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AMERISERV FINANCIAL INC /PA/ - Annual Report: 2010 (Form 10-K)

Form 10-K
Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-K

 

 

(MARK ONE)

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

FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2010

OR

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

FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM              TO             

COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 0-11204

 

 

AMERISERV FINANCIAL, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

PENNSYLVANIA    25-1424278
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)    (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

MAIN & FRANKLIN STREETS,

P.O. BOX 430, JOHNSTOWN, PENNSYLVANIA

   15907-0430
(Address of principal executive offices)    (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (814) 533-5300

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

 

Title Of Each Class

 

Name Of Each Exchange On Which Registered

None  

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

 

Common Stock, $0.01 Par Value    Share Purchase Rights
(Title of class)    (Title of class)

 

 

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

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

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

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

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.    þ

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

Large accelerated filer  ¨             Accelerated filer  ¨             Non-accelerated filer  ¨             Smaller reporting company  þ

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    ¨  Yes    þ  No

State the aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates computed by reference to the price at which the common equity was last sold, or the average bid and asked prices of such common equity, as of the business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter. The aggregate market value was $34,170,547 as of June 30, 2010.

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date. There were 21,207,670 shares outstanding as of January 31, 2011.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE.

Portions of the proxy statement for the annual shareholders’ meeting are incorporated by reference in Parts II and III.

 

 

 


Table of Contents

FORM 10-K INDEX

 

          Page No.  

PART I

     

Item 1.

  

Business

     3   

Item 1A.

  

Risk Factors

     15   

Item 1B.

  

Unresolved Staff Comments

     15   

Item 2.

  

Properties

     15   

Item 3.

  

Legal Proceedings

     15   

Item 4.

  

(Removed and Reserved)

     15   

PART II

     

Item 5.

  

Market for the Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

     16   

Item 6.

  

Selected Consolidated Financial Data

     17   

Item 7.

  

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Consolidated Financial Condition and Results of Operations

     18   

Item 7A.

  

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

     39   

Item 8.

  

Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

     40   

Item 9.

  

Changes In and Disagreements With Accountants On Accounting and Financial Disclosure

     88   

Item 9A.

  

Controls and Procedures

     88   

Item 9B.

  

Other Information

     88   

PART III

     

Item 10.

  

Directors, Executive Officers, and Corporate Governance

     88   

Item 11.

  

Executive Compensation

     88   

Item 12.

  

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

     88   

Item 13.

  

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

     89   

Item 14.

  

Principal Accountant Fees and Services

     89   

PART IV

     

Item 15.

  

Exhibits and Consolidated Financial Statement Schedules

     89   
  

Signatures

     91   

 

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Table of Contents

PART I

 

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

GENERAL

AmeriServ Financial, Inc. (the Company) is a bank holding company organized under the Pennsylvania Business Corporation Law. The Company became a holding company upon acquiring all of the outstanding shares of AmeriServ Financial Bank (the Bank) on January 5, 1983. The Company’s other wholly owned subsidiaries include AmeriServ Trust and Financial Services Company (the Trust Company) formed in October 1992, and AmeriServ Life Insurance Company (AmeriServ Life) formed in October 1987.

The Company’s principal activities consist of owning and operating its three wholly owned subsidiary entities. At December 31, 2010, the Company had, on a consolidated basis, total assets, deposits, and shareholders’ equity of $949 million, $801 million and $107 million, respectively. The Company and its subsidiaries derive substantially all of their income from banking and bank-related services. The Company functions primarily as a coordinating and servicing unit for its subsidiary entities in general management, accounting and taxes, loan review, auditing, investment accounting, marketing and insurance risk management.

As a bank holding company, the Company is subject to supervision and regular examination by the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia and the Pennsylvania Department of Banking. The Company is also under the jurisdiction of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for matters relating to offering and sale of its securities. The Company is subject to the disclosure and regulatory requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as administered by the SEC. The Company is listed on the NASDAQ Stock Market under the trading symbol “ASRV,” and is subject to the NASDAQ rules applicable to listed companies.

AMERISERV FINANCIAL BANKING SUBSIDIARY

AMERISERV FINANCIAL BANK

The Bank is a state bank chartered under the Pennsylvania Banking Code of 1965, as amended. Through 18 locations in Allegheny, Cambria, Centre, Somerset, and Westmoreland Counties, Pennsylvania, AmeriServ Financial Bank conducts a general banking business. It is a full-service Bank offering (i) retail banking services, such as demand, savings and time deposits, money market accounts, secured and unsecured loans, mortgage loans, safe deposit boxes, holiday club accounts, money orders, and traveler’s checks; (ii) lending, depository and related financial services to commercial, industrial, financial, and governmental customers, such as real estate-mortgage loans, short and medium-term loans, revolving credit arrangements, lines of credit, inventory and accounts receivable financing, real estate-construction loans, business savings accounts, certificates of deposit, wire transfers, night depository, and lock box services. The Bank also operates 22 automated bank teller machines (ATMs) through its 24-Hour Banking Network that is linked with NYCE, a regional ATM network and CIRRUS, a national ATM network. On March 7, 2007, the Bank completed the acquisition of West Chester Capital Advisors (WCCA). WCCA is a registered investment advisor and as of December 31, 2010 had $106 million in assets under management.

The Bank’s deposit base is such that loss of one depositor or a related group of depositors would not have a materially adverse effect on its business. In addition, the loan portfolio is also diversified so that one industry or group of related industries does not comprise a material portion of the loan portfolio. The Bank’s business is not seasonal, nor does it have any risks attendant to foreign sources. The majority of the Bank’s customer base is located within a 100 mile radius of Johnstown, Pennsylvania.

 

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The Bank is subject to supervision and regular examination by the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia and the Pennsylvania Department of Banking. Various federal and state laws and regulations govern many aspects of its banking operations. The following is a summary of key data (dollars in thousands) and ratios at December 31, 2010:

 

Headquarters

   Johnstown, PA  

Total Assets

   $ 924,287   

Total Investment Securities

     156,251   

Total Loans and Loans Held for Sale (net of unearned income)

     678,181   

Total Deposits

     801,416   

Total Net Income

     2,496   

Asset Leverage Ratio

     9.13

Return on Average Assets

     0.27   

Return on Average Equity

     2.59   

Total Full-time Equivalent Employees

     279   

RISK MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW:

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, which includes interest rate, credit, and liquidity risk. The Company controls and monitors these risks with policies, procedures, and various levels of managerial and Board oversight.

Interest rate risk is the sensitivity of net interest income and the market value of financial instruments to the magnitude, direction, and frequency of changes in interest rates. Interest rate risk results from various repricing frequencies and the maturity structure of assets and liabilities. The Company uses its asset liability management policy to control and manage interest rate risk.

Liquidity risk represents the inability to generate cash or otherwise obtain funds at reasonable rates to satisfy commitments to borrowers, as well as the obligations to depositors, debtholders and the funding of operating costs. The Company uses its asset liability management policy and contingency funding plan to control and manage liquidity risk.

Credit risk represents the possibility that a customer may not perform in accordance with contractual terms. Credit risk results from extending credit to customers, purchasing securities, and entering into certain off-balance sheet loan funding commitments. The Company’s primary credit risk occurs in the loan portfolio. The Company uses its credit policy and disciplined approach to evaluating the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses to control and manage credit risk. The Company’s investment policy and hedging policy strictly limit the amount of credit risk that may be assumed in the investment portfolio and through hedging activities. The following summarizes and describes the Company’s various loan categories and the underwriting standards applied to each:

Commercial

This category includes credit extensions to commercial and industrial borrowers. Business assets, including accounts receivable, inventory and/or equipment, typically secure these credits. In appropriate instances, extensions of credit in this category are subject to collateral advance formulas. Balance sheet strength and profitability are considered when analyzing these credits, with special attention given to historical, current and prospective sources of cash flow, and the ability of the customer to sustain cash flow at acceptable levels. Our policy permits flexibility in determining acceptable debt service coverage ratios, with a minimum level of 1.1 to 1 desired. Personal guarantees are frequently required; however, as the financial strength of the borrower increases, the Company’s ability to obtain personal guarantees decreases. In addition to economic risk, this

 

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category is impacted by the strength of the borrower’s management and industry risk, which are also considered during the underwriting process.

Commercial Loans Secured by Real Estate

This category includes various types of loans, including acquisition and construction of investment property, owner-occupied property and operating property. Maximum term, minimum cash flow coverage, leasing requirements, maximum amortization and maximum loan to value ratios are controlled by the Company’s credit policy and follow industry guidelines and norms, and regulatory limitations. Personal guarantees are normally required during the construction phase on construction credits, and are frequently obtained on mid to smaller commercial real estate loans. In addition to economic risk, this category is subject to geographic and portfolio concentration risk, which are monitored and considered in underwriting.

Real Estate — Mortgage

This category includes mortgages that are secured by residential property. Underwriting of loans within this category is pursuant to Freddie Mac/Fannie Mae underwriting guidelines, with the exception of Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) loans, which exhibit more liberal standards. The major risk in this category is that a significant downward economic trend would increase unemployment and cause payment default. The Company does not and has never engaged in subprime residential mortgage lending.

Consumer

This category includes consumer installment loans and revolving credit plans. Underwriting is pursuant to industry norms and guidelines. The major risk in this category is a significant economic downturn.

INVESTMENTS

The investment securities portfolio of the Company and its subsidiaries is managed to provide ample liquidity in a manner that is consistent with proper bank asset/liability management and current banking practices. The objectives of portfolio management include consideration of proper liquidity levels, interest rate and market valuation sensitivity, and profitability. The investment portfolios of the Company and its subsidiaries are proactively managed in accordance with federal and state laws and regulations in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

The investment portfolio is primarily made up of AAA rated agency mortgage-backed securities and short maturity agency securities. The purpose of this type of portfolio is to generate adequate cash flow to fund potential loan growth, as the market allows. Management strives to maintain a relatively short duration in the portfolio. All holdings must meet standards documented in the AmeriServ Financial Investment Policy.

 

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Investment securities classified as held to maturity are carried at amortized cost while investment securities classified as available for sale are reported at fair market value. The following table sets forth the cost basis and fair market value of the Company’s investment portfolio as of the periods indicated:

Investment securities available for sale at:

 

     AT DECEMBER 31,  
     2010      2009      2008  
     (IN THOUSANDS)  

U.S. Agency

   $ 15,956       $ 12,342       $ 10,387   

U.S. Agency mortgage-backed securities

     145,727         116,088         114,380   

Other securities

                     24   
                          

Total cost basis of investment securities available for sale

   $ 161,683       $ 128,430       $ 124,791   
                          

Total fair value of investment securities available for sale

   $ 164,811       $ 131,272       $ 126,781   
                          

Investment securities held to maturity at:

 

     AT DECEMBER 31,  
     2010      2009      2008  
     (IN THOUSANDS)  

U.S. Treasury

   $       $ 3,009       $ 3,082   

U.S. Agency mortgage-backed securities

     6,824         7,602         9,562   

Other securities

     1,000         1,000         3,250   
                          

Total cost basis of investment securities held to maturity

   $ 7,824       $ 11,611       $ 15,894   
                          

Total fair value of investment securities held to maturity

   $ 8,267       $ 11,996       $ 16,323   
                          

DEPOSITS AND OTHER SOURCES OF FUNDS

Deposits

The Company has a loyal core deposit base made up of traditional commercial bank products that exhibits little fluctuation, other than jumbo CDs, which demonstrate some seasonality. The Company also utilizes certain Trust Company specialty deposits related to the ERECT Fund as a funding source which serve as an alternative to wholesale borrowings and can exhibit some degree of volatility.

The following table sets forth the average balance of the Company’s deposits and average rates paid thereon for the past three calendar years:

 

     AT DECEMBER 31,  
     2010     2009     2008  
     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PERCENTAGES)  

Demand:

               

Non-interest bearing

   $ 122,963           $ 114,473           $ 110,601        

Interest bearing

     58,118         0.30        62,494         0.41        64,683         1.01   

Savings

     77,381         0.51        72,350         0.73        70,255         0.76   

Money market

     186,560         0.87        169,823         1.44        107,843         2.24   

Other time

     358,472         2.44        343,841         2.88        341,185         3.54   
                                 

Total deposits

   $ 803,494         1.61      $ 762,981         2.02      $ 694,567         2.69   
                                 

 

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Interest expense on deposits consisted of the following:

 

     YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,  
     2010      2009      2008  
     (IN THOUSANDS)  

Interest bearing demand

   $ 176       $ 256       $ 653   

Savings

     397         530         535   

Money market

     1,622         2,437         2,417   

Certificates of deposit in denominations of $100,000 or more

     834         1,186         1,744   

Other time

     7,916         8,700         10,331   
                          

Total interest expense

   $ 10,945       $ 13,109       $ 15,680   
                          

Additionally, the following table provides more detailed maturity information regarding certificates of deposit issued in denominations of $100,000 or more as of December 31, 2010:

MATURING IN:

 

     (IN THOUSANDS)  

Three months or less

   $ 12,695   

Over three through six months

     21,695   

Over six through twelve months

     5,321   

Over twelve months

     11,097   
        

Total

   $ 50,808   
        

Borrowings

The Company, when needed, uses both overnight borrowings and term advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh for liquidity management purposes. During the past several years the Company has significantly deleveraged its balance sheet and reduced its level of borrowings through investment portfolio cash flow.

The outstanding balances and related information for federal funds purchased and other short-term borrowings are summarized as follows:

 

     AT DECEMBER 31, 2010  
     FEDERAL
FUNDS
PURCHASED
    OTHER
SHORT-TERM
BORROWINGS
 
     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT RATES)  

Balance

   $      $ 4,550   

Maximum indebtedness at any month end

            9,230   

Average balance during year

     9        3,110   

Average rate paid for the year

     0.51     0.71

Interest rate on year-end balance

            0.62   

 

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     AT DECEMBER 31, 2009  
     FEDERAL
FUNDS
PURCHASED
    SHORT-TERM
BORROWINGS
 
     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT RATES)  

Balance

   $      $ 25,775   

Maximum indebtedness at any month end

     5,968        54,649   

Average balance during year

     1,358        19,670   

Average rate paid for the year

     0.50     0.67

Interest rate on year-end balance

            0.62   
     AT DECEMBER 31, 2008  
     FEDERAL
FUNDS
PURCHASED
    OTHER
SHORT-TERM
BORROWINGS
 
     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT RATES)  

Balance

   $      $ 119,920   

Maximum indebtedness at any month end

     5,685        138,855   

Average balance during year

     20        71,617   

Average rate paid for the year

     3.16     1.96

Interest rate on year-end balance

            0.60   

Average amounts outstanding during the year represent daily averages. Average interest rates represent interest expense divided by the related average balances.

These borrowing transactions can range from overnight to one year in maturity. The average maturity was three days at the end of 2010, and two days at the end of 2009 and 2008.

Loans

The loan portfolio of the Company consisted of the following:

 

     AT DECEMBER 31,  
     2010      2009      2008      2007      2006  
     (IN THOUSANDS)  

Commercial

   $ 78,322       $ 96,158       $ 110,197       $ 118,936       $ 91,746   

Commercial loans secured by real estate(1)

     370,375         396,787         353,870         285,115         269,781   

Real estate-mortgage(1)

     203,323         207,221         218,928         214,839         209,728   

Consumer

     19,233         19,619         23,804         16,676         18,336   
                                            

Loans

     671,253         719,785         706,799         635,566         589,591   

Less: Unearned income

     477         671         691         471         514   
                                            

Loans, net of unearned income

   $ 670,776       $ 719,114       $ 706,108       $ 635,095       $ 589,077   
                                            

 

(1) For each of the periods presented beginning with December 31, 2010, real estate-construction loans constituted 3.9%, 6.8%, 6.2%, 5.5% and 4.4% of the Company’s total loans, net of unearned income, respectively.

 

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Non-performing Assets

The following table presents information concerning non-performing assets:

 

     AT DECEMBER 31,  
     2010     2009     2008     2007     2006  
     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PERCENTAGES)  

Non-accrual loans

          

Commercial

   $ 3,679      $ 3,375      $ 1,128      $ 3,553      $ 494   

Commercial loans secured by real estate

     6,731        11,716        484        225        195   

Real estate-mortgage

     1,879        2,025        1,765        1,460        1,597   
                                        

Total

     12,289        17,116        3,377        5,238        2,286   
                                        

Past due 90 days or more and still accruing

          

Consumer

                                 3   
                                        

Total

                                 3   
                                        

Other real estate owned

          

Commercial loans secured by real estate

     436        871        701                 

Real estate-mortgage

     302        350        494        42        3   
                                        

Total

     738        1,221        1,195        42        3   
                                        

Total restructured loans not in non-accrual (TDR)

     1,337                             1,302   
                                        

Total non-performing assets including TDR

   $ 14,364      $ 18,337      $ 4,572      $ 5,280      $ 3,594   
                                        

Total non-performing assets as a percent of loans and loans held for sale, net of unearned income, and other real estate owned

     2.12     2.53     0.65     0.83     0.61

The Company is unaware of any additional loans which are required to either be charged-off or added to the non-performing asset totals disclosed above. Other real estate owned is recorded at the lower of (1) fair value minus estimated costs to sell, or (2) carrying cost.

The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, (1) the gross interest income that would have been recorded if non-accrual loans had been current in accordance with their original terms and had been outstanding throughout the period or since origination if held for part of the period, (2) the amount of interest income actually recorded on such loans, and (3) the net reduction in interest income attributable to such loans.

 

     YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,  
     2010     2009     2008      2007     2006  
     (IN THOUSANDS)  

Interest income due in accordance with original terms

   $ 1,086      $ 553      $ 198       $ 215      $ 214   

Interest income recorded

     (458     (75             (24     (55
                                         

Net reduction in interest income

   $ 628      $ 478      $ 198       $ 191      $ 159   
                                         

Secondary Market Activities

The Residential Lending department of the Company continues to originate one-to-four family mortgage loans for customers, some of which are sold to outside investors in the secondary market and some of which are retained for the Bank’s portfolio. Mortgages sold on the secondary market are sold to investors on a “flow” basis: Mortgages are priced and delivered on a “best efforts” pricing basis, with servicing released to the investor. Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac guidelines are used in underwriting all mortgages with the exception of CRA loans. Mortgages with longer terms such as 20-year, 30-year, FHA, and VA loans are usually sold. The remaining

 

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production of the department includes construction, adjustable rate mortgages, 10-year, 15-year, and bi-weekly mortgages. These loans are usually kept in the Bank’s portfolios, although during periods of low interest rates 15-year loans are typically sold into the secondary market.

AMERISERV FINANCIAL NON-BANKING SUBSIDIARIES

AMERISERV TRUST AND FINANCIAL SERVICES COMPANY

AmeriServ Trust and Financial Services Company is a trust company organized under Pennsylvania law in October 1992. As one of the larger providers of trust and investment management products and services between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg, AmeriServ Trust and Financial Services Company is committed to delivering personalized, professional service to its clients. Its staff of approximately 44 professionals administer assets valued at approximately $1.4 billion that are not recognized on the Company’s balance sheet at December 31, 2010. The Trust Company focuses on wealth management. Wealth management includes personal trust products and services such as personal portfolio investment management, estate planning and administration, custodial services and pre-need trusts. Also, institutional trust products and services such as 401(k) plans, defined benefit and defined contribution employee benefit plans, and individual retirement accounts are included in this segment. The Wealth management business also includes the union collective investment funds, namely the ERECT and BUILD funds which are designed to use union pension dollars in construction projects that utilize union labor. The BUILD fund is in the process of liquidation. At December 31, 2010, AmeriServ Trust and Financial Services had total assets of $3.5 million and total shareholder’s equity of $3.1 million. In 2010, the Trust Company contributed earnings to the corporation as its gross revenue amounted to $5.6 million and the net income contribution was $208,000. The Trust Company is subject to regulation and supervision by the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia and the Pennsylvania Department of Banking.

AMERISERV LIFE

AmeriServ Life is a captive insurance company organized under the laws of the State of Arizona. AmeriServ Life engages in underwriting as reinsurer of credit life and disability insurance within the Company’s market area. Operations of AmeriServ Life are conducted in each office of the Company’s banking subsidiary. AmeriServ Life is subject to supervision and regulation by the Arizona Department of Insurance, the Pennsylvania Insurance Department, and the Federal Reserve System. At December 31, 2010, AmeriServ Life had total assets of $705,000 and total stockholders’ equity of $666,000.

MONETARY POLICIES

Commercial banks are affected by policies of various regulatory authorities including the Federal Reserve System. An important function of the Federal Reserve System is to regulate the national supply of bank credit. Among the instruments of monetary policy used by the Board of Governors are: open market operations in U.S. Government securities, changes in the federal funds rate and discount rate on member bank borrowings, and changes in reserve requirements on bank deposits. These means are used in varying combinations to influence overall growth of bank loans, investments, and deposits, and may also affect interest rate charges on loans or interest paid for deposits. The monetary policies of the Board of Governors have had a significant effect on the operating results of commercial banks in the past and are expected to continue to do so in the future.

COMPETITION

Our subsidiaries face strong competition from other commercial banks, savings banks, credit unions, savings and loan associations, and several other financial or investment service institutions for business in the communities they serve. Several of these institutions are affiliated with major banking and financial institutions which are substantially larger and have greater financial resources than the Bank and the Trust Company. As the financial services industry continues to consolidate, the scope of potential competition affecting our subsidiaries

 

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will also increase. Brokerage houses, consumer finance companies, insurance companies, and pension trusts are important competitors for various types of financial services. In addition, personal and corporate trust investment counseling services are offered by insurance companies, other firms, and individuals.

MARKET AREA & ECONOMY

Nationally, the economy is improving gradually, although it may take years to fully emerge from the negative effects of the recent economic downturn. The recovery has gathered more momentum, and will get an extra push in 2011 from a further injection of fiscal stimulus including the extension of the Bush tax cuts for the next two years, the two percentage point cut in the employee payroll tax rate for 2011, and a two-year extension of depreciation incentives for business investment. Business and consumer confidence are improving. The recent good news is suggesting 2011 GDP growth should come in near 3.2%. The Fed will continue to be accommodative. Overall, the economy is getting better, but is still not out-of-the-woods. The economy isn’t improving fast enough to make a noticeable reduction in unemployment. Risks, however, still loom, particularly from a weak housing market and spending cuts and layoffs from state and local governments.

There are many mixed factors that will affect future economic growth. Positively impacting economic conditions will be 1.) The extension of the Bush tax cuts for another 2-years and extending jobless benefits and cutting payroll taxes in 2011; 2.) The Federal Reserve’s monetary policy continuing to be accommodative as short-term rates will be near 0.0%; 3.) The lower value of the dollar in the world financial markets should increase exports while the flow of goods from overseas will slow; 4.) Consumers are simultaneously saving more and paying down debt. As a result, there should be pent-up demand stemming from the severity of the recession which could result in an increase in spending; 5.) Businesses also should have pent-up demand from a need to incorporate the latest technology to be competitive and cut costs.

Negatively impacting future economic conditions will be: 1.) Anemic employment gains while the few jobs that have been created have tended to be temporary or part time. 2.) Consumers and businesses will most likely not be willing to acquire debt; 3.) The sharp rise in prices of oil and food commodities should continue to reduce peoples buying power; as will the jump in mortgage rates, which has already significantly slowed re-financing; 4.) Capital constrained banks are not as eager to lend as they should be at this stage of a recovery; 5.) Our trading partners around the world have equally poor economies and offset the positive impact of the lower value of the dollar which will constrain exports; 6.) The actions of Washington on the budget deficit could cause people to assume future tax hikes and spending cuts which could cause consumers and businesses to be less willing to spend.

The Consumer Price Index rose 0.5% in December, leaving inflation over the past 12 months at 1.5%. Core inflation, which strips out energy and food prices, should rise a bit in 2011. The core CPI increased 0.1% in December and just 0.8% over the past 12 months. That’s the slowest pace since this data set began in 1958, and the chief reason the Federal Reserve remains unconcerned about the prospect of higher inflation. Confidence in the economic expansion remains fragile, but conditions should improve. It is expected that net job growth should be approximately 2.5 million in 2011, following an increase of 1.1 million in 2010. Still, the unemployment rate will remain high. Now at 9.0%, it’s likely to decline a bit further over the course of 2011. GDP growth will need to continue to be 3.2% or higher into 2012 to bring the rate significantly lower.

The economy in Cambria and Somerset Counties at the end of 2010 produced seasonally adjusted unemployment rates of 9.5% and 9.3%, respectively, as compared to national and state rates of 9.4% and 8.6%. Local markets have been negatively impacted by the recessionary conditions that exist in the national economy, causing the unemployment rate to increase from last year’s average of 9.3%. The increases in unemployment and the difficulties being experienced by small and medium sized businesses nationally are also being experienced locally. Johnstown, PA, where AmeriServ Financial, Inc. is headquartered, is a leader in technology and continues to have a cost of living that is lower than the national average. The local labor force fluctuated in a very narrow range comparing closely to recent year levels. As of December 31, 2010, total nonfarm jobs in the

 

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Johnstown MSA were 800 below the December 2009 level, with losses coming from the service-providing industry while the goods producing industries have shown little change in their job levels. In the recent past, work on defense projects has contributed to economic growth in the region. However, a change in leadership due to the passing of a long time influential Congressman created cause for concern about the continued positive impact from the defense industry, although current activity in this sector remains good.

Economic conditions are stronger in the State College market, but have also been negatively impacted by the struggling national economy. The unemployment rate for the State College MSA reached 5.5% late in 2010, which represents a 0.8% improvement since last year and remains the lowest of all regions in the Commonwealth. Seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs for the MSA increased by 2,100 since December 2009. The Company opened a new branch office in the State College market during 2010 as this area presents the Company with a more vibrant economic market and a much different demographic. A large percentage of the population in State College falls into the 18 to 34 year old age group, while potential customers in the Cambria/Somerset markets tend to be over 50 years of age. Overall, opportunities in the State College market are quite different and challenging, providing a promising source of business to profitably grow the Company.

The expansion of Marcellus Shale gas drilling could provide a meaningful economic opportunity for west-central Pennsylvania. The Marcellus Shale, which underlies a vast majority of the state, is the largest unconventional natural gas reserve in the world. There is enormous economic potential for Pennsylvania to take advantage of this reserve as new drilling techniques have unlocked vast resources previously impossible to reach. Technology developed recently at Penn State now allows drilling companies to reach the gas tucked inside a shale bed as much as two miles beneath the surface. The industry will create jobs in drilling and extraction, trucking and water treatment, gas line construction and maintenance, and in producing the materials for all of these needs. The projection for jobs and economic growth generated by the industry is a point of contention between industrialists and environmentalists. The environmental risks and potential regulation on drilling are key factors that could limit the potential growth and positive impact on the state.

EMPLOYEES

The Company employed 374 people as of December 31, 2010, in full- and part-time positions. Approximately 199 non-supervisory employees of the Company are represented by the United Steelworkers, AFL-CIO-CLC, Local Union 2635-06. In 2009, the Company successfully negotiated a new four year labor contract with the United Steelworkers Local that will expire on October 15, 2013. The contract calls for annual wage increases of 1.5% in the first year, 2.0% in each of the second and third years, and 3.0% in the fourth year. The Company has not experienced a work stoppage since 1979. The Company is one of 13 union-represented banks nationwide.

FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION IMPROVEMENT ACT

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991 (the “FDICIA”), among other things, identifies five capital categories for insured depository institutions: well capitalized, adequately capitalized, undercapitalized, significantly undercapitalized and critically undercapitalized. It requires U.S. federal bank regulatory agencies to implement systems for “prompt corrective action” for insured depository institutions that do not meet minimum capital requirements based on these categories. The FDICIA imposes progressively more restrictive constraints on operations, management and capital distributions, depending on the category in which an institution is classified. Unless a bank is well capitalized, it is subject to restrictions on its ability to utilize brokered deposits and on other aspects of its operations. The FDICIA generally prohibits a bank from paying any dividend or making any capital distribution or paying any management fee to its holding company if the bank would thereafter be undercapitalized. An undercapitalized bank must develop a capital restoration plan, and its parent holding company must guarantee the bank’s compliance with the plan up to the lesser of 5% of the bank’s assets at the time it became undercapitalized and the amount needed to comply with the plan.

