CB Financial Services, Inc. - Annual Report: 2019 (Form 10-K)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

(Mark One)

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019

For the transition period from __________ to __________

Commission file number: 001-36706

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (724) 966-5041

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

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.

Yes ☐     No ☒

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.

Yes ☐     No ☒

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted 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 such files). Yes ☒   No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Act).

Yes ☐   No ☒

The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates of the registrant, computed by reference to the last sale price on June 30, 2019, as reported by the Nasdaq Global Market, was approximately $118.6 million.

As of March 6, 2020, the number of shares outstanding of the Registrant’s Common Stock was 5,405,656.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Proxy Statement for the 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of the Registrant (Part III)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I

Forward-Looking Statements

This Annual Report on Form 10-K (“Report”) contains forward-looking statements, which can be identified by the use of words such as “estimate,” “project,” “believe,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “assume,” “plan,” “seek,” “expect,” “will,” “may,” “should,” “indicate,” “would,” “contemplate,” “continue,” “target” and words of similar meaning. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to:

These forward-looking statements are based on our current beliefs and expectations, and are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond our control. In addition, these forward-looking statements are subject to assumptions with respect to future business strategies and decisions that are subject to change. We are under no duty to and do not take any obligation to update any forward-looking statements after the date of this Report.

The following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from the anticipated results or other expectations expressed in the forward-looking statements:

Because of these and a wide variety of other uncertainties, our actual future results may be materially different from the expected results indicated by these forward-looking statements.

In this Report, the terms “we,” “our,” and “us” refer to CB Financial Services, Inc., and Community Bank, unless the context indicates another meaning. In addition, we sometimes refer to CB Financial Services, Inc., as “CB,” or the “Company” and to Community Bank as the “Bank.”

CB Financial Services, Inc.

CB Financial Services, Inc. (the “Company”), a Pennsylvania corporation, is a bank holding company headquartered in Carmichaels, Pennsylvania. The Company’s common stock is traded on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol “CBFV.” The Company conducts its operations primarily through its wholly owned subsidiary, Community Bank, a Pennsylvania-chartered commercial bank. At December 31, 2019, the Company, on a consolidated basis, had total assets of $1.3 billion, total deposits of $1.1 billion and stockholders’ equity of $151.6 million.

Copies of the reports the Company files electronically with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) are available free of charge through the SEC’s website address at https://www.sec.gov and through the Bank’s website address at https://www.communitybank.tv.

Community Bank

Community Bank is a Pennsylvania-chartered commercial bank headquartered in Carmichaels, Pennsylvania. The Bank is a community-oriented institution that conducts its business from its main office and 23 branches in Greene, Allegheny, Washington, Fayette and Westmoreland Counties in southwestern Pennsylvania; Brooke, Marshall, Ohio, Upshur and Wetzel Counties in West Virginia; and one office in Belmont County in Ohio by offering residential and commercial real estate loans, commercial and industrial loans, and consumer loans as well as a variety of deposit products for individuals and businesses in its market area. In addition, the Bank is the sole shareholder of Exchange Underwriters, Inc. ("Exchange Underwriters" or “EU”), a wholly-owned subsidiary that is a full-service, independent insurance agency that offers property and casualty, commercial liability, surety and other insurance products.

The Bank was originally chartered in 1901 as The First National Bank of Carmichaels. In 1987, the Bank changed its name to Community Bank, National Association. In December 2006, the Bank completed a charter conversion from a national bank to a Pennsylvania-chartered commercial bank wholly-owned by the Company. The Bank is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) System. Our deposits are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”).

Our principal executive office is located at 100 North Market Street, Carmichaels, Pennsylvania, and our telephone number at that address is (724) 966-5041. Our website address is https://www.communitybank.tv. Information on this website is not and should not be considered to be a part of this Report.

Merger

Effective April 30, 2018, the Company completed its merger with First West Virginia Bancorp (“FWVB”), the holding company for Progressive Bank, N.A. (“PB”), a national association. The FWVB merger enhanced the Bank’s exposure into the core of the Tri-State region with the addition of seven branches in West Virginia and one branch in Eastern Ohio. The FWVB merger value was approximately $51.3 million. In connection with the FWVB merger, the Company issued 1,317,647 shares of common stock based on the Company’s closing stock price on April 30, 2018, of $31.9068, and paid cash consideration of $9.8 million in exchange for all the outstanding shares of FWVB common stock.

As of the date of merger, FWVB had approximately $334.0 million of assets, $96.8 million of loans, and $282.9 million of deposits held across a network of 8 branches. After the merger, the Company stockholders and FWVB stockholders owned approximately 76% and 24% of the combined company, respectively.

The merger was accounted for as an acquisition in accordance with the acquisition method of accounting as detailed in Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 805, Business Combinations. The acquisition method of accounting requires an acquirer to recognize the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed based on their fair values as of the date of acquisition. This process is heavily reliant on measuring and estimating the fair values of all the assets and liabilities of the acquired entity. To the extent we do not have the requisite expertise to determine the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, we engaged third-party valuation specialists to assist us in determining such values. The results of the fair value evaluation generated goodwill and intangible assets. Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of an acquisition over the fair value of the net assets acquired. Other intangible assets represent purchased assets that lack physical substance but can be distinguished from goodwill because of contractual obligations or other legal rights.

The assets acquired and liabilities assumed of FWVB were recorded on the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition at their estimated fair values as of April 30, 2018. Based on a purchase price allocation, the Company recorded $23.5 million in goodwill and $9.1 million in core deposit intangibles related to FWVB acquisition.

Market Area

The Company’s southwestern Pennsylvania market area consists of Greene, Allegheny, Washington, Fayette and Westmoreland Counties. Our branches located in Allegheny, Washington, Fayette, and Westmoreland Counties are in the southern suburban area of metropolitan Pittsburgh. Our acquired branches from the FWVB merger extend the Company’s market area into West Virginia with seven branch locations in Brooke, Marshall, Ohio, Upshur and Wetzel Counties; and one branch location in Belmont County in eastern Ohio. The following table sets forth certain economic statistics for our market area.

The market area has been impacted by the energy industry through the extraction of untapped natural gas reserves in the Marcellus Shale Formation. The Marcellus Shale Formation extends throughout much of the Appalachian Basin and most of Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Eastern Ohio and is located near high-demand markets along the East Coast. The proximity to these markets makes it an attractive target for energy development and has resulted in significant job creation through the development of gas wells and transportation of gas. Greene County is a significantly more rural county compared to the counties in which we have our other branches.

