ITEM 2. | Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations |
Forward-Looking Statements
We have made forward-looking statements in this document, and in documents that we incorporate by reference, that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements include information concerning possible or expected future results of operations of Citizens Financial Services, Inc., CZFS Acquisition Company, LLC, First Citizens Community Bank, First Citizens Insurance Agency, Inc., 1st Realty of PA LLC or the combined Company. When we use words such as “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” or similar expressions, we are making forward-looking statements. For a variety of reasons, actual results could differ materially from those contained in or implied by forward-looking statements. The Company cautions readers that the following important factors, among others, could in the future affect the Company’s actual results and could cause the Company’s actual results for subsequent periods to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statement:
| • | The scope, duration and severity of the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects on our business and operations, our customers, including their ability to make timely payments on loans, our service providers, and on the economy and financial markets in general. |
| • | Government action in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects on our business and operations, including vaccination mandates and their effects on our workforce, human capital resources and infrastructure. |
| • | Interest rates could change more rapidly or more significantly than we expect. |
| • | The economy could change significantly in an unexpected way, which would cause the demand for new loans and the ability of borrowers to repay outstanding loans to change in ways that our models do not anticipate. |
| • | The financial markets could suffer a significant disruption, which may have a negative effect on our financial condition and that of our borrowers, and on our ability to raise money by issuing new securities. |
| • | It could take us longer than we anticipate to implement strategic initiatives designed to increase revenues or manage expenses, or we may be unable to implement those initiatives at all. |
| • | We may not be able to successfully integrate businesses we acquire or be able to fully realize the expected financial and other benefits from acquisitions. |
| • | Acquisitions and dispositions of assets could affect us in ways that management has not anticipated. |
| • | We may become subject to new legal obligations or the resolution of litigation may have a negative effect on our financial condition or operating results. |
| • | We may become subject to new and unanticipated accounting, tax, or regulatory practices or requirements. |
| • | We could experience greater loan delinquencies than anticipated, adversely affecting our earnings and financial condition. |
| • | We could experience greater losses than expected due to the ever increasing volume of information theft, ransomware attacks and fraudulent scams impacting our customers and the banking industry. |
| • | We could lose the services of some or all of our key personnel, which would negatively impact our business because of their business development skills, financial expertise, lending experience, technical expertise and market area knowledge. |
| • | The agricultural economy is subject to extreme swings in both the costs of resources and the prices received from the sale of products, which could negatively impact some of our customers. |
| • | Agricultural customers could be affected by factors outside of their control including adverse weather conditions, loss of crops or livestock due to diseases or other factors, and government policies, regulations and tariffs. |
| • | Loan concentrations in certain industries could negatively impact financial results, if financial results or economic conditions deteriorate. |
| • | Companies providing support services related to the exploration and drilling of the natural gas reserves in our market area may be affected by federal, state and local laws and regulations such as restrictions on production, permitting, changes in taxes and environmental protection, which could negatively impact our customers and, as a result, negatively impact our loan and deposit volume and loan quality. Additionally, the activities the companies providing support services related to the exploration and drilling of the natural gas reserves may be dependent on the market price of natural gas. As a result, decreases in the market price of natural gas could also negatively impact these companies, our customers. |
Additional factors that may affect our results are discussed under “Part II – Item 1A – Risk Factors” in this report and in the Company’s 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K under “Item 1.A/ Risk Factors.” Except as required by applicable law and regulation, we assume no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements after the date on which they are made.
Introduction
The following is management’s discussion and analysis of the financial condition and results of operations at the dates and for the periods presented in the accompanying consolidated financial statements for the Company. Our consolidated financial condition and results of operations consist almost entirely of the Bank’s financial condition and results of operations. Management’s discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the preceding financial statements presented under Part I. The results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 are not necessarily indicative of the results you may expect for the full year.
The Company currently engages in the general business of banking throughout our service area of Potter, Tioga, Clinton, Bradford and Centre counties in north central Pennsylvania, Lebanon, Berks, Schuylkill, Lancaster and Chester counties in south central Pennsylvania and Allegany County in southern New York and with the MidCoast acquisition, the Cities of Wilmington and Dover, Delaware. We also have a limited branch office in Union county, Pennsylvania, which primarily serves agricultural and commercial customers in the central Pennsylvania market. We maintain our central office in Mansfield, Pennsylvania. Presently we operate 33 banking facilities, 31 of which operate as bank branches. In Pennsylvania, the Company has full service offices located in Mansfield, Blossburg, Ulysses, Genesee, Wellsboro, Troy, Sayre, Canton, Gillett, Millerton, LeRaysville, Towanda, Rome, the Mansfield Wal-Mart Super Center, Mill Hall, Schuylkill Haven, Friedensburg, Mt. Aetna, Fredericksburg, Mount Joy, Fivepointville, State College, Kennett Square and two branches near the city of Lebanon, Pennsylvania. The Kennett Square branch was opened in the fourth quarter of 2020. The limited branch office is located in Winfield, Pennsylvania. In New York, our office is in Wellsville. With the MidCoast merger completed in the second quarter of 2020, we added three branches in Delaware with two being in the Wilmington market and one in Dover.
Covid-19 Pandemic Response and Loan Profile
In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Company maintains a payment relief program that includes the following:
| • | Interest only payment options for consumers and businesses for 60-90 days. |
| • | Deferral of principal payments for consumers and businesses in certain industries for 60-120 days |
During 2021, we modified 19 primarily business related loans totaling $26.7 million, which have all returned to their original terms as of September 30, 2021. Additionally, in accordance with government regulations, we have paused certain foreclosure actions in accordance with state mandates.
We also are participating in the Paycheck Protection Program for loans provided under the auspices of the Small Business Administration (SBA). As of September 30, 2021, we had outstanding 267 loans with balances totaling $20.8 million that earn interest at 1% per annum and are expected to generate fee revenue of approximately $947,000 over the next 21 months. A portion of these loans may be forgiven by the SBA depending on the customers usage of the proceeds.
The Company tracks industry concentrations to identify risks that could lead to additional credit exposure. As a result of the Covid 19 pandemic, the Company has determined that hotels/motels, restaurants and amusement/theme parks represent a higher level of credit risk. At September 30, 2021, the Company has limited loan concentrations to these industries as follows:
| • | Hotels/Motels - $73.3 million or 5.1% of outstanding loans |
| • | Restaurants - $25.3 million or 1.8% of outstanding loans |
| • | Amusement/Theme parks - $9.4 million, or 0.7% of outstanding loans |
Our agricultural relationships are also being strained by the pandemic as demand for certain products has declined and processing plant issues have resulted in strains on our customers as a result of the pandemic. Agricultural lending comprises $341.0 million, or 23.7% of outstanding balances as of September 30, 2021. The federal government has provided financial assistance to some of our customers through various programs to combat some of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Risk Management
Risk identification and management are essential elements for the successful management of the Company. In the normal course of business, the Company is subject to various types of risk, including interest rate, credit, liquidity, reputational and regulatory risk.
Interest rate risk is the sensitivity of net interest income and the market value of financial instruments to the direction and frequency of changes in market interest rates. Interest rate risk results from various re-pricing frequencies and the maturity structure of the financial instruments owned by the Company. The Company uses its asset/liability and funds management policy to control and manage interest rate risk.
Credit risk represents the possibility that a customer may not perform in accordance with contractual terms. Credit risk results from loans with customers and the purchasing of securities. The Company’s primary credit risk is in the loan portfolio. The Company manages credit risk by adhering to an established credit policy and through a disciplined evaluation of the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses. Also, the investment policy limits the amount of credit risk that may be taken in the investment portfolio.
Liquidity risk represents the inability to generate or otherwise obtain funds at reasonable rates to satisfy commitments to borrowers and obligations to depositors. The Company has established guidelines within its asset/liability and funds management policy to manage liquidity risk. These guidelines include, among other things, contingent funding alternatives.
Reputational risk, or the risk to our business, earnings, liquidity, and capital from negative public opinion, could result from our actual or alleged conduct in a variety of areas, including legal and regulatory compliance, lending practices, corporate governance, litigation, ethical issues, or inadequate protection of customer information, including fraudulent activity outside the Company’s control. We expend significant resources to comply with regulatory requirements. Failure to comply could result in reputational harm or significant legal or remedial costs. Damage to our reputation could adversely affect our ability to retain and attract new customers, and adversely impact our earnings and liquidity.
Regulatory and compliance risk represents the possibility that a change in law, regulations or regulatory policy may have a material effect on the business of the Company. We cannot predict what legislation might be enacted or what regulations might be adopted, or if adopted, the effect thereof on our operations.
Competition
The banking industry in the Bank’s service areas continue to be extremely competitive, both among commercial banks and with other financial service providers such as consumer finance companies, thrifts, investment firms, mutual funds, insurance companies, credit unions, agricultural cooperatives and internet entities for loans and deposits. Competition in our north central Pennsylvania market has increased as a result of other financial institutions looking to expand into new markets. With larger population centers in our central and south central markets, as well as in our Delaware market, we experience more competition to gather deposits and to make loans. Mortgage banking firms, financial companies, financial affiliates of industrial companies, brokerage firms, retirement fund management firms and even government agencies provide additional competition for loans, deposits and other financial services. The Bank is generally competitive with all competing financial institutions in its service areas with respect to interest rates paid on time and savings deposits, service charges on deposit accounts and interest rates charged on loans.
Trust and Investment Services; Oil and Gas Lease Services
Our Investment and Trust Services Division offers professional trust administration, investment management services, estate planning and administration, and custody of securities. In addition to traditional trust and investment services offered, we assist our customers through various oil and gas specific leasing matters from lease negotiations to establishing a successful approach to personal wealth management. Assets held by the Company in a fiduciary or agency capacity for its customers are not included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets since such items are not assets of the Company. Revenues and fees of the Trust Department are reflected in trust income in the Consolidated Statement of Income. As of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the Trust Department had $148.4 million and $150.3 million of assets under management, respectively.
Our Investment Representatives offer full service brokerage services and financial planning throughout the Bank’s market area. Products such as mutual funds, annuities, health and life insurance are made available through our insurance subsidiary, First Citizens Insurance Agency, Inc. The assets associated with these products are not included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets since such items are not assets of the Company. Assets owned and invested by customers of the Bank through the Bank’s Investment Representatives increased from $241.0 million at December 31, 2020 to $273.5 million at September 30, 2021. Fee income from the sale of these products is reflected in brokerage and insurance income in the Consolidated Statement of Income. Management believes that there are opportunities to increase non-interest income through these products and services, especially in our central and south central Pennsylvania markets.
Results of Operations
Overview of the Income Statement
The Company had net income of $22,174,000 for the first nine months of 2021 compared to $17,876,000 for last year’s comparable period, an increase of $4,298,000, or 24.0%. Basic earnings per share for the first nine months of 2021 were $5.62, compared to $4.69 for last year’s comparable period, representing a 19.8% increase. Annualized return on assets and return on equity for the nine months of 2021 were 1.49% and 14.66%, respectively, compared with 1.43% and 13.85% for last year’s comparable period.
Net income for the three months ended September 30, 2021 was $7,064,000 compared to $8,007,000 in the comparable 2020 period, a decrease of $943,000 or 11.8%. Basic earnings per share for the three months ended September 30, 2021 were $1.79, compared to $2.02 for last year’s comparable period, representing a 11.4% decrease. Annualized return on assets and return on equity for the quarter ended September 30, 2021 was 1.40% and 13.65%, respectively, compared with 1.75% and 17.36% for the same 2020 period.
Net Interest Income
Net interest income, the most significant component of the Company’s earnings, is the amount by which interest income generated from interest-earning assets exceeds interest expense paid on interest-bearing liabilities.