 

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As of December 31, 2010, the Company believes that its Bank subsidiary was well capitalized, based on the prompt corrective action guidelines described above. A bank’s capital category is determined solely for the purpose of applying the prompt corrective action regulations, and the capital category may not constitute an accurate representation of the bank’s overall financial condition or prospects for other purposes.

TEMPORARY LIQUIDITY GUARANTEE PROGRAM

On November 21, 2008, the Board of Directors of the FDIC adopted a final rule relating to the Temporary Liquidity Guarantee Program (TLGP). The TLGP was announced by the FDIC on October 14, 2008, preceded by the determination of systemic risk by the Secretary of the Department of Treasury, as an initiative to counter the system-wide crisis in the nation’s financial sector. Under the TLGP the FDIC will (1) guarantee, through the earlier of maturity or June 30, 2012, certain newly issued senior unsecured debt issued by participating institutions on or after October 14, 2008, and before June 30, 2009 and (2) provide full FDIC deposit insurance coverage for non-interest bearing transaction deposit accounts, Negotiable Order of Withdraw (NOW) accounts paying less than 0.5% interest per annum and Interest on Lawyers Trust Accounts held at participating FDIC-insured institutions through December 31, 2010. Coverage under the TLGP was available for the first 30 days without charge. The fee assessment for coverage of senior unsecured debt ranges from 50 basis points to 100 basis points per annum, depending on the initial maturity of the debt. The fee assessment for deposit insurance coverage is 10 basis points per quarter on amounts in covered accounts exceeding $250,000. The Company elected to participate in the program that provided full FDIC deposit insurance coverage for all non-interest bearing accounts that became effective on December 31, 2010 and will last until December 31, 2012.

SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 contains important requirements for public companies in the area of financial disclosure and corporate governance. In accordance with Section 302(a) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, written certifications by the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer are required. These certifications attest, among other things, that the Company’s quarterly and annual reports filed with the SEC do not contain any untrue statement of a material fact. In response to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the Company adopted a series of procedures to further strengthen its corporate governance practices. The Company also requires signed certifications from managers who are responsible for internal controls throughout the Company as to the integrity of the information they prepare. These procedures supplement the Company’s Code of Conduct Policy and other procedures that were previously in place. In 2005, the Company implemented a program designed to comply with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. This program included the identification of key processes and accounts, documentation of the design of control effectiveness over process and entity level controls, and testing of the effectiveness of key controls.

PRIVACY PROVISIONS OF GRAMM-LEACH-BLILEY ACT

Under the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLB Act), federal banking regulators adopted rules that limit the ability of banks and other financial institutions to disclose non-public information about customers to non-affiliated third parties. These limitations require disclosure of privacy policies to consumers and, in some circumstances, allow consumers to prevent disclosure of certain personal information to non-affiliated third parties. The privacy provision of the GLB Act affects how consumer information is transmitted through diversified financial companies and conveyed to outside vendors. The Company believes it is in compliance with the various provisions of the GLB Act.

USA PATRIOT ACT OF 2001

A major focus of governmental policy on financial institutions in recent years has been aimed at combating money laundering and terrorist financing. The USA Patriot Act substantially broadened the scope of United States anti-money laundering laws and regulations by imposing significant new compliance and due diligence

 

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obligations, creating new crimes and penalties and expanding the extra-territorial jurisdiction of the United States. The United States Treasury Department has issued and, in some cases, proposed a number of regulations that apply various requirements of the USA Patriot Act to financial institutions. These regulations impose obligations on financial institutions to maintain appropriate policies, procedures and controls to detect, prevent and report money laundering and terrorist financing and to verify the identity of their customers. Failure of a financial institution to maintain and implement adequate programs to combat money laundering and terrorist financing, or to comply with all of the relevant laws or regulations, could have serious legal and reputational consequences for the Company.

DODD-FRANK WALL STREET REFORM AND CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT

On July 21, 2010, the President signed into law the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”). This new law will significantly change the current bank regulatory structure and affect the lending, deposit, investment, trading and operating activities of financial institutions and their holding companies.

The Dodd-Frank Act requires various federal agencies to adopt a broad range of new rules and regulations, and to prepare various studies and reports for Congress. The federal agencies are given significant discretion in drafting such rules and regulations, and consequently, many of the details and much of the impact of the Dodd-Frank Act may not be known for months or years.

Certain provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act are expected to have a near term impact on the Company. For example, effective July 21, 2011, a provision of the Dodd-Frank Act eliminates the federal prohibitions on paying interest on demand deposits, thus allowing businesses to have interest bearing checking accounts. Depending on competitive responses, this significant change to existing law could have an adverse impact on the Company’s interest expense.

The Dodd-Frank Act also broadens the base for Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insurance assessments. Assessments will now be based on the average consolidated total assets less tangible equity capital of a financial institution. The Dodd-Frank Act also permanently increases the maximum amount of deposit insurance for banks, savings institutions and credit unions to $250,000 per depositor, retroactive to January 1, 2008, and non-interest bearing transaction accounts have unlimited deposit insurance through December 31, 2013.

Bank and thrift holding companies with assets of less than $15 billion as of December 31, 2009, such as the Company, will be permitted to include trust preferred securities that were issued before May 19, 2010, as Tier 1 capital; however, trust preferred securities issued by a bank or thrift holding company (other than those with assets of less than $500 million) after May 19, 2010, will no longer count as Tier 1 capital. Trust preferred securities still will be entitled to be treated as Tier 2 capital.

The Dodd-Frank Act will require publicly traded companies to give stockholders a non-binding vote on executive compensation and so-called “golden parachute” payments, and allow greater access by shareholders to the company’s proxy material by authorizing the SEC to promulgate rules that would allow stockholders to nominate their own candidates using a company’s proxy materials. The legislation also directs the Federal Reserve Board to promulgate rules prohibiting excessive compensation paid to bank holding company executives, regardless of whether the company is publicly traded.

The Dodd-Frank Act creates a new Consumer Financial Protection Bureau with broad powers to supervise and enforce consumer protection laws. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has broad rule-making authority for a wide range of consumer protection laws that apply to all banks and savings institutions, including the authority to prohibit “unfair, deceptive or abusive” acts and practices. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has examination and enforcement authority over all banks and savings institutions with more than

 

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$10 billion in assets. Banks and savings institutions with $10 billion or less in assets such as the Company will continue to be examined for compliance with the consumer laws by their primary bank regulators. The Dodd-Frank Act also weakens the federal preemption rules that have been applicable for national banks and federal savings associations, and gives state attorneys general the ability to enforce federal consumer protection laws.

It is difficult to predict at this time what specific impact the Dodd-Frank Act and the yet to be written implementing rules and regulations will have on community banks. However, it is expected that at a minimum they will increase our operating and compliance costs and could increase our interest expense.

 

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

The Company has no unresolved staff comments from the SEC for the reporting periods presented.

 

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

The principal offices of the Company and the Bank occupy the five-story AmeriServ Financial building at the corner of Main and Franklin Streets in Johnstown plus twelve floors of the building adjacent thereto. The Company occupies the main office and its subsidiary entities have 14 other locations which are owned. Eight additional locations are leased with terms expiring from January 1, 2010 to August 31, 2030.

 

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

The Company is subject to a number of asserted and unasserted potential legal claims encountered in the normal course of business. In the opinion of both management and legal counsel, there is no present basis to conclude that the resolution of these claims will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

ITEM 4. (REMOVED AND RESERVED)

 

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PART II

 

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

COMMON STOCK

As of January 31, 2011, the Company had 4,069 shareholders of its common stock. AmeriServ Financial, Inc.’s common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Market System under the symbol “ASRV.” The following table sets forth the actual high and low closing prices and the cash dividends declared per share for the periods indicated:

 

     PRICES      CASH
DIVIDENDS
DECLARED
 
       
     HIGH      LOW     

Year ended December 31, 2010:

        

First Quarter

   $ 2.13       $ 1.42       $ 0.00   

Second Quarter

     2.49         1.60         0.00   

Third Quarter

     1.89         1.40         0.00   

Fourth Quarter

     1.75         1.51         0.00   

Year ended December 31, 2009

        

First Quarter

   $ 1.99       $ 1.43       $ 0.00   

Second Quarter

     1.88         1.56         0.00   

Third Quarter

     2.09         1.54         0.00   

Fourth Quarter

     1.97         1.46         0.00   

Information regarding restrictions on the Company’s ability to pay dividends is included in the “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Capital Resources.” Information required by this section is presented in the “Equity Compensation Plan Information Table” section of the Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

 

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ITEM 6. SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA

SELECTED FIVE-YEAR CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA

 

     AT OR FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,  
     2010     2009     2008     2007     2006  
     (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)  

SUMMARY OF INCOME STATEMENT DATA:

          

Total interest income

   $ 44,831      $ 47,455      $ 47,819      $ 49,379      $ 46,565   

Total interest expense

     12,489        15,021        18,702        25,156        22,087   
                                        

Net interest income

     32,342        32,434        29,117        24,223        24,478   

Provision for loan losses

     5,250        15,150        2,925        300        (125
                                        

Net interest income after provision for loan losses

     27,092        17,284        26,192        23,923        24,603   

Total non-interest income

     13,967        13,928        16,424        14,707        12,841   

Total non-interest expense

     39,697        39,157        35,637        34,672        34,692   
                                        

Income (loss) before income taxes

     1,362        (7,945     6,979        3,958        2,752   

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

     80        (3,050     1,470        924        420   
                                        

Net income (loss)

   $ 1,282      $ (4,895   $ 5,509      $ 3,034      $ 2,332   
                                        

PER COMMON SHARE DATA:

          

Basic earnings (loss) per share

   $ 0.01      $ (0.29   $ 0.25      $ 0.14      $ 0.11   

Diluted earnings (loss) per share

     0.01        (0.29     0.25        0.14        0.11   

Cash dividends declared

     0.00        0.00        0.025        0.00        0.00   

Book value at period end

     4.07        4.09        4.39        4.07        3.82   

BALANCE SHEET AND OTHER DATA:

          

Total assets

   $ 948,974      $ 970,026      $ 966,929      $ 904,878      $ 895,992   

Loans and loans held for sale, net of unearned income

     678,181        722,904        707,108        636,155        589,435   

Allowance for loan losses

     19,765        19,685        8,910        7,252        8,092   

Investment securities available for sale

     164,811        131,272        126,781        140,582        172,223   

Investment securities held to maturity

     7,824        11,611        15,894        18,533        20,657   

Deposits

     801,216        786,011        694,956        710,439        741,755   

Total borrowings

     27,385        64,664        146,863        95,200        63,122   

Stockholders’ equity

     107,058        107,254        113,252        90,294        84,684   

Full-time equivalent employees

     348        345        353        351        369   

SELECTED FINANCIAL RATIOS:

          

Return on average total equity

     1.19     (4.33 )%      5.93     3.51     2.74

Return on average assets

     0.13        (0.51     0.62        0.34        0.27   

Loans and loans held for sale, net of unearned income, as a percent of deposits, at period end

     84.64        91.97        101.75        89.54        79.46   

Ratio of average total equity to average assets

     11.25        11.72        10.40        9.79        9.73   

Common stock cash dividends as a percent of net income available to common shareholders

                   9.92                 

Interest rate spread

     3.51        3.37        3.21        2.54        2.67   

Net interest margin

     3.79        3.72        3.64        3.06        3.12   

Allowance for loan losses as a percentage of loans and loans held for sale, net of unearned income, at period end

     2.91        2.72        1.26        1.14        1.37   

Non-performing assets as a percentage of loans, loans held for sale and other real estate owned, at period end

     2.12        2.53        0.65        0.83        0.39   

Net charge-offs as a percentage of average loans and loans held for sale

     0.74        0.60        0.20        0.19        0.16   

Ratio of earnings to fixed charges and preferred dividends:(1)

          

Excluding interest on deposits

     1.49     (1.12 )X      3.17     2.60     1.93

Including interest on deposits

     1.10        0.53        1.37        1.16        1.12   

Cumulative one year interest rate sensitivity gap ratio, at period end

     1.13        1.08        1.10        0.90        0.85   

 

(1) The ratio of earnings to fixed charges and preferred dividends is computed by dividing the sum of income before taxes, fixed charges, and preferred dividends by the sum of fixed charges and preferred dividends. Fixed charges represent interest expense and are shown as both excluding and including interest on deposits.

 

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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (MD&A)

The following discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations of AmeriServ Financial, Inc. (AmeriServ) should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements of AmeriServ Financial, Inc. including the related notes thereto, included elsewhere herein.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2010, 2009, AND 2008

2010 SUMMARY OVERVIEW:

On January 25, 2011, AmeriServ Financial, Inc. (ASRV) released its financial results for the fourth quarter of 2010 and for the full year of 2010. Net income for the fourth quarter was reported at $1,114,000 or $0.04 per share. This represents the fifth consecutive quarter of improved financial performance for ASRV and is an 83% increase over the third quarter of 2010 and a $2,793,000 increase in absolute dollars over the fourth quarter of 2009. These fourth quarter improved results enabled AmeriServ to record net income for the full year of 2010 of $1,282,000 or $0.01 per share. This performance produced a net income improvement of $6,177,000 over 2009, as each of the last three quarters of 2010 surpassed the same quarters of 2009 by a wide margin.

This improvement cannot be attributed to a strong recovery of the national or regional economy as regional loan demand remains weak and regional unemployment remained well above 9% during the entire year. Rather, we believe that the improvement at ASRV is the result of Board and management actions recognizing that in a troubled economy it is important to introduce special monitoring activities to protect the franchise. The Asset Quality Task Force continues to meet weekly so as to recognize any weakness in specific loans. This vigilance provides an opportunity to both assist the borrower where possible and also to take the necessary steps to keep ASRV strong. The Asset Liability Management Committee also convenes regularly to measure the strength of capital and the necessary depth of liquidity. But perhaps most important of all is that those ASRV community bankers, who meet with customers regularly, continue to provide competitive banking products as well as helpful counsel. We understand that it is our responsibility to always provide our customers with a strong company, but side-by-side with friendly personal service. This has been the formula that has produced our improved performance in 2010.

A few years ago we promised that ASRV was going to return to its old fashioned community banking roots. That promise lies behind many of our activities in 2010. Specifically,

 

   

During 2010 ASRV provided $96 million for residential mortgages to our neighbors in this region. It was a record year for the ASRV mortgage bankers, and we and the local families they have helped salute their efforts.

 

   

During 2010 ASRV opened a new branch bank on busy North Atherton Street in State College, Pennsylvania. This full service bank is already welcoming many new customers who have been attracted to a well located bank eager to serve them.

 

   

During 2010 our Commercial Banking Division was completely reorganized so as to provide the small and medium sized businesses in our region with quick access to responsive and professional relationship managers. We want every business in our market to know that we want their business and that our professionals will go the extra mile to get it, and keep it.

 

   

While working to push this positive agenda ahead, ASRV has also been rebuilding internally. During 2010 ASRV conducted nationwide executive searches to find new leadership for AmeriServ’s Trust Company and the Commercial Banking Division of AmeriServ Financial Bank. We were pleased with the quality of

 

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the new executives we hired. Each of these executives has a strong record of achievement in previous assignments and is already focusing on a productive and profitable future for both of these key activities.

It is especially important that we call to your attention our continuing plan to provide resources to AmeriServ’s Trust Company in support of its new strategic direction. The size and scope of this wholly owned subsidiary provides the corporation with more customer service wealth management opportunities than many of our peers enjoy.

We do want you to know that we are quite aware of the economic challenges faced by our region and by America itself. It is this realistic view of conditions that has caused us to emphasize the need to make ASRV strong and safe. The capital levels at ASRV have been, and continue to be, well above any requirement of the Pennsylvania Department of Banking or the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia. Additionally, ASRV has been careful to build and maintain a high level of liquidity during these volatile times when even the safety of the debt instruments of sovereign nations has been called into question. We have also consistently maintained a strong loan loss reserve to provide a buffer against the recession driven problems which have beset many struggling individuals and commercial enterprises. As of December 31, 2010, our allowance for loan losses was 138% of our total of non-performing assets irrespective of any collateral pledged to secure such loans.

It is when we consider the nature of the challenges of the economy that we are determined to not relax our vigilance. We believe that the steady improvement in our financial performance over the last year is proof positive that vigilance is important but must also be supported by strong capital and strong liquidity. We are also taking the time to position AmeriServ to have the talent and the energy to be a force in this region as the economy improves. Our motto has become strength for today with a deep reservoir of energy for tomorrow as we work to assist the communities we serve.

PERFORMANCE OVERVIEW … The following table summarizes some of the Company’s key profitability performance indicators for each of the past three years.

 

     YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,  
     2010     2009     2008  
    

(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT

PER SHARE DATA AND RATIOS)

 

Net income (loss)

   $ 1,282      $ (4,895   $ 5,509   

Diluted earnings (loss) per share

     0.01        (0.29     0.25   

Return on average assets

     0.13     (0.51 )%      0.62

Return on average equity

     1.19        (4.33     5.93   

The Company reported net income of $1.3 million or $0.01 per diluted common share for 2010. This represents an increase of $6.2 million from the 2009 net loss of $4.9 million or $0.29 per diluted common share. Improvements in asset quality were a key factor causing our increased earnings in 2010. Proactive monitoring of our loan portfolio and problem credits allowed us to carefully adjust downward the provision for loan losses in each quarter of 2010 while still maintaining good loan loss reserve coverage ratios. Also, there was little change in total revenue in 2010 as both net interest income and non-interest income were comparable with the prior year. Non-interest expenses increased moderately in 2010 as they grew by 1.4%. Diluted earnings per share were again impacted by the preferred dividend requirement on the TARP-CPP preferred stock and accretion of discount on preferred stock, which amounted to $1.3 million and reduced the amount of net income available to common shareholders.

The Company reported a net loss of $4.9 million or $0.29 loss per diluted common share for 2009. This represented a decrease of $10.4 million from the 2008 net income of $5.5 million or $0.25 per diluted common share. An increased provision for loan losses, reduced non-interest income, and higher non-interest expenses were the main factors causing the decrease in net income in 2009. These negative items more than offset good

 

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growth in net interest income that resulted from solid loan and deposit growth within our retail Bank in 2009 and effective balance sheet management in a declining interest rate environment.

NET INTEREST INCOME AND MARGIN … The Company’s net interest income represents the amount by which interest income on earning assets exceeds interest paid on interest bearing liabilities. Net interest income is a primary source of the Company’s earnings; it is affected by interest rate fluctuations as well as changes in the amount and mix of earning assets and interest bearing liabilities. The following table summarizes the Company’s net interest income performance for each of the past three years:

 

     YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,  
     2010     2009     2008  
     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT RATIOS)  

Interest income

   $ 44,831      $ 47,455      $ 47,819   

Interest expense

     12,489        15,021        18,702   
                        

Net interest income

     32,342        32,434        29,117   

Net interest margin

     3.79     3.72     3.64

2010 NET INTEREST PERFORMANCE OVERVIEW … The Company’s net interest income declined modestly in 2010 by only $92,000 or 0.28% when compared to 2009. Careful management of funding costs during a period when interest revenues declined and the balance sheet contracted allowed the Company to increase its net interest margin by seven basis points to average 3.79% for the full year of 2010. This solid net interest margin performance is reflective of the Company’s strong liquidity position and its ability to reduce its funding costs during a period of deposit growth. Specifically, total deposits averaged $803 million for the full year of 2010, an increase of $41 million or 5.3% over 2009. Growth in non-interest bearing demand deposits was even greater at 7.4%. The Company believes that uncertainties in the economy have contributed to growth in money market accounts, certificates of deposit and demand deposits as consumers and businesses have looked for safety in well capitalized community banks like AmeriServ Financial. Overall, total loans and loans held for sale have declined by $45 million or 6.2% since December 31, 2009 as the Company has successfully focused on reducing its commercial real estate exposure and non-performing assets during this period of economic weakness. We expect the declining commercial real estate trend to continue during the first half of 2011. Additionally, our pipelines for new commercial and industrial lending opportunities continue to be thin. Consequently, we expect to book fewer new commercial loans, which will cause the loan portfolio to shrink further through normal amortization and some anticipated early loan pay-offs. This will put pressure on our net interest income and margin.

COMPONENT CHANGES IN NET INTEREST INCOME: 2010 VERSUS 2009 … Regarding the separate components of net interest income, the Company’s total interest income in 2010 decreased by $2.6 million when compared to 2009. This decrease was due to an 18 basis point decline in the earning asset yield to 5.26%, and a $9.9 million decrease in average earning assets due to the previously mentioned decline in loans. Investment securities have grown over this period, but not enough to absorb the overall decline in total loans. Within the earning asset base, the yield on the total loan portfolio decreased by 14 basis points to 5.58% while the yield on total investment securities dropped by 54 basis points to 3.54%. Both of these yield declines reflect the impact of the lower interest rate environment that has now been in place for over 2 years. New investment securities and loans that are being booked typically have yields that are below the rate on the maturing instruments that they are replacing. Also the asset mix shift with fewer dollars invested in loans and more dollars invested in lower yielding short duration investment securities also negatively impacts the earning asset yield. Overall, the decline in loans combined with deposit growth caused the Company’s loan to deposit ratio to average 87.3% in 2010 compared to 95.1% in 2009.

The Company’s total interest expense for 2010 decreased by $2.5 million, or 16.9%, when compared to 2009. This decrease in interest expense was due to a lower cost of funds as the cost of interest bearing liabilities declined by 32 basis points to 1.75%. Management’s decision to reduce interest rates paid on all deposit

 

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categories has not had any negative impact on deposit growth as consumers have sought the safety provided by well-capitalized community banks like AmeriServ Financial. This decrease in funding costs was aided by a drop in interest expense associated with an $11.1 million decrease in the volume of interest bearing liabilities. Specifically, the average balance of all FHLB borrowings declined by $43.1 million, but was partially offset by a $32 million increase in interest bearing deposits. Additionally, the Company’s funding mix also benefited from an $8.5 million increase in non-interest bearing demand deposits. Overall, in 2010 the Company had the discipline to further reduce its reliance on borrowings as a funding source as wholesale borrowings averaged only 2.3% of total assets. The Company also does not use brokered certificates of deposit as a funding source.

2009 NET INTEREST PERFORMANCE OVERVIEW … The Company’s net interest income in 2009 increased by $3.3 million, or 11.4%, from 2008 and the net interest margin rose by 8 basis points to 3.72% over the same comparative period. The increased net interest income and margin resulted from a combination of good balance sheet growth and the pricing benefits achieved from a steeper yield curve in 2009. Specifically, total loans averaged $725 million in 2009, an increase of $83 million or 13.0% over 2008. This growth caused overall loan interest revenue to increase in 2009 despite the lower interest rate environment. The Company’s strong liquidity position had been supported by total deposits that averaged $763 million in 2009, an increase of $68 million or 9.8% over 2008. The Company believed that uncertainties in the financial markets and the economy has contributed to growth in money market accounts, certificates of deposit, and demand deposits as consumers looked for safety in well capitalized community banks like AmeriServ Financial Bank. Additionally, the Company benefited from a favorable $3.7 million decline in interest expense caused by the more rapid downward repricing of both deposits and Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings due to the market decline in short-term interest rates.

COMPONENT CHANGES IN NET INTEREST INCOME: 2009 VERSUS 2008 … Regarding the separate components of net interest income, the Company’s total interest income in 2009 decreased by $364,000 when compared to 2008. This decrease was due to a 52 basis point decline in the earning asset yield to 5.44%, that was partially mitigated by a $79 million increase in average earning assets due to the previously mentioned strong loan growth. Within the earning asset base, the yield on the total loan portfolio decreased by 65 basis points to 5.72% and reflected the lower interest rate environment in 2009 as the Federal Reserve had reduced the federal funds rate by approximately 200 basis points in response to the financial market crisis that hit in the third quarter 2008. The total investment securities yield decreased by 5 basis points to 4.08% while the yield on short-term money market funds dropped by 161 basis points to 0.35%. Both of these yield drops reflected the lower interest rate environment in 2009.

The $79 million, or 9.9%, increase in the volume of average earning assets was due to an $83 million, or 13.0%, increase in average loans, partially offset by a $7 million, or 4.9%, decrease in average investment securities. This loan growth was driven by increased commercial real estate loans as a result of successful new business development efforts, particularly in the suburban Pittsburgh market. The Company found increased commercial lending opportunities in the Pittsburgh market in the second half of 2008 and first half of 2009 due to the retrenchment of several larger competitors as a result of the turmoil in the financial markets. This loan growth caused the Company’s loan to deposit ratio to average 95.1% in 2009 compared to 92.4% in 2008. The decline in investment securities was caused by the call of certain agency securities and ongoing cash flow from mortgage-backed securities. The Company had elected to utilize this cash from lower yielding investment securities to fund higher yielding loans in an effort to improve the Company’s earning asset yield and net interest margin. The Company did not expect the investment securities portfolio to shrink any further in order to maintain sufficient security balances for pledging purposes.

The Company’s total interest expense for 2009 decreased by $3.7 million, or 19.7%, when compared to 2008. This decrease in interest expense was due to a lower cost of funds as the cost of both deposits and borrowings repriced downward with the reductions in short-term interest rates. Specifically, the cost of interest bearing deposits declined by 67 basis points to 2.02%, while the cost of all FHLB borrowings dropped by 106 basis points to 1.22%. This decrease in funding costs more than offset the additional interest expense associated

 

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with a $46 million increase in the volume of interest bearing liabilities due to the previously mentioned deposit growth. Additionally, the Company’s funding mix benefited from a $3.9 million increase in non-interest bearing demand deposits. Overall, in 2009 the Company had the discipline to further reduce its reliance on borrowings as a funding source as wholesale borrowings averaged only 6.7% of total assets. The Company did not use brokered certificates of deposit as a funding source.

The table that follows provides an analysis of net interest income on a tax-equivalent basis setting forth (i) average assets, liabilities, and stockholders’ equity, (ii) interest income earned on interest earning assets and interest expense paid on interest bearing liabilities, (iii) average yields earned on interest earning assets and average rates paid on interest bearing liabilities, (iv) interest rate spread (the difference between the average yield earned on interest earning assets and the average rate paid on interest bearing liabilities), and (v) net interest margin (net interest income as a percentage of average total interest earning assets). For purposes of these tables loan balances include non-accrual loans, and interest income recorded on non-accrual loans on a cash basis, which is deemed to be immaterial, is included in interest income. Regulatory stock is included within available for sale investment securities for this analysis. Additionally, a tax rate of approximately 34% is used to compute tax-equivalent yields.