Competition

We encounter significant competition both in attracting deposits and in originating real estate and other loans. Our most direct competition for deposits historically has come from other commercial banks, savings banks, savings associations and credit unions in our market area, and we expect continued strong competition from such financial institutions in the foreseeable future. The Company faces additional competition for deposits from online financial institutions and non-depository competitors, such as the mutual fund industry, securities and brokerage firms, and insurance companies. We compete for deposits by offering depositors a high level of personal service and expertise together with a wide range of financial services. Our deposit sources are primarily concentrated in the communities surrounding our banking offices located in Greene, Allegheny, Washington, Fayette and Westmoreland Counties in southwestern Pennsylvania; Brooke, Marshall, Ohio, Upshur and Wetzel Counties in West Virginia; and Belmont County in eastern Ohio. As of June 30, 2019, our FDIC-insured deposit market share in the counties we serve, out of 58 bank and thrift institutions, was 0.75%. Such data does not reflect deposits held by credit unions.

The competition for real estate and other loans comes principally from other commercial banks, mortgage banking companies, government-sponsored entities, savings banks and savings associations. This competition for loans has increased substantially in recent years. We compete for loans primarily through the interest rates, prepayment penalties, and loan fees we charge and the efficiency and quality of services we provide to borrowers. Factors that affect competition include general and local economic conditions, current interest rate levels and the volatility of the mortgage markets.

Lending Activities

General. Our principal lending activity has been the origination in our local market area of residential one- to four-family, commercial real estate, construction, commercial and industrial, and consumer loans. At December 31, 2019, our net loans receivable totaled $942.6 million compared to $903.3 million at December 31, 2018. Our overall net loan growth was $39.3 million, or 4.4%.

Loan Portfolio Composition. The Company primarily originates residential real estate, commercial real estate, construction, commercial and industrial, consumer and other loans. The following table sets forth the composition of the Company’s loan portfolio by type of loan at the dates indicated. When the Company sells loans, the loans are sold immediately upon origination. Therefore, the Company did not have loans held for sale at any of the dates indicated below.

Residential Real Estate Loans. Residential real estate loans are comprised of loans secured by one- to four-family residential properties. Included in residential real estate loans are traditional one- to four-family mortgage loans, home equity installment loans, and home equity lines of credit. We generate loans through our marketing efforts, existing customers and referrals, real estate brokers, builders and local businesses. At December 31, 2019, $347.8 million, or 36.5%, of our total loan portfolio was invested in residential loans.

One- to Four-Family Mortgage Loans. Historically our primary lending activity has been the origination of fixed-rate, one- to four-family, owner-occupied, residential mortgage loans with terms up to 30 years secured by property located in our market area. At December 31, 2019, one- to four-family mortgage loans totaled $246.1 million. Our one- to four-family residential mortgage loans are generally conforming loans, underwritten according to secondary market guidelines. We generally originate mortgage loans in amounts up to the maximum conforming loan limits established by the Federal Housing Finance Agency, which, for 2019, is typically $484,350 for single-family homes, except in certain high-cost areas in the United States. At December 31, 2019, one- to four-family residential mortgage loans with principal balances in excess of $484,350, commonly referred to as jumbo loans, totaled $27.4 million. Our mortgage loans amortize monthly with principal and interest due each month. These loans often remain outstanding for significantly shorter periods than their contractual terms because borrowers may refinance or prepay loans at their option without a prepayment penalty.

When underwriting one- to four-family mortgage loans, we review and verify each loan applicant’s income and credit history. Management believes that stability of income and past credit history are integral parts in the underwriting process. Written appraisals are generally required on real estate property offered to secure an applicant’s loan. We generally limit the loan-to-value ratios of one- to four-family residential mortgage loans to 80% of the purchase price or appraised value of the property, whichever is less. For one- to four-family real estate loans with loan-to-value ratios of over 80%, we generally require private mortgage insurance. We require fire and casualty insurance on all properties securing real estate loans. We require title insurance, or an attorney’s title opinion, as circumstances warrant.

Our one- to four-family mortgage loans customarily include due-on-sale clauses, which give us the right to declare a loan immediately due and payable in the event, among other things, that the borrower sells or otherwise disposes of the underlying real property serving as collateral for the loan.

Fixed-rate one- to four-family residential mortgage loans with terms of 15 years or more are originated for resale to the secondary market. During the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, we originated $10.7 and $10.3 million of fixed-rate residential mortgage loans, respectively, which were subsequently sold in the secondary mortgage market.

The origination of fixed-rate mortgage loans versus adjustable-rate mortgage loans is monitored on an ongoing basis and is affected significantly by the level of market interest rates, customer preference, our interest rate risk position and our competitors’ loan products. Adjustable-rate mortgage loans secured by one- to four-family residential real estate totaled $35.5 million at December 31, 2019. Adjustable-rate mortgage loans make our loan portfolio more interest rate sensitive. However, as the interest income earned on adjustable-rate mortgage loans varies with prevailing interest rates, such loans do not offer predictable cash flows in the same manner as long-term, fixed-rate loans. Adjustable-rate mortgage loans carry increased credit risk associated with potentially higher monthly payments by borrowers as general market interest rates increase. It is possible that during periods of rising interest rates that the risk of delinquencies and defaults on adjustable-rate mortgage loans may increase due to the upward adjustment of interest costs to the borrower, resulting in increased loan losses.

We do not offer an “interest only” mortgage loan product on one- to four-family residential properties (where the borrower pays interest for an initial period, after which the loan converts to a fully amortizing loan). We also do not offer loans that provide for negative amortization of principal, such as “Option ARM” loans, where the borrower can pay less than the interest owed on the loan, resulting in an increased principal balance during the life of the loan. We do not offer a “subprime loan” program (loans that generally target borrowers with weakened credit histories typically characterized by payment delinquencies, previous charge-offs, judgments, bankruptcies, or borrowers with questionable repayment capacity as evidenced by low credit scores or high debt-burden ratios) or Alt-A loans (traditionally defined as loans having less than full documentation). We may originate loans to consumers with a credit score below 660. This may be defined as subprime loans, however there are typically mitigating circumstances that according to FDIC guidance and our opinion would not designate such loans as “subprime.”

Home Equity Loans. At December 31, 2019, home equity loans totaled $101.7 million. Our home equity loans and lines of credit are generally secured by the borrower’s principal residence. The maximum amount of a home equity loan or line of credit is generally 85% of the appraised value of a borrower’s real estate collateral less the amount of any prior mortgages or related liabilities. Home equity loans and lines of credit are approved with both fixed and adjustable interest rates, which we determine based upon market conditions. Such loans are fully amortized over the life of the loan. Generally, the maximum term for home equity loans is 20 years.

