | 8,997 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Union Bank Offices (ATMs at all Branch Locations) | Income Tax Expense | 391 | 356 | 1,973 | 1,862 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Noninterest Bearing Deposits | $ | 90,385 | $ | 87,247 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income | $ | 1,885 | $ | 1,528 | $ | 7,694 | $ | 7,135 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
VERMONT | Interest Bearing Deposits | 302,722 | 269,614 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Danville | 421 Route 2 East | 802-684-2211 | Earnings per share | $ | 0.43 | $ | 0.34 | $ | 1.73 | $ | 1.60 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Fairfax | Jct. Routes 104 & 128 | 802-849-2600 | Time Deposits | 158,957 | 161,493 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Hardwick | 103 VT Route 15 West | 802-472-8100 | Book Value Per Share | $ | 11.66 | $ | 11.17 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Jeffersonville | 44 Main Street | 802-644-6600 | Borrowed Funds | 15,118 | 13,216 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Johnson | 198 Lower Main Street | 802-635-6600 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lyndonville | 183 Depot Street | 802-626-3100 | Accrued Interest & Other Liabilities | 4,684 | 4,053 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Morrisville | 20 Lower Main Street | 802-888-6600 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
65 Northgate Plaza | 802-888-6860 | Common Stock | 9,859 | 9,855 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Newport | 325 East Main Street | 802-334-0750 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
St. Albans | 15 Mapleville Depot | 802-524-9000 | Additional Paid in Capital | 418 | 363 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
St. Johnsbury | 364 Railroad Street | 802-748-3131 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
325 Portland Street | 802-748-3121 | Retained Earnings | 46,462 | 43,405 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
S. Burlington | Loan Center | Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income | (832 | ) | 77 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
30 Kimball Avenue | 802-865-1000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Stowe | 47 Park Street | 802-253-6600 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Treasury Stock at Cost | (3,925 | ) | (3,880 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
NEW HAMPSHIRE | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Groveton | 3 State Street | 603-636-1611 | Total Liabilities & Shareholders' Equity | $ | 623,848 | $ | 585,443 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Littleton | 263 Dells Road | 603-444-7136 | Standby letters of credit were $1,725,000 and $1,633,000 at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
76 Main Street | 603-444-5321 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lincoln | 135 Main Street | 603-745-4000 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
N. Woodstock | 155 Main Street | 603-745-2488 |