 

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    YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,  
    2010     2009     2008  
    AVERAGE
BALANCE
    INTEREST
INCOME/
EXPENSE
    YIELD/
RATE
    AVERAGE
BALANCE
    INTEREST
INCOME/
EXPENSE
    YIELD/
RATE
    AVERAGE
BALANCE
    INTEREST
INCOME/
EXPENSE
    YIELD/
RATE
 
    (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PERCENTAGES)  

Interest earning assets:

                 

Loans, net of unearned income

  $ 701,502      $ 39,129        5.58   $ 725,241      $ 41,488        5.72   $ 641,766      $ 41,100        6.37

Deposits with banks

    1,795        1        0.06        1,782        4        0.23        583        13        2.23   

Federal funds sold

    4,375        16        0.37        490        1        0.11        114        4        3.54   

Short-term investment in money market funds

    3,834        4        0.10        9,022        30        0.35        7,136        140        1.96   

Investment securities:

                 

Available for sale

    151,691        5,281        3.48        131,804        5,340        4.05        136,344        5,770        4.03   

Held to maturity

    9,574        433        4.52        14,346        630        4.36        17,292        875        5.06   
                                                     

Total investment securities

    161,265        5,714        3.54        146,150        5,970        4.08        153,636        6,645        4.13   
                                                     

TOTAL INTEREST EARNING ASSETS/ INTEREST INCOME

    872,771        44,864        5.26        882,685        47,493        5.44        803,235        47,902        5.96   
                                                     

Non-interest earning assets:

                 

Cash and due from banks

    15,297            14,498            16,786       

Premises and equipment

    10,212            9,213            9,333       

Other assets

    80,206            72,574            72,249       

Allowance for loan losses

    (21,218         (13,382         (7,837    
                                   

TOTAL ASSETS

  $ 957,268          $ 965,588          $ 893,766       
                                   

Interest bearing liabilities:

                 

Interest bearing deposits:

                 

Interest bearing demand

  $ 58,118      $ 176        0.30   $ 62,494      $ 256        0.41   $ 64,683      $ 654        1.01

Savings

    77,381        397        0.51        72,350        530        0.73        70,255        535        0.76   

Money market

    186,560        1,622        0.87        169,823        2,437        1.44        107,843        2,417        2.24   

Other time

    358,472        8,750        2.44        343,841        9,886        2.88        341,185        12,074        3.54   
                                                     

Total interest bearing deposits

    680,531        10,945        1.61        648,508        13,109        2.02        583,966        15,680        2.69   
                                                     

Federal funds purchased and other short-term borrowings

    3,119        22        0.71        21,028        140        0.67        71,636        1,403        1.96   

Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank

    18,694        402        2.15        43,934        652        1.48        11,725        499        4.26   

Guaranteed junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures

    13,085        1,120        8.57        13,085        1,120        8.57        13,085        1,120        8.57   
                                                     

TOTAL INTEREST BEARING LIABILITIES/INTEREST EXPENSE

    715,429        12,489        1.75        726,555        15,021        2.07        680,412        18,702        2.75   
                                                     

Non-interest bearing liabilities:

                 

Demand deposits

    122,963            114,473            110,601       

Other liabilities

    11,188            11,428            9,816       

Stockholders’ equity

    107,688            113,132            92,937       
                                   

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

  $ 957,268          $ 965,588          $ 893,766       
                                   

Interest rate spread

        3.51            3.37            3.21   

Net interest income/net interest margin

      32,375        3.79       32,472        3.72       29,200        3.64

Tax-equivalent adjustment

      (33         (38         (83  
                                   

Net interest income

    $ 32,342          $ 32,434          $ 29,117     
                                   

 

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Net interest income may also be analyzed by segregating the volume and rate components of interest income and interest expense. The table below sets forth an analysis of volume and rate changes in net interest income on a tax-equivalent basis. For purposes of this table, changes in interest income and interest expense are allocated to volume and rate categories based upon the respective percentage changes in average balances and average rates. Changes in net interest income that could not be specifically identified as either a rate or volume change were allocated proportionately to changes in volume and changes in rate.

 

     2010 vs. 2009     2009 vs. 2008  
     INCREASE (DECREASE)
DUE TO CHANGE IN:
    INCREASE (DECREASE)
DUE TO CHANGE IN:
 
     AVERAGE
VOLUME
    RATE     TOTAL     AVERAGE
VOLUME
    RATE     TOTAL  
     (IN THOUSANDS)  

INTEREST EARNED ON:

            

Loans, net of unearned income

   $ (1,350   $ (1,009   $ (2,359   $ 1,146      $ (758   $ 388   

Deposits with banks

            (3     (3     15        (24     (9

Federal funds sold

     3               3        9        (12     (3

Short-term investments in money market funds

     (16     2        (14     (78     (32     (110

Investment securities:

            

Available for sale

     805        (864     (59     (156     (274     (430

Held to maturity

     (216     19        (197     (265     20        (245
                                                

Total investment securities

     589        (845     (256     (421     (254     (675
                                                

Total interest income

     (774     (1,855     (2,629     671        (1,080     (409
                                                

INTEREST PAID ON:

            

Interest bearing demand deposits

     (17     (63     (80     (410     12        (398

Savings deposits

     40        (173     (133     (5            (5

Money market

     270        (1,085     (815     526        (506     20   

Other time deposits

     439        (1,575     (1,136     (2,158     (30     (2,188

Federal funds purchased and other short-term borrowings

     (127     9        (118     (1,916     653        (1,263

Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank

     (1,248     998        (250     1,046        (893     153   
                                                

Total interest expense

     (643     (1,889     (2,532     (2,917     (764     (3,681
                                                

Change in net interest income

   $ (131   $ 34      $ (97   $ 3,588      $ (316   $ 3,272   
                                                

 

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LOAN QUALITY … AmeriServ Financial’s written lending policies require underwriting, loan documentation, and credit analysis standards to be met prior to funding any loan. After the loan has been approved and funded, continued periodic credit review is required. The Company’s policy is to individually review, as circumstances warrant, each of its commercial and commercial mortgage loans to determine if a loan is impaired. At a minimum, credit reviews are mandatory for all commercial and commercial mortgage loan relationships with aggregate balances in excess of $250,000 within a 12-month period. The Company has also identified three pools of small dollar value homogeneous loans which are evaluated collectively for impairment. These separate pools are for small business loans $250,000 or less, residential mortgage loans and consumer loans. Individual loans within these pools are reviewed and removed from the pool if factors such as significant delinquency in payments of 90 days or more, bankruptcy, or other negative economic concerns indicate impairment. The following table sets forth information concerning AmeriServ’s loan delinquency and other non-performing assets.

 

     AT DECEMBER 31,  
     2010     2009     2008  
    

(IN THOUSANDS,

EXCEPT PERCENTAGES)

 

Total loan past due 30 to 89 days

   $ 2,791      $ 11,408      $ 4,396   

Total non-accrual loans

     12,289        17,116        3,377   

Total non-performing assets including TDR(1)

     14,364        18,337        4,572   

Loan delinquency as a percentage of total loans and loans held for sale, net of unearned income

     0.41     1.58     0.62

Non-accrual loans as a percentage of total loans and loans held for sale, net of unearned income

     1.81        2.37        0.48   

Non-performing assets as a percentage of total loans and loans held for sale, net of unearned income, and other real estate owned

     2.12        2.53        0.65   

Non-performing assets as a percentage of total assets

     1.51        1.89        0.47   

Total classified loans (loans rated substandard or doubtful)

   $ 39,627      $ 48,587      $ 13,235   

 

(1) Non-performing assets are comprised of (i) loans that are on a non-accrual basis, (ii) loans that are contractually past due 90 days or more as to interest and principal payments, (iii) performing loans classified as troubled debt restructuring and (iv) other real estate owned.

As a result of successful ongoing problem credit resolution efforts, the Company realized asset quality improvements in 2010. These improvements are evidenced by reduced delinquency and lower levels of non-performing assets and classified loans. Specifically, there was an $11 million decrease in non-performing assets during the fourth quarter of 2010. Only $1 million of this decline in non-performing assets related to actual loan losses realized through net charge-offs. The largest item responsible for the lower level of non-performing assets in 2010 was the removal of a $9 million commercial loan relationship to a borrower in the restaurant industry from non-accrual status due to continued operating performance improvement. Classified loans also favorably dropped by $9.5 million in 2010 but still remain high by historical standards. This is due to the downgrade of the rating classification of numerous commercial loans that are experiencing operating weakness in the recessionary economy but are still performing. While we are pleased that total loan delinquency dropped back below 1.0% in 2010, we continue to closely monitor the portfolio given the recessionary economy and the number of relatively large-sized commercial and commercial real estate loans within the portfolio. As of December 31, 2010, the 25 largest credits represented 33.2% of total loans outstanding.

ALLOWANCE AND PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES … As described in more detail in the Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates section of this MD&A, the Company uses a comprehensive methodology and procedural discipline to maintain an allowance for loan losses to absorb inherent losses in the loan portfolio. The Company believes this is a critical accounting policy since it involves significant estimates and judgments. The allowance consists of three elements: 1) an allowance established on specifically identified problem loans, 2) formula driven general reserves established for loan categories based upon historical loss experience and other

 

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qualitative factors, which include delinquency and non-performing loan trends, economic trends, concentrations of credit, trends in loan volume, experience and depth of management, examination and audit results, effects of any changes in lending policies, and trends in policy, financial information, and documentation exceptions, and 3) a general risk reserve which provides support for variance from our assessment of the previously listed qualitative factors, provides protection against credit risks resulting from other inherent risk factors contained in the Company’s loan portfolio, and recognizes the model and estimation risk associated with the specific and formula driven allowances. The qualitative factors used in the formula driven general reserves are evaluated quarterly (and revised if necessary) by the Company’s management to establish allocations that accommodate each of the listed risk factors. The following table sets forth changes in the allowance for loan losses and certain ratios for the periods ended.

 

     YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,  
     2010     2009     2008     2007     2006  
     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT RATIOS AND PERCENTAGES)  

Balance at beginning of year

   $ 19,685      $ 8,910      $ 7,252      $ 8,092      $ 9,143   

Charge-offs:

          

Commercial

     (835     (3,810     (405     (934     (769

Commercial loans secured by real estate

     (4,221     (840     (811     (12     (2

Real estate-mortgage

     (293     (128     (132     (79     (76

Consumer

     (282     (352     (365     (307     (397
                                        

Total charge-offs

     (5,631     (5,130     (1,713     (1,332     (1,244
                                        

Recoveries:

          

Commercial

     226        601        299        40        115   

Commercial loans secured by real estate

     48        14        39        38        41   

Real estate-mortgage

     42        27        26        12        19   

Consumer

     145        113        82        102        143   
                                        

Total recoveries

     461        755        446        192        318   
                                        

Net charge-offs

     (5,170     (4,375     (1,267     (1,140     (926

Provision for loan losses

     5,250        15,150        2,925        300        (125
                                        

Balance at end of year

   $ 19,765      $ 19,685      $ 8,910      $ 7,252      $ 8,092   
                                        

Loans and loans held for sale, net of unearned income:

          

Average for the year

   $ 701,502      $ 725,241      $ 644,896      $ 610,685      $ 567,435   

At December 31

     678,181        722,904        707,108        636,155        589,435   

As a percent of average loans and loans held for sale:

          

Net charge-offs

     0.74     0.60     0.20     0.19     0.16

Provision for loan losses

     0.75        2.09        0.45        0.05        (0.02

Allowance as a percent of each of the following:

          

Total loans and loans held for sale, net of unearned income

     2.91        2.72        1.26        1.14        1.37   

Total delinquent loans (past due 30 to 89 days)

     708.17        172.55        202.68        203.77        270.54   

Total non-accrual loans

     160.83        115.01        263.84        138.45        353.98   

Total non-performing assets

     137.60        107.35        194.88        137.35        225.15   

Allowance as a multiple of net charge-offs

     3.82     4.50     7.03     6.36     8.74

For the year-ended December 31, 2010, the Company recorded a $5.3 million provision for loan losses compared to a $15.2 million provision for the 2009 year, or a decrease of $9.9 million. Proactive monitoring of our asset quality has allowed us to carefully adjust downward the provision for loan losses in each quarter of 2010 while still maintaining solid loan loss reserve coverage ratios. We actively identify and seek prompt

 

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resolution to problem credits in order to limit actual losses. Actual credit losses realized through charge-offs in 2010 approximated the provision levels, but are higher than 2009. For 2010, net charge-offs amounted to $5.2 million or 0.74% of total loans compared to net charge-offs of $4.4 million or 0.60% of total loans for 2009. The higher charge-offs in 2010 largely relate to two non-performing commercial real-estate loans, one of which was completely resolved in the first quarter ($1.2 million charge-off) and the second of which relates to a student housing project ($2.4 million charge-off) which the Company fully resolved through a note sale during the fourth quarter of 2010. In summary, the allowance for loan losses provided 145% coverage of non-performing loans and was 2.91% of total loans at December 31, 2010, compared to 115% of non-performing loans and 2.72% of total loans at December 31, 2009.

The Company appropriately strengthened its allowance for loan losses in 2009 in response to deterioration in asset quality. This deterioration in asset quality in 2009 was evidenced by higher levels of non-performing loans and classified loans than in 2008 and reflected the results of a comprehensive review of loans in the commercial loan and commercial real estate portfolio in the second half of 2009. Overall, the Company recorded a $15.2 million provision for loan losses in 2009, compared to a $2.9 million provision for 2008, or an increase of $12.2 million. Actual credit losses realized through charge-off, however, were well below the provision level, but higher than in 2008. For 2009, net charge-offs amounted to $4.4 million or 0.60% of total loans, compared to net charge-offs of $1.3 million or 0.20% of total loans for 2008. Of the 2009 net charge-offs, $3.3 million was realized in the fourth quarter and reflected the resolution of one of the Company’s larger non-performing loans.

The following schedule sets forth the allocation of the allowance for loan losses among various loan categories. This allocation is determined by using the consistent quarterly procedural discipline that was previously discussed. The entire allowance for loan losses is available to absorb future loan losses in any loan category.

 

    AT DECEMBER 31,  
    2010     2009     2008     2007     2006  
    AMOUNT     PERCENT
OF LOANS
IN

EACH
CATEGORY

TO
LOANS
    AMOUNT     PERCENT
OF LOANS
IN

EACH
CATEGORY

TO
LOANS
    AMOUNT     PERCENT
OF  LOANS
IN

EACH
CATEGORY
TO
LOANS
    AMOUNT     PERCENT
OF  LOANS
IN

EACH
CATEGORY
TO
LOANS
    AMOUNT     PERCENT
OF  LOANS
IN

EACH
CATEGORY
TO
LOANS
 
    (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PERCENTAGES)  

Commercial

  $ 3,851        11.5   $ 4,756        13.3   $ 2,841        15.6   $ 2,074        18.7   $ 2,361        15.6

Commercial loans secured by real estate

    12,717        54.6        12,692        54.9        4,467        50.0        3,632        44.8        3,546        45.8   

Real estate-mortgage

    1,117        31.1        1,015        29.2        1,004        31.1        979        33.9        1,206        35.6   

Consumer

    206        2.8        204        2.6        246        3.3        172        2.6        218        3.0   

Allocation to general risk

    1,874        —          1,018        —          352        —          395        —          761        —     
                                                 

Total

  $ 19,765        100.0   $ 19,685        100.0   $ 8,910        100.0   $ 7,252        100.0   $ 8,092        100.0
                                                                               

Even though residential real estate-mortgage loans comprise 31.1% of the Company’s total loan portfolio, only $1,117,000 or 5.7% of the total allowance for loan losses is allocated against this loan category. The residential real estate-mortgage loan allocation is based upon the Company’s five-year historical average of actual loan charge-offs experienced in that category and other qualitative factors. The disproportionately higher allocations for commercial loans and commercial loans secured by real estate reflect the increased credit risk associated with this type of lending, the Company’s historical loss experience in these categories, and other qualitative factors.

Based on the Company’s allowance for loan loss methodology and the related assessment of the inherent risk factors contained within the Company’s loan portfolio, we believe that the allowance for loan losses was adequate at December 31, 2010 to cover losses within the Company’s loan portfolio.

 

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NON-INTEREST INCOME … Non-interest income for 2010 totalled $14.0 million; an increase of $39,000, or 0.3%, from 2009. Factors contributing to this relatively stable level of non-interest income in 2010 included:

 

   

a $485,000, or 17.5% decrease in service charges on deposit accounts in 2010. Customers have maintained higher balances in their checking accounts, which have resulted in fewer overdraft fees in 2010. Additionally, regulatory changes which took effect in mid-August and are designed to limit customer overdraft fees on debit card transactions also negatively impacted deposit service charges.

 

   

a $307,000, or 47.2%, increase in gains realized on residential mortgage loan sales into the secondary market in 2010. As a result of another strong year of mortgage purchase and refinance activity in the Company’s primary market, there were $69 million of residential mortgage loans sold into the secondary market in 2010. Overall, the Company sold approximately 68% of its new residential mortgage loan production into the secondary market in order to help manage long term interest rate risk.

 

   

a $217,000, or 7.6% increase in other income resulting from the increased residential mortgage loan production due to higher underwriting, appraisal and document preparation fees. The Company also benefitted from increased letter of credit fees and interchange revenue in 2010.

Non-interest income for 2009 totalled $13.9 million; a decrease of $2.5 million, or 15.2%, from 2008. Factors contributing to this reduced level of non-interest income in 2009 included:

 

   

a $1.5 million decrease in revenue from bank owned life insurance (BOLI) due to fewer death claim payments in 2009.

 

   

a $1.2 million, or 16.2%, decline in trust and investment advisory fees due to reductions in the market value of assets managed due to lower equity and real estate values in 2009.

 

   

a $174,000, or 36.5%, increase in gains realized on residential mortgage loan sales into the secondary market in 2009. As a result of increased mortgage purchase and refinance activity in the Company’s primary market, there were $66 million of residential mortgage loans sold into the secondary market in 2009 compared to $37 million in 2008. Overall, the Company sold approximately 70% of its new residential mortgage loan production into the secondary market in 2009 in an effort to limit longer term interest rate risk.

 

   

the Company took advantage of market opportunities and generated $164,000 of gains on the sale of investment securities in 2009 compared to a $95,000 loss on a portfolio repositioning strategy executed in 2008.

NON-INTEREST EXPENSE … Non-interest expense for 2010 totalled $39.7 million; a $540,000, or 1.4%, increase from 2009. Factors contributing to the higher non-interest expense in 2010 included:

 

   

a $1.1 million, or 5.2%, increase in salaries and employee benefits expense due to higher medical insurance costs, increased pension expense, and greater incentive compensation expense reflecting increased commission payments related to the residential mortgage activity.

 

   

Other expense decreased by $613,000 primarily due to higher credit related costs in the prior year. Specifically, other real estate owned expense decreased by $749,000 due to the write-down and operating costs associated with an increased number of other real-estate owned properties in 2009.

 

   

a $331,000 or 8.2% increase in professional fees due to increased consulting expenses and recruitment costs in the Trust company and higher legal fees and loan workout costs at the Company.

 

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Non-interest expense for 2009 totalled $39.2 million; a $3.5 million, or 9.9%, increase from 2008. Factors contributing to the higher non-interest expense in 2009 included:

 

   

a $1.6 million increase in FDIC deposit insurance expense due to the recognition of a $435,000 expense for a special five basis point assessment mandated for all banks and higher recurring insurance premiums due to the need to strengthen the deposit insurance fund.

 

   

a $1.3 million, or 6.8%, increase in salaries and employee benefits expense due to higher sales, related incentive compensation, normal merit increases, severance costs and greater pension expense.

 

   

Other expense increased by $1.1 million primarily due to credit related costs. Specifically, other real estate owned expense increased by $715,000 due to the write-down and operating costs associated with an increased number of other real-estate owned properties while the Company also had to fund its reserve for unfunded commitments by an additional $118,000 in 2009.

 

   

a $450,000 increase in professional fees due to higher legal costs, recruitment fees, and greater consulting costs associated with a comprehensive review of the Trust Company in the fourth quarter of 2009.

 

   

a $757,000 decrease in core deposit amortization as a branch core deposit intangible was fully amortized by the end of the first quarter of 2009.

INCOME TAX EXPENSE … The Company recorded income tax expense of $80,000 or 5.9% effective tax rate in 2010 compared to income tax benefit of $3.1 million or an effective tax rate of 38.4% in 2009. The income tax expense recorded in 2008 was $1.5 million or an effective tax rate of 21.1%. The Company was able to record a lower effective tax rate in all periods due to tax-free revenue from BOLI. BOLI is the Company’s largest source of tax-free income. The Company’s deferred tax asset was $16.1 million at December 31, 2010 and relates primarily to net operating loss carryforwards and the allowance for loan losses.

SEGMENT RESULTS Retail banking’s net income contribution was $1.3 million in 2010 compared to $948,000 in 2009 and $2.7 million in 2008. The increased net income in 2010 was due to increased net interest income resulting from a combination of increased deposit balances and lower deposit costs. This exceeded an increased level of non-interest expense. Non-interest income was consistent between years as increased gains on residential mortgage loan sales into the secondary market were offset by reduced deposit service charges. The lower 2009 net income performance is reflective of increases in FDIC insurance premiums, generally higher other non-interest expenses and reduced non-interest income from BOLI. These negative items more than offset increased net interest income resulting from the growth in deposits and improved revenue from residential mortgage loan sales into the secondary market.

The commercial lending segment reported net income of $497,000 in 2010 compared to a net loss of $6.4 million in 2009 and net income of $2.3 million in 2008. The increased earnings in 2010 were caused primarily by a $9.6 million reduction in the provision for loan losses due to the previously discussed improvements in asset quality. The loss in 2009, however, was caused by an increased provision for loan losses due to the strengthening of the allowance for loan losses as a result of the deterioration in asset quality experienced in 2009. The loan loss provision allocated to this segment was $12.3 million greater in 2009. Non-interest expenses also increased in 2009 due to higher other real-estate owned expenses and other loan work out related costs. These negative items more than offset an increased level of net interest income due to the commercial loan growth achieved in 2009.

The trust segment’s net income contribution was $222,000 in 2010 compared to $148,000 in 2009 and $1.3 million in 2008. The increase in net income in 2010 resulted from a decline in expenses particularly within our investment advisory subsidiary. The major reason for the decrease in 2009 was due to less wealth management revenue as a result of fewer assets under management resulting from the declines experienced in the equity and real estate markets. Specifically, the most significant decline has been in the value of real-estate assets in the

 

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BUILD and ERECT Funds (a fund that invests union pension dollars in construction projects that utilize union labor) where the market value of assets has declined from $325 million at December 31, 2008 to $193 million at December 31, 2010. The BUILD Fund is in liquidation status. Overall, the fair market value of trust assets totaled $1.37 billion at December 31, 2010, a modest increase of $8.4 million, or 0.6%, from the December 31, 2009 total of $1.36 billion.

The investment/parent segment reported net loss of $699,000 in 2010 compared to net income of $379,000 in 2009 and a net loss of $783,000 in 2008. The weaker performance in 2010 reflects lower net interest income as declining yields in the investment securities portfolio have negatively impacted this segment. In 2009, the Company’s balance sheet positioning allowed it to benefit from the significant Federal Reserve reductions in short-term interest rates and the return to a more traditional positively sloped yield curve, which caused net interest income in this segment to increase. Also, the Company realized $164,000 of investment security gains in 2009 compared to losses of $95,000 realized in 2008

For greater discussion on the future strategic direction of the Company’s key business segments, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis—Forward Looking Statements.”

BALANCE SHEET … The Company’s total consolidated assets were $949 million at December 31, 2010, which was down by $21 million or 2.2% from the $970 million level at December 31, 2009. The Company’s loans and loan held for sale totaled $678 million at December 31, 2010, a decrease of $44.7 million or 6.2% from year-end 2009 as the Company focused on reducing its commercial real-estate loan concentration in 2010. Investment securities and short-term money market investments increased by $29.4 million in 2010 due to principal repayments in the loan portfolio being reinvested in the securities portfolio. The $1.3 million increase in premises and equipment related to the costs associated with the construction of a new branch office in the State College market.

The Company’s deposits totaled $801 million at December 31, 2010, which was $15.2 million or 1.9% higher than December 31, 2009, due to an increase in almost all deposit categories. We believe that uncertainties in the financial markets and the economy have contributed to a second consecutive year of growth in our deposits as consumers have looked for safety in well capitalized community banks like AmeriServ Financial Bank. As a result of this deposit growth and asset shrinkage, we were able to reduce FHLB borrowings by $37.3 million during 2010. Total FHLB borrowings now represent 1.5% of total assets compared to 5.3% at December 31, 2009. The Company continues to be considered well capitalized for regulatory purposes with a risk based capital ratio of 16.54% and an asset leverage ratio of 11.20% at December 31, 2010. The Company’s book value per common share was $4.07, its tangible book value per common share was $3.46, and its tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio was 7.94% at December 31, 2010.

LIQUIDITY … The Company’s liquidity position has been strong during the last several years. Our core retail deposit base has grown over the past two years and has been more than adequate to fund the Company’s operations. Cash flow from maturities, prepayments and amortization of securities was used to either fund loan growth (2009) or paydown borrowings (2010). We strive to operate our loan to deposit ratio in a range of 85% to 95%. At December 31, 2010, the Company’s loan to deposit ratio was 84.6%. Given further expected net loan paydowns in the first half of 2011, we expect to more actively purchase mortgage backed investment securities to replace this cash flow.

Liquidity can also be analyzed by utilizing the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. Cash and cash equivalents decreased by $7.0 million from December 31, 2009, to December 31, 2010, due to $22.1 million of cash used in financing activities. This was partially offset by $12.4 million of cash provided by investing activities and $2.7 million of cash provided by operating activities. Within investing activities, cash advanced for new loan fundings and purchases totalled $86.9 million and was $42.8 million lower than the $129.7 million of cash received from loan principal payments and sales. Cash used for new investment security purchases exceeded

 

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maturities and sales by $29.8 million. Within financing activities, deposits increased by $16.3 million, which was used to help pay down short-term borrowings by $21.2 million.

The holding company had a total of $16.7 million of cash, short-term investments, and securities at December 31, 2010, which was down $3.2 million from the year-end 2009 total. We have elected to retain $14 million of the total $21 million in funds received from the preferred stock issued to the U.S. Treasury in connection with our participation in TARP’s Capital Purchase Program (CPP) at the holding company to provide us with greater liquidity and financial flexibility. ($7 million of the CPP funds were downstreamed to our subsidiary Bank over the past two years to help the Bank maintain compliance with our own internal capital guidelines.) Additionally, dividend payments from our subsidiaries can also provide ongoing cash to the holding company. At December 31, 2010, however, the subsidiary Bank did not have any cash available for immediate dividends to the holding company under the applicable regulatory formulas because of the loss it incurred in 2009. We presently expect that the Bank will return to dividend paying capacity sometime in the second half of 2011. As such, the holding company will continue to use its ample supply of cash and short-term investments to meet its trust preferred debt service requirements and preferred stock dividends, which approximate $2.1 million annually.

Financial institutions must maintain liquidity to meet day-to-day requirements of depositors and borrowers, take advantage of market opportunities, and provide a cushion against unforeseen needs. Liquidity needs can be met by either reducing assets or increasing liabilities. Sources of asset liquidity are provided by short-term investment securities, time deposits with banks, federal funds sold, and short-term investments in money market funds. These assets totaled $29 million at December 31, 2010 and $33 million at December 31, 2009. Maturing and repaying loans, as well as the monthly cash flow associated with mortgage-backed securities and security maturities are other significant sources of asset liquidity for the Company.

Liability liquidity can be met by attracting deposits with competitive rates, using repurchase agreements, buying federal funds, or utilizing the facilities of the Federal Reserve or the Federal Home Loan Bank systems. The Company utilizes a variety of these methods of liability liquidity. Additionally, the Company’s subsidiary Bank is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank, which provides the opportunity to obtain short- to longer-term advances based upon the Company’s investment in assets secured by one- to four-family residential real estate. At December 31, 2010, the Company had $244 million of overnight borrowing availability at the FHLB, $36 million of short-term borrowing availability at the Federal Reserve Bank and $23 million of unsecured federal funds lines with correspondent banks. The Company believes it has ample liquidity available to fund outstanding loan commitments if they were fully drawn upon.

CAPITAL RESOURCES … The Company meaningfully exceeds all regulatory capital ratios for each of the periods presented and is considered well capitalized. The asset leverage ratio was 11.20%, the Tier 1 capital ratio was 15.27%, and the risk based capital ratio was 16.54% at December 31, 2010. Note that the impact of other comprehensive loss is excluded from the regulatory capital ratios. At December 31, 2010, accumulated other comprehensive loss amounted to $4.9 million. The Company’s tangible equity to assets ratio was 10.05% and its tangible common equity to assets ratio was 7.94% at December 31, 2010. We anticipate that our strong capital ratios will increase further in 2011 due to the retention of all earnings, which will be partially offset by preferred dividend requirements and limited balance sheet growth.

Our decision to accept the $21 million CPP preferred stock investment in December 2008 did strengthen our capital ratios. However as a result of this decision, for a period of three years we are no longer permitted to repurchase stock or declare and pay common dividends without the consent of the U.S. Treasury. The Company presently does not expect to repay any portion of the CPP preferred stock investment prior to 2012 given the slowness of the economic recovery and the need for the Bank to achieve sustained profitability.