Our underwriting standards for home equity loans include a determination of the applicant’s credit history and an assessment of the applicant’s ability to meet existing obligations and payments on the proposed loan. The stability of the applicant’s monthly income may be determined by verification of gross monthly income from primary employment, and additionally from any verifiable secondary income. We also consider the length of employment with the borrower’s present employer. Creditworthiness of the applicant is of primary consideration; however, the underwriting process also includes a comparison of the value of the collateral in relation to the proposed loan amount.

We primarily originate home equity loans secured by first lien mortgages. Home equity loans in a junior lien position totaled $13.4 million at December 31, 2019 and entail greater risks than one- to four-family residential mortgage loans or home equity loans secured by first lien mortgages. In such cases, collateral repossessed after a default may not provide an adequate source of repayment of the outstanding loan balance because of damage or depreciation in the value of the property or loss of equity to the first lien position. Further, home equity loan payments are dependent on the borrower’s continuing financial stability, and therefore are more likely to be adversely affected by job loss, divorce, illness or personal bankruptcy. Finally, the application of various federal and state laws, including federal and state bankruptcy and insolvency laws, may limit the amount that can be recovered on such loans in the event of a default.

Commercial Real Estate Loans. We originate commercial real estate loans that are secured primarily by improved properties, such as retail facilities, office buildings and other non-residential buildings as well as multifamily properties. At December 31, 2019, $351.4 million, or 37.0% of our total loan portfolio, consisted of commercial real estate loans.

Our commercial real estate loans generally have adjustable interest rates with terms of up to 15 years and amortization periods up to 25 years. The adjustable rate loans are typically fixed for the first five years and adjust every five years thereafter. The maximum loan-to-value ratio of our commercial real estate loans is generally 75% to 80% of the lower of cost or appraised value of the property securing the loan.

We consider a number of factors in originating commercial real estate loans. We evaluate the qualifications and financial condition of the borrower, including project-level and global cash flows and debt service coverage, credit history and management expertise, as well as the value and condition of the property, securing the loan. When evaluating the qualifications of the borrower, we consider the financial resources of the borrower, the borrower’s experience in owning or managing similar property and the borrower’s payment history with the Bank and other financial institutions. In evaluating the property securing the loan, the factors considered include the net operating income of the mortgaged property before debt service and depreciation, and the ratio of the loan amount to the appraised value of the property. We generally will not lend to High Volatility Commercial Real Estate (HVCRE) projects. All commercial real estate loans are appraised by outside independent state certified general appraisers. Personal guarantees are generally obtained from the principals of commercial real estate loan borrowers, although this requirement may be waived in limited circumstances depending upon the loan-to-value ratio and the debt-service ratio associated with the loan. The Bank requires property and casualty insurance and flood insurance if the property is in a flood zone area.

We underwrite commercial real estate loan participations to the same standards as loans originated by us. In addition, we consider the financial strength and reputation of the lead lender. We require the lead lender to provide a full closing package as well as annual financial statements for the borrower and related entities so that we can conduct an annual loan review for all loan participations. Loans secured by commercial real estate generally involve a greater degree of credit risk than residential mortgage loans and carry larger loan balances. This increased credit risk is a result of several factors, including the effects of general economic conditions on income producing properties and the successful operation or management of the properties securing the loans. Furthermore, the repayment of loans secured by commercial real estate is typically dependent upon the successful operation of the related business and real estate property. If the cash flow from the project is reduced, the borrower’s ability to repay the loan may be impaired.

Construction Loans. We originate construction loans to individuals to finance the construction of residential dwellings and also originate loans for the construction of commercial properties, including hotels, apartment buildings, housing developments, and owner-occupied properties used for businesses. At December 31, 2019, $35.6 million, or 3.7% of our total loan portfolio, consisted of construction loans. Our construction loans generally provide for the payment of interest only during the construction phase, which is usually 12 to 18 months. At the end of the construction phase, the loan generally converts to a permanent residential or commercial mortgage loan. Loans generally can be made with a maximum loan-to-value ratio of 80% on both residential and commercial construction. Before making a commitment to fund a construction loan, we require a pro forma appraisal of the property, as completed by an independent licensed appraiser. We also will require an inspection of the property before disbursement of funds during the term of the construction loan. We typically do not lend to developers unless they maintain a 15% cash equity position in the project.

Commercial and Industrial Loans. We originate commercial and industrial loans and lines of credit to borrowers located in our market area that are generally secured by collateral other than real estate, such as equipment, accounts receivable, inventory, and other business assets. At December 31, 2019, $85.6 million, or 9.0% of our total loan portfolio, consisted of commercial and industrial loans. The loans generally have terms of maturity from five to seven years with adjustable interest rates tied to the prime rate, LIBOR or the weekly average of the FHLB of Pittsburgh three- to ten-year fixed rates. We generally obtain personal guarantees from the borrower or a third party as a condition to originating the loan. On a limited basis, we will originate unsecured business loans in those instances where the applicant’s financial strength and creditworthiness has been established. Commercial business loans generally bear higher interest rates than residential loans, but they also may involve a higher risk of default because their repayment is generally dependent on the successful operation of the borrower’s business.

Our underwriting standards for commercial business loans include a determination of the applicant’s ability to meet existing obligations and payments on the proposed loan from normal cash flows generated in the applicant’s business. We assess the financial strength of each applicant through the review of financial statements and tax returns provided by the applicant. The creditworthiness of an applicant is derived from a review of credit reports as well as a search of public records. We periodically review business loans following origination. We request financial statements at least annually and review them for substantial deviations or changes that might affect repayment of the loan. Our loan officers may also visit the premises of borrowers to observe the business premises, facilities, and personnel and to inspect the pledged collateral. Lines of credit secured with accounts receivable and inventory typically require that the customer provide a monthly borrowing base certificate that is reviewed prior to each draw request. Underwriting standards for business loans are different for each type of loan depending on the financial strength of the applicant and the value of collateral offered as security. All commercial loans are assigned a risk rating, which is reviewed internally, as well as by independent loan review professionals, annually.

Consumer Loans. We originate consumer loans that primarily consist of indirect auto loans and, to a lesser extent, secured and unsecured loans and lines of credit. As of December 31, 2019, consumer loans totaled $113.6 million, or 11.9%, of our total loan portfolio, of which $105.2 million were indirect auto loans. Consumer loans are generally offered on a fixed-rate basis. Our underwriting standards for consumer loans include a determination of the applicant’s credit history and an assessment of the applicant’s ability to meet existing obligations and payments on the proposed loan. The stability of the applicant’s monthly income may be determined by verification of gross monthly income from primary employment, and additionally from any verifiable secondary income. We also consider the length of employment with the borrower’s present employer as well as the amount of time the borrower has lived in the local area. Creditworthiness of the applicant is of primary consideration; however, the underwriting process also includes a comparison of the value of the collateral in relation to the proposed loan amount.