Net interest income for the first nine months of 2021 was $49,243,000, an increase of $3,597,000, or 7.9%, compared to the same period in 2020. For the first nine months of 2021 the provision for loan losses was $1,550,000, an increase of $50,000 over the comparable period in 2020. Consequently, net interest income after the provision for loan losses was $47,693,000 in the first nine months of 2021 compared to $44,146,000 during the first nine months of 2020.
For the three months ended September 30, 2021, net interest income was $16,590,000 compared to $16,470,000, an increase of $120,000, or 0.7% over the comparable period in 2020. The provision for loan losses in the third quarter was $400,000 compared to $550,000 for last year’s third quarter. Consequently, net interest income after the provision for loan losses was $16,190,000 for the quarter ended September 30, 2021 compared to $15,920,000 in 2020.
The following table sets forth the average balances of, and the interest earned or incurred on, for each principal category of assets, liabilities and stockholders’ equity, the related rates, net interest income and interest rate spread created for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020 on a tax equivalent basis (dollars in thousands):
| | Analysis of Average Balances and Interest Rates | |
| | Nine Months Ended | |
| | September 30, 2021 | | | September 30, 2020 | |
| | Average | | | | | | Average | | | Average | | | | | | Average | |
| | Balance (1) | | | Interest | | | Rate | | | Balance (1) | | | Interest | | | Rate | |
(dollars in thousands) | |
| $
| | | $ | | |
| % | | |
| $
| | | $ | | |
| % | |
ASSETS | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Short-term investments: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest-bearing deposits at banks | | | 109,272 | | | | 86 | | | | 0.11 | | | | 35,580 | | | | 23 | | | | 0.09 | |
Total short-term investments | | | 109,272 | | | | 86 | | | | 0.11 | | | | 35,580 | | | | 23 | | | | 0.09 | |
Interest bearing time deposits at banks | | | 12,952 | | | | 249 | | | | 2.57 | | | | 14,266 | | | | 275 | | | | 2.57 | |
Investment securities: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Taxable | | | 238,438 | | | | 3,156 | | | | 1.76 | | | | 185,220 | | | | 3,487 | | | | 2.51 | |
Tax-exempt (3) | | | 103,559 | | | | 2,091 | | | | 2.69 | | | | 74,664 | | | | 1,693 | | | | 3.02 | |
Total investment securities | | | 341,997 | | | | 5,247 | | | | 2.05 | | | | 259,884 | | | | 5,180 | | | | 2.66 | |
Loans (2)(3)(4): | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Residential mortgage loans | | | 203,300 | | | | 7,464 | | | | 4.91 | | | | 212,912 | | | | 8,450 | | | | 5.30 | |
Construction | | | 52,409 | | | | 1,602 | | | | 4.09 | | | | 25,715 | | | | 952 | | | | 4.95 | |
Commercial Loans | | | 732,554 | | | | 26,914 | | | | 4.91 | | | | 556,133 | | | | 22,282 | | | | 5.35 | |
Agricultural Loans | | | 351,478 | | | | 11,322 | | | | 4.31 | | | | 357,498 | | | | 12,096 | | | | 4.52 | |
Loans to state & political subdivisions | | | 54,994 | | | | 1,505 | | | | 3.66 | | | | 89,407 | | | | 2,709 | | | | 4.05 | |
Other loans | | | 22,912 | | | | 1,028 | | | | 6.00 | | | | 17,878 | | | | 794 | | | | 5.93 | |
Loans, net of discount | | | 1,417,647 | | | | 49,835 | | | | 4.70 | | | | 1,259,543 | | | | 47,283 | | | | 5.01 | |
Total interest-earning assets | | | 1,881,868 | | | | 55,417 | | | | 3.94 | | | | 1,569,273 | | | | 52,761 | | | | 4.49 | |
Cash and due from banks | | | 6,560 | | | | | | | | | | | | 7,643 | | | | | | | | | |
Bank premises and equipment | | | 17,212 | | | | | | | | | | | | 17,152 | | | | | | | | | |
Other assets | | | 75,818 | | | | | | | | | | | | 75,238 | | | | | | | | | |
Total non-interest earning assets | | | 99,590 | | | | | | | | | | | | 100,033 | | | | | | | | | |
Total assets | | | 1,981,458 | | | | | | | | | | | | 1,669,306 | | | | | | | | | |
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest-bearing liabilities: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
NOW accounts | | | 450,636 | | | | 1,086 | | | | 0.32 | | | | 374,347 | | | | 904 | | | | 0.32 | |
Savings accounts | | | 285,124 | | | | 249 | | | | 0.12 | | | | 237,873 | | | | 387 | | | | 0.22 | |
Money market accounts | | | 248,495 | | | | 502 | | | | 0.27 | | | | 196,985 | | | | 810 | | | | 0.55 | |
Certificates of deposit | | | 357,460 | | | | 2,708 | | | | 1.01 | | | | 333,044 | | | | 3,178 | | | | 1.27 | |
Total interest-bearing deposits | | | 1,341,715 | | | | 4,545 | | | | 0.45 | | | | 1,142,249 | | | | 5,279 | | | | 0.62 | |
Other borrowed funds | | | 87,200 | | | | 924 | | | | 1.42 | | | | 92,120 | | | | 960 | | | | 1.39 | |
Total interest-bearing liabilities | | | 1,428,915 | | | | 5,469 | | | | 0.51 | | | | 1,234,369 | | | | 6,239 | | | | 0.68 | |
Demand deposits | | | 335,188 | | | | | | | | | | | | 246,424 | | | | | | | | | |
Other liabilities | | | 15,724 | | | | | | | | | | | | 16,390 | | | | | | | | | |
Total non-interest-bearing liabilities | | | 350,912 | | | | | | | | | | | | 262,814 | | | | | | | | | |
Stockholders’ equity | | | 201,631 | | | | | | | | | | | | 172,123 | | | | | | | | | |
Total liabilities & stockholders’ equity | | | 1,981,458 | | | | | | | | | | | | 1,669,306 | | | | | | | | | |
Net interest income | | | | | | | 49,948 | | | | | | | | | | | | 46,522 | | | | | |
Net interest spread (5) | | | | | | | | | | | 3.43 | % | | | | | | | | | | | 3.81 | % |
Net interest income as a percentage of average interest-earning assets | | | | | | | | | | | 3.55 | % | | | | | | | | | | | 3.96 | % |
Ratio of interest-earning assets to interest-bearing liabilities | | | | | | | | | | | 132 | % | | | | | | | | | | | 127 | % |
(1) | Averages are based on daily averages. |
(2) | Includes loan origination and commitment fees. |
(3) | Tax exempt interest revenue is shown on a tax equivalent basis for proper comparison using a statutory federal income tax rate of 21%. |
(4) | Income on non-accrual loans is accounted for on a cash basis, and the loan balances are included in interest-earning assets. |
(5) | Interest rate spread represents the difference between the average rate earned on interest-earning assets and the average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities. |
| | Analysis of Average Balances and Interest Rates | |
| | Three Months Ended | |
| | September 30, 2021 | | | September 30, 2020 | |
| | Average | | | | | | Average | | | Average | | | | | | Average | |
| | Balance (1) | | | Interest | | | Rate | | | Balance (1) | | | Interest | | | Rate | |
(dollars in thousands) | |
| $
| | | $ | | |
| % | | |
| $
| | | $ | | |
| % | |
ASSETS | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Short-term investments: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest-bearing deposits at banks | | | 111,392 | | | | 40 | | | | 0.14 | | | | 67,954 | | | | 14 | | | | 0.08 | |
Total short-term investments | | | 111,392 | | | | 40 | | | | 0.14 | | | | 67,954 | | | | 14 | | | | 0.08 | |
Interest bearing time deposits at banks | | | 12,129 | | | | 78 | | | | 2.55 | | | | 14,143 | | | | 92 | | | | 2.59 | |
Investment securities: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Taxable | | | 264,740 | | | | 1,158 | | | | 1.75 | | | | 192,641 | | | | 1,077 | | | | 2.24 | |
Tax-exempt (3) | | | 107,125 | | | | 709 | | | | 2.65 | | | | 84,097 | | | | 614 | | | | 2.92 | |
Total investment securities | | | 371,865 | | | | 1,867 | | | | 2.01 | | | | 276,738 | | | | 1,691 | | | | 2.45 | |
Loans (2)(3)(4): | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Residential mortgage loans | | | 203,426 | | | | 2,417 | | | | 4.71 | | | | 209,161 | | | | 2,807 | | | | 5.34 | |
Construction | | | 67,780 | | | | 671 | | | | 3.93 | | | | 29,087 | | | | 356 | | | | 4.87 | |
Commercial Loans | | | 745,313 | | | | 8,976 | | | | 4.78 | | | | 652,380 | | | | 8,472 | | | | 5.17 | |
Agricultural Loans | | | 344,365 | | | | 3,728 | | | | 4.29 | | | | 356,164 | | | | 3,971 | | | | 4.44 | |
Loans to state & political subdivisions | | | 49,673 | | | | 437 | | | | 3.49 | | | | 83,671 | | | | 872 | | | | 4.15 | |
Other loans | | | 16,678 | | | | 347 | | | | 8.25 | | | | 30,460 | | | | 401 | | | | 5.24 | |
Loans, net of discount | | | 1,427,235 | | | | 16,576 | | | | 4.61 | | | | 1,360,923 | | | | 16,879 | | | | 4.93 | |
Total interest-earning assets | | | 1,922,621 | | | | 18,561 | | | | 3.83 | | | | 1,719,758 | | | | 18,676 | | | | 4.32 | |
Cash and due from banks | | | 6,542 | | | | | | | | | | | | 7,350 | | | | | | | | | |
Bank premises and equipment | | | 17,259 | | | | | | | | | | | | 17,802 | | | | | | | | | |
Other assets | | | 71,329 | | | | | | | | | | | | 90,238 | | | | | | | | | |
Total non-interest earning assets | | | 95,130 | | | | | | | | | | | | 115,390 | | | | | | | | | |
Total assets | | | 2,017,751 | | | | | | | | | | | | 1,835,148 | | | | | | | | | |
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest-bearing liabilities: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
NOW accounts | | | 466,981 | | | | 383 | | | | 0.33 | | | | 406,635 | | | | 211 | | | | 0.21 | |
Savings accounts | | | 297,470 | | | | 74 | | | | 0.10 | | | | 247,414 | | | | 96 | | | | 0.15 | |
Money market accounts | | | 258,872 | | | | 163 | | | | 0.25 | | | | 218,682 | | | | 215 | | | | 0.39 | |
Certificates of deposit | | | 336,782 | | | | 802 | | | | 0.94 | | | | 382,551 | | | | 1,113 | | | | 1.16 | |
Total interest-bearing deposits | | | 1,360,105 | | | | 1,422 | | | | 0.41 | | | | 1,255,282 | | | | 1,635 | | | | 0.52 | |
Other borrowed funds | | | 80,275 | | | | 330 | | | | 1.63 | | | | 98,350 | | | | 281 | | | | 1.14 | |
Total interest-bearing liabilities | | | 1,440,380 | | | | 1,752 | | | | 0.48 | | | | 1,353,632 | | | | 1,916 | | | | 0.56 | |
Demand deposits | | | 358,716 | | | | | | | | | | | | 280,457 | | | | | | | | | |
Other liabilities | | | 11,683 | | | | | | | | | | | | 16,611 | | | | | | | | | |
Total non-interest-bearing liabilities | | | 370,399 | | | | | | | | | | | | 297,068 | | | | | | | | | |
Stockholders’ equity | | | 206,972 | | | | | | | | | | | | 184,448 | | | | | | | | | |
Total liabilities & stockholders’ equity | | | 2,017,751 | | | | | | | | | | | | 1,835,148 | | | | | | | | | |
Net interest income | | | | | | | 16,809 | | | | | | | | | | | | 16,760 | | | | | |
Net interest spread (5) | | | | | | | | | | | 3.35 | % | | | | | | | | | | | 3.76 | % |
Net interest income as a percentage of average interest-earning assets | | | | | | | | | | | 3.47 | % | | | | | | | | | | | 3.88 | % |
Ratio of interest-earning assets to interest-bearing liabilities | | | | | | | | | | | 133 | % | | | | | | | | | | | 127 | % |
(1) | Averages are based on daily averages. |
(2) | Includes loan origination and commitment fees. |
(3) | Tax exempt interest revenue is shown on a tax equivalent basis for proper comparison using a statutory federal income tax rate of 21%. |
(4) | Income on non-accrual loans is accounted for on a cash basis, and the loan balances are included in interest-earning assets. |
(5) | Interest rate spread represents the difference between the average rate earned on interest-earning assets and the average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities. |
Tax exempt revenue is shown on a tax-equivalent basis (non-Gaap) for proper comparison using a federal statutory income tax rate of 21% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020. For purposes of the comparison, as well as the discussion that follows, this presentation facilitates performance comparisons between taxable and tax-free assets by increasing the tax-free income by an amount equivalent to the Federal income taxes that would have been paid if this income were taxable at the Company’s Federal statutory rate during the corresponding period. The following table represents the adjustment to convert net interest income to net interest income on a fully taxable equivalent basis for the periods ended September 30, 2021 and 2020 (in thousands):