 

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INTEREST RATE SENSITIVITY … Asset/liability management involves managing the risks associated with changing interest rates and the resulting impact on the Company’s net interest income, net income and capital. The management and measurement of interest rate risk at the Company is performed by using the following tools: 1) simulation modeling, which analyzes the impact of interest rate changes on net interest income, net income and capital levels over specific future time periods. The simulation modeling forecasts earnings under a variety of scenarios that incorporate changes in the absolute level of interest rates, the shape of the yield curve, prepayments and changes in the volumes and rates of various loan and deposit categories. The simulation modeling incorporates assumptions about reinvestment and the repricing characteristics of certain assets and liabilities without stated contractual maturities; 2) market value of portfolio equity sensitivity analysis, and 3) static GAP analysis, which analyzes the extent to which interest rate sensitive assets and interest rate sensitive liabilities are matched at specific points in time. The overall interest rate risk position and strategies are reviewed by senior management and the Company’s Board of Directors on an ongoing basis.

The following table presents a summary of the Company’s static GAP positions at December 31, 2010:

 

INTEREST SENSITIVITY PERIOD

   3 MONTHS
OR LESS
    OVER
3 MONTHS
THROUGH
6 MONTHS
    OVER
6 MONTHS
THROUGH
1 YEAR
    OVER
1 YEAR
    TOTAL  
     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT RATIOS AND PERCENTAGES)  

RATE SENSITIVE ASSETS:

          

Loans and loans held for sale

   $ 202,515      $ 52,899      $ 86,290      $ 316,712      $ 658,416   

Investment securities

     18,276        9,075        15,364        129,920        172,635   

Short-term assets

     5,177                             5,177   

Regulatory stock

     7,233                      2,125        9,358   

Bank owned life insurance

                   34,466               34,466   
                                        

Total rate sensitive assets

   $ 233,201      $ 61,974      $ 136,120      $ 448,757      $ 880,052   
                                        

RATE SENSITIVE LIABILITIES:

          

Deposits:

          

Non-interest bearing deposits

   $      $      $      $ 127,870      $ 127,870   

NOW

     4,442                      54,764        59,206   

Money market

     150,631                      22,603        173,234   

Other savings

     19,190                      57,572        76,762   

Certificates of deposit of $100,000 or more

     12,796        21,695        5,321        10,996        50,808   

Other time deposits

     87,089        27,543        47,069        151,635        313,336   
                                        

Total deposits

     274,148        49,238        52,390        425,440        801,216   

Borrowings

     4,565        15        29        22,776        27,385   
                                        

Total rate sensitive liabilities

   $ 278,713      $ 49,253      $ 52,419      $ 448,216      $ 828,601   
                                        

INTEREST SENSITIVITY GAP:

          

Interval

     (45,512     12,721        83,701        541          

Cumulative

   $ (45,512   $ (32,791   $ 50,910      $ 51,451      $ 51,451   
                                        

Period GAP ratio

     0.84     1.26     2.60     1.00  

Cumulative GAP ratio

     0.84        0.90        1.13        1.06     

Ratio of cumulative GAP to total assets

     (4.80 )%      (3.46 )%      5.36     5.42  

When December 31, 2010, is compared to December 31, 2009, there has been limited change in the Company’s modestly positive cumulative GAP ratio through one year. While the Company does have a negative GAP position through six months, the absolute low level of rates makes this table more difficult to analyze since there is little room for certain liabilities to reprice downward further.

 

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Management places primary emphasis on simulation modeling to manage and measure interest rate risk. The Company’s asset/liability management policy seeks to limit net interest income variability over the first twelve months of the forecast period to +/-7.5%, which include interest rate movements of 200 basis points. Additionally, the Company also uses market value sensitivity measures to further evaluate the balance sheet exposure to changes in interest rates. The Company monitors the trends in market value of portfolio equity sensitivity analysis on a quarterly basis.

The following table presents an analysis of the sensitivity inherent in the Company’s net interest income and market value of portfolio equity. The interest rate scenarios in the table compare the Company’s base forecast, which was prepared using a flat interest rate scenario, to scenarios that reflect immediate interest rate changes of 100 and 200 basis points. Note that we suspended the 200 basis point downward rate shock since it has little value due to the absolute low level of interest rates. Each rate scenario contains unique prepayment and repricing assumptions that are applied to the Company’s existing balance sheet that was developed under the flat interest rate scenario.

 

INTEREST RATE SCENARIO

   VARIABILITY OF
NET INTEREST
INCOME
    CHANGE IN
MARKET VALUE OF
PORTFOLIO EQUITY
 

200 bp increase

     2.1     2.9

100 bp increase

     2.4        3.8   

100 bp decrease

     (7.4     (12.0

The variability of net interest income is negative in the 100 basis point downward rate scenario as the Company has more exposure to assets repricing downward to a greater extent than liabilities due to the absolute low level of interest rates with the fed funds rate currently at 0.25%. The variability of net interest income is positive in the upward rate shocks as the Company has better diversified its loan portfolio with the interest rate on more loans now tied to LIBOR. Also, the Company expects that it will not have to reprice its core deposit accounts up as quickly when interest rates rise. The market value of portfolio equity increases in the upward rate shocks due to the improved value of the Company’s core deposit base. Negative variability of market value of portfolio equity occurs in the downward rate shock due to a reduced value for core deposits.

Within the investment portfolio at December 31, 2010, 95% of the portfolio is classified as available for sale and 5% as held to maturity. The available for sale classification provides management with greater flexibility to manage the securities portfolio to better achieve overall balance sheet rate sensitivity goals and provide liquidity if needed. The mark to market of the available for sale securities does inject more volatility in the book value of equity, but has no impact on regulatory capital. There are 27 securities that are temporarily impaired at December 31, 2010. The Company reviews its securities quarterly and has asserted that at December 31, 2010, the impaired value of securities represents temporary declines due to movements in interest rates and the Company does have the ability and intent to hold those securities to maturity or to allow a market recovery. Furthermore, it is the Company’s intent to manage its long-term interest rate risk by continuing to sell newly originated fixed-rate 30-year mortgage loans into the secondary market. The Company also periodically sells 15-year fixed-rate mortgage loans into the secondary market as well, depending on market conditions. For the year 2010, 68% of all residential mortgage loan production was sold into the secondary market.

 

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The amount of loans outstanding by category as of December 31, 2010, which are due in (i) one year or less, (ii) more than one year through five years, and (iii) over five years, are shown in the following table. Loan balances are also categorized according to their sensitivity to changes in interest rates.

 

     ONE
YEAR OR
LESS
    MORE
THAN ONE
YEAR
THROUGH
FIVE YEARS
    OVER FIVE
YEARS
    TOTAL
LOANS
 
     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT RATIOS)  

Commercial

   $ 25,974      $ 42,570      $ 9,778      $ 78,322   

Commercial loans secured by real estate

     50,585        175,024        144,766        370,375   

Real estate-mortgage

     61,058        79,725        69,945        210,728   

Consumer

     4,383        9,345        5,505        19,233   
                                

Total

   $ 142,000      $ 306,664      $ 229,994      $ 678,658   
                                

Loans with fixed-rate

   $ 86,442      $ 174,361      $ 101,617      $ 362,420   

Loans with floating-rate

     55,558        132,303        128,377        316,238   
                                

Total

   $ 142,000      $ 306,664      $ 229,994      $ 678,658   
                                

Percent composition of maturity

     20.9     45.2     33.9     100.0

Fixed-rate loans as a percentage of total loans

           53.4

Floating-rate loans as a percentage of total loans

           46.6

The loan maturity information is based upon original loan terms and is not adjusted for principal paydowns and rollovers. In the ordinary course of business, loans maturing within one year may be renewed, in whole or in part, as to principal amount at interest rates prevailing at the date of renewal.

CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS … The following table presents, as of December 31, 2010, significant fixed and determinable contractual obligations to third parties by payment date. Further discussion of the nature of each obligation is included in the referenced note to the consolidated financial statements.

 

    PAYMENTS DUE IN  
    NOTE
REFERENCE
    ONE YEAR
OR LESS
    ONE TO  THREE
YEARS
    THREE TO  FIVE
YEARS
    OVER FIVE
YEARS
    TOTAL  
    (IN THOUSANDS)  

Deposits without a stated maturity

    8      $ 437,072      $      $      $      $ 437,072   

Certificates of deposit*

    8        206,430        117,568        22,979        39,443        386,420   

Borrowed funds*

    10        4,641        9,673        186        589        15,089   

Guaranteed junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures*

    10                             29,947        29,947   

Pension obligation

    14        1,500                             1,500   

Lease commitments

    15        959        1,337        948        2,704        5,948   

 

* Includes interest based upon interest rates in effect at December 31, 2010. Future changes in market interest rates could materially affect contractual amounts to be paid.

OFF BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS … The Company incurs off-balance sheet risks in the normal course of business in order to meet the financing needs of its customers. These risks derive from commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit. Such commitments and standby letters of credit involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit risk in excess of the amount recognized in the consolidated financial statements. The Company’s exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to these commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit is represented by their contractual amounts. The

 

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Company uses the same credit and collateral policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as for all other lending. The Company had various outstanding commitments to extend credit approximating $84.9 million and standby letters of credit of $11.5 million as of December 31, 2010. The Company can also use various interest rate contracts, such as interest rate swaps, caps, floors and swaptions to help manage interest rate and market valuation risk exposure, which is incurred in normal recurrent banking activities. As of December 31, 2010, the Company had $18 million in interest rate swaps outstanding.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES … The accounting and reporting policies of the Company are in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and conform to general practices within the banking industry. Accounting and reporting policies for the allowance for loan losses, goodwill, income taxes, and investment securities are deemed critical because they involve the use of estimates and require significant management judgments. Application of assumptions different than those used by the Company could result in material changes in the Company’s financial position or results of operation.

ACCOUNT — Allowance for Loan Losses

BALANCE SHEET REFERENCE — Allowance for Loan Losses

INCOME STATEMENT REFERENCE — Provision for Loan Losses

DESCRIPTION

The allowance for loan losses is calculated with the objective of maintaining reserve levels believed by management to be sufficient to absorb estimated probable credit losses. Management’s determination of the adequacy of the allowance is based on periodic evaluations of the credit portfolio and other relevant factors. However, this evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires material estimates, including, among others, likelihood of customer default, loss given default, exposure at default, the amounts and timing of expected future cash flows on impaired loans, value of collateral, estimated losses on consumer loans and residential mortgages, and general amounts for historical loss experience. This process also considers economic conditions, uncertainties in estimating losses and inherent risks in the various credit portfolios. All of these factors may be susceptible to significant change. Also, the allocation of the allowance for credit losses to specific loan pools is based on historical loss trends and management’s judgment concerning those trends.

Commercial and commercial real estate loans are the largest category of credits and the most sensitive to changes in assumptions and judgments underlying the determination of the allowance for loan loss. Approximately $16.6 million, or 84%, of the total allowance for loan losses at December 31, 2010 has been allocated to these two loan categories. This allocation also considers other relevant factors such as actual versus estimated losses, economic trends, delinquencies, concentrations of credit, trends in loan volume, experience and depth of management, examination and audit results, effects of any changes in lending policies and trends in policy, financial information and documentation exceptions. To the extent actual outcomes differ from management estimates, additional provision for credit losses may be required that would adversely impact earnings in future periods.

ACCOUNT — Goodwill and core deposit intangibles

BALANCE SHEET REFERENCE — Goodwill and core deposit intangibles

INCOME STATEMENT REFERENCE — Goodwill impairment and amortization of core deposit intangibles

 

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DESCRIPTION

The Company considers our accounting policies related to goodwill and core deposit intangibles to be critical because the assumptions or judgment used in determining the fair value of assets and liabilities acquired in past acquisitions are subjective and complex. As a result, changes in these assumptions or judgment could have a significant impact on our financial condition or results of operations.

The fair value of acquired assets and liabilities, including the resulting goodwill, was based either on quoted market prices or provided by other third party sources, when available. When third party information was not available, estimates were made in good faith by management primarily through the use of internal cash flow modeling techniques. The assumptions that were used in the cash flow modeling were subjective and are susceptible to significant changes. The Company routinely utilizes the services of an independent third party that is regarded within the banking industry as an expert in valuing core deposits to monitor the ongoing value and changes in the Company’s core deposit base. These core deposit valuation updates are based upon specific data provided from statistical analysis of the Company’s own deposit behavior to estimate the duration of these non-maturity deposits combined with market interest rates and other economic factors.

Goodwill arising from business combinations represents the value attributable to unidentifiable intangible elements in the business acquired. The Company’s goodwill relates to value inherent in the banking and wealth management businesses, and the value is dependent upon the Company’s ability to provide quality, cost-effective services in the face of free competition from other market participants on a regional basis. This ability relies upon continuing investments in processing systems, the development of value-added service features and the ease of use of the Company’s services. As such, goodwill value is supported ultimately by revenue that is driven by the volume of business transacted and the loyalty of the Company’s deposit and customer base over a longer time frame. The quality and value of a Company’s assets is also an important factor to consider when performing goodwill impairment testing. A decline in earnings as a result of a lack of growth or the inability to deliver cost-effective value added services over sustained periods can lead to impairment of goodwill.

Goodwill which has an indefinite useful life is tested for impairment at least annually and written down and charged to results of operations only in periods in which the recorded value is more than the estimated fair value. The Company’s testing in 2010 indicated that its goodwill was not impaired. However, during the third quarter of 2009, the Company did reduce the goodwill allocated to West Chester Capital Advisors (WCCA) by $547,000. This reduction resulted from a purchase price adjustment as the principals of WCCA did not fully earn a deferred contingent payment that had been accrued as a liability of the Company at the time of acquisition.

Core deposit intangibles that have a finite life are amortized over their useful life. As of December 31, 2010, all core deposit intangibles for the Company had been fully amortized.

As of December 31, 2010, goodwill was not considered impaired; however, deteriorating economic conditions could result in impairment, which could adversely affect earnings in future periods.

ACCOUNT — Income Taxes

BALANCE SHEET REFERENCE — Deferred Tax Asset and Current Taxes Payable

INCOME STATEMENT REFERENCE — Provision for Income Taxes

DESCRIPTION

The provision for income taxes is the sum of income taxes both currently payable and deferred. The changes in deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based upon the changes in differences between the basis of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the basis of assets and liabilities as measured by the enacted tax rates that management estimates will be in effect when the differences reverse.

 

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In relation to recording the provision for income taxes, management must estimate the future tax rates applicable to the reversal of tax differences, make certain assumptions regarding whether tax differences are permanent or temporary and the related timing of the expected reversal. Also, estimates are made as to whether taxable operating income in future periods will be sufficient to fully recognize any gross deferred tax assets. If recovery is not likely, we must increase our provision for taxes by recording a valuation allowance against the deferred tax assets that we estimate will not ultimately be recoverable. Alternatively, we may make estimates about the potential usage of deferred tax assets that decrease our valuation allowances. As of December 31, 2010, we believe that all of the deferred tax assets recorded on our balance sheet will ultimately be recovered and that no valuation allowances were needed.

In addition, the calculation of our tax liabilities involves dealing with uncertainties in the application of complex tax regulations. We recognize liabilities for anticipated tax audit issues based on our estimate of whether, and the extent to which, additional taxes will be due. If we ultimately determine that payment of these amounts is unnecessary, we reverse the liability and recognize a tax benefit during the period in which we determine that the liability is no longer necessary. We record an additional charge in our provision for taxes in the period in which we determine that the recorded tax liability is less than we expect the ultimate assessment to be.

ACCOUNT — Investment Securities

BALANCE SHEET REFERENCE — Investment Securities

INCOME STATEMENT REFERENCE — Net realized gains (losses) on investment securities

DESCRIPTION

Available-for-sale and held-to-maturity securities are reviewed quarterly for possible other-than-temporary impairment. The review includes an analysis of the facts and circumstances of each individual investment such as the severity of loss, the length of time the fair value has been below cost, the expectation for that security’s performance, the creditworthiness of the issuer and the Company’s intent and ability to hold the security to recovery. A decline in value that is considered to be other-than-temporary is recorded as a loss within non-interest income in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. At December 31, 2010, all of the unrealized losses in the available-for-sale security portfolio were comprised of securities issued by government agencies, the U.S. Treasury or government sponsored agencies. The Company believes the unrealized losses are primarily a result of increases in market yields from the time of purchase. In general, as market yields rise, the value of securities will decrease; as market yields fall, the fair value of securities will increase. Management generally views changes in fair value caused by changes in interest rates as temporary; therefore, these securities have not been classified as other-than-temporarily impaired. Management has also concluded that based on current information we expect to continue to receive scheduled interest payments as well as the entire principal balance. Furthermore, management does not intend to sell these securities and does not believe it will be required to sell these securities before they recover in value.

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS…

THE STRATEGIC FOCUS:

The challenge for the future is to improve earnings performance to peer levels through a disciplined focus on community banking and improving the profitability of our Trust Company. In accordance with our strategic plan, AmeriServ will maintain its focus as a community bank delivering banking and trust services to the best of our ability. This Company will not succumb to the lure of quick fixes and fancy financial gimmicks. It is our plan

 

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to continue to build AmeriServ into a potent banking force in this region and in this industry. Our focus encompasses the following:

 

   

Customer Service — it is the existing and prospective customer that AmeriServ must satisfy. This means good products and fair prices. But it also means quick response time and professional competence. It means speedy problem resolution and a minimizing of bureaucratic frustrations. AmeriServ is training and motivating its staff to meet these standards.

 

   

Revenue Growth — It is necessary for AmeriServ to focus on growing revenues. This means loan growth, deposit growth and fee growth. It also means close coordination between all customer service areas so as many revenue producing products as possible can be presented to existing and prospective customers. The Company’s Strategic Plan contains action plans in each of these areas. This challenge will be met by seeking to exceed customer expectations in every area. An examination of the peer bank database provides ample proof that a well executed community banking business model can generate a reliable and rewarding revenue stream.

 

   

Expense Rationalization — AmeriServ Financial remains focused on trying to rationalize expenses. This has not been a program of broad based cuts, but has been targeted so AmeriServ stays strong but spends less. However, this initiative takes on new importance because it is critical to be certain that future expenditures are directed to areas that are playing a positive role in the drive to improve revenues.

This Form 10-K contains various forward-looking statements and includes assumptions concerning the Company’s beliefs, plans, objectives, goals, expectations, anticipations, estimates, intentions, operations, future results, and prospects, including statements that include the words “may,” “could,” “should,” “would,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan” or similar expressions. These forward-looking statements are based upon current expectations and are subject to risk and uncertainties. In connection with the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, the Company provides the following cautionary statement identifying important factors (some of which are beyond the Company’s control) which could cause the actual results or events to differ materially from those set forth in or implied by the forward-looking statements and related assumptions.

Such factors include the following: (i) the effect of changing regional and national economic conditions; (ii) the effects of trade, monetary and fiscal policies and laws, including interest rate policies of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System; (iii) significant changes in interest rates and prepayment speeds; (iv) inflation, stock and bond market, and monetary fluctuations; (v) credit risks of commercial, real estate, consumer, and other lending activities; (vi) changes in federal and state banking and financial services laws and regulations; (vii) the presence in the Company’s market area of competitors with greater financial resources than the Company; (viii) the timely development of competitive new products and services by the Company and the acceptance of those products and services by customers and regulators (when required); (ix) the willingness of customers to substitute competitors’ products and services for those of the Company and vice versa; (x) changes in consumer spending and savings habits; (xi) unanticipated regulatory or judicial proceedings; and (xii) other external developments which could materially impact the Company’s operational and financial performance.

The foregoing list of important factors is not exclusive, and neither such list nor any forward-looking statement takes into account the impact that any future acquisition may have on the Company and on any such forward-looking statement.

 

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ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

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, and liquidity risk. The Company controls and monitors these risks with policies, procedures, and various levels of managerial and Board oversight. The Company’s objective is to optimize profitability while managing and controlling risk within Board approved policy limits.

Interest rate risk is the sensitivity of net interest income and the market value of financial instruments to the magnitude, direction, and frequency of changes in interest rates. Interest rate risk results from various repricing frequencies and the maturity structure of assets, liabilities, and hedges. The Company uses its asset liability management policy and hedging policy to control and manage interest rate risk. For information regarding the effect of changing interest rates on the Company’s net interest income and market value of its investment portfolio, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Interest Rate Sensitivity.”

Liquidity risk represents the inability to generate cash or otherwise obtain funds at reasonable rates to satisfy commitments to borrowers, as well as, the obligations to depositors, debtholders and to fund operating expenses. The Company uses its asset liability management policy and contingency funding plan to control and manage liquidity risk. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Liquidity.”

Credit risk represents the possibility that a customer may not perform in accordance with contractual terms. Credit risk results from extending credit to customers, purchasing securities, and entering into certain off-balance sheet loan funding commitments. The Company’s primary credit risk occurs in the loan portfolio. The Company uses its credit policy and disciplined approach to evaluating the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses to control and manage credit risk. The Company’s investment policy and hedging policy strictly limit the amount of credit risk that may be assumed in the investment portfolio and through hedging activities.

For information regarding the market risk of the Company’s financial instruments, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Interest Rate Sensitivity.” The Company’s principal market risk exposure is to interest rates.

 

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ITEM 8. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

AMERISERV FINANCIAL, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

     AT DECEMBER 31,  
     2010     2009  
     (IN THOUSANDS)  

ASSETS

    

Cash and due from depository institutions

   $ 14,160      $ 20,835   

Interest bearing deposits

     1,716        1,707   

Short-term investments in money market funds

     3,461        3,766   
                

Cash and cash equivalents

     19,337        26,308   
                

Investment securities:

    

Available for sale

     164,811        131,272   

Held to maturity (market value $8,267 at December 31, 2010 and $11,996 at December 31, 2009)

     7,824        11,611   

Loans held for sale

     7,405        3,790   

Loans

     671,253        719,785   

Less: Unearned income

     477        671   

Allowance for loan losses

     19,765        19,685   
                

Net loans

     651,011        699,429   
                

Premises and equipment, net

     10,485        9,229   

Accrued income receivable

     3,210        3,589   

Goodwill

     12,950        12,950   

Bank owned life insurance

     34,466        33,690   

Net deferred tax asset

     16,058        15,925   

Regulatory stock

     9,358        9,739   

Prepaid federal deposit insurance

     3,073        4,538   

Other assets

     8,986        7,956   
                

TOTAL ASSETS

   $ 948,974      $ 970,026   
                

LIABILITIES

    

Non-interest bearing deposits

   $ 127,870      $ 118,232   

Interest bearing deposits

     673,346        667,779   
                

Total deposits

     801,216        786,011   
                

Short-term borrowings

     4,550        25,775   

Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank

     9,750        25,804   

Guaranteed junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures

     13,085        13,085   
                

Total borrowed funds

     27,385        64,664   
                

Other liabilities

     13,315        12,097   
                

TOTAL LIABILITIES

     841,916        862,772   
                

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

    

Preferred stock, no par value; $1,000 per share liquidation preference; 2,000,000 shares authorized; there were 21,000 shares issued and outstanding on December 31, 2010 and 2009

     20,669        20,558   

Common stock, par value $0.01 per share; 30,000,000 shares authorized: 26,396,289 shares issued and 21,207,670 shares outstanding on December 31, 2010; par value $2.50 per share; 26,410,528 shares issued and 21,221,909 shares outstanding on December 31, 2009

     264        264   

Treasury stock at cost, 5,188,619 shares on December 31, 2010 and 2009

     (68,659     (68,659

Capital surplus

     145,045        144,984   

Retained earnings

     14,601        14,480   

Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net

     (4,862     (4,373
                

TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

     107,058        107,254   
                

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

   $ 948,974      $ 970,026   
                

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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AMERISERV FINANCIAL, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

 

     YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,  
     2010      2009     2008  
     (IN THOUSANDS,  
     EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)  

INTEREST INCOME

       

Interest and fees on loans:

       

Taxable

   $ 39,020       $ 41,359      $ 40,817   

Tax exempt

     76         91        200   

Interest bearing deposits with banks

     1         4        13   

Short-term investments in money market funds

     16         30        140   

Federal funds sold

     4         1        4   

Investment securities:

       

Available for sale

     5,281         5,340        5,770   

Held to maturity

     433         630        875   
                         

Total Interest Income

     44,831         47,455        47,819   
                         

INTEREST EXPENSE

       

Deposits

     10,945         13,109        15,680   

Federal funds purchased

             7        1   

Short-term borrowings

     22         133        1,402   

Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank

     402         652        499   

Guaranteed junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures

     1,120         1,120        1,120   
                         

Total Interest Expense

     12,489         15,021        18,702   
                         

Net Interest Income

     32,342         32,434        29,117   

Provision for loan losses

     5,250         15,150        2,925   
                         

Net Interest Income after Provision for Loan Losses

     27,092         17,284        26,192   
                         

NON-INTEREST INCOME

       

Trust fees

     5,571         5,648        6,731   

Net gains on loans held for sale

     958         651        477   

Net realized gains (losses) on investment securities

     157         164        (95

Service charges on deposit accounts

     2,284         2,769        3,069   

Investment advisory fees

     713         648        779   

Bank owned life insurance

     1,227         1,208        2,695   

Other income

     3,057         2,840        2,768   
                         

Total Non-Interest Income

     13,967         13,928        16,424   
                         

NON-INTEREST EXPENSE

       

Salaries and employee benefits

     21,602         20,526        19,217   

Net occupancy expense

     2,691         2,632        2,561   

Equipment expense

     1,680         1,692        1,677   

Professional fees

     4,363         4,032        3,582   

Supplies, postage, and freight

     997         1,117        1,252   

Miscellaneous taxes and insurance

     1,396         1,374        1,395   

Federal deposit insurance expense

     1,575         1,670        113   

Amortization of core deposit intangibles

             108        865   

Federal Home Loan Bank prepayment penalties

                    91   

Other expense

     5,393         6,006        4,884   
                         

Total Non-Interest Expense

     39,697         39,157        35,637   
                         

PRETAX INCOME (LOSS)

     1,362         (7,945     6,979   

Provision for income taxes (benefit)

     80         (3,050     1,470   
                         

NET INCOME (LOSS)

     1,282         (4,895     5,509   

Preferred stock dividends and accretion of preferred stock discount

     1,161         1,158        35   
                         

NET INCOME (LOSS) AVAILABLE TO COMMON SHAREHOLDERS

   $ 121       $ (6,053   $ 5,474   
                         

(continued on next page)

 

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AMERISERV FINANCIAL, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)

 

     YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,  
         2010              2009             2008      
     (IN THOUSANDS,  
     EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)  

PER COMMON SHARE DATA:

       

Basic:

       

Net income (loss)

   $ 0.01       $ (0.29   $ 0.25   

Average number of shares outstanding

     21,224         21,172        21,833   

Diluted:

       

Net income (loss)

   $ 0.01       $ (0.29   $ 0.25   

Average number of shares outstanding

     21,226         21,174        21,975   

Cash dividends declared

   $ 0.00       $ 0.00      $ 0.025   

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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AMERISERV FINANCIAL, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

 

     YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,  
     2010     2009     2008  
     (IN THOUSANDS)  

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

      

Net income (loss)

   $ 1,282      $ (4,895   $ 5,509   

Other comprehensive loss, before tax:

      

Pension obligation change for defined benefit plan

     (1,031     (1,093     (3,745

Income tax effect

     352        372        1,273   

Unrealized holding gains on available for sale securities arising during period

     446        1,018        3,280   

Income tax effect

     (152     (346     (1,115

Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses on available for sale securities included in net income (loss)

     (157     (164     95   

Income tax effect

     53        56        (32
                        

Other comprehensive loss

     (489     (157     (244
                        

Comprehensive income (loss)

   $ 793      $ (5,052   $ 5,265   
                        

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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AMERISERV FINANCIAL, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

     YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,  
     2010     2009     2008  
     (IN THOUSANDS)  

PREFERRED STOCK

      

Balance at beginning of period

   $ 20,558      $ 20,447      $ 20,447   

Accretion of preferred stock discount

     111        111          
                        

Balance at end of period

     20,669        20,558        20,447   
                        

COMMON STOCK

      