Indirect auto loans are loans that are sold by auto dealerships to third parties, such as banks or other types of lenders. We work with various auto dealers throughout our lending area. The dealer collects information from the applicant and transmits it to us electronically for review, where we can either accept or reject the applicant without ever meeting the applicant. If the Bank approves the applicant’s request for financing, the Bank purchases the dealership-originated installment sales contract and is known as the holder in due course that is entitled to receive principal and interest payments from a borrower. As compensation for generating the loan, a portion of the rate is advanced to the dealer and accrued in a prepaid dealer reserve account. As a result, the Bank’s yield is below the contractual interest rate because the Bank must wait for the stream of loan payments to be repaid. The Bank will receive a pro rata refund of the amount prepaid to the dealer only if the loan prepays within the first six months or if the collateral for the loan is repossessed. The Bank is responsible for pursuing repossession if the borrower defaults on payments.

Consumer loans entail greater risks than one- to four-family residential mortgage loans, particularly consumer loans secured by rapidly depreciating assets, such as automobiles, or loans that are unsecured. In such cases, collateral repossessed after a default may not provide an adequate source of repayment of the outstanding loan balance because of damage, loss or depreciation. Further, consumer loan payments are dependent on the borrower’s continuing financial stability, and therefore are more likely to be adversely affected by job loss, divorce, illness or personal bankruptcy. Such events would increase our risk of loss on unsecured loans. Finally, the application of various federal and state laws, including federal and state bankruptcy and insolvency laws, may limit the amount that can be recovered on such loans in the event of a default.

Loan Portfolio Maturities and Yields. The following table summarizes the scheduled repayments of our loan portfolio at December 31, 2019. Demand loans, loans having no stated repayment schedule or maturity, and overdraft loans are reported as being due in one year or less. Consumer loans consist primarily of indirect automobile loans whereby a portion of the rate is prepaid to the dealer and accrued in a prepaid dealer reserve account. Therefore, the true yield for the portfolio is significantly less than the note rate disclosed below.

The following table sets forth at December 31, 2019, the dollar amount of all fixed-rate and adjustable-rate loans due after December 31, 2020.

Loan Approval Procedures and Authority

Our lending activities follow written, non-discriminatory underwriting standards and loan origination procedures established by the Board of Directors (the “Board”). In the approval process for residential loans, we assess the borrower’s ability to repay the loan and the value of the property securing the loan. To assess the borrower’s ability to repay, we review the borrower’s income and expenses and employment and credit history. In the case of commercial loans, we also review projected income, expenses and the viability of the project being financed. We generally require appraisals of all real property securing loans. Appraisals are performed by independent licensed appraisers. The Bank’s loan approval policies and limits are also established by its Board. All loans originated by the Bank are subject to its underwriting guidelines. Loan approval authorities vary based on loan size in the aggregate. Individual officer loan approval authority generally applies to loans of up to $500,000. Loans above that amount and up to $2.0 million may be approved by the Loan Committee. Loans between $2.0 million and $5.0 million may be approved by the Discount Committee, which includes five directors of the Bank. Loans in the aggregate over $5.0 million must be approved by the Board.

Delinquencies and Classified Assets

When a borrower fails to remit a required loan payment, a courtesy notice is sent to the borrower prior to the end of their appropriate grace period stressing the importance of paying the loan current. If a payment is not paid within the appropriate grace period, then a late notice is mailed. In addition, telephone calls are made and additional letters may be sent. Collection efforts continue until it is determined that the debt is uncollectable.

For loans secured by real estate, a Homeownership Counseling Notice is mailed when the loan is 45 days delinquent. In Pennsylvania, an Act 91 Notice is mailed to the borrower stating that they have 33 days to cure the default before foreclosure is initiated. In West Virginia, a Notice of Default is mailed and in Ohio, a demand letter is mailed when a loan is 60 days delinquent. When a loan becomes 90 or more days delinquent, it is forwarded to the Bank’s attorney to pursue other remedies. An official mortgage foreclosure complaint typically occurs at 120 days delinquent. In the event collection efforts have not succeeded, the property will proceed to a Sheriff Sale to be sold.

For commercial loans, the borrower is contacted in an attempt to reestablish the loan to current payment status and ensure timely payments continue. Collection efforts continue until the loan is 60 days past due, at which time demand payment, default, and/or foreclosure procedures are initiated. We may consider loan workout arrangements with certain borrowers under certain circumstances.

Nonperforming Assets and Delinquent Loans. The Company reviews its loans on a regular basis and generally places loans on nonaccrual status when either principal or interest is 90 days or more past due. In addition, the Company places loans on nonaccrual status when we do not expect to receive full payment of interest, principal or both. Interest accrued and unpaid at the time a loan is placed on nonaccrual status is reversed from interest income. Loans that are 90 days or more past due may still accrue interest if they are well secured and in the process of collection. Payments received on nonaccrual loans are applied against principal. Loans are returned to accrual status when all the principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current, and current and future payments are reasonably assured.

Management monitors all past due loans and nonperforming assets. Such loans are placed under close supervision, with consideration given to the need for additions to the allowance for loan losses and (if appropriate) partial or full charge-off. At December 31, 2019, we had $222,000 of loans 90 days or more past due that were still accruing interest. Nonperforming assets decreased $1.6 million to $5.6 million at December 31, 2019, compared to $7.2 million at December 31, 2018. The decrease in the level of nonperforming assets was primarily due to an $851,000 full payoff of a residential troubled debt restructuring and disposition of other real estate owned properties.

Management believes the volume of nonperforming assets can be partially attributed to unique borrower circumstances as well as the economy in general. We have an experienced chief credit officer, collections and credit departments that monitor the loan portfolio and seek to prevent any deterioration of asset quality.

Real estate acquired through foreclosure or by deed-in-lieu of foreclosure is classified as real estate owned until such time as it is sold. When real estate owned is acquired, it is recorded at the lower of the unpaid principal balance of the related loan, or its fair market value, less estimated selling expenses. Any further write-down of real estate owned is charged against earnings. At December 31, 2019, we owned $245,000 of property classified as real estate owned.

Nonperforming Assets. The following table sets forth the amounts and categories of our nonperforming assets at the dates indicated. Included in nonperforming loans and assets are troubled debt restructurings, which are loans whose contractual terms have been restructured in a manner that grants a concession to a borrower experiencing financial difficulties.