| | For the Three Months | | | For the Nine Months | |
| | Ended September 30, | | | Ended September 30, | |
| | 2021 | | | 2020 | | | 2021 | | | 2020 | |
Interest and dividend income from investment securities and interest bearing deposits at banks (non-tax adjusted) | | $ | 1,837 | | | $ | 1,668 | | | $ | 5,143 | | | $ | 5,122 | |
Tax equivalent adjustment | | | 148 | | | | 129 | | | | 439 | | | | 356 | |
Interest and dividend income from investment securities and interest bearing deposits at banks (tax equivalent basis) | | $ | 1,985 | | | $ | 1,797 | | | $ | 5,582 | | | $ | 5,478 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest and fees on loans (non-tax adjusted) | | $ | 16,505 | | | $ | 16,718 | | | $ | 49,569 | | | $ | 46,763 | |
Tax equivalent adjustment | | | 71 | | | | 161 | | | | 266 | | | | 520 | |
Interest and fees on loans (tax equivalent basis) | | $ | 16,576 | | | $ | 16,879 | | | $ | 49,835 | | | $ | 47,283 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total interest income | | $ | 18,342 | | | $ | 18,386 | | | $ | 54,712 | | | $ | 51,885 | |
Total interest expense | | | 1,752 | | | | 1,916 | | | | 5,469 | | | | 6,239 | |
Net interest income | | | 16,590 | | | | 16,470 | | | | 49,243 | | | | 45,646 | |
Total tax equivalent adjustment | | | 219 | | | | 290 | | | | 705 | | | | 876 | |
Net interest income (tax equivalent basis) | | $ | 16,809 | | | $ | 16,760 | | | $ | 49,948 | | | $ | 46,522 | |
The following table shows the tax-equivalent effect of changes in volume and rate on interest income and expense (in thousands):
| | Three months ended September 30, 2021 vs 2020 (1) | | | Nine months ended September 30, 2021 vs 2020 (1) | |
| | Change in | | | Change | | | Total | | | Change in | | | Change | | | Total | |
| | Volume | | | in Rate | | | Change | | | Volume | | | in Rate | | | Change | |
Interest Income: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Short-term investments: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest-bearing deposits at banks | | $ | 12 | | | $ | 14 | | | $ | 26 | | | $ | 57 | | | $ | 6 | | | $ | 63 | |
Interest bearing time deposits at banks | | | (13 | ) | | | (1 | ) | | | (14 | ) | | | (25 | ) | | | (1 | ) | | | (26 | ) |
Investment securities: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Taxable | | | 195 | | | | (114 | ) | | | 81 | | | | 856 | | | | (1,187 | ) | | | (331 | ) |
Tax-exempt | | | 144 | | | | (49 | ) | | | 95 | | | | 555 | | | | (157 | ) | | | 398 | |
Total investments | | | 339 | | | | (163 | ) | | | 176 | | | | 1,411 | | | | (1,344 | ) | | | 67 | |
Loans: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Residential mortgage loans | | | (68 | ) | | | (322 | ) | | | (390 | ) | | | (378 | ) | | | (608 | ) | | | (986 | ) |
Construction | | | 368 | | | | (53 | ) | | | 315 | | | | 781 | | | | (131 | ) | | | 650 | |
Commercial Loans | | | 1,041 | | | | (537 | ) | | | 504 | | | | 6,259 | | | | (1,627 | ) | | | 4,632 | |
Agricultural Loans | | | (119 | ) | | | (124 | ) | | | (243 | ) | | | (212 | ) | | | (562 | ) | | | (774 | ) |
Loans to state & political subdivisions | | | (312 | ) | | | (123 | ) | | | (435 | ) | | | (964 | ) | | | (240 | ) | | | (1,204 | ) |
Other loans | | | 204 | | | | (258 | ) | | | (54 | ) | | | 225 | | | | 9 | | | | 234 | |
Total loans, net of discount | | | 1,114 | | | | (1,417 | ) | | | (303 | ) | | | 5,711 | | | | (3,159 | ) | | | 2,552 | |
Total Interest Income | | | 1,452 | | | | (1,567 | ) | | | (115 | ) | | | 7,154 | | | | (4,498 | ) | | | 2,656 | |
Interest Expense: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest-bearing deposits: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
NOW accounts | | | 36 | | | | 136 | | | | 172 | | | | 183 | | | | (1 | ) | | | 182 | |
Savings accounts | | | 29 | | | | (51 | ) | | | (22 | ) | | | 104 | | | | (242 | ) | | | (138 | ) |
Money Market accounts | | | 55 | | | | (107 | ) | | | (52 | ) | | | 325 | | | | (633 | ) | | | (308 | ) |
Certificates of deposit | | | (121 | ) | | | (190 | ) | | | (311 | ) | | | 257 | | | | (727 | ) | | | (470 | ) |
Total interest-bearing deposits | | | (1 | ) | | | (212 | ) | | | (213 | ) | | | 869 | | | | (1,603 | ) | | | (734 | ) |
Other borrowed funds | | | (35 | ) | | | 84 | | | | 49 | | | | (54 | ) | | | 18 | | | | (36 | ) |
Total interest expense | | | (36 | ) | | | (128 | ) | | | (164 | ) | | | 815 | | | | (1,585 | ) | | | (770 | ) |
Net interest income | | $ | 1,488 | | | $ | (1,439 | ) | | $ | 49 | | | $ | 6,339 | | | $ | (2,913 | ) | | $ | 3,426 | |
(1) | The portion of the total change attributable to both volume and rate changes, which can not be separated, has been allocated proportionally to the change due to volume and the change due to rate prior to allocation. |
Tax equivalent net interest income increased from $46,522,000 for the nine month period ended September 30, 2020 to $49,948,000 for the nine month period ended September 30, 2021, an increase of $3,426,000. The tax equivalent net interest margin decreased from 3.96% for the first nine months of 2020 to 3.55% for the comparable period in 2021. The decrease is primarily caused by the decrease in the yield of interest-earning assets due to the low market interest rate environment in response to the pandemic.
Total tax equivalent interest income for the 2021 nine month period increased $2,656,000 as compared to the 2020 nine month period. This increase was a result of an increase of $7,154,000 due to a change in volume as average interest-bearing assets increased $312.6 million. As a result of the low rate interest environment, the yield on average interest earning assets decreased 55 basis point from 4.49% to 3.94% resulting in a decrease interest income of $4,498,000.
Tax equivalent investment income for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 increased $110,000 over the same period last year. The primary cause of the increase in the average balance of investment securities of $82.1 million.
| • | The yield on taxable securities decreased 75 basis points from 2.51% to 1.76% as a result of purchases made in a lower rate environment in both 2020 and 2021. This resulted in a decrease in investment income of $1,187,000. The average balance of taxable securities increased $53.2 million due to purchases made as a result of substantial deposit growth, which resulted in an increase in investment income of $856,000. |
| • | The average balance of tax-exempt securities increased by $28.9 million, which resulted in an increase in investment income of $555,000. The yield on tax-exempt securities decreased 33 basis points from 3.02% to 2.69%, which corresponds to a decrease in interest income of $157,000. The yield decrease was attributable to higher yielding securities being called and maturing and being replaced by securities that were purchased in a lower rate environment. For a discussion of the Company’s current investment strategy, see the “Financial Condition – Investments”. |
Total loan interest income increased $2,552,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 compared to the same period last year, as a result of the MidCoast acquisition that closed in the second quarter of 2020 and loan growth achieved in the second half of 2020 and the first nine months of 2021 that occurred primarily in our Delaware market.
| • | Interest income on residential mortgage loans decreased $986,000. The average balance of residential mortgage loans decreased $9.6 million due to refinancings in the secondary market resulting in a decrease of $378,000 due to volume. The change due to rate was a decrease of $608,000 as the average yield on residential mortgages decreased from 5.30% to 4.91% as a result of the lower rate environment due to the COVID-19 pandemic. |
| • | The average balance of construction loans increased $26.7 million as a result of projects in our central and south central Pennsylvania markets, as well as the Delaware market. This resulted in an increase of $781,000 on total interest income due to volume. |
| • | The average balance of commercial loans increased $176.4 million from a year ago. The growth was primarily attributable to the MidCoast acquisition and growth in Delaware. This had a positive impact of $6,259,000 on total interest income due to volume. The yield decreased 44 basis points to 4.91% due to the lower rate environment caused by the pandemic, which decreased loan interest income $1,627,000. |
| • | Interest income on agricultural loans decreased $774,000 from 2020 to 2021. The decrease in the average balance of agricultural loans of $6.0 million resulted in a decrease in interest income due to volume of $212,000. The yield on agricultural loans decreased 21 basis points to 4.31%, which decreased loan interest income $562,000. |
| • | The average balance of state and political subdivision loans decreased $34.4 million from a year ago as a result of pay-offs during 2020 and 2021. This resulted in a decrease of $964,000 on total interest income due to volume. |
| • | The average balance of other loans increased $5.0 million as a result of outstanding student loans. This resulted in an increase of $225,000 on total interest income due to volume. |
Total interest expense decreased $770,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 compared with the comparative period last year as a result of a decrease in the cost of interest-bearing liabilities. Interest expense decreased $1,585,000 due to rate as a result of a decrease in the average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities from 0.68% to 0.51%. The decrease was driven by the Federal Reserve interest rate cuts in the first quarter of 2020.
| • | The average balance of interest bearing deposits increased $199.5 million from September 30, 2020 to September 30, 2021. The primary cause of the increase was the MidCoast acquisition completed in the second quarter of 2020 and government stimulus funds in response to the pandemic. We experienced increases of $76.3 million in NOW accounts, $47.3 million in savings accounts, $51.5 million in money market accounts and $24.4 million in certificates of deposit. The cumulative effect of these volume changes was an increase in interest expense of $869,000. (see also “Financial Condition – Deposits”). The average rate paid on interest bearing deposits was 0.45% for the first nine months of 2021 and 0.62% for the comparable period in 2020. This resulted in a decrease in interest expense of $1,585,000. The decrease was due to the Federal Reserve cutting interest rates during the first quarter of 2020. |
| • | The average balance of other borrowed funds decreased $4.9 million from a year ago due to maturities in 2021 that were not replaced due to the liquidity obtained from deposit growth in 2021. This resulted in a decrease in interest expense of $54,000. There was an increase in the average rate paid on other borrowed funds from 1.39% to 1.42% due to the issuance of subordinated debt in the second quarter of 2021 resulting in an increase in interest expense of $18,000. |
Tax equivalent net interest income for the three months ended September 30, 2021 was $16,809,000 which compares to $16,760,000 for the same period last year. This represents an increase of $49,000 and was primarily caused by an increase in the volume of interest earning assets.