Balance at beginning of period

     264        65,794        65,700   

New shares issued for dividend reinvestment plan

            51        94   

Change in par value (from $2.50 per share to $0.01 per share)

            (65,582       

Restricted stock

            1          
                        

Balance at end of period

     264        264        65,794   
                        

TREASURY STOCK

      

Balance at beginning of period

     (68,659     (68,659     (65,824

Treasury stock, purchased at cost (1,097,700 shares)

                   (2,835
                        

Balance at end of period

     (68,659     (68,659     (68,659
                        

CAPITAL SURPLUS

      

Balance at beginning of period

     144,984        79,353        78,788   

New common shares issued for dividend reinvestment plan (2,033 shares)

     3        22        5   

Stock option expense

     18        11        7   

Common stock warrant issued (1,312,500 shares)

                   553   

Change in par value (from $2.50 per share to $0.01 per share)

            65,582          

Restricted stock

     40        16          
                        

Balance at end of period

     145,045        144,984        79,353   
                        

RETAINED EARNINGS

      

Balance at beginning of period

     14,480        20,533        15,602   

Net income (loss)

     1,282        (4,895     5,509   

Accretion of preferred stock discount

     (111     (111       

Cash dividend declared on preferred stock

     (1,050     (1,047     (35

Cash dividend declared on common stock of $0.025 per share

                   (543
                        

Balance at end of period

     14,601        14,480        20,533   
                        

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

      

Balance at beginning of period

     (4,373     (4,216     (3,972

Other comprehensive loss

     (489     (157     (244
                        

Balance at end of period

     (4,862     (4,373     (4,216
                        

TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

   $ 107,058      $ 107,254      $ 113,252   
                        

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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AMERISERV FINANCIAL, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

     YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31  
     2010     2009     2008  
     (IN THOUSANDS)  

OPERATING ACTIVITIES

      

Net income (loss)

   $ 1,282      $ (4,895   $ 5,509   

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:

      

Provision for loan losses

     5,250        15,150        2,925   

Depreciation and amortization expense

     1,496        1,586        1,533   

Amortization expense of core deposit intangibles

            108        865   

Net amortization of investment securities

     467        231        193   

Net realized (gains) losses on investment securities — available for sale

     (157     (164     95   

Net realized gains on loans held for sale

     (958     (651     (477

Amortization of deferred loan fees

     (407     (456     (466

Origination of mortgage loans held for sale

     (71,643     (67,775     (36,923

Sales of mortgage loans held for sale

     68,986        65,636        37,460   

Decrease in accrued interest receivable

     379        146        297   

Increase (decrease) in accrued interest payable

     (595     74        (899

Earnings on bank-owned life insurance

     (1,032     (1,021     (1,038

Deferred income taxes

     (126     (3,274     1,099   

Stock compensation expense

     61        73        106   

Decrease (increase) in prepaid Federal Deposit Insurance

     1,465        (4,538       

Net increase in other assets

     (2,532     (2,922     (3,479

Net increase in other liabilities

     784        1,085        1,048   
                        

Net cash provided by operating activities

     2,720        (1,607     7,848   
                        

INVESTING ACTIVITIES

      

Purchase of investment securities — available for sale

     (97,789     (55,171     (68,610

Purchase of investment securities — held to maturity

     (1,123            (4,464

Purchase of regulatory stock

                   (8,268

Proceeds from maturities of investment securities — available for sale

     61,483        46,778        59,299   

Proceeds from maturities of investment securities — held to maturity

     4,914        4,225        7,052   

Proceeds from sales of investment securities — available for sale

     2,742        4,746        25,941   

Proceeds from redemption of regulatory stock

     381               5,733   

Long-term loans originated

     (82,922     (132,551     (152,535

Principal collected on long-term loans

     129,655        128,554        133,043   

Loans purchased or participated

     (3,845     (25,343     (56,182

Loans sold or participated

            12,950        3,950   

Net (increase) decrease in other short-term loans

     (134     116        90   

Purchases of premises and equipment

     (2,762     (1,294     (2,604

Sale of equipment

     10                 

Sale of other real estate owned

     1,300        2,874        166   

Proceeds from insurance policies

     451        452        2,635   
                        

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

     12,361        (13,664     (54,754
                        

FINANCING ACTIVITIES

      

Net increase (decrease) in deposit accounts

     16,277        89,606        (16,526

Net (decrease) increase in other short-term borrowings

     (21,225     (94,145     47,710   

Principal borrowings on advances from Federal Home Loan Bank

     34,000        350,000        11,000   

Principal repayments on advances from Federal Home Loan Bank

     (50,054     (338,055     (7,047

Common stock dividend paid

                   (543

Preferred stock dividend paid

     (1,050     (951       

Purchases of treasury stock

                   (2,835

Preferred stock issuance

                   21,000   
                        

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

     (22,052     6,455        52,759   
                        

NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

     (6,971     (8,816     5,853   

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT JANUARY 1

     26,308        35,124        29,271   
                        

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT DECEMBER 31

   $ 19,337      $ 26,308      $ 35,124   
                        

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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AMERISERV FINANCIAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

AT AND FOR THE YEARS ENDED

DECEMBER 31, 2010, 2009 AND 2008

1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

BUSINESS AND NATURE OF OPERATIONS:

AmeriServ Financial, Inc. (the Company) is a bank holding company, headquartered in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. Through its banking subsidiary the Company operates 18 banking locations in five southwestern Pennsylvania counties. These branches provide a full range of consumer, mortgage, and commercial financial products. The AmeriServ Trust and Financial Services Company (Trust Company) offers a complete range of trust and financial services and administers assets valued at approximately $1.4 billion that are not recognized on the Company’s Balance Sheet at December 31, 2010.

PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION:

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of AmeriServ Financial, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, AmeriServ Financial Bank (the Bank), Trust Company, and AmeriServ Life Insurance Company (AmeriServ Life). The Bank is a state-chartered full service bank with 18 locations in Pennsylvania. AmeriServ Life is a captive insurance company that engages in underwriting as a reinsurer of credit life and disability insurance.

Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in preparing the Consolidated Financial Statements. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying notes. Actual results may differ from these estimates and the differences may be material to the Consolidated Financial Statements. The Company’s most significant estimate is the allowance for loan losses.

INVESTMENT SECURITIES:

Securities are classified at the time of purchase as investment securities held to maturity if it is management’s intent and the Company has the ability to hold the securities until maturity. These held to maturity securities are carried on the Company’s books at cost, adjusted for amortization of premium and accretion of discount which is computed using the level yield method which approximates the effective interest method. Alternatively, securities are classified as available for sale if it is management’s intent at the time of purchase to hold the securities for an indefinite period of time and/or to use the securities as part of the Company’s asset/liability management strategy. Securities classified as available for sale include securities which may be sold to effectively manage interest rate risk exposure, prepayment risk, and other factors (such as liquidity requirements). These available for sale securities are reported at fair value with unrealized aggregate appreciation/depreciation excluded from income and credited/charged to accumulated other comprehensive income/loss within stockholders’ equity on a net of tax basis. Any securities classified as trading assets are reported at fair value with unrealized aggregate appreciation/depreciation included in income on a net of tax basis. The Company does not engage in trading activity.

Realized gains or losses on securities sold are computed upon the adjusted cost of the specific securities sold. Available-for-sale and held-to-maturity securities are reviewed quarterly for possible other-than-temporary impairment. The review includes an analysis of the facts and circumstances of each individual investment such as the severity of loss, the length of time the fair value has been below cost, the expectation for that security’s

 

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performance, the creditworthiness of the issuer and the Company’s intent and ability to hold the security to recovery. The Company believes the unrealized losses are primarily a result of increases in market yields from the time of purchase. In general, as market yields rise, the value of securities will decrease; as market yields fall, the fair value of securities will increase. Management generally views changes in fair value caused by changes in interest rates as temporary; therefore, these securities have not been classified as other-than-temporarily impaired. Management has also concluded that based on current information we expect to continue to receive scheduled interest payments as well as the entire principal balance. Furthermore, management does not intend to sell these securities and does not believe it will be required to sell these securities before they recover in value.

FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK STOCK:

The Bank is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh and as such, is required to maintain a minimum investment in stock of the Federal Home Loan Bank that varies with the level of advances outstanding with the Federal Home Loan Bank. The stock is bought from and sold to the Federal Home Loan Bank based upon its $100 par value. The stock does not have a readily determinable fair value and as such is classified as restricted stock, carried at cost and evaluated for by management. The stock’s value is determined by the ultimate recoverability of the par value rather than by recognizing temporary declines. The determination of whether the par value will ultimately be recovered is influenced by criteria such as the following: (a) The significance of the decline in net assets of the Federal Home Loan Bank as compared to the capital stock amount and the length of time this situation has persisted (b) Commitments by the Federal Home Loan Bank to make payments required by law or regulation and the level of such payments in relation to the operating performance (c) The impact of legislative and regulatory changes on the customer base of the Federal Home Loan Bank and (d) The liquidity position of the Federal Home Loan Bank.

The Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh has incurred losses in the prior two years and has suspended the payment of dividends. The losses are primarily attributable to impairment of private label mortgage backed securities associated with the extreme economic conditions in place over the last two years. Management evaluated the stock and concluded that the stock was not impaired for the periods presented herein. More consideration was given to the long-term prospects for the Federal Home Loan Bank as opposed to the recent stress caused by the difficult economic conditions the world is facing. Management also considered that the Federal Home Loan Bank’s regulatory capital ratios have increased from the prior year, liquidity appears adequate, new shares of FHLB Stock continue to exchange hands at the $100 par value and the Company received a $381,000 partial redemption of its Federal Home Loan Bank stock in the fourth quarter of 2010.

LOANS:

Interest income is recognized using methods which approximate a level yield related to principal amounts outstanding. The Company discontinues the accrual of interest income when loans become 90 days past due in either principal or interest. In addition, if circumstances warrant, the accrual of interest may be discontinued prior to 90 days. Payments received on non-accrual loans are credited to principal until full recovery of principal has been recognized; or the loan has been returned to accrual status. The only exception to this policy is for residential mortgage loans wherein interest income is recognized on a cash basis as payments are received. A non-accrual commercial loan is placed on accrual status after becoming current and remaining current for twelve consecutive payments. Residential mortgage loans are placed on accrual status upon becoming current.

LOAN FEES:

Loan origination and commitment fees, net of associated direct costs, are deferred and amortized into interest and fees on loans over the loan or commitment period. Fee amortization is determined by the effective interest method.

 

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LOANS HELD FOR SALE:

Certain newly originated fixed-rate residential mortgage loans are classified as held for sale, because it is management’s intent to sell these residential mortgage loans. The residential mortgage loans held for sale are carried at the lower of aggregate cost or market value.

PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT:

Premises and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation is charged to operations over the estimated useful lives of the premises and equipment using the straight-line method with a half-year convention. Useful lives of up to 30 years for buildings and up to 10 years for equipment are utilized. Leasehold improvements are amortized using the straight-line method over the terms of the respective leases or useful lives of the improvements, whichever is shorter. Maintenance, repairs, and minor alterations are charged to current operations as expenditures are incurred.

ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES AND CHARGE-OFF PROCEDURES:

As a financial institution, which assumes lending and credit risks as a principal element of its business, the Company anticipates that credit losses will be experienced in the normal course of business. Accordingly, the Company consistently applies a comprehensive methodology and procedural discipline to perform an analysis which is updated on a quarterly basis at the Bank level to determine both the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses and the necessary provision for loan losses to be charged against earnings. This methodology includes:

 

   

Review of all criticized and impaired loans with balances over $250,000 ($100,000 for loans classified as doubtful or worse) to determine if any specific reserve allocations are required on an individual loan basis. The specific reserve allocations established for these criticized and impaired loans is based on careful analysis of the loan’s performance, the related collateral value, cash flow considerations and the financial capability of any guarantor. For impaired loans the measurement of impairment may be based upon: 1) the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate; 2) the observable market price of the impaired loan; or 3) the fair value of the collateral of a collateral dependent loan.

 

   

The application of formula driven reserve allocations for all commercial and commercial real-estate loans by using a three-year migration analysis of net losses incurred within each risk grade for the entire commercial loan portfolio. The difference between estimated and actual losses is reconciled through the nature of the migration analysis.

 

   

The application of formula driven reserve allocations to consumer and residential mortgage loans which are based upon historical net charge-off experience for those loan types. The residential mortgage loan allocation is based upon the Company’s three-year historical average of actual loan net charge-offs experienced in that category. The same methodology is used to determine the allocation for consumer loans except the allocation is based upon an average of the most recent actual three-year historical net charge-off experience for consumer loans.

 

   

The application of formula driven reserve allocations to all outstanding loans is based upon review of historical losses and qualitative factors, which include but are not limited to, economic trends, delinquencies, concentrations of credit, trends in loan volume, experience and depth of management, examination and audit results, effects of any changes in lending policies and trends in policy, financial information and documentation exceptions.

 

   

Management recognizes that there may be events or economic factors that have occurred affecting specific borrowers or segments of borrowers that may not yet be fully reflected in the information that the Company uses for arriving at reserves for a specific loan or portfolio segment. Therefore, the Company believes that there is estimation risk associated with the use of specific and formula driven allowances.

 

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After completion of this process, a formal meeting of the Loan Loss Reserve Committee is held to evaluate the adequacy of the reserve.

When it is determined that the prospects for recovery of the principal of a loan have significantly diminished, the loan is charged against the allowance account; subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance account. In addition, non-accrual and large delinquent loans are reviewed monthly to determine potential losses.

The Company’s policy is to individually review, as circumstances warrant, its commercial and commercial mortgage loans to determine if a loan is impaired. At a minimum, credit reviews are mandatory for all commercial and commercial mortgage loan relationships with aggregate balances in excess of $250,000 within a 12-month period. The Company defines classified loans as those loans rated substandard or doubtful. The Company has also identified three pools of small dollar value homogeneous loans which are evaluated collectively for impairment. These separate pools are for small business loans $250,000 or less, residential mortgage loans and consumer loans. Individual loans within these pools are reviewed and evaluated for specific impairment if factors such as significant delinquency in payments of 90 days or more, bankruptcy, or other negative economic concerns indicate impairment.

ALLOWANCE FOR UNFUNDED LOAN COMMITMENTS AND LETTERS OF CREDIT:

The allowance for unfunded loan commitments and letters of credit is maintained at a level believed by management to be sufficient to absorb estimated losses related to these unfunded credit facilities. The determination of the adequacy of the allowance is based on periodic evaluations of the unfunded credit facilities including an assessment of the probability of commitment usage, credit risk factors for loans outstanding to these same customers and the terms and expiration dates of the unfunded credit facilities. Net adjustments to the allowance for unfunded loan commitments and letters of credit are provided for in the unfunded commitment reserve expense line item within other expense in the consolidated statement of income and a separate reserve is recorded within the liabilities section of the consolidated balance sheet in other liabilities.

TRUST FEES:

Trust fees are recorded on the cash basis which approximates the accrual basis for such income.

BANK-OWNED LIFE INSURANCE:

The Company has purchased life insurance policies on certain employees. These policies are recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheet at their cash surrender value, or the amount that can be realized. Income from these policies and changes in the cash surrender value are recorded in bank owned life insurance within non-interest income.

INTANGIBLE ASSETS:

Intangible Assets

Intangible assets consist of core deposit acquisition premiums. Core deposit acquisition premiums, which were developed by specific core deposit life studies, are amortized using the straight-line method over periods not exceeding 10 years. The recoverability of the carrying value of intangible assets is evaluated on an ongoing basis, and permanent declines in value, if any, are charged to expense.

 

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Goodwill

The Company accounts for goodwill using a two-step process for testing the impairment of goodwill on at least an annual basis. This approach could cause more volatility in the Company’s reported net income because impairment losses, if any, could occur irregularly and in varying amounts. The Company performs an annual impairment analysis of goodwill. No impairment of goodwill was recognized in any of the periods presented.

EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE:

Basic earnings per share include only the weighted average common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share include the weighted average common shares outstanding and any potentially dilutive common stock equivalent shares in the calculation. Treasury shares are treated as retired for earnings per share purposes. Options and warrant to purchase 1,467,142, 1,546,109, and 1,539,509 shares of common stock were outstanding during 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively, but were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per common share because to do so would be anti-dilutive. Exercise prices of anti-dilutive options and warrant to purchase common stock outstanding were $1.73-$6.10, $1.77-$6.10, and $2.40-$6.10 during 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. Dividends on preferred shares are deducted from net income in the calculation of earnings per common share.

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION:

The Company uses the modified prospective method for accounting of stock-based compensation. The Company recognized $18,000, $11,000 and $7,000 of pretax compensation expense for the year 2010, 2009 and 2008. The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the grant date using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions used for the grants: risk-free interest rates ranging from 2.76% to 3.83%; expected lives of 10 years; expected volatility ranging from 33.28% to 35.74% and expected dividend yields of 0%.

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS:

The Company presents the components of other comprehensive income (loss) in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss). These components are comprised of the change in the pension obligation and the unrealized holding gains on available for sale securities, net of any reclassification adjustments for realized gains and losses.

The following table sets forth the components of accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax:

 

     AT DECEMBER 31,  
     2010     2009  
     (IN THOUSANDS)  

Pension obligation for defined benefit plan

   $ (6,926   $ (6,249

Unrealized holding gains on available for sale securities

     2,064        1,876   
                

Total accumulated other comprehensive loss

   $ (4,862   $ (4,373
                

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS:

On a consolidated basis, cash and cash equivalents include cash and due from depository institutions, interest bearing deposits, federal funds sold and short-term investments in money market funds. The Company made $174,000 in income tax payments in 2010; $126,000 in 2009; and $200,000 in 2008. The Company had non-cash transfers to other real estate owned (OREO) in the amounts of $788,000 in 2010; $2,900,000 in 2009; and $1,319,000 in 2008. The Company made total interest payments of $13,084,000 in 2010; $15,963,000 in 2009; and $19,601,000 in 2008.

 

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INCOME TAXES:

Deferred tax assets or liabilities are computed based on the difference between the financial statement and income tax basis of assets and liabilities using the enacted marginal tax rate. Deferred income tax expenses or credits are based on the changes in the corresponding asset or liability from period to period. Deferred tax assets are reduced, if necessary, by the amounts of such benefits that are not expected to be realized based upon available evidence.

INTEREST RATE CONTRACTS:

The Company recognizes all derivatives as either assets or liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and measures those instruments at fair value. For derivatives designated as fair value hedges, changes in the fair value of the derivative and hedged item related to the hedged risk are recognized in earnings. Changes in fair value of derivatives designated and accounted as cash flow hedges, to the extent they are effective as hedges, are recorded in “Other Comprehensive Income,” net of deferred taxes and are subsequently reclassified to earnings when the hedged transaction affects earnings. Any hedge ineffectiveness would be recognized in the income statement line item pertaining to the hedged item.

The Company typically enters into derivative instruments to meet the financing, interest rate and equity risk management needs of its customers. Upon entering into these instruments to meet customer needs, the Company enters into offsetting positions to minimize interest rate and equity risk to the Company. These derivative financial instruments are reported at fair value with any resulting gain or loss recorded in current period earnings. These instruments and their offsetting positions are recorded in other assets and other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

RECENT ACCOUNTING STANDARDS:

In December 2009, the FASB issued ASU 2009-16, Accounting for Transfer of Financial Assets. ASU 2009-16 provides guidance to improve the relevance, representational faithfulness, and comparability of the information that an entity provides in its financial statements about a transfer of financial assets; the effects of a transfer on its financial position, financial performance, and cash flows; and a transferor’s continuing involvement, if any, in transferred financial assets. ASU 2009-16 is effective for annual periods beginning after November 15, 2009 and for interim periods within those fiscal years. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operation.

In January 2010, the FASB issued ASU No. 2010-06, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (Topic 820): Improving Disclosures about Fair Value Measurements. ASU 2010-06 amends Subtopic 820-10 to clarify existing disclosures, require new disclosures, and includes conforming amendments to guidance on employers’ disclosures about postretirement benefit plan assets. ASU 2010-06 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2009, except for disclosures about purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements in the roll forward of activity in Level 3 fair value measurements. Those disclosures are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2010 and for interim periods within those fiscal years. The adoption of this guidance did not have a significant impact on the Company’s financial statements or the Company has presented the necessary disclosures in the Notes 11 &12 herein.

In February 2010, the FASB issued ASU 2010-08, Technical Corrections to Various Topics. ASU 2010-08 clarifies guidance on embedded derivatives and hedging. ASU 2010-08 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2009. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operation or the Company has presented the necessary disclosures in the Note 21 herein.

 

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In July 2010, FASB issued ASU No. 2010-20, Receivables (Topic 310): Disclosures about the Credit Quality of Financing Receivables and the Allowance for Credit Losses. ASU 2010-20 is intended to provide additional information to assist financial statement users in assessing an entity’s credit risk exposures and evaluating the adequacy of its allowance for credit losses. The disclosures as of the end of a reporting period are effective for interim and annual reporting periods ending on or after December 15, 2010. The disclosures about activity that occurs during a reporting period are effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning on or after December 15, 2010. The amendments in ASU 2010-20 encourage, but do not require, comparative disclosures for earlier reporting periods that ended before initial adoption. However, an entity should provide comparative disclosures for those reporting periods ending after initial adoption. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of this guidance will have on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

In December, 2010, the FASB issued ASU 2010-28, When to Perform Step 2 of the Goodwill Impairment Test for Reporting Units with Zero or Negative Carrying Amounts. This ASU modifies Step 1 of the goodwill impairment test for reporting units with zero or negative carrying amounts. For those reporting units, an entity is required to perform Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test if it is more likely than not that a goodwill impairment exists. In determining whether it is more likely than not that a goodwill impairment exists, an entity should consider whether there are any adverse qualitative factors indicating an impairment may exist. The qualitative factors are consistent with the existing guidance, which requires that goodwill of a reporting unit be tested for impairment between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. For public entities, the amendments in this Update are effective for fiscal year, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2010. Early adoption is not permitted. For nonpublic entities, the amendments are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011. Nonpublic entities may early adopt the amendments using the effective date for public entities. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of the standard will have on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

2. CASH AND DUE FROM BANKS

Cash and due from banks at December 31, 2010 and 2009, included $150,000 of reserves required to be maintained under Federal Reserve Bank regulations.

3. INVESTMENT SECURITIES

The cost basis and fair values of investment securities are summarized as follows:

Investment securities available for sale:

 

     AT DECEMBER 31, 2010  
     COST
BASIS
     GROSS
UNREALIZED
GAINS
     GROSS
UNREALIZED
LOSSES
    FAIR
VALUE
 
     (IN THOUSANDS)  

U.S. Agency

   $ 15,956       $ 57       $ (69   $ 15,944   

U.S. Agency mortgage-backed securities

     145,727         3,714         (574     148,867   
                                  

Total

   $ 161,683       $ 3,771       $ (643   $ 164,811   
                                  

 

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Investment securities held to maturity:

          
     AT DECEMBER 31, 2010  
     COST
BASIS
     GROSS
UNREALIZED
GAINS
     GROSS
UNREALIZED
LOSSES
    FAIR
VALUE
 
     (IN THOUSANDS)  

U.S. Agency mortgage-backed securities

   $ 6,824       $ 452       $      $ 7,276   

Other securities

     1,000                 (9     991   
                                  

Total

   $ 7,824       $ 452       $ (9   $ 8,267   
                                  

Investment securities available for sale:

          
      AT DECEMBER 31, 2009  
     COST
BASIS
     GROSS
UNREALIZED
GAINS
     GROSS
UNREALIZED
LOSSES
    FAIR
VALUE
 
     (IN THOUSANDS)  

U.S. Agency

   $ 12,342       $ 26       $ (76   $ 12,292   

U.S. Agency mortgage-backed securities

     116,088         3,128         (236     118,980   
                                  

Total

   $ 128,430       $ 3,154       $ (312   $ 131,272   
                                  

Investment securities held to maturity:

          
      AT DECEMBER 31, 2009  
     COST
BASIS
     GROSS
UNREALIZED
GAINS
     GROSS
UNREALIZED
LOSSES
    FAIR
VALUE
 
     (IN THOUSANDS)  

U.S. Treasury

   $ 3,009       $ 13       $      $ 3,022   

U.S. Agency mortgage-backed securities

     7,602         373                7,975   

Other securities

     1,000                 (1     999   
                                  

Total

   $ 11,611       $ 386       $ (1   $ 11,996   
                                  

Realized gains and losses are calculated by the specific identification method.

Maintaining investment quality is a primary objective of the Company’s investment policy which, subject to certain limited exceptions, prohibits the purchase of any investment security below a Moody’s Investors Service or Standard & Poor’s rating of A. At December 31, 2010, 99.4% of the portfolio was rated AAA as compared to 99.3% at December 31, 2009. None of the portfolio was rated below A or unrated on December 31, 2010. The Company and its subsidiaries, collectively, did not hold securities of any single issuer, excluding U.S. Treasury and U.S. Agencies, that exceeded 10% of shareholders’ equity at December 31, 2010.

The book value of securities, both available for sale and held to maturity, pledged to secure public and trust deposits, and certain Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings was $86,894,000 at December 31, 2010 and $103,196,000 at December 31, 2009.

The Company realized $157,000 of gross investment gains and no investment security losses in 2010, and $164,000 of gross investment gains and no investment security losses in 2009, and $42,000 of gross investment security gains and $137,000 of gross investment security losses for 2008. The Company realized no gross investment security gains and losses on held to maturity securities in 2010, 2009 or 2008. On a net basis, the realized gain for 2010 was $104,000, after factoring the tax expense of $53,000, the realized gains in 2009

 

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amounted to $108,000, after factoring in tax expense of $56,000 and realized losses in 2008 of $63,000 after factoring in a tax benefit of $32,000. Proceeds from sales of investment securities available for sale were $2.7 million for 2010, $4.7 million for 2009, and $25.9 million during 2008.

The following table sets forth the contractual maturity distribution of the investment securities, cost basis and fair market values, and the weighted average yield for each type and range of maturity as of December 31, 2010. Yields are not presented on a tax-equivalent basis, but are based upon the cost basis and are weighted for the scheduled maturity. The Company’s consolidated investment securities portfolio had a modified duration of approximately 3.12 years. The weighted average expected maturity for available for sale securities at December 31, 2010 for U.S. Agency and U.S. Agency Mortgage-Backed was 4.45, and 4.03 years, respectively. The weighted average expected maturity for held to maturity securities at December 31, 2010 for U.S. Agency Mortgage-Backed and other securities was 3.07 and 1.48 years.