For the year ended December 31, 2019, gross interest income that would have been recorded had our non-accruing loans been current in accordance with their original terms was $74,000. For the year ended December 31, 2019, interest income recorded on nonaccrual loans and accruing troubled debt restructurings was $131,000.

At December 31, 2019, we had no loans that were not classified as nonaccrual, 90 days past due or troubled debt restructurings, but where known information about possible credit problems of borrowers caused management to have serious concerns as to the ability of the borrowers to comply with present loan repayment terms and that may result in disclosure as nonaccrual, 90 days past due or troubled debt restructurings.

Classified Assets. Federal regulations provide that loans and other assets of lesser quality should be classified as “substandard,” “doubtful” or “loss” assets. An asset is considered “substandard” if it is inadequately protected by the current net worth and paying capacity of the obligor or of the collateral pledged, if any. Substandard assets include those characterized by the “distinct possibility” that the Company will sustain “some loss” if the deficiencies are not corrected. Assets classified as “doubtful” have all of the weaknesses inherent in those classified “substandard,” with the added characteristic that the weaknesses present make “collection or liquidation in full,” on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions, and values, “highly questionable and improbable.” Assets classified as “loss” are those considered “uncollectible” and of such little value that their continuance as assets is not warranted. The Company designates an asset as “special mention” if the asset has a potential weakness that warrants management’s close attention.

The Company uses an eight-point internal risk rating system to monitor the credit quality of the overall loan portfolio. The first four categories are not considered criticized and are aggregated as “pass” rated. The criticized rating categories used by management generally follow bank regulatory definitions. The special mention category includes assets that are currently protected but are below average quality, resulting in an undue 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. Loans classified as doubtful have all the weaknesses inherent in loans classified as substandard with the added characteristic that collection or liquidation in full, on the basis of current conditions and facts, is highly improbable. Loans classified as loss are considered uncollectable and of such little value that continuance as an asset is not warranted.

As part of the periodic exams of the Bank by the FDIC and the Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities, the staff of such agencies reviews our classifications and determines whether such classifications are adequate. Such agencies have, in the past, and may in the future require us to classify certain assets which management has not otherwise classified or require a classification more severe than established by management. The following table shows the principal amount of special mention and classified loans at December 31, 2019 and 2018.

The total amount of special mention and classified loans increased $1.0 million, or 3.2%, to $32.7 million at December 31, 2019, compared to $31.7 million at December 31, 2018. While special mention loans remained relatively consistent, the increase in substandard loans was partially due to relationship downgrades from annual loan reviews that noted declining financial condition as well as due to upgrade of doubtful loans from improved financial condition.

Allowance for Loan Losses. The allowance for loan losses is maintained at a level considered adequate to provide for losses that can be reasonably anticipated. Management performs a quarterly evaluation of the adequacy of the allowance based on losses in the current loan portfolio, which includes an assessment of economic conditions, changes in the nature and volume of the loan portfolio, loan loss experience, volume and severity of past due, classified and nonaccrual loans as well as other loan modifications, quality of the Company’s loan review system, the degree of oversight by the Company’s Board, existence and effect of any concentrations of credit and changes in the level of such concentrations, effect of external factors, such as competition and legal and regulatory requirements and other relevant factors. While management uses the best information available to make such evaluations, future adjustments to the allowance may be necessary if economic conditions differ substantially from the assumptions used in making evaluations. Additions are made to the allowance through periodic provisions charged to income and recovery of principal and interest on loans previously charged-off. Losses of principal are charged directly to the allowance when a loss occurs or when a determination is made that the specific loss is probable. This evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires estimates that are susceptible to significant revisions as more information becomes available.

The allowance consists of specific, general and unallocated components. The specific component relates to loans that are classified as impaired. A loan is considered impaired when, based upon current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due for principal and interest according to the original contractual terms of the loan agreement. Management determines the significance of payment delays and payment shortfalls on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration all of the circumstances surrounding the loan and the borrower, including the length of the delay, the reasons for the delay, the borrower’s prior payment record and the amount of the shortfall in relation to the principal and interest owed. Impairment is measured based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at a loan’s effective interest rate, or as a practical expedient, the observable market price, or, if the loan is collateral dependent, the fair value of the underlying collateral. When the measurement of an impaired loan is less than the recorded investment in the loan, the impairment is recorded in a specific valuation allowance through a charge to the provision for loan losses. Any reserve for unfunded lending commitments represents management’s estimate of losses inherent in its unfunded loan commitments and is recorded in the allowance for loan losses on the consolidated Statement of Condition.

Groups of loans with similar risk characteristics are collectively evaluated for impairment based on the group’s historical loss experience adjusted for changes in trends, conditions and other relevant factors that affect repayment of the loans. Accordingly, we do not separately identify individual consumer and residential loans for impairment measurements, unless such loans are the subject of a restructuring agreement due to financial difficulties of the borrower.

The general component covers non-classified loans and is based on historical charge-off experience and expected loss given our internal risk rating process. The loan portfolio is stratified into homogeneous groups of loans that possess similar loss characteristics and an appropriate loss ratio adjusted for other qualitative factors is applied to the homogeneous pools of loans to estimate the incurred losses in the loan portfolio. The other qualitative factors considered by management include, but are not limited to, the following:

Commercial real estate loans generally have higher credit risks compared to one- to four-family residential mortgage loans, as they typically involve larger loan balances concentrated with single borrowers or groups of related borrowers. In addition, payment experience on loans secured by income-producing properties typically depends on the successful operation of the related real estate project, and this may be subject, to a greater extent, to adverse conditions in the real estate market and in the general economy.

Commercial and industrial business loans involve a greater risk of default than one- to four-residential mortgage loans of like duration because their repayment generally depends on the successful operation of the borrower’s business and the sufficiency of collateral, if any.

This specific valuation allowance is periodically adjusted for significant changes in the amount or timing of expected future cash flows, observable market price or fair value of the collateral. The specific valuation allowance, or allowance for impaired loans, is part of the total allowance for loan losses. Cash payments received on impaired loans that are considered non-accrual are recorded as a direct reduction of the recorded investment in the loan. When the recorded investment has been fully collected, receipts are recorded as recoveries to the allowance for loan losses until the previously charged-off principal is fully recovered. Subsequent amounts collected are recognized as interest income. If no charge-off exists, then once the recorded investment has been fully collected, any future amounts collected would be recognized as interest income. Impaired loans are not returned to accrual status until all amounts due, both principal and interest, are current and a sustained payment history has been demonstrated. Troubled Debt Restructuring (TDR) loans are generally considered impaired loans until such loans are performing in accordance with their modified terms. Once a TDR loan establishes a consistent payment history under the modified terms, then it is considered to return to accrual status. A consistent payment history is generally demonstrated by payment under the modified terms for a period of least six consecutive months. The general component covers pools of loans by loan class, including commercial loans not considered impaired, as well as smaller balance homogeneous loans, such as residential real estate and consumer loans. An unallocated component is maintained to cover uncertainties that could affect the Company’s estimate of probable losses. Generally, management considers all nonaccrual and TDR loans and certain renegotiated debt, when it exists, for impairment. The maximum period without payment that typically can occur before a loan is considered for impairment is 90 days. The past due status of loans receivable is determined based on contractual due dates for loan payments.