Total tax equivalent interest income was $18,561,000 for the three month period ended September 30, 2021, compared to $18,676,000 for the comparable period last year, a decrease of $115,000. The decrease was driven by the decrease in the yield on interest earning assets of 49 basis points. This corresponds to a decrease in interest income of $1,567,000. Offsetting the decrease caused by yield was an increase of $1,452,000 due to volume as interest earning assets increased $202.9 million.
| • | Total investment income increased by $176,000 compared to same period last year. The primary cause of the increase was the increase in the average balance of investments of $95.1 million due to purchases made as a result of deposit growth, which corresponds to an increase in investment of $339,000. Yields on investments decreased 0.44% to 2.01%, which corresponds to a decrease of $163,000 in interest income. The decrease in yield is due to investments purchased in a low rate environment during the second half of 2020 and the first nine months of 2021. |
| • | Total loan interest income decreased $303,000 compared to the same period last year, with the change due to a decrease in yield of 0.32% to 4.61%, which corresponds to a decrease of $1,417,000. As a result of growth primarily in Delaware, the average loan balance increased by $66.3 million, which corresponds to an increase in loan interest income of $1,114,000. |
Total interest expense decreased $164,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2021 compared with last year as a result of the average rate on interest-bearing liabilities decreasing 8 basis points from 0.56% to 0.48%, which decreased interest expense $128,000.
| • | The average balance of interest bearing deposits increased $104.8 million for the three month period ended September 30, 2021, as a result organic growth across all market areas that was driven by government stimulus. Due to a decrease in the average balance of certificates of deposit of $45.8 million, the changes due to volume for deposits was a decrease of $1,000. The rate paid on interest bearing deposits was 0.41% for the three months ended September 30, 2021 and 0.52% for the comparable period in 2020. This results in a decrease in interest expense of $212,000. |
| • | The average balance of other borrowed funds decreased $18.1 million from a year ago due to maturities in 2021 that were not replaced due to the liquidity obtained from deposit growth in 2021. This resulted in a decrease in interest expense of $36,000. There was an increase in the average rate on other borrowed funds from 1.14% to 1.63% as a result of issuing the subordinated notes at 4.0% resulting in an increase in interest expense of $84,000. |
Provision for Loan Losses
For the nine month period ended September 30, 2021, we recorded a provision for loan losses of $1,550,000, which represents an increase of $50,000 from the $1,500,000 provision recorded in the corresponding nine months of last year. The provision was higher in 2021 due to loans acquired as part of the MidCoast acquisition maturing and being refinanced with the Company and now subject to the Company’s allowance calculation. (see “Financial Condition – Allowance for Loan Losses and Credit Quality Risk”).
For the three months ended September 30, 2021, we recorded a provision of $400,000 compared to $550,000 in 2020 with the decrease being a result of the improved economic outlook compared to 2020 that was heavily impacted by the Covid 19 pandemic.
Non-interest Income
The following table shows the breakdown of non-interest income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020 (dollars in thousands):
| | Nine months ended September 30, | | | Change | |
| | 2021 | | | 2020 | | | Amount | | | % | |
Service charges | | $ | 3,479 | | | $ | 3,107 | | | $ | 372 | | | | 12.0 | |
Trust | | | 674 | | | | 542 | | | | 132 | | | | 24.4 | |
Brokerage and insurance | | | 1,190 | | | | 941 | | | | 249 | | | | 26.5 | |
Gains on loans sold | | | 1,109 | | | | 1,282 | | | | (173 | ) | | | (13.5 | ) |
Equity security (losses) gains, net | | | 288 | | | | (276 | ) | | | 564 | | | | (204.3 | ) |
Available for sale security gains, net | | | 212 | | | | 302 | | | | (90 | ) | | | (29.8 | ) |
Earnings on bank owned life insurance | | | 1,643 | | | | 514 | | | | 1,129 | | | | 219.6 | |
Other | | | 1,198 | | | | 1,046 | | | | 152 | | | | 14.5 | |
Total | | $ | 9,793 | | | $ | 7,458 | | | $ | 2,335 | | | | 31.3 | |
| | Three months ended September 30, | | | Change | |
| | 2021 | | | 2020 | | | Amount | | | % | |
Service charges | | $ | 1,210 | | | $ | 1,112 | | | $ | 98 | | | | 8.8 | |
Trust | | | 182 | | | | 199 | | | | (17 | ) | | | (8.5 | ) |
Brokerage and insurance | | | 408 | | | | 352 | | | | 56 | | | | 15.9 | |
Gains on loans sold | | | 295 | | | | 855 | | | | (560 | ) | | | (65.5 | ) |
Equity security gains, net | | | 72 | | | | (33 | ) | | | 105 | | | | (318.2 | ) |
Available for sale security gains, net | | | 162 | | | | 185 | | | | (23 | ) | | | (12.4 | ) |
Earnings on bank owned life insurance | | | 165 | | | | 180 | | | | (15 | ) | | | (8.3 | ) |
Other | | | 358 | | | | 688 | | | | (330 | ) | | | (48.0 | ) |
Total | | $ | 2,852 | | | $ | 3,538 | | | $ | (686 | ) | | | (19.4 | ) |
Non-interest income for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 totaled $9,793,000, an increase of $2,335,000 when compared to the same period in 2020. During the first nine months of 2021, net equity security gains amounted to $288,000 as a result of market gains associated with general stock market increases compared with a $276,000 loss in the comparable 2020 period associated with the Covid-19 pandemic. During the first nine months of 2021 and 2020, there were $212,000 and $302,000 of gains from the sale of available for sale securities. We sold $17.2 million of US treasury securities for a pre-tax gain of $177,000 and $12.0 million of US Agency securities for a pre-tax gain of $35,000 in 2021 and in 2020, we sold $18.6 million of US agency mortgage backed securities for a pre-tax gain of $302,000.
The increase in Trust revenues is due to higher estate settlement fees and asset levels in 2021 compared to 2020. The increase in earnings on bank owned life insurance is due to two former employees of the Company passing during the first quarter of 2021, which generated a death benefit payable to the Company of $1,155,000. The increase in service charges is due to waiving of fees in the second quarter of 2020 in response to the pandemic. The increase in other income is due to the sale of an asset acquired as part of the First National Bank of Fredericksburg (“FNB”) acquisition, which was deemed to have no value as of the acquisition date and subsequent periods for $152,000. The decrease in gains on loans sold is attributable to a gain as a result of increases in rates on the secondary market compared to last year.
For the three month period ended September 30, 2021, the changes experienced from the prior year related gains on loans sold and service charges correspond to the changes experienced for the nine month period. The decrease in other income was due to a decrease of $531,000 in fees earned on offering back to back swaps to certain customers
Non-interest Expense
The following tables reflect the breakdown of non-interest expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020 (dollars in thousands):
| | Nine months ended September 30, | | | Change | | | | |
| | 2021 | | | 2020 | | | Amount | | | % | |
Salaries and employee benefits | | $ | 19,312 | | | $ | 17,411 | | | $ | 1,901 | | | | 10.9 | |
Occupancy | | | 2,222 | | | | 1,891 | | | | 331 | | | | 17.5 | |
Furniture and equipment | | | 407 | | | | 587 | | | | (180 | ) | | | (30.7 | ) |
Professional fees | | | 1,153 | | | | 1,180 | | | | (27 | ) | | | (2.3 | ) |
FDIC insurance | | | 387 | | | | 341 | | | | 46 | | | | 13.5 | |
Pennsylvania shares tax | | | 856 | | | | 809 | | | | 47 | | | | 5.8 | |
Amortization of intangibles | | | 146 | | | | 162 | | | | (16 | ) | | | (9.9 | ) |
Merger and acquisition | | | - | | | | 2,179 | | | | (2,179 | ) | | | (100.0 | ) |
Software expenses | | | 1,003 | | | | 817 | | | | 186 | | | | 22.8 | |
ORE expenses | | | 383 | | | | 221 | | | | 162 | | | | 73.3 | |
Other | | | 4,798 | | | | 4,428 | | | | 370 | | | | 8.4 | |
Total | | $ | 30,667 | | | $ | 30,026 | | | $ | 641 | | | | 2.1 | |
| | Three months ended September 30, | | | Change | | | | | |
| | 2021 | | | 2020 | | | Amount | | | % | |
Salaries and employee benefits | | $ | 6,568 | | | $ | 6,102 | | | $ | 466 | | | | 7.6 | |
Occupancy | | | 728 | | | | 714 | | | | 14 | | | | 2.0 | |
Furniture and equipment | | | 123 | | | | 267 | | | | (144 | ) | | | (53.9 | ) |
Professional fees | | | 310 | | | | 417 | | | | (107 | ) | | | (25.7 | ) |
FDIC insurance | | | 129 | | | | 135 | | | | (6 | ) | | | (4.4 | ) |
Pennsylvania shares tax | | | 339 | | | | 275 | | | | 64 | | | | 23.3 | |
Amortization of intangibles | | | 48 | | | | 57 | | | | (9 | ) | | | (15.8 | ) |
Merger and acquisition | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | NA | |
Software expenses | | | 336 | | | | 324 | | | | 12 | | | | 3.7 | |
ORE expenses | | | 130 | | | | 30 | | | | 100 | | | | 333.3 | |
Other | | | 1,689 | | | | 1,371 | | | | 318 | | | | 23.2 | |
Total | | $ | 10,400 | | | $ | 9,692 | | | $ | 708 | | | | 7.3 | |
Non-interest expenses increased $641,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 compared to the same period in 2020. Salaries and employee benefits increased $1,901,000 or 10.9%. The increase was due to merit increases effective at the beginning of 2021, additional headcount as part of the MidCoast acquisition and servicing the Delaware market and increased profit sharing expenses due to increased profitability of the Company.
The increase in occupancy expenses is due to the additional branches acquired as part of the MidCoast acquisition. The decrease in merger and acquisition costs was due to costs associated with the MidCoast acquisition that closed in April 2020. The increase in FDIC insurance was due to the final credit received from the FDIC in the first quarter of 2020 as the Deposit Insurance Fund reserve ratio exceeded 1.38%. The decrease in furniture and fixtures is due to a decrease in non-capitalized items that were purchased in 2020 to support the acquisition.
For the three months ended, September 30, 2021, non-interest expenses increased $708,000 when compared to the same period in 2020. The changes in salaries and employee benefits and furniture and equipment correspond to the changes for the nine month period. The increase in other expenses for the three month period ended September 30, 2021 is due to computer and data expenses as well as appraisal fees for the quarter.
Provision for Income Taxes
The provision for income taxes was $4,645,000 for the nine month period ended September 30, 2021 compared to $3,702,000 for the same period in 2020. The increase is primarily attributable to the increase in income before the provision for income taxes of $5,241,000 for the comparable periods. Through management of our municipal loan and bond portfolios, management is focused on minimizing our effective tax rate. Our effective tax rate was 17.3% and 17.2% for the first nine months of 2021 and 2020, respectively, compared to the statutory rate of 21%.