Investment securities available for sale:

 

    AT DECEMBER 31, 2010  
    WITHIN 1 YEAR     AFTER 1 YEAR
BUT WITHIN
5 YEARS
    AFTER 5 YEARS
BUT WITHIN
10 YEARS
    AFTER 10
YEARS
    TOTAL  
    AMOUNT     YIELD     AMOUNT     YIELD     AMOUNT     YIELD     AMOUNT     YIELD     AMOUNT     YIELD  
    (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT YIELDS)  

COST BASIS

                   

U.S. Agency

  $          $ 12,456        2.21   $ 3,500        3.10   $          $ 15,956        2.40

U.S. Agency mortgage-backed securities

    429        1.53                   17,536        4.27        127,762        3.45        145,727        3.54   
                                                 

Total investment securities available for sale

  $ 429        1.53   $ 12,456        2.21   $ 21,036        4.08   $ 127,762        3.45   $ 161,683        3.43
                                                 

FAIR VALUE

                   

U.S. Agency

  $        $ 12,441        $ 3,503        $        $ 15,944     

U.S. Agency mortgage-backed securities

    429                   18,526          129,912          148,867     
                                                 

Total investment securities available for sale

  $ 429        $ 12,441        $ 22,029        $ 129,912        $ 164,811     
                                                 

 

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Investment securities held to maturity:

 

    AT DECEMBER 31, 2010  
    WITHIN 1 YEAR     AFTER 1 YEAR
BUT WITHIN

5 YEARS
    AFTER 5 YEARS
BUT WITHIN
10 YEARS
    AFTER
10 YEARS
    TOTAL  
    AMOUNT     YIELD     AMOUNT     YIELD     AMOUNT     YIELD     AMOUNT     YIELD     AMOUNT     YIELD  
    (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT YIELDS)  

COST BASIS

                   

U.S. Agency mortgage-backed securities

  $          $          $          $ 6,824        5.29   $ 6,824        5.29

Other securities

                  1,000        1.01                               1,000        1.01   
                                                 

Total investment securities held to maturity

  $          $ 1,000        1.01   $          $ 6,824        5.29   $ 7,824        4.78
                                                 

FAIR VALUE

                   

U.S. Agency mortgage-backed securities

  $        $        $        $ 7,276        $ 7,276     

Other securities

             991                            991     
                                                 

Total investment securities held to maturity

  $        $ 991        $        $ 7,276        $ 8,267     
                                                 

The following tables present information concerning investments with unrealized losses as of December 31, 2010 (in thousands):

Investment securities available for sale:

 

      LESS THAN 12 MONTHS     12 MONTHS OR LONGER      TOTAL  
     FAIR
VALUE
     UNREALIZED
LOSSES
    FAIR
VALUE
     UNREALIZED
LOSSES
     FAIR
VALUE
     UNREALIZED
LOSSES
 

U.S. Agency

   $ 4,204       $ (69   $       $       $ 4,204       $ (69

U.S. Agency mortgage-backed securities

     38,202         (574                     38,202         (574
                                                    

Total investment securities available for sale

   $ 42,406       $ (643   $       $       $ 42,406       $ (643
                                                    

Investment securities held to maturity:

 

      LESS THAN 12 MONTHS      12 MONTHS OR LONGER     TOTAL  
     FAIR
VALUE
     UNREALIZED
LOSSES
     FAIR
VALUE
     UNREALIZED
LOSSES
    FAIR
VALUE
     UNREALIZED
LOSSES
 

Other securities

   $       $       $ 991       $ (9   $ 991       $ (9
                                                    

Total investment securities held to maturity

   $       $       $ 991       $ (9   $ 991       $ (9
                                                    

 

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The following tables present information concerning investments with unrealized losses as of December 31, 2009 (in thousands):

Investment securities available for sale:

 

      LESS THAN 12 MONTHS     12 MONTHS OR LONGER      TOTAL  
     FAIR
VALUE
     UNREALIZED
LOSSES
    FAIR
VALUE
     UNREALIZED
LOSSES
     FAIR
VALUE
     UNREALIZED
LOSSES
 

U.S. Agency

   $ 7,424       $ (76   $       $       $ 7,424       $ (76

U.S. Agency mortgage-backed securities

     17,525         (236                     17,525         (236
                                                    

Total investment securities available for sale

   $ 24,949       $ (312   $       $       $ 24,949       $ (312
                                                    

Investment securities held to maturity:

 

      LESS THAN 12 MONTHS      12 MONTHS OR LONGER     TOTAL  
     FAIR
VALUE
     UNREALIZED
LOSSES
     FAIR
VALUE
     UNREALIZED
LOSSES
    FAIR
VALUE
     UNREALIZED
LOSSES
 

Other securities

   $       $       $ 999       $ (1   $ 999       $ (1
                                                    

Total investment securities held to maturity

   $       $       $ 999       $ (1   $ 999       $ (1
                                                    

The unrealized losses are primarily a result of increases in market yields from the time of purchase. In general, as market yields rise, the value of securities will decrease; as market yields fall, the fair value of securities will increase. There are 28 positions that are considered temporarily impaired at December 31, 2010. Management generally views changes in fair value caused by changes in interest rates as temporary; therefore, these securities have not been classified as other-than-temporarily impaired. Management has also concluded that based on current information we expect to continue to receive scheduled interest payments as well as the entire principal balance. Furthermore, management does not intend to sell these securities and does not believe it will be required to sell these securities before they recover in value.

4. LOANS

The loan portfolio of the Company consisted of the following:

 

     AT DECEMBER 31,  
     2010      2009  
     (IN THOUSANDS)  

Commercial

   $ 78,322       $ 96,158   

Commercial loans secured by real estate

     369,904         396,123   

Real estate-mortgage

     203,317         207,214   

Consumer

     19,233         19,619   
                 

Loans, net of unearned income

   $ 670,776       $ 719,114   
                 

Loan balances at December 31, 2010 and 2009 are net of unearned income of $477,000 and $671,000, respectively.

Real estate construction loans comprised 3.9% and 6.8% of total loans net of unearned income at December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively. The Company has no exposure to subprime mortgage loans in either

 

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the loan or investment portfolios. The Company has no direct credit exposure to foreign countries. Additionally, the Company has no significant industry lending concentrations. As of December 31, 2010 and 2009, loans to customers engaged in similar activities and having similar economic characteristics, as defined by standard industrial classifications, did not exceed 10% of total loans. Additionally, the majority of the Company’s lending occurs within a 100 mile radius of the Johnstown market.

In the ordinary course of business, the subsidiaries have transactions, including loans, with their officers, directors, and their affiliated companies. In managements opinion, these transactions were on substantially the same terms as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with unaffiliated parties and do not involve more than the normal credit risk. These loans totaled $1,028,000 and $1,183,000 at December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively. An analysis of these related party loans follows:

 

     YEAR ENDED
DECEMBER 31,
 
     2010     2009  
     (IN THOUSANDS)  

Balance January 1

   $ 1,183      $ 6,121   

New loans

     198        1,220   

Payments

     (353     (4,130

Reduction due to director retirement

            (2,028
                

Balance December 31

   $ 1,028      $ 1,183   
                

5. ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES

An analysis of the changes in the allowance for loan losses follows:

 

     YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,  
     2010     2009     2008  
     (IN THOUSANDS)  

Balance January 1

   $ 19,685      $ 8,910      $ 7,252   

Provision for loan losses

     5,250        15,150        2,925   

Recoveries on loans previously charged-off

     461        755        446   

Loans charged-off

     (5,631     (5,130     (1,713
                        

Balance December 31

   $ 19,765      $ 19,685      $ 8,910   
                        

The following table summarizes the primary segments of the loan portfolio.

 

     AT DECEMBER 31, 2010  
     COMMERCIAL      COMMERCIAL
LOANS
SECURED BY
REAL ESTATE
     REAL
ESTATE-
MORTGAGE
     CONSUMER      TOTAL  
     (IN THOUSANDS)  

Individually evaluated for impairment

   $ 4,065       $ 8,082       $       $       $ 12,147   

Collectively evaluated for impairment

     74,257         361,822         203,317         19,233         658,629   
                                            

Total loans

   $ 78,322       $ 369,904       $ 203,317       $ 19,233       $ 670,776   
                                            

 

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    AT DECEMBER 31, 2010  
    COMMERCIAL     COMMERCIAL
LOANS
SECURED BY
REAL ESTATE
    REAL
ESTATE-
MORTGAGE
    CONSUMER     ALLOCATION
FOR
GENERAL
RISK
    TOTAL  
    (IN THOUSANDS)  

Specific reserve allocation

  $ 1,905      $ 1,901      $      $      $      $ 3,806   

General reserve allocation

    1,946        10,816        1,117        206        1,874        15,959   
                                               

Total allowance for loan losses

  $ 3,851      $ 12,717      $ 1,117      $ 206      $ 1,874      $ 19,765   
                                               
    AT DECEMBER 31, 2009        
    COMMERCIAL     COMMERCIAL
LOANS
SECURED BY
REAL ESTATE
    REAL
ESTATE-
MORTGAGE
    CONSUMER     TOTAL        
    (IN THOUSANDS)        

Individually evaluated for impairment

  $ 3,082      $ 11,996      $      $      $ 15,078     

Collectively evaluated for impairment

    93,076        384,127        207,214        19,619        704,036     
                                         

Total loans

  $ 96,158      $ 396,123      $ 207,214      $ 19,619      $ 719,114     
                                         
    AT DECEMBER 31, 2009  
    COMMERCIAL     COMMERCIAL
LOANS
SECURED BY
REAL ESTATE
    REAL
ESTATE-
MORTGAGE
    CONSUMER     ALLOCATION
FOR
GENERAL
RISK
    TOTAL  
    (IN THOUSANDS)  

Specific reserve allocation

  $ 1,090      $ 3,905      $      $      $      $ 4,995   

General reserve allocation

    3,666        8,787        1,015        204        1,018        14,690   
                                               

Total allowance for loan losses

  $ 4,756      $ 12,692      $ 1,015      $ 204      $ 1,018      $ 19,685   
                                               

The segments of the Company’s loan portfolio are disaggregated to a level that allows management to monitor risk and performance. The overall risk profile for the commercial loan segment is driven by non-owner occupied CRE loans, which include loans secured by non-owner occupied nonfarm nonresidential properties, as the majority of the commercial portfolio is centered in these types of accounts. The residential mortgage loan segment is comprised of first lien amortizing residential mortgage loans and home equity loans. The consumer loan segment consists primarily of installment loans and overdraft lines of credit connected with customer deposit accounts.

Management evaluates for possible impairment any individual loan in the commercial segment with a loan balance in excess of $100,000 that is in nonaccrual status or classified as a Troubled Debt Restructure. Loans are considered to be impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect the scheduled payments of principal or interest when due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Factors considered by management in evaluating impairment include payment status, collateral value, and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due. Management determines the significance of payment delays and payment shortfalls on a case-by-case basis,

 

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taking into consideration all of the circumstances surrounding the loan and the borrower, including the length of the delay, the reasons for the delay, the borrower’s prior payment record, and the amount of the shortfall in relation to the principal and interest owed. The Company does not separately evaluate individual consumer and residential mortgage loans for impairment, unless such loans are part of larger relationship that is impaired, or are classified as a troubled debt restructuring agreement.

Once the determination has been made that a loan is impaired, the determination of whether a specific allocation of the allowance is necessary is measured by comparing the recorded investment in the loan to the fair value of the loan using one of three methods: (a) the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate; (b) the loan’s observable market price; or (c) the fair value of the collateral less selling costs. The method is selected on a loan-by loan basis, with management primarily utilizing the fair value of collateral method. The evaluation of the need and amount of a specific allocation of the allowance and whether a loan can be removed from impairment status is made on a quarterly basis. The Company’s policy for recognizing interest income on impaired loans does not differ from its overall policy for interest recognition.

The following table presents impaired loans by class, segregated by those for which a specific allowance was required and those for which a specific allowance was not necessary.

 

     DECEMBER 31, 2010  
     IMPAIRED LOANS WITH
SPECIFIC ALLOWANCE
     IMPAIRED
LOANS WITH
NO SPECIFIC
ALLOWANCE
     TOTAL IMPAIRED LOANS  
     RECORDED
INVESTMENT
     RELATED
ALLOWANCE
     RECORDED
INVESTMENT
     RECORDED
INVESTMENT
     UNPAID
PRINCIPAL
BALANCE
 
     (IN THOUSANDS)  

Commercial

   $ 4,041       $ 1,905       $ 24       $ 4,065       $ 4,842   

Commercial loans secured by real estate

     4,938         1,901         3,144         8,082         8,341   
                                            

Total impaired loans

   $ 8,979       $ 3,806       $ 3,168       $ 12,147       $ 13,183   
                                            
     DECEMBER 31, 2009  
     IMPAIRED LOANS WITH
SPECIFIC ALLOWANCE
     IMPAIRED
LOANS WITH
NO SPECIFIC
ALLOWANCE
     TOTAL IMPAIRED LOANS  
     RECORDED
INVESTMENT
     RELATED
ALLOWANCE
     RECORDED
INVESTMENT
     RECORDED
INVESTMENT
     UNPAID
PRINCIPAL
BALANCE
 
     (IN THOUSANDS)  

Commercial

   $ 2,967       $ 1,090       $ 115       $ 3,082       $ 3,795   

Commercial loans secured by real estate

     11,996         3,905                 11,996         12,020   
                                            

Total impaired loans

   $ 14,963       $ 4,995       $ 115       $ 15,078       $ 15,815   
                                            

The following table presents the average recorded investment in impaired loans and related interest income recognized for the periods indicated.

 

     YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,  
     2010      2009      2008  
     (IN THOUSANDS)  

Average investment in impaired loans

   $ 18,202       $ 11,248       $ 1,605   

Interest income recognized on a cash basis on impaired loans

     458         75           

 

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Management uses a ten point internal risk rating system to monitor the credit quality of the overall loan portfolio. The first six categories are considered not criticized. The first five “Pass” categories are aggregated, while the Pass 6, Special Mention, Substandard and Doubtful categories are disaggregated to separate pools. The criticized rating categories utilized by management generally follow bank regulatory definitions. The Special Mention category includes assets that are currently protected but are potentially weak, resulting in an undue and unwarranted credit risk, but not to the point of justifying a Substandard classification. Loans in the Substandard category have well-defined weaknesses that jeopardize the liquidation of the debt, and have a distinct possibility that some loss will be sustained if the weaknesses are not corrected. All loans greater than 90 days past due, or for which any portion of the loan represents a specific allocation of the allowance for loan losses are placed in Substandard or Doubtful.

To help ensure that risk ratings are accurate and reflect the present and future capacity of borrowers to repay a loan as agreed, the Company has a structured loan rating process, which dictates that, at a minimum, credit reviews are mandatory for all commercial and commercial mortgage loan relationships with aggregate balances in excess of $250,000 within a 12-month period. Generally, consumer and residential mortgage loans are included in the Pass categories unless a specific action, such as bankruptcy, delinquency, or death occurs to raise awareness of a possible credit event. The Company’s commercial relationship managers are responsible for the timely and accurate risk rating of the loans in their portfolios at origination and on an ongoing basis. Risk ratings are assigned by the account officer, but require independent review and rating concurrence from the Company’s internal Loan Review Department. The Loan Review Department is an experienced independent function which reports directly to the Board Audit Committee. The scope of commercial portfolio coverage by the Loan Review Department is defined and presented to the Audit Committee for approval on an annual basis. The approved scope of coverage for 2010 required a minimum range-of-coverage of 60% to 70% of the commercial loan portfolio. Actual coverage was 68% of the aggregate commercial loan portfolio balance as of December 31, 2010.

In addition to loan monitoring by the account officer and Loan Review Department, the Company also requires presentation of all credits rated Pass-6 with aggregate balances greater than $1,000,000, all credits rated Special Mention or Substandard with aggregate balances greater than $250,000, and all credits rated Doubtful with aggregate balances greater than $100,000 on an individual basis to the Company’s Loan Loss Reserve Committee on a quarterly basis.

The following table presents the classes of the loan portfolio summarized by the aggregate Pass and the criticized categories of Special Mention, Substandard and Doubtful within the internal risk rating system.

 

     DECEMBER 31, 2010  
     PASS      SPECIAL
MENTION
     SUBSTANDARD      DOUBTFUL      TOTAL  
     (IN THOUSANDS)  

Commercial

   $ 61,961       $ 8,797       $ 5,793       $ 1,771       $ 78,322   

Commercial loans secured by real estate

     306,555         33,165         29,754         430         369,904   
                                            

Total

   $ 368,516       $ 41,962       $ 35,547       $ 2,201       $ 448,226   
                                            

 

     DECEMBER 31, 2009  
     PASS      SPECIAL
MENTION
     SUBSTANDARD      DOUBTFUL      TOTAL  
     (IN THOUSANDS)  

Commercial

   $ 69,510       $ 8,086       $ 17,074       $ 1,488       $ 96,158   

Commercial loans secured by real estate

     324,911         43,212         28,000                 396,123   
                                            

Total

   $ 394,421       $ 51,298       $ 45,074       $ 1,488       $ 492,281   
                                            

 

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It is the policy of the bank that the outstanding balance of any residential mortgage loan that exceeds 90-days past due as to principal and/or interest is transferred to non-accrual status and an evaluation is completed to determine the fair value of the collateral less selling costs. A charge down is recorded for any deficiency balance determined from the collateral evaluation. The remaining non-accrual balance is reported as impaired with no specific allowance. It is the policy of the bank that the outstanding balance of any consumer loan that exceeds 90-days past due as to principal and/or interest is charged off.

 

     DECEMBER 31, 2010  
     PERFORMING      NON-PERFORMING  
     (IN THOUSANDS)  

Real estate-mortgage

   $ 201,438       $ 1,879   

Consumer

     19,233           
                 

Total

   $ 220,671       $ 1,879   
                 

 

     DECEMBER 31, 2009  
     PERFORMING      NON-PERFORMING  
     (IN THOUSANDS)   

Real estate-mortgage

   $ 205,189       $ 2,025   

Consumer

     19,619           
                 

Total

   $ 224,808       $ 2,025   
                 

Management further monitors the performance and credit quality of the loan portfolio by analyzing the age of the portfolio as determined by the length of time a recorded payment is past due. The following table presents the classes of the loan portfolio summarized by the aging categories of performing loans and nonaccrual loans.

 

    DECEMBER 31, 2010  
    CURRENT     30-59
DAYS
PAST DUE
    60-89
DAYS
PAST DUE
    90 DAYS
PAST DUE
    TOTAL
PAST  DUE
    NON-
ACCRUAL
    TOTAL
LOANS
 
          (IN THOUSANDS)  

Commercial

  $ 74,643      $      $      $      $      $ 3,679      $ 78,322   

Commercial loans secured by real estate

    362,890        283                      283        6,731        369,904   

Real estate-mortgage

    199,003        1,892        543               2,435        1,879        203,317   

Consumer

    19,160        29        44               73               19,233   
                                                       

Total

  $ 655,696      $ 2,204      $ 587      $      $ 2,791      $ 12,289      $ 670,776   
                                                       

 

    DECEMBER 31, 2009  
    CURRENT     30-59
DAYS
PAST DUE
    60-89
DAYS
PAST DUE
    90 DAYS
PAST DUE
    TOTAL
PAST  DUE
    NON-
ACCRUAL
    TOTAL
LOANS
 
          (IN THOUSANDS)  

Commercial

  $ 92,783      $      $      $      $      $ 3,375      $ 96,158   

Commercial loans secured by real estate

    375,812        8,595                      8,595        11,716        396,123   

Real estate-mortgage

    202,479        2,056        654               2,710        2,025        207,214   

Consumer

    19,516        68        35               103               19,619   
                                                       

Total

  $ 690,590      $ 10,719      $ 689      $      $ 11,408      $ 17,116      $ 719,114   
                                                       

An allowance for loan losses (“ALL”) is maintained to absorb losses from the loan portfolio. The ALL is based on management’s continuing evaluation of the risk characteristics and credit quality of the loan portfolio,

 

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assessment of current economic conditions, diversification and size of the portfolio, adequacy of collateral, past and anticipated loss experience, and the amount of non-performing loans.

Loans that are collectively evaluated for impairment are analyzed with general allowances being made as appropriate. For general allowances, historical loss trends are used in the estimation of losses in the current portfolio. These historical loss amounts are modified by other qualitative factors.

Management tracks the historical net charge-off activity at each risk rating grade level for the entire commercial portfolio and at the aggregate level for the consumer, residential mortgage and small business portfolios. A historical charge-off factor is calculated utilizing a rolling 12 consecutive historical quarters for the commercial portfolios. This historical charge-off factor for the consumer, residential mortgage and small business portfolios are based on a three year historical average of actual loss experience.

As described in more detail in the Summary of Significant Accounting Policies section in Note 1, the Company uses a comprehensive methodology and procedural discipline to maintain an ALL to absorb inherent losses in the loan portfolio. The Company believes this is a critical accounting policy since it involves significant estimates and judgments. The allowance consists of three elements: 1) an allowance established on specifically identified problem loans, 2) formula driven general reserves established for loan categories based upon historical loss experience and other qualitative factors which include delinquency and non-performing loan trends, economic trends, concentrations of credit, trends in loan volume, experience and depth of management, examination and audit results, effects of any changes in lending policies, and trends in policy, financial information, and documentation exceptions, and 3) a general risk reserve which provides support for variance from our assessment of the previously listed qualitative factors, provides protection against credit risks resulting from other inherent risk factors contained in the Company’s loan portfolio, and recognizes the model and estimation risk associated with the specific and formula driven allowances. The qualitative factors used in the formula driven general reserves are evaluated quarterly (and revised if necessary) by the Company’s management to establish allocations which accommodate each of the listed risk factors.

“Pass” rated credits are segregated from “Criticized” credits for the application of qualitative factors.

Management reviews the loan portfolio on a quarterly basis using a defined, consistently applied process in order to make appropriate and timely adjustments to the ALL. When information confirms all or part of specific loans to be uncollectible, these amounts are promptly charged off against the ALL.

6. NON-PERFORMING ASSETS

Non-performing assets are comprised of (i) loans which are on a non-accrual basis, (ii) loans which are contractually past due 90 days or more as to interest or principal payments, (iii) performing loans classified as troubled debt restructuring and (iv) other real estate owned (real estate acquired through foreclosure, in-substance foreclosures and repossessed assets).

 

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The following tables present information concerning non-performing assets:

 

     AT DECEMBER 31,  
     2010     2009     2008  
     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT
PERCENTAGES)
 

Non-accrual loans

      

Commercial

   $ 3,679      $ 3,375      $ 1,128   

Commercial loans secured by real estate

     6,731        11,716        484   

Real estate-mortgage

     1,879        2,025        1,765   
                        

Total

     12,289        17,116        3,377   
                        

Other real estate owned

      

Commercial loans secured by real estate

     436        871        701   

Real estate-mortgage

     302        350        494   
                        

Total

     738        1,221        1,195   
                        

Total restructured loans not in non-accrual (TDR)

     1,337                 
                        

Total non-performing assets including TDR

   $ 14,364      $ 18,337      $ 4,572   
                        

Total non-performing assets as a percent of loans and loans held for sale,
net of unearned income, and other real estate owned

     2.12     2.53     0.65

The Company is unaware of any additional loans which are required to either be charged-off or added to the non-performing asset totals disclosed above. Other real estate owned is recorded at the lower of 1) fair value minus estimated costs to sell, or 2) carrying cost.

The Company had non-accrual loans totaling $10,410,000 and $15,091,000 being specifically identified as impaired and a corresponding allocation reserve of $3,806,000 and $4,995,000 at December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively. The average outstanding balance for loans being specifically identified as impaired was $18,202,000 for 2010 and $11,248,000 for 2009. A majority of the impaired loans are secured by sellable collateral; the estimated timing of the liquidation of the collateral and the estimated fair value of the collateral are evaluated in measuring the impairment. The interest income recognized on impaired loans during 2010, 2009 and 2008 was $458,000, $75,000 and $0, respectively.

The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, (1) the gross interest income that would have been recorded if non-accrual loans had been current in accordance with their original terms and had been outstanding throughout the period or since origination if held for part of the period, (2) the amount of interest income actually recorded on such loans, and (3) the net reduction in interest income attributable to such loans.

 

     YEAR ENDED
DECEMBER 31,
 
     2010     2009     2008  
     (IN THOUSANDS)  

Interest income due in accordance with original terms

   $ 1,086      $ 553      $ 198   

Interest income recorded

     (458     (75       
                        

Net reduction in interest income

   $ 628      $ 478      $ 198   
                        

 

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7. PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT

An analysis of premises and equipment follows:

 

     AT DECEMBER 31,  
     2010      2009  
     (IN THOUSANDS)  

Land

   $ 1,208       $ 1,208   

Premises

     22,780         21,541   

Furniture and equipment

     7,087         13,994   

Leasehold improvements

     512         599   
                 

Total at cost

     31,587         37,342   

Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization

     21,102         28,113   
                 

Net book value

   $ 10,485       $ 9,229   
                 

The Company recorded depreciation expense of $1.5 million, $1.6 million and $1.5 million for 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

8. DEPOSITS

The following table sets forth the balance of the Company’s deposits:

 

     AT DECEMBER 31,  
     2010      2009  
     (IN THOUSANDS)  

Demand:

     

Non-interest bearing

   $ 127,870       $ 118,232   

Interest bearing

     59,206         61,292   

Savings

     76,762         72,557   

Money market

     173,234         181,139   

Certificates of deposit in denominations of $100,000 or more

     50,808         45,169   

Other time

     313,336         307,622   
                 

Total deposits

   $ 801,216       $ 786,011   
                 

Interest expense on deposits consisted of the following:

 

     YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,  
     2010      2009      2008  
     (IN THOUSANDS)  

Interest bearing demand

   $ 176       $ 256       $ 653   

Savings

     397         530         535   

Money market

     1,622         2,437         2,417   

Certificates of deposit in denominations of $100,000 or more

     834         1,186         1,744   

Other time

     7,916         8,700         10,331   
                          

Total interest expense

   $ 10,945       $ 13,109       $ 15,680   
                          

 

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The following table sets forth the balance of other time deposits and certificates of deposit of $100,000 or more as of December 31, 2010 maturing in the periods presented:

 

YEAR

   OTHER TIME DEPOSITS      CERTIFICATES OF
DEPOSIT
OF $100,000 OR MORE
 
     (IN THOUSANDS)  

2011

   $ 161,758       $ 39,711   

2012

     64,794         8,211   

2013

     33,991         2,553   

2014

     7,496         149   

2015

     12,651         184   

2016 and after

     32,646           
                 

Total

   $ 313,336       $ 50,808   
                 

The maturities on certificates of deposit greater than $100,000 or more as of December 31, 2010, are as follows:

 

     (IN THOUSANDS)  

MATURING IN:

  

Three months or less

   $ 12,695   

Over three through six months

     21,695   

Over six through twelve months

     5,321   

Over twelve months

     11,097   
        

Total

   $ 50,808   
        

9. FEDERAL FUNDS PURCHASED AND SHORT-TERM BORROWINGS

The outstanding balances and related information for federal funds purchased and other short-term borrowings are summarized as follows:

 

     AT DECEMBER 31, 2010  
     FEDERAL
FUNDS
PURCHASED
    SHORT-TERM
BORROWINGS
 
     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT RATES)  

Balance

   $      $ 4,550   

Maximum indebtedness at any month end

            9,230   

Average balance during year

     9        3,110   

Average rate paid for the year

     0.51     0.71

Interest rate on year end balance

            0.62   

 

     AT DECEMBER 31, 2009  
     FEDERAL
FUNDS
PURCHASED
    SHORT-TERM
BORROWINGS
 
     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT RATES)  

Balance

   $      $ 25,775   

Maximum indebtedness at any month end

     5,968        54,649   

Average balance during year

     1,358        19,670   

Average rate paid for the year

     0.50     0.67

Interest rate on year end balance

            0.62   

 

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Average amounts outstanding during the year represent daily averages. Average interest rates represent interest expense divided by the related average balances.

These borrowing transactions can range from overnight to one year in maturity. The average maturity was three days at the end of 2010 and two days at the end of 2009.

 

10. ADVANCES FROM FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK AND GUARANTEED JUNIOR SUBORDINATED DEFERRABLE INTEREST DEBENTURES

Borrowings and advances from the FHLB consist of the following:

 

      AT DECEMBER 31, 2010  

MATURING

   WEIGHTED
AVERAGE  YIELD
    BALANCE  
     (IN THOUSANDS)  

Overnight

     0.62   $ 4,550   

2012

     1.82        4,000   

2013

     2.04        5,000   

2016 and after

     6.44        750   
          

Total advances

     2.28        9,750   
          

Total FHLB borrowings

     1.75   $ 14,300   
          

 

      AT DECEMBER 31, 2009  

MATURING

   WEIGHTED
AVERAGE  YIELD
    BALANCE  
     (IN THOUSANDS)  

Overnight

     0.62   $ 25,775   

2010

     1.67        22,000   

2012

     1.97        3,000   

2016 and after

     6.44        804   
          

Total advances

     1.85        25,804   
          

Total FHLB borrowings

     1.24   $ 51,579   
          

The Company’s subsidiary Bank is a member of the FHLB which provides this subsidiary with the opportunity to obtain short to longer-term advances based upon the Company’s investment in assets secured by one- to four-family residential real estate. The rate on open repo plus advances, which are typically overnight borrowings, can change daily, while the rate on the advances is fixed until the maturity of the advance. All FHLB stock along with an interest in certain residential mortgage and commercial real-estate loans with an aggregate statutory value equal to the amount of the advances, are pledged as collateral to the FHLB of Pittsburgh to support these borrowings. At December 31, 2010, the Company had immediately available $244 million of overnight borrowing capability at the FHLB and $23 million of unsecured federal funds lines with correspondent banks.