The allowance for loan losses increased $309,000, or 3.2%, to $9.9 million at December 31, 2019, compared to $9.6 million at December 31, 2018, primarily due to portfolio loan growth. Allowance for loan losses to total loans decreased 1 basis point to 1.04% at December 31, 2019 compared to 1.05% at December 31, 2018. Net charge-offs were $416,000 during 2019 compared to $1.8 million during 2018, which were primarily due to charge-offs of $1.2 million for three commercial and industrial relationships. The allowance for loan losses to nonperforming loans ratio increased to 183.33% at December 31, 2019, compared to 151.40% at December 31, 2018, primarily due to a $931,000 decrease in nonperforming loans.

Although we maintain our allowance for loan losses at a level that we consider to be adequate to provide for potential losses, there can be no assurance that such losses will not exceed the estimated amounts or that we will not be required to make additions to the allowance for loan losses in the future. Future additions to our allowance for loan losses and changes in the related ratio of the allowance for loan losses to nonperforming loans are dependent upon the economy, changes in real estate values and interest rates, the view of the regulatory authorities toward adequate loan loss reserve levels, and inflation. Management will continue to periodically review the entire loan portfolio to determine the extent, if any, to which further additional loan loss provisions may be deemed necessary.

Analysis of the Allowance for Loan Losses. The following table summarizes changes in the allowance for loan losses by loan categories for each year indicated and additions to the allowance for loan losses, which have been charged to operations. Loans acquired in connection with mergers were recorded at their estimated fair value at the acquisition date and did not include a carryover of the pre-merger allowance for loan losses.

Allocation of Allowance for Loan Losses. The following table sets forth the allocation of allowance for loan losses by loan category at the dates indicated. The table reflects the allowance for loan losses as a percentage of total loans receivable. Management believes that the allowance can be allocated by category only on an approximate basis. The allocation of the allowance by category is not necessarily indicative of future losses and does not restrict the use of the allowance to absorb losses in any category.

Investment Activities

General. The Company’s investment policy is established by its Board. The policy emphasizes safety of the investment, liquidity requirements, potential returns, cash flow targets, and consistency with the Company’s interest rate risk management strategy.

Our current investment policy permits us to invest in U.S. treasuries, federal agency securities, mortgage-backed securities, investment grade corporate bonds, municipal bonds, short-term instruments, and other securities. The investment policy also permits investments in certificates of deposit, securities purchased under an agreement to resell, banker’s acceptances, commercial paper and federal funds. Our current investment policy generally does not permit investment in stripped mortgage-backed securities, short sales, derivatives, or other high-risk securities. Federal and Pennsylvania state laws generally limit our investment activities to those permissible for a national bank.

The accounting rules require that, at the time of purchase, we designate a security as held to maturity, available-for-sale, or trading, depending on our ability and intent. Securities available for sale are reported at fair value, while securities held to maturity are reported at amortized cost. Our entire portfolio is designated as available-for-sale.

The portfolio consists primarily of U.S. government and agency securities, municipal bonds, and mortgage-backed securities. We expect the composition of our investment portfolio to continue to change based on liquidity needs associated with loan origination activities. During the year ended December 31, 2019, we had no investment securities that were deemed to be other than temporarily impaired.

We also invest in marketable equity securities, which consist primarily of mutual funds and a portfolio of bank stocks. This portfolio is valued at fair value with changes in market price recognized through noninterest income.

We maintain a minimum amount of liquid assets that may be invested in specified short-term securities and certain other investments. Liquidity levels may be increased or decreased depending upon the yields on investment alternatives and upon management’s judgment as to the attractiveness of the yields then available in relation to other opportunities and its expectation of the level of yield that will be available in the future, as well as management’s projections as to the short-term demand for funds to be used in our loan originations and other activities.

U.S. Government and Agency Securities. At December 31, 2019, we held U.S. Government and agency securities with a fair value of $48.1 million compared to $80.6 million at December 31, 2018. At December 31, 2019, these securities had an average expected life of 2.3 years. While these securities generally provide lower yields than other investments, such as mortgage-backed securities, our current investment strategy is to maintain investments in such instruments to the extent appropriate for liquidity and pledging purposes, as collateral for borrowings, and for prepayment protection.

Municipal Bonds. At December 31, 2019, we held available-for-sale municipal bonds with a fair value of $25.8 million compared to $44.6 million at December 31, 2018. 60% of our municipal bonds are issued by local municipalities or school districts located in Pennsylvania. Municipal bonds may be general obligation of the issuer or secured by specific revenues. The majority of our municipal bonds are general obligation bonds, which are backed by the full faith and credit of the municipality, paid off with funds from taxes and other fees, and have ratings (when available) of A or above. We also invest in a limited amount of special revenue municipal bonds, which are used to fund projects that will eventually create revenue directly, such as a toll road or lease payments for a new building.

Mortgage-Backed Securities. We invest in mortgage-backed (“MBS”) and collateralized mortgage obligation (“CMO”) securities insured or guaranteed by the United States government or government-sponsored enterprises. These securities, which consist of MBS’s issued by Ginnie Mae, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, had an amortized cost of $118.3 million and $97.5 million at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The fair value of our MBS portfolio was $120.8 million and $97.8 million at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. At December 31, 2019, all MBS’s had fixed rates of interest.

MBS’s are created by pooling mortgages and issuing a security with an interest rate that is less than the interest rate on the underlying mortgages. CMO’s generally are a specific class of MBS’s that are divided based on risk assessments and maturity dates. These mortgage classes are pooled into a special purpose entity, where tranches are created and sold to investors. Investors in a CMO are purchasing bonds issued by the entity, and then receive payments based on the income derived from the pooled mortgages. The various pools are divided into tranches are then securitized and sold to the investor. MBS’s typically represent a participation interest in a pool of one- to four-family or multifamily mortgages, although we invest primarily in MBS’s backed by one- to four-family mortgages. The issuers of such securities pool and resell the participation interests in the form of securities to investors. Some security pools are guaranteed as to payment of principal and interest to investors. MBS’s generally yield less than the loans that underlie such securities because of the cost of payment guarantees and credit enhancements. However, MBS’s are more liquid than individual mortgage loans because there is an active trading market for such securities. In addition, MBS’s may be used to collateralize our specific liabilities and obligations. Finally, MBS’s are assigned lower risk-weightings for purposes of calculating our risk-based capital level.