For the three months ended September 30, 2021, the provision for income taxes was $1,578,000 compared to $1,759,000 for the same period in 2020. The decrease is attributable to the decrease in income before the provision for income taxes of $1,124,000 for the comparable periods. Our effective tax rate was 18.3% and 18.0% for the three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
We are invested in five limited partnerships that have established low-income housing projects in our market areas with our most recent investment in the third quarter of 2021. We anticipate recognizing an aggregate of $3.1 million of tax credits over the next 10 years, with an additional $35,000 anticipated to be recognized during 2021.
Financial Condition
Total assets were $2.05 billion at September 30, 2021, an increase of $155.5 million from $1.89 billion at December 31, 2020, due primarily to deposit growth fueled by government stimulus payments in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Cash and cash equivalents increased $33.3 million to $102.0 million. Available for sale securities increased $101.9 million and net loans increased $36.1 million to $1.43 billion at September 30, 2021. Total deposits increased $152.1 million to $1.74 billion since year-end 2020, while borrowed funds decreased $10.6 million to $78.2 million.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents totaled $102.0 million at September 30, 2021 compared to $68.7 million at December 31, 2020, an increase of $33.3 million. The increase was attributable to deposit growth as customers continue to receive government stimulus funds payments. Management actively measures and evaluates the Company’s liquidity position through our Asset–Liability Committee and believes the Company’s liquidity needs are satisfied by the current balance of cash and cash equivalents, readily available access to traditional funding sources including the Bank’s core deposits, Federal Home Loan Bank financing, federal funds lines with correspondent banks, brokered certificates of deposit and the portion of the investment and loan portfolios that mature within one year. Management expects that these sources of funds will permit us to meet cash obligations and off-balance sheet commitments as they come due.
Investments
The following table shows the composition of the investment portfolio (including debt and equity securities) as of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 (dollars in thousands):
| | September 30, 2021 | | | December 31, 2020 | |
| | Amount | | | % | | | Amount | | | % | |
Debt securities: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
U. S. Agency securities | | $ | 68,256 | | | | 17.1 | | | $ | 81,416 | | | | 27.4 | |
U. S. Treasury notes | | | 103,719 | | | | 26.0 | | | | 28,043 | | | | 9.4 | |
Obligations of state & political subdivisions | | | 108,831 | | | | 27.3 | | | | 102,972 | | | | 34.7 | |
Corporate obligations | | | 10,937 | | | | 2.7 | | | | 6,509 | | | | 2.2 | |
Mortgage-backed securities in government sponsored entities | | | 105,300 | | | | 26.3 | | | | 76,249 | | | | 25.7 | |
Equity securities | | | 2,219 | | | | 0.6 | | | | 1,931 | | | | 0.6 | |
Total | | $ | 399,262 | | | | 100.0 | | | $ | 297,120 | | | | 100.0 | |
| | September 30, 2021/ | |
| | December 31, 2020 | |
| | Change | |
| | Amount | | | % | |
Debt securities: | | | | | | |
U. S. Agency securities | | $ | (13,160 | ) | | | (16.2 | ) |
U. S. Treasury notes | | | 75,676 | | | | 269.9 | |
Obligations of state & political subdivisions | | | 5,859 | | | | 5.7 | |
Corporate obligations | | | 4,428 | | | | 68.0 | |
Mortgage-backed securities in government sponsored entities | | | 29,051 | | | | 38.1 | |
Equity securities | | | 288 | | | | 14.9 | |
Total | | $ | 102,142 | | | | 34.4 | |
Our investment portfolio increased by $102.1 million, or 34.4%, from December 31, 2020 to September 30, 2021. During 2021, we purchased $13.1 million of U.S. agency obligations, $93.4 million of U.S. treasury securities, $13.4 million state and political securities, $52.6 million of mortgage backed securities and $4.5 million of corporate securities, which was offset by $21.6 million of principal repayments and $19.1 million of calls and maturities that occurred during the first nine months of 2021. We sold $17.2 million of US treasury securities and $12.0 million of US agency securities to recognize a gain and to redeploy funds into higher yielding investments. As a result of changes in market interest rates, the unrealized gain on available for sale investment portfolio decreased $3.8 million. Excluding our short-term investments consisting of monies held primarily at the Federal Reserve for liquidity purposes, our investment portfolio for the nine month period ended September 30, 2021 yielded 2.05%, compared to 2.66% in the comparable period in 2020, on a tax equivalent basis.
The investment strategy for 2021 has been to utilize cashflows from the investment portfolio and deposit inflows to purchase U.S. treasury securities, mortgage backed securities issued by government sponsored entities and obligations of state and political securities. The increase in the investment portfolio was in response to the deposit inflows that occurred in 2021. We continually monitor interest rate trading ranges and seek to time investment security purchases when rates are in the top third of the trading range. The Bank believes its investment strategy has appropriately mitigated its interest rate risk exposure for various rate environments, while providing sufficient cashflows to meet liquidity needs.
Management continues to monitor the earnings performance and the liquidity of the investment portfolio on a regular basis. Through active balance sheet management and analysis of the investment portfolio, the Company believes it maintains sufficient liquidity to satisfy depositor withdrawal requirements and various credit needs of its customers.
Loans Held for Sale
Loans held for sale decreased $11.4 million to $3.2 million as of September 30, 2021 from December 31, 2020. The decrease in loans held for sale was due to a decrease in the amount of refinancings occurring due to a slight increase in market interest rates.
Loans
The following table shows the composition of the loan portfolio as of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 (dollars in thousands):
| | September 30, | | | December 31, | |
| | 2021 | | | 2020 | |
| | Amount | | | % | | | Amount | | | % | |
Real estate: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Residential | | $ | 204,853 | | | | 14.2 | | | $ | 201,911 | | | | 14.4 | |
Commercial | | | 657,485 | | | | 45.6 | | | | 596,255 | | | | 42.4 | |
Agricultural | | | 312,442 | | | | 21.7 | | | | 315,158 | | | | 22.4 | |
Construction | | | 68,408 | | | | 4.7 | | | | 35,404 | | | | 2.5 | |
Consumer | | | 31,042 | | | | 2.2 | | | | 30,277 | | | | 2.2 | |
Other commercial loans | | | 92,188 | | | | 6.4 | | | | 114,169 | | | | 8.1 | |
Other agricultural loans | | | 28,562 | | | | 2.0 | | | | 48,779 | | | | 3.5 | |
State & political subdivision loans | | | 47,928 | | | | 3.2 | | | | 63,328 | | | | 4.5 | |
Total loans | | | 1,442,908 | | | | 100.0 | | | | 1,405,281 | | | | 100.0 | |
Less allowance for loan losses | | | 17,334 | | | | | | | | 15,815 | | | | | |
Net loans | | $ | 1,425,574 | | | | | | | $ | 1,389,466 | | | | | |
| | September 30, 2021/ | |
| | December 31, 2020 | |
| | Change | |
| | Amount | | | % | |
Real estate: | | | | | | |
Residential | | $ | 2,942 | | | | 1.5 | |
Commercial | | | 61,230 | | | | 10.3 | |
Agricultural | | | (2,716 | ) | | | (0.9 | ) |
Construction | | | 33,004 | | | | 93.2 | |
Consumer | | | 765 | | | | 2.5 | |
Other commercial loans | | | (21,981 | ) | | | (19.3 | ) |
Other agricultural loans | | | (20,217 | ) | | | (41.4 | ) |
State & political subdivision loans | | | (15,400 | ) | | | (24.3 | ) |
Total loans | | $ | 37,627 | | | | 2.7 | |
The Bank’s lending efforts have historically been focused in north central Pennsylvania and southern New York. With the acquisition of FNB and the opening of offices in Lancaster County, this focus has grown to include Lebanon, Schuylkill, Berks and Lancaster County markets of south central, Pennsylvania. We have a limited branch office in Union County that is staffed by a lending team to primarily support agricultural opportunities in central Pennsylvania. In December 2017, we completed a branch acquisition in State College, which provides us with opportunities in Centre County, Pennsylvania and other areas of central Pennsylvania. In April 2020, we completed the MidCoast acquisition, which expanded our markets into the State of Delaware with activity centered around the cities of Wilmington and Dover, Delaware. In November of 2020, we opened a branch in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, to further serve customers obtained as part of the MidCoast acquisition, as well as to expand operations into Chester County, Pennsylvania. We originate loans primarily through direct loans to our existing customer base, with new customers generated through the strong relationships our lending teams have with their customers and our lenders expertise in certain areas, as well as by referrals from real estate brokers, building contractors, attorneys, accountants, corporate and advisory board members, existing customers and the Bank’s website. The Bank offers a variety of loans although historically most of our lending has focused on real estate loans including residential, commercial, agricultural, and construction loans. All lending is governed by a lending policy that is developed and administered by management and approved by the Board of Directors. As of September 30, 2021, the Company had one industry specific loan concentration to the dairy industry, totaling $132.2 million or 9.2% of total loans compared to $139.1 million or 9.9% of total loans at December 31, 2020.
During the first nine months of 2021, the primary driver of growth was the Delaware markets, which saw significant activity in commercial real estate loan and construction loan activity. Other agricultural loans decreased $20.2 million primarily due to paydowns on lines of credit. The decrease in state and political loans of $15.4 million is due to pricing in the municipal bond market, which was less attractive to the borrowers during the first nine months of 2021 and is expected to continue to present challenges for the remainder of 2021. The decrease in other commercial loans is due to forgiveness of PPP loans. Loans issued as part of the PPP program totaled $20.8 million as of September 30, 2021 compared to $37.2 million as of December 31, 2020 for a change of $16.4 million. Commercial and agricultural loan demand is subject to significant competitive pressures, the yield curve, and overall national, regional and local economic conditions.
While the Bank lends to companies that service companies that explore for natural gas in our market area, the Bank has not originated any loans to companies performing the actual drilling and exploration activities. Loans made by the Bank are to service industry customers which include trucking companies, stone quarries and other support businesses, favoring customers that have had a relationship with the Bank prior to supporting the exploration for natural gas. We also have originated loans to businesses and individuals for restaurants, hotels and apartment rentals that have been developed and expanded to meet the housing and living needs of the gas industry workers. Due to our understanding of the industry and its cyclical nature, the loans made for natural gas-related activities have been originated in accordance with specific policies and procedures for lending to these entities, which include more stringent loan to value thresholds, shortened amortization periods, and expansion of our monitoring of loan concentrations associated with this activity.
Residential real estate loans increased slightly during the first nine months of 2021. Loan demand for conforming mortgages, which the Company typically sells on the secondary market, remains strong in 2021 as a result of the low rate environment. For loans sold on the secondary market, the Company recognizes fee income for servicing these sold loans, which is included in non-interest income.
In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Company has implemented programs to assist our customers. These include allowing customers to make interest only payments for up to 60 days and allowing certain customers in specific industries like hospitality to defer both principal and interest payments for up to 120 days. Customers are eligible to request additional modifications.