Guaranteed Junior Subordinated Deferrable Interest Debentures:

On April 28, 1998, the Company completed a $34.5 million public offering of 8.45% Trust Preferred Securities, which represent undivided beneficial interests in the assets of a Delaware business trust, AmeriServ Financial Capital Trust I. The Trust Preferred Securities will mature on June 30, 2028, and are callable at par at the option of the Company after June 30, 2003. Proceeds of the issue were invested by AmeriServ Financial Capital Trust I in Junior Subordinated Debentures issued by AmeriServ Financial, Inc. Unamortized deferred

 

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issuance costs associated with the Trust Preferred Securities amounted to $271,000 as of December 31, 2010 and are included in other assets on the consolidated balance sheet, and are being amortized on a straight-line basis over the term of the issue. The Trust Preferred securities are listed on NASDAQ under the symbol ASRVP. The Company used $22.5 million of proceeds from a private placement of common stock to redeem Trust Preferred Securities in 2005 and 2004. The balance as of December 31, 2010 and 2009 was $13.1 million.

11. DISCLOSURES ABOUT FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

The following disclosures establish a hierarchal disclosure framework associated with the level of pricing observability utilized in measuring assets and liabilities at fair value. The three broad levels defined within this hierarchy are as follows:

Level I: Quoted prices are available in active markets for identical assets or liabilities as of the reported date.

Level II: Pricing inputs are other than the quoted prices in active markets, which are either directly or indirectly observable as of the reported date. The nature of these assets and liabilities includes items for which quoted prices are available but traded less frequently and items that are fair-valued using other financial instruments, the parameters of which can be directly observed.

Level III: Assets and liabilities that have little to no pricing observability as of the reported date. These items do not have two-way markets and are measured using management’s best estimate of fair value, where the inputs into the determination of fair value require significant management judgment or estimation.

Securities classified as available for sale are reported at fair value utilizing Level 2 inputs. For these securities, the Company obtains fair value measurements from an independent pricing service. The fair value measurements consider observable data that may include dealer quoted market spreads, cash flows, the U.S. Treasury yield curve, live trading levels, trade execution data, market consensus prepayment speeds, credit information and the bond’s terms and conditions, among other things.

Residential real estate loans held for sale are carried at fair value on a recurring basis. Residential real estate loans are valued based on quoted market prices from purchase commitments from market participants and are classified as Level 1.

The fair value of the swap asset is based on an external derivative valuation model using data inputs as of the valuation date and classified Level 2.

The following table presents the assets reported on the balance sheet at their fair value as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, by level within the fair value hierarchy. Financial assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

Assets Measured on a Recurring Basis

Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized below (in thousands):

 

     Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2010 Using  
   Total      Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets

(Level 1)
     Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs

(Level 2)
     Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

(Level 3)
 

Assets:

           

U.S. Agency securities

   $ 15,944       $       $ 15,944       $   

U.S. Agency mortgage-backed securities

     148,867                 148,867           

Fair value swap asset

     420                 420           

 

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     Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2009 Using  
   Total      Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets

(Level 1)
     Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs

(Level 2)
     Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

(Level 3)
 

Assets:

           

U.S. Agency securities

   $ 12,292       $       $ 12,292       $   

U.S. Agency mortgage-backed securities

     118,980                 118,980           

Fair value swap asset

     154                 154           

Loans considered impaired are loans for which, based on current information and events, it is probable that the creditor will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Impaired loans are reported at fair value of the underlying collateral if the repayment is expected solely from the collateral. Collateral values are estimated using Level 2 inputs based on observable market data which at times are discounted. At December 31, 2010, impaired loans with a carrying value of $12.1 million were reduced by specific valuation allowance totaling $3.8 million resulting in a net fair value of $8.3 million.

OREO is measured at fair value based on appraisals, less cost to sell at the date of foreclosure. Valuations are periodically performed by management and the assets are carried at the lower of carrying amount or fair value, less cost to sell. Income and expenses from operations and changes in valuation allowance are included in the net expenses from OREO.

Assets Measured on a Non-recurring Basis

Assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis are summarized below (in thousands):

 

     Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2010 Using  
     Total      Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets

(Level 1)
     Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs

(Level 2)
     Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

(Level 3)
 

Assets:

           

Impaired loans

   $ 8,341       $       $ 8,341       $   

Other real estate owned

     738                 738           

 

     Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2009 Using  
     Total      Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets

(Level 1)
     Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs

(Level 2)
     Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

(Level 3)
 

Assets:

           

Impaired loans

   $ 9,268       $       $ 9,268       $   

Other real estate owned

     1,221                 1,221           

12. DISCLOSURES ABOUT FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

For the Company, as for most financial institutions, approximately 90% of its assets and liabilities are considered financial instruments. Many of the Company’s financial instruments, however, lack an available trading market characterized by a willing buyer and willing seller engaging in an exchange transaction. Therefore, significant estimates and present value calculations were used by the Company for the purpose of this disclosure.

 

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Fair values have been determined by the Company using independent third party valuations that uses best available data (Level 2) and an estimation methodology (Level 3) the Company believes is suitable for each category of financial instruments. Management believes that cash, cash equivalents, and loans and deposits with floating interest rates have estimated fair values which approximate the recorded book balances. The estimation methodologies used, the estimated fair values based on US GAAP measurements, and recorded book balances at December 31, 2010 and 2009, were as follows:

 

     2010      2009  
     FAIR
VALUE
     RECORDED
BOOK  BALANCE
     FAIR
VALUE
     RECORDED
BOOK  BALANCE
 
     (IN THOUSANDS)  

FINANCIAL ASSETS:

           

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 19,337       $ 19,337       $ 26,308       $ 26,308   

Investment securities

     173,078         172,635         143,268         142,883   

Regulatory stock

     9,358         9,358         9,739         9,739   

Loans held for sale

     7,542         7,405         3,840         3,790   

Loans, net of allowance for loan loss and unearned income

     651,866         651,011         695,930         699,429   

Accrued income receivable

     3,210         3,210         3,589         3,589   

Bank owned life insurance

     34,466         34,466         33,690         33,690   

Fair value swap asset

     420         420         154         154   

FINANCIAL LIABILITIES:

           

Deposits with no stated maturities

   $ 437,072       $ 437,072       $ 433,220       $ 433,220   

Deposits with stated maturities

     369,972         364,144         357,275         352,791   

Short-term borrowings

     4,550         4,550         25,775         25,775   

All other borrowings

     25,419         22,835         41,272         38,889   

Accrued interest payable

     3,541         3,541         4,136         4,136   

Fair value swap liability

     420         420         154         154   

The fair value of cash and cash equivalents, regulatory stock, accrued income receivable, short-term borrowings, and accrued interest payable are equal to the current carrying value.

The fair value of investment securities is equal to the available quoted market price.

The net loan portfolio has been valued using a present value discounted cash flow. The discount rate used in these calculations is based upon the treasury yield curve adjusted for non-interest operating costs, credit loss, current market prices and assumed prepayment risk.

The fair value of bank owned life insurance is based upon the cash surrender value of the underlying policies and matches the book value.

Deposits with stated maturities have been valued using a present value discounted cash flow with a discount rate approximating current market for similar assets and liabilities. Deposits with no stated maturities have an estimated fair value equal to both the amount payable on demand and the recorded book balance.

The fair value of other borrowed funds are based on the discounted value of contractual cash flows. The discount rates are estimated using rates currently offered for similar instruments with similar remaining maturities.

The fair values of the fair value swaps used for interest rate risk management represents the amount the Company would have expected to receive or pay to terminate such agreements.

 

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Changes in assumptions or estimation methodologies may have a material effect on these estimated fair values. The Company’s remaining assets and liabilities which are not considered financial instruments have not been valued differently than has been customary under historical cost accounting.

13. INCOME TAXES

The expense for income taxes is summarized below:

 

     YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,  
        2010           2009           2008     
     (IN THOUSANDS)  

Current

   $ 206      $ 170      $ 121   

Deferred

     (126     (3,220     1,349   
                        

Income tax (benefit) expense

   $ 80      $ (3,050   $ 1,470   
                        

The reconciliation between the federal statutory tax rate and the Company’s effective consolidated income tax rate is as follows:

 

     YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,  
     2010     2009     2008  
     AMOUNT     RATE     AMOUNT     RATE     AMOUNT     RATE  
     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PERCENTAGES)  

Income tax (benefit) expense based on federal statutory rate

   $ 463        34.0   $ (2,701     (34.0 )%    $ 2,373        34.0

Tax exempt income

     (443     (32.5     (443     (5.6     (985     (14.1

Other

     60        4.4        94        1.2        82        1.2   
                                                

Total (benefit) expense for income taxes

   $ 80        5.9   $ (3,050     (38.4 )%    $ 1,470        21.1
                                                

December 31, 2010 and 2009, deferred taxes are included in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. The following table highlights the major components comprising the deferred tax assets and liabilities for each of the periods presented:

 

     AT DECEMBER 31,  
     2010     2009  
     (IN THOUSANDS)  

DEFERRED TAX ASSETS:

    

Allowance for loan losses

   $ 6,720      $ 6,692   

Unfunded commitment reserve

     298        240   

Premises and equipment

     1,193        796   

Accrued pension obligation

     1,867        1,510   

Net operating loss carryforwards

     5,444        6,028   

Alternative minimum tax credits

     1,352        1,389   

Other

     504        459   
                

Total tax assets

     17,378        17,114   
                

DEFERRED TAX LIABILITIES:

    

Investment accretion

     (34     (30

Unrealized investment security gains

     (1,064     (967

Other

     (222     (192
                

Total tax liabilities

     (1,320     (1,189
                

Net deferred tax asset

   $ 16,058      $ 15,925   
                

 

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At December 31, 2010 and 2009, the Company had no valuation allowance established against its deferred tax assets as we believe the Company will generate sufficient future taxable income to fully utilize all net operating loss carryforwards and AMT tax credits.

The change in net deferred tax assets and liabilities consist of the following:

 

     YEAR ENDED
DECEMBER 31,
 
     2010     2009  
     (IN THOUSANDS)  

Unrealized gains or losses recognized in comprehensive income

   $ (98   $ (291

Pension obligation of the defined benefit plan not yet recognized in income

     357        345   

Deferred benefit (provision) for income taxes

     (126     3,220   
                

Net increase

   $ 133      $ 3,274   
                

The Company has alternative minimum tax credit carryforwards of approximately $1.4 million at December 31, 2010. These credits have an indefinite carryforward period. The Company also has a $16.0 million net operating loss carryforward that will begin to expire in the year 2025.

The Company utilizes a recognition threshold and a measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. Benefits from tax positions should be recognized in the financial statements only when it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained upon examination by the appropriate taxing authority that would have full knowledge of all relevant information. A tax position that meets the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold is measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than fifty percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. Tax positions that previously failed to meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold should be recognized in the first subsequent financial reporting period in which that threshold is met. Previously recognized tax positions that no longer meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold should be derecognized in the first subsequent financial reporting period in which that threshold is no longer met. The Company’s federal and state income tax returns for taxable years through 2006 have been closed for purposes of examination by the Internal Revenue Service and the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue.

14. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

PENSION PLANS:

The Company has a noncontributory defined benefit pension plan covering all employees who work at least 1,000 hours per year. The participants shall have a vested interest in their accrued benefit after five full years of service. The benefits of the plan are based upon the employee’s years of service and average annual earnings for the highest five consecutive calendar years during the final ten year period of employment. Plan assets are primarily debt securities (including U.S. Treasury and Agency securities, corporate notes and bonds), listed common stocks (including shares of AmeriServ Financial, Inc. common stock valued at $329,000 and is limited to 10% of the plan’s assets), mutual funds, and short-term cash equivalent instruments. The following actuarial tables are based upon data provided by an independent third party as of December 31, 2010.

 

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PENSION BENEFITS:

 

    YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,  
    2010     2009  
    (IN THOUSANDS)  

CHANGE IN BENEFIT OBLIGATION:

   

Benefit obligation at beginning of year

  $ 19,855      $ 16,801   

Service cost

    1,097        1,021   

Interest cost

    1,186        1,058   

Actuarial loss

    2,129        1,278   

Benefits paid

    (930     (303
               

Benefit obligation at end of year

    23,337        19,855   
               

CHANGE IN PLAN ASSETS:

   

Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year

    15,479        13,202   

Actual return on plan assets

    1,700        1,080   

Employer contributions

    1,500        1,500   

Benefits paid

    (930     (303
               

Fair value of plan assets at end of year

    17,749        15,479   
               

Funded status of the plan — under funded

  $ (5,588   $ (4,376
               
    YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,  
    2010     2009  
    (IN THOUSANDS)  

AMOUNTS NOT YET RECOGNIZED AS A COMPONENT OF NET PERIODIC PENSION COST:

 

Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) consists of:

   

Transition asset

  $ (42   $ (58

Prior service cost

    (51     (36

Net actuarial loss

    10,743        9,553   
               

Total

  $ 10,650      $ 9,459   
               
    YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,  
    2010     2009  
    (IN THOUSANDS)  

ACCUMULATED BENEFIT OBLIGATION:

 

Accumulated benefit obligation

  $ 21,678      $ 17,906   
               

The weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations at December 31, 2010 and 2009 were as follows:

 

     YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,  
     2010     2009  
     (PERCENTAGES)  

WEIGHTED AVERAGE ASSUMPTIONS:

    

Discount rate

     5.25     5.75

Salary scale

     2.50        2.50   

 

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     YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,  
     2010     2009     2008  
     (IN THOUSANDS)  

COMPONENTS OF NET PERIODIC BENEFIT COST:

      

Service cost

   $ 1,097      $ 1,021      $ 926   

Interest cost

     1,186        1,058        937   

Expected return on plan assets

     (1,467     (1,234     (1,232

Amortization of prior year service cost

     15        11        4   

Amortization of transition asset

     (17     (17     (17

Recognized net actuarial loss

     706        555        355   
                        

Net periodic pension cost

   $ 1,520      $ 1,394      $ 973   
                        

The estimated net loss, prior service cost and transition asset for the defined benefit pension plan that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into net periodic benefit cost over the next year are $811,000, $7,000, and ($17,000), respectively.

The weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 were as follows:

 

     YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,  
     2010     2009     2008  
     (PERCENTAGES)  

WEIGHTED AVERAGE ASSUMPTIONS:

      

Discount rate

     5.75     6.25     6.00

Expected return on plan assets

     8.00        8.00        8.00   

Rate of compensation increase

     2.50        2.50        2.50   

The Company has assumed an 8% long-term expected return on plan assets. This assumption was based upon the plan’s historical investment performance over a longer-term period of 15 years combined with the plan’s investment objective of balanced growth and income. Additionally, this assumption also incorporates a targeted range for equity securities of approximately 60% of plan assets.

PLAN ASSETS:

The plan’s measurement date is December 31, 2010. This plan’s asset allocations at December 31, 2010 and 2009, by asset category are as follows:

 

     2010     2009  
     (PERCENTAGES)  

ASSET CATEGORY:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

     %      6

Domestic equities

     9        12   

Mutual funds/ETFs

     78        73   

Agencies

     1        3   

Corporate bonds

     12        6   
                

Total

     100 %      100
                

 

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The major categories of assets in the Company’s Pension Plan as of year end is presented in the following table. Assets are segregated by the level of the valuation inputs within the fair value hierarchy established by ASC Topic 820 utilized to measure fair value.

 

     YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,  
     2010      2009  
     (IN THOUSANDS)  

Level 1:

  

Cash and cash equivalents

   $       $ 854   

Domestic equities

     1,550         1,911   

Mutual funds/ETFs

     13,909         11,245   

Level 2:

     

Agencies

     252         524   

Corporate bonds

     2,038         945   
                 

Total fair value of plan assets

   $ 17,749       $ 15,479   
                 

Cash and cash equivalents may include uninvested cash balances along with money market mutual funds, treasury bills, or other assets normally categorized as cash equivalents. Domestic equities may include common or preferred stocks, covered options, rights or warrants, or ADRs which are traded on any U.S. equity market. Mutual funds/ETFs may include any equity, fixed income, balanced, international, or global mutual fund or exchange traded fund including any propriety fund managed by the Trust Company. Agencies may include any U.S. government agency security or asset-backed security. Collective investment funds may include equity, fixed income, or balanced collective investment funds managed by the Trust Company. Corporate bonds may include any corporate bond or note.

The investment strategy objective for the pension plan is a balance of growth and income. This objective seeks to develop a portfolio for acceptable levels of current income together with the opportunity for capital appreciation. The balanced growth and income objective reflects a relatively equal balance between equity and fixed income investments such as debt securities. The allocation between equity and fixed income assets may vary by a moderate degree but the plan typically targets a range of equity investments between 50% and 60% of the plan assets. This means that fixed income and cash investments typically approximate 40% to 50% of the plan assets. The plan is also able to invest in ASRV common stock up to a maximum level of 10% of the market value of the plan assets (at December 31, 2010, 1.9% of the plan assets were invested in ASRV common stock). This asset mix is intended to ensure that there is a steady stream of cash from maturing investments to fund benefit payments.

CASH FLOWS:

The Company presently expects that the contribution to be made to the Plan in 2011 will be comparable with recent years of approximately $1.5 million.

ESTIMATED FUTURE BENEFIT PAYMENTS:

The following benefit payments, which reflect future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid (in thousands).

 

2011

   $ 1,967   

2012

     1,941   

2013

     2,083   

2014

     2,140   

2015

     2,100   

Years 2016 — 2020

     11,098   

 

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401(k) PLAN:

The Company maintains a qualified 401(k) plan that allows for participation by Company employees. Under the plan, employees may elect to make voluntary, pretax contributions to their accounts, and the Company contributes 4% of salaries for union members who are in the plan. Contributions by the Company charged to operations were $208,000 and $206,000 for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively. The fair value of plan assets includes $257,000 pertaining to the value of the Company’s common stock and Trust Preferred securities that are held by the plan at December 31, 2010.

Except for the above benefit plans, the Company has no significant additional exposure for any other post-retirement or post-employment benefits.

15. LEASE COMMITMENTS

The Company’s obligation for future minimum lease payments on operating leases at December 31, 2010, is as follows:

 

YEAR

   FUTURE MINIMUM
LEASE PAYMENTS
 
     (IN THOUSANDS)  

2011

   $ 959   

2012

     745   

2013

     592   

2014

     468   

2015

     480   

2016 and thereafter

     2,704   

In addition to the amounts set forth above, certain of the leases require payments by the Company for taxes, insurance, and maintenance. Rent expense included in total non-interest expense amounted to $502,000, $567,000 and $514,000, in 2010, 2009, and 2008, respectively.

16. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

The Company incurs off-balance sheet risks in the normal course of business in order to meet the financing needs of its customers. These risks derive from commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit. Such commitments and standby letters of credit involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit risk in excess of the amount recognized in the consolidated financial statements. Commitments to extend credit are obligations to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the loan agreement. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. Because many of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. The Company evaluates each customer’s creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis. Collateral which secures these types of commitments is the same as for other types of secured lending such as accounts receivable, inventory, and fixed assets.

Standby letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by the Company to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. Those guarantees are primarily issued to support public and private borrowing arrangements, including normal business activities, bond financings, and similar transactions. The credit risk involved in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending loans to customers. Letters of credit are issued both on an unsecured and secured basis. Collateral securing these types of transactions is similar to collateral securing the Company’s commercial loans.

The Company’s exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to these commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit is represented by their contractual amounts. The

 

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Company uses the same credit and collateral policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as for all other lending. At December 31, 2010 the Company had various outstanding commitments to extend credit approximating $84,879,000 and standby letters of credit of $11,548,000, compared to commitments to extend credit of $99,275,000 and standby letters of credit of $11,695,000 at December 31, 2009. Standby letters of credit had terms ranging from 1 to 2 years with annual extension options available. Standby letters of credit of approximately $5.5 million were secured as of December 31, 2010 and approximately $10.2 million at December 31, 2009. The carrying amount of the liability for AmeriServ obligations related to unfunded commitments and standby letters of credit was $875,000 at December 31, 2010 and $704,000 at December 31, 2009.

Pursuant to its bylaws, the Company provides indemnification to its directors and officers against certain liabilities incurred as a result of their service on behalf of the Company. In connection with this indemnification obligation, the Company can advance on behalf of covered individuals costs incurred in defending against certain claims. Additionally, the Company is also subject to a number of asserted and unasserted potential claims encountered in the normal course of business. In the opinion of the Company, neither the resolution of these claims nor the funding of these credit commitments will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operation or cash flows.

17. PREFERRED STOCK

On October 3, 2008, the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (initially introduced as the Troubled Asset Relief Program or (“TARP”) was enacted. On October 14, 2008, the U.S. Treasury announced its intention to inject capital into financial institutions under the TARP Capital Purchase Program (the “CPP”). The CPP is a voluntary program designed to provide capital to healthy, well managed financial institutions in order to increase the availability of credit to businesses and individuals and help stabilize the U.S. financial system.

On December 19, 2008, the Company sold to the U.S. Treasury for an aggregate purchase price of $21 million in cash 21,000 shares of Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series D. In conjunction with the purchase of these senior preferred shares, the U.S. Treasury also received a warrant to purchase up to 1,312,500 shares of the Company’s common stock. The warrant has a term of 10 years and is exercisable at any time, in whole or in part, at an exercise price of $2.40 per share. The $21 million in proceeds was allocated to the Series D Preferred Stock and the warrant based on their relative fair values at issuance (approximately $20.4 million was allocated to the Series D Preferred Stock and approximately $600,000 to the warrant). The difference between the initial value allocated to the Series D Preferred Stock of approximately $20.4 million and the liquidation value of $21 million will be charged to retained earnings over the first five years of the contract. Cumulative dividends on Series D Preferred Stock are payable quarterly at 5% through December 19, 2013 and at a rate of 9% thereafter. As a result of the decision by the Company to accept a preferred stock investment under the U.S. Treasury’s CPP for a period of three years the Company is no longer permitted to repurchase stock or declare and pay dividends on common stock without the consent of the U.S. Treasury.

18. STOCK COMPENSATION PLANS

The Company uses the modified perspective method for accounting for stock-based compensation and recognized $18,000 of pretax compensation expense for the year 2010, $11,000 in 2009 and $7,000 in 2008.

In 2001, the Company’s Board of Directors adopted a shareholder approved Stock Incentive Plan (the Plan) authorizing the grant of options or restricted stock covering 800,000 shares of common stock. This Plan replaced the expired 1991 Stock Option Plan. Under the Plan, options or restricted stock can be granted (the Grant Date) to directors, officers, and employees that provide services to the Company and its affiliates, as selected by the compensation committee of the Board of Directors. The option price at which a stock option may be exercised shall not be less than 100% of the fair market value per share of common stock on the Grant Date. The maximum term of any option granted under the Plan cannot exceed 10 years. Generally, under the Plan on or after the first

 

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anniversary of the Grant Date, one-third of such options may be exercised. On or after the second anniversary of the Grant Date, two-thirds of such options may be exercised minus the aggregate number of such options previously exercised. On or after the third anniversary of the Grant Date, the remainder of the options may be exercised.

A summary of the status of the Company’s Stock Incentive Plan at December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008, and changes during the years then ended is presented in the table and narrative following:

 

     YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31  
     2010      2009      2008  
     SHARES     WEIGHTED
AVERAGE
EXERCISE
PRICE
     SHARES     WEIGHTED
AVERAGE
EXERCISE
PRICE
     SHARES     WEIGHTED
AVERAGE
EXERCISE
PRICE
 

Outstanding at beginning of year

     293,609      $ 4.23         232,009      $ 4.90         228,392      $ 5.09   

Granted

     105,041        1.78         69,100        1.69         21,217        2.86   

Exercised

                                            

Forfeited

     (141,363     4.31         (7,500     1.77         (17,600     4.86   
                                

Outstanding at end of year

     257,287        3.18         293,609        4.23         232,009        4.90   
                                

Exercisable at end of year

     118,571        4.79         245,469        4.69         217,564        5.04   

Weighted average fair value of options granted in current year

     $ 0.39         $ 0.37         $ 1.39   

A total of 118,571 of the 257,287 options outstanding at December 31, 2010, have exercise prices between $1.68 and $6.10, with a weighted average exercise price of $4.79 and a weighted average remaining contractual life of 4.14 years. All of these options are exercisable. The remaining 138,716 options that are not yet exercisable have exercise prices between $1.53 and $3.01, with a weighted average exercise price of $1.82 and a weighted average remaining contractual life of 9.07 years. The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions used for grants in 2010, 2009, and 2008.

 

     YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
BLACK-SCHOLES ASSUMPTION RANGES    2010   2009   2008

Risk-free interest rate

   3.21-3.83%   2.83-3.47%   2.76-3.34%

Expected lives in years

   10   10   10

Expected volatility

   34.60-35.74%   33.67-34.09%   33.28%

Expected dividend rate

   0%   0%   0%

19. DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT AND COMMON STOCK PURCHASE PLAN

The Company’s Dividend Reinvestment and Common Stock Purchase Plan (the Purchase Plan) provides each record holder of Common Stock with a simple and convenient method of purchasing additional shares without payment of any brokerage commissions, service charges or other similar expense. A participant in the Purchase Plan may purchase shares of Common Stock by electing either to (1) reinvest dividends on all of his or her shares of Common Stock (if applicable) or (2) make optional cash payments of not less than $10 and up to a maximum of $2,000 per month and continue to receive regular dividend payments on his or her other shares. A participant may withdraw from the Purchase Plan at any time.

In the case of purchases from AmeriServ Financial, Inc. of treasury or newly-issued shares of Common Stock, the average market price is determined by averaging the high and low sale price of the Common Stock as reported on the NASDAQ on the relevant investment date. During 2010, the Company issued 2,033 shares and at December 31, 2010 had 3,355 unissued reserved shares available under the Purchase Plan. In the case of

 

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purchases of shares of Common Stock on the open market, the average market price will be the weighted average purchase price of shares purchased for the Purchase Plan in the market for the relevant investment date.

20. INTANGIBLE ASSETS

The Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets show both tangible assets (such as loans, buildings, and investments) and intangible assets (such as goodwill and core deposits). Goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite lives are not amortized. Instead such intangibles are evaluated for impairment at the reporting unit level at least annually. Any resulting impairment would be reflected as a non-interest expense. Of the Company’s goodwill of $13.0 million, $9.5 million is allocated to the retail banking segment and $3.5 million relates to the West Chester Capital Advisors (WCCA) acquisition which is included in the trust segment. Goodwill in both of these segments was evaluated for impairment on its annual impairment evaluation date. The result of these evaluations indicated that the Company’s goodwill had no impairment. During the third quarter of 2009, the Company did reduce the goodwill allocated to West Chester Capital Advisors by $547,000. This reduction resulted from a purchase price adjustment as the principals of WCCA did not fully earn a deferred contingent payment that had been accrued for at the time of acquisition. The Company’s only intangible asset, other than goodwill, was its core deposit intangible, which fully amortized in 2009.

A reconciliation of the Company’s intangible asset balances for 2010 and 2009 is as follows (in thousands):

 

     AT DECEMBER 31,  
     2010      2009     2010      2009  
     CORE
DEPOSIT
INTANGIBLES
    GOODWILL  

Balance January 1

   $       $ 108      $ 12,950       $ 13,497   

Reduction from purchase price adjustment of WCCA

                            (547

Amortization expense

             (108               
                                  

Balance December 31

   $       $      $ 12,950       $ 12,950   
                                  

21. DERIVATIVE HEDGING INSTRUMENTS

The Company can use various interest rate contracts, such as interest rate swaps, caps, floors and swaptions to help manage interest rate and market valuation risk exposure, which is incurred in normal recurrent banking activities. The Company can use derivative instruments, primarily interest rate swaps, to manage interest rate risk and match the rates on certain assets by hedging the fair value of certain fixed rate debt, which converts the debt to variable rates and by hedging the cash flow variability associated with certain variable rate debt by converting the debt to fixed rates.