Investments in MBS’s involve a risk that actual payments will be greater or less than the prepayment rate estimated at the time of purchase, which may result in adjustments to the amortization of any premium or acceleration of any discount relating to such interests, thereby affecting the net yield on our securities.

Investment Securities Portfolio. The following table sets forth the composition of our investment securities portfolio at the dates indicated. Investment securities do not include FHLB of Pittsburgh and Atlantic Community Bankers’ Bank stock totaling $3.7 million, $3.9 million, and $4.3 million at December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

Portfolio Maturities and Yields. The composition and maturities of the debt securities portfolio at December 31, 2019, are summarized in the following table. Maturities are based on the final contractual payment dates, and do not reflect the impact of prepayments or early redemptions that may occur.

Sources of Funds

General. Deposits have traditionally been the Company’s primary source of funds for use in lending and investment activities. The Company also uses borrowings, primarily FHLB of Pittsburgh advances, to supplement cash flow needs, lengthen the maturities of liabilities for interest rate risk purposes and manage the cost of funds. In addition, funds are derived from scheduled loan payments, investment maturities, loan prepayments, loan sales, retained earnings and income on earning assets. While scheduled loan payments and income on earning assets are relatively stable sources of funds, deposit inflows and outflows can vary widely and are influenced by prevailing interest rates, market conditions and levels of competition.

Deposits. Deposits are generated primarily from residents within the Company’s market area. The Company offers a variety of deposit accounts. Deposit account terms vary, with the principal differences being the minimum balance required, the amount of time the funds must remain on deposit and the interest rate.

Interest rates paid, maturity terms, service fees and withdrawal penalties are established on a periodic basis. Deposit rates and terms are based primarily on current operating strategies and market rates, liquidity requirements, rates paid by competitors and growth goals.

The flow of deposits is influenced significantly by general economic conditions, changes in money market and other prevailing interest rates and competition. The variety of deposit accounts offered allows the Company to be competitive in obtaining funds and responding to changes in consumer demand. Based on experience, the Company believes that its deposits are relatively stable. However, the ability to attract and maintain deposits and the rates paid on these deposits has been and will continue to be significantly affected by market conditions.

The following table sets forth the distribution of our average deposit accounts, by account type, for the years indicated.

The following table sets forth time deposits classified by interest rate as of the dates indicated.

The following table sets forth, by interest rate ranges and scheduled maturity, information concerning our time deposits at December 31, 2019.

As of December 31, 2019, the aggregate amount of outstanding time deposits in amounts greater than or equal to $100,000 was approximately $126.5 million, of which $44.6 million were deposits from public entities. The following table sets forth the maturity of those time deposits as of December 31, 2019.

Borrowings. Deposits are our primary source of funds for lending and investment activities. If the need arises, we may rely upon borrowings to supplement our supply of available funds and to fund deposit withdrawals. Our borrowings may consist of advances from the FHLB, funds borrowed under repurchase agreements and federal funds purchased.

The FHLB functions as a central reserve bank providing credit for us and other member savings associations and financial institutions. As a member, we are required to own capital stock in the FHLB and are authorized to apply for advances on the security of such stock and certain of our home mortgages, provided certain standards related to creditworthiness have been met. We typically secure advances from the FHLB with one- to four-family residential mortgage and commercial real estate loans. Advances are made pursuant to several different programs. Each credit program has its own interest rate and range of maturities. Depending on the program, limitations on the amount of advances are based either on a fixed percentage of a member institution’s stockholders’ equity or on the FHLB’s assessment of the institution’s creditworthiness. At December 31, 2019, we had a maximum borrowing capacity with the FHLB of up to $374.8 million. At December 31, 2019, we had $14.0 million in FHLB advances outstanding, of which all were long-term borrowings.

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase represent business deposit customers whose funds, above designated target balances, are transferred into an overnight interest-earning investment account by purchasing securities from the Bank’s investment portfolio under an agreement to repurchase. We may be required to provide additional collateral based on the fair value of the underlying securities. Short-term borrowings may also consist of federal funds purchased.

At December 31, 2019, the Bank maintained a Borrower-In-Custody of Collateral line of credit agreement with the FRB for $90.9 million that requires monthly certification of collateral, is subject to annual renewal, incurs no service charge and is secured by commercial and consumer indirect auto loans. The Bank also maintains multiple line of credit arrangements with various unaffiliated banks totaling $60.0 million. At December 31, 2019, we did not have any outstanding balances under any of these borrowing relationships.

The following table sets forth information concerning balances and interest rates on our repurchase agreements at the dates and for the periods indicated.

The following table sets forth information concerning balances and interest rates on our federal funds purchased at the dates and for the periods indicated.

The following table sets forth information concerning balances and interest rates on our short-term FHLB advances at the dates and for the periods indicated.

The following table sets forth information concerning balances and interest rates on our long-term FHLB advances at the dates and for the periods indicated.

Subsidiary Activities

Community Bank is the only subsidiary of the Company. The Bank wholly-owns Exchange Underwriters, Inc., a full-service, independent insurance agency.

Personnel

As of December 31, 2019, the Company and the Bank had a total of 266 full-time equivalent employees.

REGULATION AND SUPERVISION

General

CB Financial Services, Inc., is a bank holding company within the meaning of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended. As such, it is registered with, subject to examination and supervision by, and otherwise required to comply with the rules and regulations of the Federal Reserve Board.

Community Bank is a Pennsylvania-chartered commercial bank subject to extensive regulation by the Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities and the FDIC. The Bank’s deposit accounts are insured up to applicable limits by the FDIC. The Bank must file reports with the Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities and the FDIC concerning its activities and financial condition, in addition to obtaining regulatory approvals prior to entering into certain transactions, such as mergers or acquisitions with other depository institutions. There are periodic examinations of the Bank by the Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities and the FDIC to review the Bank’s compliance with various regulatory requirements. The Bank is also subject to certain reserve requirements established by the Federal Reserve Board. This regulation and supervision establishes a comprehensive framework of activities in which a commercial bank can engage and is intended primarily for the protection of the FDIC and depositors. The regulatory structure also gives the regulatory authorities extensive discretion in connection with their supervisory and enforcement activities and examination policies, including policies with respect to the classification of assets and the establishment of adequate loan loss reserves for regulatory purposes. Any change in such regulation, whether by the Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities, the FDIC, the Federal Reserve Board or Congress could have a material impact on the operations of the Bank.