Allowance for Loan Losses
The allowance for loan losses is maintained at a level which in management’s judgment is adequate to absorb probable future loan losses inherent in the loan portfolio at the balance sheet date. The provision for loan losses is charged against current income. Loans deemed not collectable are charged-off against the allowance while subsequent recoveries increase the allowance. The following table presents an analysis of the allowance for loan losses and non-performing loans and assets as of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, 2018 and 2017 (dollars in thousands):
| | September 30, | | | December 31, | |
| | 2021 | | | 2020 | | | 2019 | | | 2018 | | | 2017 | |
Balance at beginning of period | | $ | 15,815 | | | $ | 13,845 | | | $ | 12,884 | | | $ | 11,190 | | | $ | 8,886 | |
Charge-offs: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Real estate: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Residential | | | - | | | | - | | | | 32 | | | | 118 | | | | 107 | |
Commercial | | | - | | | | 435 | | | | 578 | | | | 66 | | | | 41 | |
Agricultural | | | - | | | | 4 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 30 | |
Consumer | | | 16 | | | | 50 | | | | 49 | | | | 40 | | | | 130 | |
Other commercial loans | | | 133 | | | | 44 | | | | 38 | | | | 91 | | | | - | |
Other agricultural loans | | | - | | | | - | | | | 60 | | | | 50 | | | | 5 | |
Total loans charged-off | | | 149 | | | | 533 | | | | 757 | | | | 365 | | | | 313 | |
Recoveries: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Real estate: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Residential | | | - | | | | 14 | | | | - | | | | 69 | | | | - | |
Commercial | | | 89 | | | | 37 | | | | - | | | | 3 | | | | 11 | |
Agricultural | | | - | | | | 19 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
Consumer | | | 16 | | | | 21 | | | | 33 | | | | 31 | | | | 49 | |
Other commercial loans | | | 13 | | | | 12 | | | | 10 | | | | 30 | | | | 16 | |
Other agricultural loans | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 1 | | | | 1 | |
Total loans recovered | | | 118 | | | | 103 | | | | 43 | | | | 134 | | | | 77 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net loans (recovered) charged-off | | | 31 | | | | 430 | | | | 714 | | | | 231 | | | | 236 | |
Provision charged to expense | | | 1,550 | | | | 2,400 | | | | 1,675 | | | | 1,925 | | | | 2,540 | |
Balance at end of year | | $ | 17,334 | | | $ | 15,815 | | | $ | 13,845 | | | $ | 12,884 | | | $ | 11,190 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Loans outstanding at end of period | | $ | 1,442,908 | | | $ | 1,405,281 | | | $ | 1,115,569 | | | $ | 1,081,883 | | | $ | 1,000,525 | |
Average loans outstanding, net | | $ | 1,417,647 | | | $ | 1,291,838 | | | $ | 1,102,565 | | | $ | 1,044,250 | | | $ | 883,355 | |
Non-performing assets: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Non-accruing loans | | $ | 8,858 | | | $ | 10,732 | | | $ | 11,536 | | | $ | 13,724 | | | $ | 10,171 | |
Accrual loans - 90 days or more past due | | | 83 | | | | 525 | | | | 487 | | | | 68 | | | | 555 | |
Total non-performing loans | | $ | 8,941 | | | $ | 11,257 | | | $ | 12,023 | | | $ | 13,792 | | | $ | 10,726 | |
Foreclosed assets held for sale | | | 1,277 | | | | 1,836 | | | | 3,404 | | | | 601 | | | | 1,119 | |
Total non-performing assets | | $ | 10,218 | | | $ | 13,093 | | | $ | 15,427 | | | $ | 14,393 | | | $ | 11,845 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Annualized net (recoveries) charge-offs to average loans | | | 0.00 | % | | | 0.03 | % | | | 0.06 | % | | | 0.02 | % | | | 0.03 | % |
Allowance to total loans | | | 1.20 | % | | | 1.13 | % | | | 1.24 | % | | | 1.19 | % | | | 1.12 | % |
Allowance to total non-performing loans | | | 193.87 | % | | | 140.49 | % | | | 115.15 | % | | | 93.42 | % | | | 104.33 | % |
Non-performing loans as a percent of loans net of unearned income | | | 0.62 | % | | | 0.80 | % | | | 1.08 | % | | | 1.27 | % | | | 1.07 | % |
Non-performing assets as a percent of loans net of unearned income | | | 0.71 | % | | | 0.93 | % | | | 1.38 | % | | | 1.33 | % | | | 1.18 | % |
Management believes that it uses the best information available when establishing the allowance for loan losses and that the allowance for loan losses is adequate as of September 30, 2021. However, future adjustments could be required if circumstances differ substantially from assumptions and estimates used in making the initial determination. A prolonged downturn in the economy, high unemployment rates, significant changes in the value of collateral and delays in receiving financial information from borrowers could result in increased levels of non-performing assets, charge-offs, loan loss provisions and reduction in income. Additionally, bank regulatory agencies periodically examine the Bank’s allowance for loan losses. The banking agencies could require the recognition of additions to the allowance for loan losses based upon their judgment of information available to them at the time of their examination.
On a monthly basis, problem loans are identified and updated primarily using internally prepared past due reports. Based on data surrounding the collection process of each identified loan, the loan may be added or deleted from the monthly watch list. The watch list includes loans graded special mention, substandard, doubtful, and loss, as well as additional loans that management may choose to include. Watch list loans are continually monitored going forward until satisfactory conditions exist that allow management to upgrade and remove the loan. In certain cases, loans may be placed on non-accrual status or charged-off based upon management’s evaluation of the borrower’s ability to pay. All commercial loans, which include commercial real estate, agricultural real estate, state and political subdivision loans and other commercial and agricultural loans, on non-accrual are evaluated quarterly for impairment.
The allowance for loan losses was $17,334,000 or 1.20% of total loans as of September 30, 2021, as compared to $15,815,000 or 1.13% of loans as of December 31, 2020. The $1,519,000 increase in the allowance during the first nine months of 2021 is the result of a $1,550,000 provision and net charge-offs of $31,000. The following table shows the distribution of the allowance for loan losses and the percentage of loans compared to total loans by loan category as of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, 2019, 2018 and 2017 (dollars in thousands):
| | September 30, | | | December 31 | |
| | 2021 | | | 2020 | | | | | | 2019 | | | | | | 2018 | | | | | | 2017 | | | | |
| | Amount | | | % | | | Amount | | | % | | | Amount | | | % | | | Amount | | | % | | | Amount | | | % | |
Real estate loans: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Residential | | $ | 1,190 | | | | 14.2 | | | $ | 1,174 | | | | 14.4 | | | $ | 1,114 | | | | 19.4 | | | $ | 1,105 | | | | 19.9 | | | $ | 1,049 | | | | 21.4 | |
Commercial | | | 7,678 | | | | 45.6 | | | | 6,216 | | | | 42.4 | | | | 4,549 | | | | 30.7 | | | | 4,115 | | | | 29.5 | | | | 3,867 | | | | 30.8 | |
Agricultural | | | 4,746 | | | | 21.7 | | | | 4,953 | | | | 22.4 | | | | 5,022 | | | | 27.9 | | | | 4,264 | | | | 26.3 | | | | 3,143 | | | | 24.0 | |
Construction | | | 538 | | | | 4.7 | | | | 122 | | | | 2.5 | | | | 43 | | | | 1.4 | | | | 58 | | | | 3.1 | | | | 23 | | | | 1.3 | |
Consumer | | | 318 | | | | 2.2 | | | | 321 | | | | 2.2 | | | | 112 | | | | 0.9 | | | | 120 | | | | 0.9 | | | | 124 | | | | 1.0 | |
Other commercial loans | | | 1,131 | | | | 6.4 | | | | 1,226 | | | | 8.1 | | | | 1,255 | | | | 6.3 | | | | 1,354 | | | | 6.9 | | | | 1,272 | | | | 7.2 | |
Other agricultural loans | | | 448 | | | | 2.0 | | | | 864 | | | | 3.5 | | | | 961 | | | | 4.9 | | | | 752 | | | | 3.9 | | | | 492 | | | | 3.8 | |
State & political subdivision loans | | | 296 | | | | 3.2 | | | | 479 | | | | 4.5 | | | | 536 | | | | 8.5 | | | | 762 | | | | 9.5 | | | | 816 | | | | 10.5 | |
Unallocated | | | 989 | | | | N/A | | | | 460 | | | | N/A | | | | 253 | | | | N/A | | | | 354 | | | | N/A | | | | 404 | | | | N/A | |
Total allowance for loan losses | | $ | 17,334 | | | | 100.0 | | | $ | 15,815 | | | | 100.0 | | | $ | 13,845 | | | | 100.0 | | | $ | 12,884 | | | | 100.0 | | | $ | 11,190 | | | | 100.0 | |
As a result of previous loss experiences and other risk factors utilized in determining the allowance, the Bank’s allocation of the allowance does not directly correspond to the actual balances of the loan portfolio. While commercial and agricultural real estate totaled 67.3% of the loan portfolio at September 30, 2021, 71.7% of the allowance at that date was assigned to this segment of the loan portfolio as these loans have more inherent credit risk than residential real estate or loans to state and political subdivisions.
The following table identifies amounts of loans contractually past due 30 to 89 days and non-performing loans by loan category, as well as the change from December 31, 2020 to September 30, 2021 in non-performing loans (in thousands). Non-performing loans include accruing loans that are contractually past due 90 days or more and non-accrual loans. Interest does not accrue on non-accrual loans. Subsequent cash payments received are applied to the outstanding principal balance or recorded as interest income, depending upon management’s assessment of its ultimate ability to collect principal and interest.
| | September 30, 2021 | | | December 31, 2020 | |
| | | | | Non-Performing Loans | | | | | | Non-Performing Loans | |
| | 30 - 89 Days | | | 90 Days | | | | | | | | | 30 - 89 Days | | | 90 Days | | | | | | | |
| | Past Due | | | Past Due | | | Non- | | | Total Non- | | | Past Due | | | Past Due | | | Non- | | | Total Non- | |
(in thousands) | | Accruing | | | Accruing | | | accrual | | | Performing | | | Accruing | | | Accruing | | | accrual | | | Performing | |
Real estate: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Residential | | $ | 476 | | | $ | 81 | | | $ | 590 | | | $ | 671 | | | $ | 1,351 | | | $ | 275 | | | $ | 812 | | | $ | 1,087 | |
Commercial | | | 607 | | | | - | | | | 3,778 | | | | 3,778 | | | | 1,247 | | | | 70 | | | | 4,529 | | | | 4,599 | |
Agricultural | | | 208 | | | | - | | | | 3,196 | | | | 3,196 | | | | 366 | | | | 150 | | | | 3,133 | | | | 3,283 | |
Consumer | | | 104 | | | | 2 | | | | - | | | | 2 | | | | 155 | | | | 30 | | | | - | | | | 30 | |
Other commercial loans | | | 52 | | | | - | | | | 416 | | | | 416 | | | | 930 | | | | - | | | | 1,284 | | | | 1,284 | |
Other agricultural loans | | | 35 | | | | - | | | | 878 | | | | 878 | | | | 71 | | | | - | | | | 974 | | | | 974 | |
Total nonperforming loans | | $ | 1,482 | | | $ | 83 | | | $ | 8,858 | | | $ | 8,941 | | | $ | 4,120 | | | $ | 525 | | | $ | 10,732 | | | $ | 11,257 | |
| | Change in Non-Performing Loans | |
| | September 30, 2021 /December 31, 2020 | |
(in thousands) | | Amount | | | % | |
Real estate: | | | | | | |
Residential | | $ | (416 | ) | | | (38.3 | ) |
Commercial | | | (821 | ) | | | (17.9 | ) |
Agricultural | | | (87 | ) | | | (2.7 | ) |
Consumer | | | (28 | ) | | | (93.3 | ) |
Other commercial loans | | | (868 | ) | | | (67.6 | ) |
Other agricultural loans | | | (96 | ) | | | (9.9 | ) |
Total nonperforming loans | | $ | (2,316 | ) | | | (20.6 | ) |
For the nine months ended September 30, 2021, we recorded a provision for loan losses of $1,550,000. Non-performing loans decreased $2,316,000 or 20.6%, from December 31, 2020 to September 30, 2021, primarily due to a commercial customer and an agricultural real estate customer making payments on their loans. Approximately 57.7% of the Bank’s non-performing loans at September 30, 2021 are associated with the following three customer relationships:
| • | A commercial loan relationship with $1.6 million outstanding, and additional letters of credit of $1.7 million available, secured by undeveloped land, stone quarries and equipment, was on non-accrual status as of September 30, 2021. The slowdown in the exploration for natural gas has significantly impacted the cash flows of the customer, who provides excavation services and stone for pad construction related to these activities. During 2019, the Company had the underlying equipment collateral appraised. The 2019 appraisal indicated a decrease in collateral values compared to the appraisal ordered for the loan origination and an appraisal performed in 2017, however, the loan was still considered well secured on a loan to value basis at September 30, 2021. In 2021, the customer has liquidated some excess equipment and the funds have been utilized to pay down a portion of the loans. Management determined that no specific reserve was required as of September 30, 2021. |
| • | An agricultural loan customer with a total loan relationship of $2.4 million, secured by real estate, equipment and cattle, was on non-accrual status as of September 30, 2021. The customer declared bankruptcy during the fourth quarter of 2018 and developed a workout plan that was approved by the bankruptcy court in the fourth quarter of 2019 and resulted in monthly payments resuming in late 2019 that continued in 2020 and 2021. Included within these loans to this customer are $911,000 of loans which are subject to Farm Service Agency guarantees. Depressed milk prices and the pandemic have created cash flow difficulties for this customer. Absent a sizable and sustained increase in milk prices, which is not assured, we will need to rely upon the collateral for repayment of interest and principal. During 2020, the Company had the underlying collateral appraised. As of September 30, 2021, there was a specific reserve of $63,000 for this relationship based on the updated appraisals. |
| • | An agricultural loan customer with a total loan relationship of $1.2 million, secured by real estate was on non-accrual status as of September 30, 2021. The COVID-19 pandemic has escalated the cash flow difficulties this customer is experiencing. We expect that we will need to rely upon the sale of the collateral for repayment of interest and principal. Management reviewed the collateral and determined that no specific reserve was required as of September 30, 2021. |
Management of the Company believes that the allowance for loan losses as of September 30, 2021 was adequate at that date, which is based on the following factors:
| • | The three loan relationships described above comprised 57.7% of the non-performing loan balance, which had approximately $63,000 of specific reserves, as of September 30, 2021. |
| • | The Company has a history of low charge-offs, and had net charge-offs for the first nine months of 2021 of $31,000. Net (recoveries) charge-offs as a percent of average loans was 0.00% for the first nine months of 2021 and 0.03% for all of 2020. |
Bank Owned Life Insurance
The Company holds bank owned life insurance policies to offset future employee benefit costs. These policies provide the Bank with an asset that generates earnings to partially offset the current costs of benefits, and eventually (at the death of the insureds) provide partial recovery of cash outflows associated with the benefits. As of September 30, 2021, and December 31, 2020, the cash surrender value of the life insurance was $30.5 million and $32.6 million, respectively. The change in cash surrender value, net of purchases and amounts acquired through acquisitions, is recognized in the results of operations. The amounts recorded as non-interest income totaled $165,000 and $180,000 for the three month periods ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, $1,643,000 and $514,000, respectively, was recorded in non-interest income. During the first quarter of 2021, the Company received proceeds of $3,714,000, which included death benefits of $1,155,000 on two former employees of the Company. The Company evaluates annually the risks associated with the life insurance policies, including limits on the amount of coverage and an evaluation of the various carriers’ credit ratings.