To accommodate a customer need and support the Company’s asset/liability positioning, we entered into an interest rate swap with the customer and Pittsburgh National Bank (PNC) in the fourth quarter of 2008. This arrangement involves the exchange of interest payments based on the notional amounts. The Company entered into a floating rate loan and a fixed rate swap with our customer. Simultaneously, the Company entered into an offsetting fixed rate swap with PNC. In connection with each swap transaction, the Company agrees to pay interest to the customer on a notional amount at a variable interest rate and receive interest from the customer on the same notional amount at a fixed interest rate. At the same time, the Company agrees to pay PNC the same fixed interest rate on the same notional amount and receive the same variable interest rate on the same notional amount. This transaction allows the Company’s customer to effectively convert a variable rate loan to a fixed rate. Because the Company acts as an intermediary for its customer, changes in the fair value of the underlying derivative contracts offset each other and do not significantly impact the Company’s results of operations. The $144,000 fee the Company received on the transaction is being amortized into income over the term of the swap.

 

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The following table summarizes the interest rate swap transactions that impacted the Company’s 2010 performance:

 

START DATE

   MATURITY
DATE
     HEDGE TYPE      NOTIONAL
AMOUNT
     RATE
RECEIVED
    RATE
PAID
    REPRICING
FREQUENCY
     INCREASE
(DECREASE)  IN
INTEREST

EXPENSE
 

12/12/08

     12/24/13         FAIR VALUE       $ 9,000,000         5.25     2.78     MONTHLY       $ 227,582   

12/12/08

     12/24/13         FAIR VALUE         9,000,000         2.78        5.25        MONTHLY         (227,582
                        
                   $   
                        

The Company monitors and controls all derivative products with a comprehensive Board of Director approved hedging policy. This policy permits a total maximum notional amount outstanding of $500 million for interest rate swaps, interest rate caps/floors, and swaptions. All hedge transactions must be approved in advance by the Investment Asset/Liability Committee (ALCO) of the Board of Directors.

22. SEGMENT RESULTS

The financial performance of the Company is also monitored by an internal funds transfer pricing profitability measurement system which produces line of business results and key performance measures. The Company’s major business units include retail banking, commercial lending, trust, and investment/parent. The reported results reflect the underlying economics of the business segments. Expenses for centrally provided services are allocated based upon the cost and estimated usage of those services. The businesses are match-funded and interest rate risk is centrally managed and accounted for within the investment/parent business segment. The key performance measure the Company focuses on for each business segment is net income contribution.

Retail banking includes the deposit-gathering branch franchise, lending to both individuals and small businesses, and financial services. Lending activities include residential mortgage loans, direct consumer loans, and small business commercial loans. Financial services include the sale of mutual funds, annuities, and insurance products. Commercial lending to businesses includes commercial loans, and commercial real-estate loans. The trust segment contains our wealth management businesses which include the Trust company and West Chester Capital Advisors, our registered investment advisory firm. Wealth management includes personal trust products and services such as personal portfolio investment management, estate planning and administration, custodial services and pre-need trusts. Also, institutional trust products and services such as 401(k) plans, defined benefit and defined contribution employee benefit plans, and individual retirement accounts are included in this segment. The Wealth management businesses also includes the union collective investment funds, namely the ERECT and BUILD funds which are designed to use union pension dollars in construction projects that utilize union labor. The investment/parent includes the net results of investment securities and borrowing activities, general corporate expenses not allocated to the business segments, interest expense on guaranteed junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures, and centralized interest rate risk management. Inter-segment revenues were not material.

 

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The contribution of the major business segments to the consolidated results of operations were as follows:

 

     YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2010  
     RETAIL
BANKING
     COMMERCIAL
LENDING
    TRUST      INVESTMENT/
PARENT
    TOTAL  
     (IN THOUSANDS)  

Net interest income

   $ 18,940       $ 12,252      $ 60       $ 1,090      $ 32,342   

Provision for loan loss

     268         4,982                       5,250   

Non-interest income

     6,875         663        6,286         143        13,967   

Non-interest expense

     23,906         7,463        6,013         2,315        39,697   
                                          

Income (loss) before income taxes

     1,641         470        333         (1,082     1,362   

Income taxes (benefit)

     379         (27     111         (383     80   
                                          

Net income (loss)

   $ 1,262       $ 497      $ 222       $ (699   $ 1,282   
                                          

Total assets

   $ 317,210       $ 455,609      $ 3,520       $ 172,635      $ 948,974   
                                          

 

     YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2009  
     RETAIL
BANKING
     COMMERCIAL
LENDING
    TRUST      INVESTMENT/
PARENT
     TOTAL  
     (IN THOUSANDS)  

Net interest income

   $ 18,057       $ 11,924      $ 68       $ 2,385       $ 32,434   

Provision for loan loss

     523         14,627                        15,150   

Non-interest income

     6,872         628        6,299         129         13,928   

Non-interest expense

     23,202         7,694        6,141         2,120         39,157   
                                           

Income (loss) before income taxes

     1,204         (9,769     226         394         (7,945

Income taxes (benefit)

     256         (3,399     78         15         (3,050
                                           

Net income (loss)

   $ 948       $ (6,370   $ 148       $ 379       $ (4,895
                                           

Total assets

   $ 323,053       $ 500,552      $ 3,538       $ 142,883       $ 970,026   
                                           

 

     YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2008  
     RETAIL
BANKING
     COMMERCIAL
LENDING
     TRUST      INVESTMENT/
PARENT
    TOTAL  
     (IN THOUSANDS)  

Net interest income

   $ 17,373       $ 10,328       $ 85       $ 1,331      $ 29,117   

Provision for loan loss

     585         2,340                        2,925   

Non-interest income

     8,253         865         7,511         (205     16,424   

Non-interest expense

     21,610         5,849         5,694         2,484        35,637   
                                           

Income (loss) before income taxes

     3,431         3,004         1,902         (1,358     6,979   

Income taxes (benefit)

     691         705         649         (575     1,470   
                                           

Net income (loss)

   $ 2,740       $ 2,299       $ 1,253       $ (783   $ 5,509   
                                           

Total assets

   $ 350,864       $ 470,084       $ 3,306       $ 142,675      $ 966,929   
                                           

23. REGULATORY CAPITAL

The Company is subject to various capital requirements administered by the federal banking agencies. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Company must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of the Company’s assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. The Company’s capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings, and other factors. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory and

 

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possibly additional discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the Company’s financial statements.

Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require the Company to maintain minimum amounts and ratios (set forth in the table below) of total and Tier I capital to risk-weighted assets, and of Tier I capital to average assets. As of December 31, 2010 and 2009, the Federal Reserve categorized the Company as Well Capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. The Company believes that no conditions or events have occurred that would change this conclusion. To be categorized as well capitalized, the Company must maintain minimum total risk-based, Tier I risk-based, and Tier I leverage ratios as set forth in the table. Additionally, while not a regulatory capital ratio, the Company’s tangible common equity ratio was 7.94% and 7.71% for 2010 and 2009, respectively.

 

     AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2010  
     ACTUAL     FOR CAPITAL
ADEQUACY
PURPOSES
    TO BE WELL
CAPITALIZED UNDER
PROMPT CORRECTIVE
ACTION PROVISIONS
 
     AMOUNT      RATIO     AMOUNT      RATIO     AMOUNT      RATIO  
     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT RATIOS)  

Total Capital (To Risk Weighted Assets) Consolidated

   $ 113,954         16.54   $ 55,118         8.00   $ 68,898         10.00

AmeriServ Financial Bank

     92,172         13.57        54,333         8.00        67,916         10.00   

Tier 1 Capital (To Risk Weighted Assets) Consolidated

     105,193         15.27        27,559         4.00        41,339         6.00   

AmeriServ Financial Bank

     83,533         12.30        27,166         4.00        40,749         6.00   

Tier 1 Capital (To Average Assets) Consolidated

     105,193         11.20        37,555         4.00        46,944         5.00   

AmeriServ Financial Bank

     83,533         9.13        36,588         4.00        45,735         5.00   

 

     AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2009  
     ACTUAL     FOR CAPITAL
ADEQUACY
PURPOSES
    TO BE WELL
CAPITALIZED UNDER
PROMPT CORRECTIVE
ACTION PROVISIONS
 
     AMOUNT      RATIO     AMOUNT      RATIO     AMOUNT      RATIO  
     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT RATIOS)  

Total Capital (To Risk Weighted Assets) Consolidated

   $ 113,166         15.33   $ 59,072         8.00   $ 73,840         10.00

AmeriServ Financial Bank

     88,524         12.15        58,297         8.00        72,871         10.00   

Tier 1 Capital (To Risk Weighted Assets) Consolidated

     103,798         14.06        29,536         4.00        44,304         6.00   

AmeriServ Financial Bank

     79,276         10.88        29,148         4.00        43,722         6.00   

Tier 1 Capital (To Average Assets) Consolidated

     103,798         11.06        37,528         4.00        46,911         5.00   

AmeriServ Financial Bank

     79,276         8.71        36,399         4.00        45,499         5.00   

 

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24. PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL INFORMATION

The parent company functions primarily as a coordinating and servicing unit for all subsidiary entities. Provided services include general management, accounting and taxes, loan review, internal auditing, investment advisory, marketing, insurance risk management, general corporate services, and financial and strategic planning. The following financial information relates only to the parent company operations:

BALANCE SHEETS

 

     AT DECEMBER 31,  
     2010      2009  
     (IN THOUSANDS)  

ASSETS

     

Cash

   $ 100       $ 102   

Short-term investments in money market funds

     2,632         2,915   

Investment securities available for sale

     13,996         16,943   

Equity investment in banking subsidiary

     97,156         94,225   

Equity investment in non-banking subsidiaries

     4,801         4,840   

Guaranteed junior subordinated deferrable interest debenture issuance costs

     271         287   

Other assets

     2,779         2,119   
                 

TOTAL ASSETS

   $ 121,735       $ 121,431   
                 

LIABILITIES

     

Guaranteed junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures

   $ 13,085       $ 13,085   

Other liabilities

     1,592         1,092   
                 

TOTAL LIABILITIES

     14,677         14,177   
                 

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

     

Total stockholders’ equity

     107,058         107,254   
                 

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

   $ 121,735       $ 121,431   
                 

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

 

     YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,  
     2010     2009     2008  
     (IN THOUSANDS)  

INCOME

      

Inter-entity management and other fees

   $ 2,362      $ 2,254      $ 2,254   

Dividends from banking subsidiary

                   6,000   

Dividends from non-banking subsidiaries

     205        460        1,250   

Interest and dividend income

     499        625        292   
                        

TOTAL INCOME

     3,066        3,339        9,796   
                        

EXPENSE

      

Interest expense

     1,121        1,121        1,121   

Salaries and employee benefits

     2,333        2,162        2,004   

Other expense

     1,529        1,441        1,336   
                        

TOTAL EXPENSE

     4,983        4,724        4,461   
                        

INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES AND EQUITY IN UNDISTRIBUTED EARNINGS OF SUBSIDIARIES

     (1,917     (1,385     5,335   

Benefit for income taxes

     722        627        651   

Equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries

     2,477        (4,137     (477
                        

NET INCOME (LOSS)

   $ 1,282      $ (4,895   $ 5,509   
                        

 

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STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

     YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,  
     2010     2009     2008  
     (IN THOUSANDS)  

OPERATING ACTIVITIES

      

Net income (loss)

   $ 1,282      $ (4,895   $ 5,509   

Adjustment to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:

      

Equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries

     (2,477     4,137        477   

Stock compensation expense

     61        73        99   

Other — net

     (107     (462     160   
                        

NET CASH (USED IN) PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES

     (1,241     (1,147     6,245   
                        

INVESTING ACTIVITIES

      

Purchase of investment securities – available for sale

     (4,044     (16,099     (9,720

Proceeds from maturity of investment securities – available for sale

     7,050        7,906        2,008   

Capital contribution to banking subsidiary

     (1,000     (1,000     (5,000
                        

NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) INVESTING ACTIVITIES

     2,006        (9,193     (12,712
                        

FINANCING ACTIVITIES

      

Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock

                   21,000   

Treasury stock, purchased at cost

                   (2,835

Common stock dividends paid

                   (543

Preferred stock dividends paid

     (1,050     (951       
                        

NET CASH (USED IN) PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES

     (1,050     (951     17,622   
                        

NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

     (285     (11,291     11,155   

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT JANUARY 1

     3,017        14,308        3,153   
                        

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT DECEMBER 31

   $ 2,732      $ 3,017      $ 14,308   
                        

The ability of the subsidiary Bank to upstream cash to the parent company is restricted by regulations. Federal law prevents the parent company from borrowing from its subsidiary Bank unless the loans are secured by specified assets. Further, such secured loans are limited in amount to ten percent of the subsidiary Bank’s capital and surplus. In addition, the Bank is subject to legal limitations on the amount of dividends that can be paid to its shareholder. The dividend limitation generally restricts dividend payments to a bank’s retained net income for the current and preceding two calendar years. Cash may also be upstreamed to the parent company by the subsidiaries as an inter-entity management fee. At December 31, 2010, the subsidiary Bank was not permitted to upstream any additional cash dividends to the parent company. The subsidiary Bank had a combined $97,311,000 of restricted surplus and retained earnings at December 31, 2010.

 

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25. SELECTED QUARTERLY CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA

The following table sets forth certain unaudited quarterly consolidated financial data regarding the Company:

 

     2010 QUARTER ENDED  
     DEC. 31      SEPT. 30      JUNE 30      MARCH 31  
     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)  

Interest income

   $ 10,856       $ 11,060       $ 11,450       $ 11,465   

Interest expense

     2,866         3,037         3,242         3,344   
                                   

Net interest income

     7,990         8,023         8,208         8,121   

Provision for loan losses

             1,000         1,200         3,050   
                                   

Net interest income after provision for loan losses

     7,990         7,023         7,008         5,071   

Non-interest income

     3,766         3,513         3,388         3,300   

Non-interest expense

     10,373         9,774         9,786         9,764   
                                   

Income (loss) before income taxes

     1,383         762         610         (1,393

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

     269         153         133         (475
                                   

Net income (loss)

   $ 1,114       $ 609       $ 477       $ (918
                                   

Basic earnings (loss) per common share

   $ 0.04       $ 0.02       $ 0.01       $ (0.06

Diluted earnings (loss) per common share

     0.04         0.02         0.01         (0.06

Cash dividends declared per common share

     0.00         0.00         0.00         0.00   

 

     2009 QUARTER ENDED  
     DEC. 31     SEPT. 30     JUNE 30     MARCH 31  
     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)  

Interest income

   $ 11,767      $ 11,698      $ 12,055      $ 11,935   

Interest expense

     3,570        3,773        3,884        3,794   
                                

Net interest income

     8,197        7,925        8,171        8,141   

Provision for loan losses

     3,750        6,300        3,300        1,800   
                                

Net interest income after provision for loan losses

     4,447        1,625        4,871        6,341   

Non-interest income

     3,422        3,454        3,491        3,561   

Non-interest expense

     10,793        9,566        9,636        9,162   
                                

Income (loss) before income taxes

     (2,924     (4,487     (1,274     740   

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

     (1,245     (1,677     (335     207   
                                

Net income (loss)

   $ (1,679   $ (2,810   $ (939   $ 533   
                                

Basic (loss) earnings per common share

   $ (0.09   $ (0.15   $ (0.06   $ 0.01   

Diluted (loss) earnings per common share

     (0.09     (0.15     (0.06     0.01   

Cash dividends declared per common share

     0.00        0.00        0.00        0.00   

 

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

Audit Committee

AmeriServ Financial, Inc.

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of AmeriServ Financial, Inc. (the “Company”) and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), changes in stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2010. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audit included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of AmeriServ Financial, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2010, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

 

/s/S.R. Snodgrass, A.C.

Wexford, PA

March 7, 2011

 

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REPORT ON MANAGEMENT’S ASSESSMENT OF

INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

AmeriServ Financial, Inc. is responsible for the preparation, integrity, and fair presentation of the consolidated financial statements included in this annual report. The consolidated financial statements and notes included in this annual report have been prepared in conformity with United States generally accepted accounting principles and necessarily include some amounts that are based on management’s best estimates and judgments.

We, as management of AmeriServ Financial, Inc., are responsible for establishing and maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting that is designed to produce reliable financial statements in conformity with United States generally accepted accounting principles. The system of internal control over financial reporting as it relates to the financial statements is evaluated for effectiveness by management and tested for reliability through a program of internal audits. Actions are taken to correct potential deficiencies as they are identified. Any system of internal control, no matter how well designed, has inherent limitations, including the possibility that a control can be circumvented or overridden and misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected. Also, because of changes in conditions, internal control effectiveness may vary over time. Accordingly, even an effective system of internal control will provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation.

Management assessed the Company’s system of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2010, in relation to criteria for effective internal control over financial reporting as described in “Internal Control — Integrated Framework,” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this assessment, management concludes that, as of December 31, 2010, its system of internal control over financial reporting is effective and meets the criteria of the “Internal Control — Integrated Framework”. This annual report does not include an attestation report of the Company’s registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. Management’s report was not subject to attestation by the Company’s registered public accounting firm pursuant to the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission that permit the Company to provide only management’s report in this annual report.

 

/s/ GLENN L. WILSON

  /s/ JEFFREY A. STOPKO
Glenn L. Wilson   Jeffrey A. Stopko
President & Chief Executive Officer   Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

Johnstown, PA

February 17, 2011

 

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STATEMENT OF MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY

February 17, 2011

To the Stockholders and

Board of Directors of

AmeriServ Financial, Inc.

Management of AmeriServ Financial, Inc. and its subsidiaries have prepared the consolidated financial statements and other information in the Annual Report and Form 10-K in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and are responsible for its accuracy.

In meeting its responsibility, management relies on internal accounting and related control systems, which include selection and training of qualified personnel, establishment and communication of accounting and administrative policies and procedures, appropriate segregation of responsibilities, and programs of internal audit. These systems are designed to provide reasonable assurance that financial records are reliable for preparing financial statements and maintaining accountability for assets and that assets are safeguarded against unauthorized use or disposition. Such assurance cannot be absolute because of inherent limitations in any internal control system.

Management also recognizes its responsibility to foster a climate in which Company affairs are conducted with the highest ethical standards. The Company’s Code of Conduct, furnished to each employee and director, addresses the importance of open internal communications, potential conflicts of interest, compliance with applicable laws, including those related to financial disclosure, the confidentiality of proprietary information, and other items. There is an ongoing program to assess compliance with these policies.

The Audit Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors consists solely of outside directors. The Audit Committee meets periodically with management and the independent auditors to discuss audit, financial reporting, and related matters. S.R. Snodgrass A.C. and the Company’s internal auditors have direct access to the Audit Committee.

 

/s/ GLENN L. WILSON

  /s/ JEFFREY A. STOPKO
Glenn L. Wilson   Jeffrey A. Stopko
President & Chief Executive Officer   Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

 

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

None.

 

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures. As of December 31, 2010, an evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, on the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934). Based on that evaluation, the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2010.

Disclosure controls and procedures are the controls and other procedures that are designed to ensure that the information required to be disclosed by the Company in its reports filed and submitted under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”), is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in its reports filed under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including the principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Management Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. The Company’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act. Management’s assessment of internal control over financial reporting for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010 is included in Item 8.

 

ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION

None.

PART III

 

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Information required by this section relating to Directors of the Registrant is presented in the “Election of ASRV Directors” section of the Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

 

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

Information required by this section is presented in the “Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation,” “Compensation Discussion and Analysis,” the “Compensation Committee Report,” and “Compensation Paid to Executive Officers” sections of the Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

 

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

Information required by this section is presented in the “Principal Owners” and “Security Ownership of Management” sections of the Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

 

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

Information required by this section is presented in the “Director Independence and Transactions with Related Parties” section of the Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

 

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

Information required by this section is presented in the “Independent Registered Accounting Firm” section of the Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

PART IV

 

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FILED:

The consolidated financial statements listed below are from this 2010 Form 10-K and Part II — Item 8. Page references are to this Form 10-K.

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS:

 

AmeriServ Financial, Inc. and Subsidiaries

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets,

    40   

Consolidated Statements of Operations,

    41   

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss),

    43   

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity,

    44   

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows,

    45   

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements,

    46   

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm,

    85   

Statement of Management Responsibility,

    87   

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES:

These schedules are not required or are not applicable under Securities and Exchange Commission accounting regulations and therefore have been omitted.

 

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EXHIBITS:

The exhibits listed below are filed herewith or to other filings.

 

EXHIBIT

NUMBER

 

DESCRIPTION

 

PRIOR FILING OR EXHIBIT

PAGE NUMBER HEREIN

3.1   Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation as amended through December 23, 2009.   Exhibit 3.1 to Form 8-K Filed on December 23, 2009
3.2   Bylaws, as amended and restated on December 17, 2009.   Exhibit 3.2 to Form 8-K Filed on December 23, 2009
3.3   Certificate of Designation of Rights of Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series D.   Exhibit 3.1 to Form 8-K Filed December 22, 2008
4.1   Warrant, dated December 19, 2008, to purchase 1,312,500 shares of common stock, par value $2.50 per share, of AmeriServ Financial, Inc.   Exhibit 4.1 to Form 8-K Filed December 22, 2008
10.1   Agreement, dated July 22, 2009, between AmeriServ Financial, Inc. and Glenn L. Wilson  

Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K Filed

July 28, 2009

21.1   Subsidiaries of the Registrant.   Below
23.1   Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm   Below
31.1   Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.   Below
31.2   Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.   Below
32.1   Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. section 1350, as adopted pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.   Below
32.2   Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. section 1350, as adopted pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.   Below
99.1   Chief Executive Officer Certification pursuant to Section 111(b)(4) of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, as Amended   Below
99.2   Chief Financial Officer Certification pursuant to Section 111(b)(4) of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, as Amended   Below

 

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SIGNATURES

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

 

AmeriServ Financial, Inc.

(Registrant)

By:  

/s/ Glenn L. Wilson

  Glenn L. Wilson
  President & CEO

Date: March 7, 2011

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities indicated on March 7, 2011:

 

 /s/ Craig G. Ford

   Chairman     
Craig G. Ford    Director     

 /s/ Glenn L. Wilson

   President, CEO & Director  

 /s/ Jeffrey A. Stopko

   EVP & CFO
Glenn L. Wilson      Jeffrey A. Stopko   

/s/ J. Michael Adams, Jr.

   Director  

/s/ Very Rev. Christian R. Oravec

   Director
J. Michael Adams, Jr.      Very Rev. Christian R. Oravec   

/s/ Allan R. Dennison

   Director  

/s/ Mark E. Pasquerilla

   Director
Allan R. Dennison      Mark E. Pasquerilla   

/s/ Daniel R. DeVos

   Director  

/s/ Howard M. Picking, III

   Director
Daniel R. DeVos      Howard M. Picking, III   

/s/ James C. Dewar

   Director  

/s/ Sara A. Sargent

   Director
James C. Dewar      Sara A. Sargent   

/s/ Bruce E. Duke, III

   Director  

/s/ Thomas C. Slater

   Director
Bruce E. Duke, III      Thomas C. Slater   

/s/ James M. Edwards, Sr.

   Director  

/s/ Robert L. Wise

   Director
James M. Edwards, Sr.      Robert L. Wise   

/s/ Kim W. Kunkle

   Director     
Kim W. Kunkle        

/s/ Margaret A. O’Malley

   Director     
Margaret A. O’Malley        

 

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AMERISERV FINANCIAL, INC.

 

 

AMERISERV FINANCIAL

BANK OFFICE LOCATIONS

     

REMOTE ATM

BANKING LOCATIONS

*

 

Main Office Downtown

216 Franklin Street

PO Box 520

Johnstown, PA 15907-0520 1-800-837-BANK (2265)

 

*

 

Seward Office

1 Roadway Plaza 6858 Route 711 Suite One

Seward, PA 15954-9501

 

East Hills Drive-up,
1213 Scalp Avenue, Johnstown

Main Office, 216 Franklin Street, Johnstown

†*  

Westmont Office

110 Plaza Drive

Johnstown, PA 15905-1211

  *  

Windber Office

1501 Somerset Avenue

Windber, PA 15963-1745

 

The Galleria, Johnstown

Goga’s Service Station,

Cairnbrook

†*  

University Heights Office

1404 Eisenhower Boulevard Johnstown, PA 15904-3218

   

Central City Office

104 Sunshine Avenue

Central City, PA 15926-1129

 

AMERISERV RESIDENTIAL

LENDING LOCATIONS

*  

Eighth Ward Office

1059 Franklin Street

Johnstown, PA 15905-4303

  *  

Somerset Office

108 W. Main Street

Somerset, PA 15501-2035

 

Main Office Downtown

216 Franklin Street

PO Box 520

Johnstown, PA 15907-0520

*  

West End Office

163 Fairfield Avenue

Johnstown, PA 15906-2347

  *  

Derry Office

112 South Chestnut Street

Derry, PA 15627-1938

 

Altoona Office

87 Logan Boulevard

Altoona, PA 16602-3123

*  

Carrolltown Office

101 South Main Street

Carrolltown, PA 15722-0507

  *  

South Atherton Office

734 South Atherton Street State College, PA 16801-4628

 

Pittsburgh Loan Center

300 Penn Center Boulevard

Suite 402

Pittsburgh, PA 15235-5507

*  

Northern Cambria Office

4206 Crawford Avenue Suite 1 Northern Cambria, PA 15714-1342

  *  

Pittsburgh Office

60 Boulevard of the Allies

Suite 100

Pittsburgh, PA 15222-1232

 
†*  

Lovell Park Office

179 Lovell Avenue

Ebensburg, PA 15931-0418

  *  

North Atherton Office

1857 N. Atherton Street

State College, PA 16803-1521

 
*  

Nanty Glo Office

1383 Shoemaker Street

Nanty Glo, PA 15943-1254

 

*=

 

†=

 

24-Hour ATM Banking

Available

Seven Day a Week Banking Available

 
†*  

Galleria Mall Office

500 Galleria Drive Suite 100

Johnstown, PA 15904-8911

     

 

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SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

SECURITIES MARKETS

AmeriServ Financial, Inc. Common Stock is publicly traded and quoted on the NASDAQ National Market System. The common stock is traded under the symbol of “ASRV.” The listed market makers for the stock are:

 

Sandler O’Neill & Partners, L.P.

919 Third Avenue

6th Floor

New York, NY 10022

Telephone: (800) 635-6860

Stifel Nicolaus

1407 Eisenhower Boulevard

Johnstown, PA 15904

Telephone: (814) 269-9211

Keefe Bruyette & Woods, Inc.

787 Seventh Avenue

Equitable Bldg — 4th Floor

New York, NY 10019

Telephone: (800) 966-1559

Knight Capital Group, Inc.

545 Washington Boulevard

Jersey City, NJ 07310

Telephone: (800) 544-7508

Janney Montgomery Scott, LLC

1801 Market Street, 8th Floor

Philadelphia, PA 19103-1675

Telephone: (215) 665-6000

 

 

CORPORATE OFFICES

The corporate offices of AmeriServ Financial, Inc. are located at 216 Franklin Street, Johnstown, PA 15901. Mailing address:

P.O. Box 430

Johnstown, PA 15907-0430

(814) 533-5300

AGENTS

The transfer agent and registrar for AmeriServ Financial, Inc.’s common stock is:

Computershare Investor Services

P O Box 43078

Providence, RI 02940-3078

Shareholder Inquiries: 1-800-730-4001

Internet Address: http://www. Computershare.com

INFORMATION

Analysts, investors, shareholders, and others seeking financial data about AmeriServ Financial, Inc. or any of its subsidiaries’ annual and quarterly reports, proxy statements, 10-K, 10-Q, 8-K, and call reports — are asked to contact Jeffrey A. Stopko, Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at (814) 533-5310 or by e-mail at JStopko@AmeriServ.com. The Company also maintains a website (www.AmeriServ.com) that makes available, free of charge, such reports and proxy statements and other current financial information, such as press releases and SEC documents, as well as the corporate governance documents under the Investor Relations tab on the Company’s website. Information contained on the Company’s website is not incorporated by reference into this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

93