The Company policies that were purchased directly from insurance companies are structured so that any death benefits received from a policy while the insured person is an active employee of the Bank will be split with the beneficiary of the policy. Under these agreements, the employee’s beneficiary will be entitled to receive 50% of the net amount at risk from the proceeds. The net amount at risk is the total death benefit payable less the cash surrender value of the policy as of the date of death. The policies acquired as part of the acquisition of FNB provide a fixed split-dollar benefit for the beneficiary’s estate, which is dependent on several factors including whether the covered individual was a former Director of First National Bank of Fredericksburg (“FNB”) or a former employee of FNB and their salary level. As of September 30, 2021, and December 31, 2020, included in other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet was a liability of $694,000 and $687,000, respectively, for the obligation under the split-dollar benefit agreements.
Premises and Equipment
Premises and equipment increased $253,000 to $17.2 million as of September 30, 2021 from December 31, 2020 as a result of a building purchase utilized to house back office personnel.
Deposits
The following table shows the composition of deposits as of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 (dollars in thousands):
| | September 30, | | | December 31, | |
| | 2021 | | | 2020 | |
| | Amount | | | % | | | Amount | | | % | |
Non-interest-bearing deposits | | $ | 357,078 | | | | 20.5 | | | $ | 303,762 | | | | 19.1 | |
NOW accounts | | | 469,858 | | | | 27.0 | | | | 422,083 | | | | 26.6 | |
Savings deposits | | | 301,997 | | | | 17.3 | | | | 255,853 | | | | 16.1 | |
Money market deposit accounts | | | 278,295 | | | | 16.0 | | | | 225,968 | | | | 14.2 | |
Certificates of deposit | | | 333,741 | | | | 19.2 | | | | 381,192 | | | | 24.0 | |
Total | | $ | 1,740,969 | | | | 100.0 | | | $ | 1,588,858 | | | | 100.0 | |
| | September 30, 2021/ | |
| | December 31, 2020 | |
| | Change | |
| | Amount | | | % | |
Non-interest-bearing deposits | | $ | 53,316 | | | | 17.6 | |
NOW accounts | | | 47,775 | | | | 11.3 | |
Savings deposits | | | 46,144 | | | | 18.0 | |
Money market deposit accounts | | | 52,327 | | | | 23.2 | |
Certificates of deposit | | | (47,451 | ) | | | (12.4 | ) |
Total | | $ | 152,111 | | | | 9.6 | |
Deposits increased $152.1 million since December 31, 2020. The driver of the increase was government stimulus funds in response to the COVID 19 pandemic, which includes PPP loan proceeds deposited into a non-interest bearing deposit account at the Bank. We continue to enhance our cash management services to improve our customer services and to grow deposits through our current customers. Brokered certificates of deposit decreased $23.8 million as maturing certificates were not replaced in 2021.
Borrowed Funds
Borrowed funds were $78.2 million and $88.8 million as of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. The decrease in borrowed funds was due maturities that occurred in the third quarter of 2021 that were not replaced due to deposit growth in 2021. In the second quarter of 2021, we issued $10.0 million of subordinated notes. During 2021, $21.8 million of long term borrowings from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh matured and were not replaced. As of September 30, 2021, long-term advances total $37.1 million, short-term advances total $25.0 million and repurchase agreements total $16.1 million.
The Company issued $10.0 million of fixed to floating rate subordinated notes on April 16, 2021 that mature on April 16, 2031, unless redeemed earlier. The notes bear interest at 4% per annum through April 16, 2026 and subsequently pay interest at the 90-day average secured overnight financing rate, determined on the determination date of the applicable interest period, plus 323 basis points. The Company may redeem the notes, in whole or in part, on or after April 16, 2026, and at any time upon the occurrence of certain events, subject in each case to the approval of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “Federal Reserve”). Issuance costs associated with the notes totaled $131,000 and were capitalized and will be amortized over the life of the note on a straight-line basis, which approximates the effective yield method. As of September 30, 2021, the net unamortized issuance costs totaled $124,000.
In April 2020, the Bank entered into two interest rate swap agreements to convert floating-rate debt to fixed rate debt on notional amounts of $15.0 million and $10.0 million. The interest rate swap instruments involve an agreement to receive a floating rate and pay a fixed rate, at specified intervals, calculated on the agreed-upon notional amounts. The differentials paid or received on interest rate swap agreements are recognized as adjustments to interest expense in the period. The interest rate swap agreements were entered into on April 1, 2020 and expire on April 1, 2025 and April 1, 2027. In April 2020, the Company entered into an interest rate swap agreement to convert floating-rate debt to fixed rate debt on a notional amounts of $7.5 million. The interest rate swap instrument involves an agreement to receive a floating rate and pay a fixed rate, at specified intervals, calculated on the agreed-upon notional amount. The differentials paid or received on interest rate swap agreements are recognized as adjustments to interest expense in the period. The interest rate swap agreements were entered into on April 13, 2020 and expire on June 17, 2027. In May of 2020, the Bank entered into three two year forward interest rate swaps that will convert floating rate debt to fixed rate debt on notional amounts of $6.0 million each. The interest rate swap instruments involves an agreement to receive a floating rate and pay a fixed rate, at specified intervals, calculated on the agreed-upon notional amount. The differentials paid or received on interest rate swap agreements are recognized as adjustments to interest expense in the period. The interest rate swap agreements were entered into on May 14, 2020 and expire on May 14, 2027, 2029 and 2032. The fair value of the interest rate swaps at September 30, 2021 was $1,477,000 and is included within other assets on the consolidated balance sheets.
The Company’s current strategy for borrowings is to consider terms and structures to manage interest rate risk and liquidity in a rising rate environment. The Company’s daily cash requirements or short-term investments are primarily met by using the financial instruments available through the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh.
Stockholders’ Equity
We evaluate stockholders’ equity in relation to total assets and the risks associated with those assets. The greater the capital resource, the more likely a corporation will meet its cash obligations and absorb unforeseen losses. For these reasons, capital adequacy has been, and will continue to be, of paramount importance to the Company. As such, the Company has implemented policies and procedures to ensure that it has adequate capital levels. As part of this process, we routinely stress test our capital levels and identify potential risk and alternative sources of additional capital should the need arise.
Total stockholders’ equity was $209.0 million at September 30, 2021 compared to $194.3 million at December 31, 2020, an increase of $14,708,000, or 7.6%. Excluding accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), stockholders’ equity increased $16.3 million, or 8.5%. The Company purchased 15,483 shares of treasury stock at a weighted average cost of $57.73 per share. For the nine months of 2021, the Company had net income of $22.2 million and declared cash dividends of $5.5 million, or $1.39 per share, representing a cash dividend payout ratio of 24.9%.
All of the Company’s debt investment securities are classified as available-for-sale, making this portion of the Company’s balance sheet more sensitive to the changing market value of investments. As a result of changes in the interest rate environment, the defined benefit plan obligations and the interest rate swaps entered into during 2020, accumulated other comprehensive income decreased approximately $1.6 million from December 31, 2020.
The Bank is subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the federal banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory-and possibly additional discretionary-actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the Company’s financial statements. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Bank must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of the Bank’s assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance-sheet items as calculated under U.S. GAAP, regulatory reporting requirements, and regulatory capital standards. The Bank’s capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings, and other factors.
Quantitative measures established by regulatory capital standards to ensure capital adequacy require the Bank to maintain minimum amounts and ratios of total and Tier 1 capital (as defined) to risk-weighted assets (as defined), common equity Tier 1 capital (as defined) to total risk-weighted assets (as defined), and of Tier 1 capital (as defined) to average assets (as defined). Management believes, as of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, that the Bank meets all capital adequacy requirements to which it was subject at such dates.
As permitted by applicable federal regulation, the Bank has opted to use the community bank leverage ratio (the “CBLR”) framework for determining its capital adequacy. Under the CBLR framework a qualifying community bank is considered well-capitalized if its leverage ratio (Tier 1 capital divided by average total consolidated assets) exceeds 9%. Following the passage of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal banking regulators revised the CBLR framework as follows: (i) beginning in the second quarter of 2020, a qualifying community bank need only have a leverage ratio of at least 8%, subject to the other qualifying requirements, and (ii) if a qualifying community bank’s leverage ratio falls below 8%, then it will have two calendar quarters to maintain a leverage ratio of 7% or greater. These revisions under the CARES Act are effective April 23, 2020 and terminated on December 31, 2020. Following such termination there is a grace period for returning to the 9% CBLR threshold. The CBLR will be set at 8.5% for 2021, and 9% thereafter. The grace period is also adjusted to account for the graduating increase. As a result, in 2021, a qualifying community bank utilizing the grace period must maintain a CBLR of at least 7.5%. Thereafter, a qualifying community bank utilizing the grace period must maintain a CBLR of at least 8%. If a qualifying community bank fails to maintain the applicable minimum CBLR during the grace period, or if it is unable to restore compliance with the CBLR within the grace period, then it will revert to the Basel III capital framework and the normal Prompt Corrective Action capital categories will apply. At September 30, 2021, the Bank was considered “well-capitalized” under the CBLR framework, with a leverage ratio of 8.90%.
Off-Balance Sheet Activities
Some financial instruments, such as loan commitments, credit lines, and letters of credit, are issued to meet customer financing needs but are not recorded on the Company’s balance sheet. The contractual amount of financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk was as follows at September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 (in thousands):
| | September 30, 2021 | | | December 31, 2020 | |
Commitments to extend credit | | $ | 272,610 | | | $ | 274,327 | |
Standby letters of credit | | | 17,507 | | | | 21,978 | |
| | $ | 290,117 | | | $ | 296,305 | |
We also offer limited overdraft protection as a non-contractual courtesy which is available to demand deposit accounts in good standing. Overdraft charges as a result of ATM withdrawals and one time point of sale (non-recurring) transactions require prior approval of the customer. The non-contractual amount of financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk at September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 was $12,226,000 and $12,210,000, respectively. The Company reserves the right to discontinue this service without prior notice.
Liquidity
Liquidity is a measure of the Company’s ability to efficiently meet normal cash flow requirements of both borrowers and depositors. To maintain proper liquidity, we use funds management policies, which include liquidity target ratios, along with our investment policies to assure we can meet our financial obligations to depositors, credit customers and stockholders. Liquidity is needed to meet depositors’ withdrawal demands, extend credit to meet borrowers’ needs, provide funds for normal operating expenses and cash dividends, and to fund other capital expenditures.
Cash generated by operating activities, investing activities and financing activities influences liquidity management. Our Company’s historical activity in this area can be seen in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. The most important source of funds is core deposits. Repayment of principal on outstanding loans and cash flows created from the investment portfolio are also factors in liquidity management. Other sources of funding include brokered certificates of deposit and the sale of loans or investments, if needed.
The Company’s use of funds is shown in the investing activity section of the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows, where the net loan activity is presented. Other uses of funds include purchasing stock from the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) of Pittsburgh, as well as capital expenditures. Capital expenditures (including software purchases), during the first nine months of 2021 were $1,043,000 compared to $760,000 during the same time period in 2020.
Short-term debt from the FHLB supplements the Bank’s availability of funds. The Bank achieves liquidity primarily from temporary or short‑term investments in the Federal Reserve and the FHLB. The Bank had a maximum borrowing capacity at the FHLB of approximately $749.7 million, of which $110.8 million was outstanding, at September 30, 2021. The Bank also had two federal funds lines with third party providers in the total amount of $34.0 million as of September 30, 2021, which are unsecured and undrawn upon. We also have a borrower in custody line with the Federal Reserve Bank of approximately $1.6 million, which also is not drawn upon as of September 30, 2021. The Company continues to evaluate its liquidity needs and as necessary finds additional sources.
Citizens Financial Services, Inc. is a separate legal entity from the Bank and must provide for its own liquidity. In addition to its operating expenses, Citizens Financial Services, Inc. is responsible for paying any dividends declared to its shareholders. Citizens Financial also has repurchased shares of its common stock. Citizens Financial Services, Inc.’s primary source of income is dividends received from the Bank. Both federal and state laws impose restrictions on the ability of the Bank to pay dividends. In particular, the Bank may not, as a state-chartered bank which is a member of the Federal Reserve System, declare a dividend without approval of the Federal Reserve, unless the dividend to be declared by the Bank’s Board of Directors does not exceed the total of: (i) the Bank’s net profits for the current year to date, plus (ii) its retained net profits for the preceding two current years, less any required transfers to surplus. The Federal Reserve Board and the FDIC have formal and informal policies which provide that insured banks and bank holding companies should generally pay dividends only out of current operating earnings, with some exceptions. The Prompt Corrective Action Rules, described above, further limit the ability of banks to pay dividends, because banks which are not classified as well capitalized or adequately capitalized may not pay dividends and no dividend may be paid which would make the Bank undercapitalized after the dividend. At September 30, 2021, Citizens Financial Services, Inc. (on an unconsolidated basis) had liquid assets of $15.8 million.
Interest Rate and Market Risk Management
The objective of interest rate sensitivity management is to maintain an appropriate balance between the stable growth of income and the risks associated with maximizing income through interest sensitivity imbalances and the market value risk of assets and liabilities.
Because of the nature of our operations, we are not subject to foreign currency exchange or commodity price risk and, because we have no trading portfolio, we are not subject to trading risk. Currently, the Company has equity securities that represent only 0.11% of its total assets and, therefore, equity risk is not significant.
The primary components of interest-sensitive assets include adjustable-rate loans and investments, loan repayments, investment maturities and money market investments. The primary components of interest-sensitive liabilities include maturing certificates of deposit, IRA certificates of deposit and short-term borrowings. Savings deposits, NOW accounts and money market investor accounts are considered core deposits and are not short-term interest sensitive (except for the top-tier money market investor accounts, typically help by local governments, which are paid current market interest rates).
Gap analysis, one of the methods used by us to analyze interest rate risk, does not necessarily show the precise impact of specific interest rate movements on our Company’s net interest income because the re-pricing of certain assets and liabilities is discretionary and is subject to competitive and other pressures. In addition, assets and liabilities within the same period may, in fact, be repaid at different times and at different rate levels. We have not experienced the kind of earnings volatility that might be indicated from gap analysis.
The Company currently uses a computer simulation model to better measure the impact of interest rate changes on net interest income. We use the model as part of our risk management and asset liability management processes that we believe will effectively identify, measure, and monitor the Company’s risk exposure. In this analysis, the Company examines the results of movements in interest rates with additional assumptions made concerning prepayment speeds on mortgage loans and mortgage securities. Shock scenarios, which assume a parallel shift in interest rates and is instantaneous, typically have the greatest impact on net interest income. The following is a rate shock analysis and the impact on net interest income as of September 30, 2021 (dollars in thousands):
| | | | | Change In | | | % Change In | |
| | Prospective One-Year | | | Prospective | | | Prospective | |
Changes in Rates | | Net Interest Income | | | Net Interest Income | | | Net Interest Income | |
-100 Shock | | | 59,877 | | | | (1,335 | ) | | | (2.18 | ) |
Base | | | 61,212 | | | | - | | | | - | |
+100 Shock | | | 60,907 | | | | (305 | ) | | | (0.50 | ) |
+200 Shock | | | 61,767 | | | | 555 | | | | 0.91 | |
+300 Shock | | | 62,278 | | | | 1,066 | | | | 1.74 | |
+400 Shock | | | 62,588 | | | | 1,376 | | | | 2.25 | |
The model makes estimates, at each level of interest rate change, regarding cash flows from principal repayments on loans and mortgage backed securities, call activity of other investment securities, and deposit selection, re-pricing and maturity structure. Because of these assumptions, actual results could differ significantly from these estimates which would result in significant differences in the calculated projected change on net interest income. Additionally, the changes above do not necessarily represent the level of change under which management would undertake specific measures to realign its portfolio in order to reduce the projected level of change. It should be noted that the changes in net interest income noted above are in line with Company policy for interest rate risk.
Item 3-Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk
In the normal course of conducting business activities, the Company is exposed to market risk, principally interest rate risk, through the operations of its banking subsidiary. Interest rate risk arises from market driven fluctuations in interest rates that affect cash flows, income, expense and values of financial instruments and was discussed previously in this Form 10-Q. Management and a committee of the Board of Directors manage interest rate risk (see also “Interest Rate and Market Risk Management”).
Item 4-Control and Procedures
(a) Disclosure Controls and Procedures
The Company’s management, including the Company’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer, have evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s “disclosure controls and procedures,” as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, (the “Exchange Act”). Based upon their evaluation, the principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective for the purpose of ensuring that the information required to be disclosed in the reports that the Company files or submits under the Exchange Act with the SEC (1) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and (2) is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
(b) Changes to Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended September 30, 2021 that have materially affected, or are reasonable likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
PART II ‑ OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1 ‑
Legal Proceedings
Management is not aware of any pending or threatened litigation that would have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial position of the Company. Any pending proceedings are ordinary, routine litigation incidental to the business of the Company and its subsidiary. In addition, no material proceedings are pending or are known to be threatened or contemplated against the Company and its subsidiary by government authorities.
In addition to the other information set forth in this report, you should carefully consider the factors discussed in Part I, “Item 1.A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, which could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results. At September 30, 2021, the risk factors of the Company have not changed materially from those reported in our 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K. However, the risks described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K are not the only risks that we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and/or operating results.
Item 2 –
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Period | | Total Number of Shares (or units Purchased) | | | Average Price Paid per Share (or Unit) | | | Total Number of Shares (or Units) Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans of Programs | | | Maximum Number (or Approximate Dollar Value) of Shares (or Units) that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs (1) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
7/1/21 to 7/31/21 | | | - | | | $ | 0.00 | | | | - | | | | 143,713 | |
8/1/21 to 8/31/21 | | | 642 | | | $ | 62.24 | | | | 642 | | | | 143,071 | |
9/1/21 to 9/30/21 | | | 85 | | | $ | 62.00 | | | | 85 | | | | 142,986 | |
Total | | | 727 | | | $ | 62.21 | | | | 727 | | | | 142,986 | |
| (1) | On April 21, 2020, the Company announced that the Board of Directors authorized the Company to repurchase up to an additional 150,000 shares at an aggregate purchase price not to exceed $12.0 million over a period of 36 months. The repurchases will be conducted through open-market purchases or privately negotiated transactions and will be made from time to time depending on market conditions and other factors. No time limit was placed on the duration of the share repurchase program. Any repurchased shares will be held as treasury stock and will be available for general corporate purposes. |
Item 3 ‑
Defaults Upon Senior Securities
Not applicable.
Item 4 –
Mine Safety Disclosure
Not applicable.
Item 5 ‑
Other Information
None
(a) The following documents are filed as a part of this report:
| | Restated Articles of Incorporation of Citizens Financial Services, Inc. (1) |
| | |
| | Articles of Amendment of Restated Articles of Incorporation of Citizens Financial Services, Inc. (2) |
| | |
| | Bylaws of Citizens Financial Services, Inc. (3) |
| | |
| | Form of Common Stock Certificate. (4) |
| | |
| | Second Amendment to First Citizens Community Bank Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan |
| | |
| | Amended and Restated First Citizens Community Bank Annual Incentive Plan |
| | |
| | Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Executive Officer |
| | |
| | Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Financial Officer |
| | |
| | Section 1350 Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer |
| | |
| 101 | The following materials from the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2021, formatted in XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language): (i) The Consolidated Balance Sheet (unaudited), (ii) the Consolidated Statement of Income (unaudited), (iii) the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (unaudited), (iv) the Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity, (v) the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (unaudited) and (vi) related notes (unaudited). |
| | |
| 104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document) |
(1) Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2018, as filed with the Commission on August 9, 2018.
(2) Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed with the Commission on April 26, 2021.
(3) Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed with the Commission on December 17, 2020.
(4) Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005, as filed with the Commission on March 14, 2006.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
| | Citizens Financial Services, Inc. |
| | (Registrant) |
| | |
November 4, 2021 | | /s/ Randall E. Black |
| By: | Randall E. Black |
| | President and Chief Executive Officer |
| | (Principal Executive Officer) |
| | |
November 4, 2021 | | /s/ Stephen J. Guillaume |
| By: | Stephen J. Guillaume |
| | Chief Financial Officer |
| | (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) |
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