Set forth below is a brief description of material regulatory requirements that are or will be applicable to CB Financial Services, Inc., and Community Bank. The description is limited to certain material aspects of the statutes and regulations addressed, is not intended to be a complete description of such statutes and regulations and their effects on CB Financial Services, Inc. and Community Bank, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the actual statutes and regulations involved.

Federal Legislation

The Dodd-Frank Act made significant changes to the regulatory structure for depository institutions and their holding companies. However, the Dodd-Frank Act’s changes go well beyond that and affect the lending, investments and other operations of all depository institutions. The Dodd-Frank Act requires the Federal Reserve to set minimum capital levels for bank holding companies that are as stringent as those required for the insured depository subsidiaries, and the components of Tier 1 capital for holding companies are restricted to capital instruments that are currently considered to be Tier 1 capital for insured depository institutions. The legislation also establishes a floor for capital of insured depository institutions that cannot be lower than the standards in effect upon passage, and directs the federal banking regulators to implement new leverage and capital requirements that take into account off-balance sheet activities and other risks, including risks relating to securitized products and derivatives.

The Dodd-Frank Act created 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, such as the Bank, 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 with more than $10 billion in assets. Banks with $10 billion or less in assets are still examined for compliance by their applicable bank regulators. The new legislation also gave state attorney generals the ability to enforce applicable federal consumer protection laws.

The Dodd-Frank Act broadened the base for FDIC insurance assessments. Assessments are now based on the average consolidated total assets less tangible equity capital of a financial institution. The legislation also increased the maximum amount of deposit insurance for banks to $250,000 per depositor, retroactive to January 1, 2008. The Dodd-Frank Act increased shareholder influence over boards of directors by requiring companies to give shareholders a non-binding vote on executive compensation and so called “golden parachute” payments. The legislation also directs the Federal Reserve to promulgate rules prohibiting excessive compensation paid to bank holding company executives, regardless of whether the company is publicly traded or not. Further, the legislation requires that originators of securitized loans retain a percentage of the risk for transferred loans, directs the Federal Reserve to regulate pricing of certain debit card interchange fees and contains a number of reforms related to mortgage origination.

The Dodd Frank Act has resulted in an increased regulatory burden and compliance, operating and interest expense for the Company and the Bank.

Bank Regulation

Business Activities. The Bank derives its lending and investment powers from the applicable Pennsylvania law, federal law and applicable state and federal regulations. Under these laws and regulations, The Bank may invest in mortgage loans secured by residential and commercial real estate, commercial business and consumer loans, certain types of debt securities and certain other assets, subject to applicable limits.

Capital Requirements. Federal regulations require state banks to meet three minimum capital standards: a 1.5% tangible capital ratio, a 4% core capital to assets leverage ratio (3% for savings associations receiving the highest rating on the composite, or “CAMELS,” rating system for capital adequacy, asset quality, management, earnings, liquidity and sensitivity to market risk), and an 8% risk-based capital ratio.

The risk-based capital standard for state banks requires the maintenance of Tier 1 (core) and total capital (which is defined as core capital and supplementary capital) to risk-weighted assets of at least 4% and 8%, respectively. In determining the amount of risk weighted assets, all assets, including certain off-balance sheet assets, are multiplied by a risk-weight factor of 0% to 1250%, assigned by the regulations, based on the risks believed inherent in the type of asset. Core capital is defined as common shareholders’ equity (including retained earnings), certain noncumulative perpetual preferred stock and related surplus and minority interests in equity accounts of consolidated subsidiaries, less intangibles other than certain mortgage servicing rights and credit card relationships. The components of supplementary capital include cumulative preferred stock, long-term perpetual preferred stock, mandatory convertible securities, subordinated debt and intermediate preferred stock, the allowance for loan losses limited to a maximum of 1.25% of risk-weighted assets and up to 45% of net unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities with readily determinable fair market values. Overall, the amount of supplementary capital included as part of total capital cannot exceed 100% of core capital. Additionally, an institution that retains credit risk in connection with an asset sale is required to maintain additional regulatory capital because of the purchaser’s recourse against the institution. In assessing an institution’s capital adequacy, the FDIC takes into consideration not only these numeric factors, but qualitative factors as well and has the authority to establish higher capital requirements for individual associations where necessary.

At December 31, 2019, the Bank’s capital exceeded all applicable requirements.

The risk-based capital rule and the method for calculating risk-weighted assets by the FDIC and the other federal bank regulators are consistent with agreements that were reached by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision and certain provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act. The rule applies to all depository institutions (such as the Bank) and top-tier bank holding companies with total consolidated assets of $3.0 billion or more. Among other things, the rule established a common equity Tier 1 minimum capital requirement (4.5% of risk-weighted assets), increases the minimum Tier 1 capital to risk-based assets requirement (from 4.0% to 6.0% of risk-weighted assets) and assigns a higher risk weight (150%) to exposures that are more than 90 days past due or are on nonaccrual status and to certain commercial real estate facilities that finance the acquisition, development or construction of real property. The rule also requires unrealized gains and losses on certain available-for-sale securities to be included for purposes of calculating regulatory capital requirements unless a one-time opt-in or opt-out is exercised. The Bank elected the one-time opt-out election for accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) to be excluded from the regulatory capital calculation. The rule limits a banking organization’s capital distributions and certain discretionary bonus payments if the banking organization does not hold a capital conservation buffer consisting of 2.5% of common equity Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets in addition to the amount necessary to meet its minimum risk-based capital requirements. The capital conservation buffer requirement was phased in at 0.625% per year beginning January 1, 2016 and ended January 1, 2019, when the full 2.5% capital conservation buffer requirement became effective.

Loans-to-One Borrower. Generally, a Pennsylvania-chartered commercial bank may not make a loan or extend credit to a single or related group of borrowers in excess of 15% of capital. An additional amount may be loaned, equal to 10% of unimpaired capital and surplus, if the loan is secured by readily marketable collateral, which generally does not include real estate. As of December 31, 2019, the Bank was in compliance with the loans-to-one borrower limitations.

Capital Distributions. The Pennsylvania Banking Code states, in part, that dividends may be declared and paid only out of accumulated net earnings and may not be declared or paid unless surplus is at least equal to capital. Dividends may not reduce surplus without the prior consent of the Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities. In addition, the Federal Deposit Insurance Act provides that an insured depository institution may not make any capital distribution if, after making such distribution, the institution would fail to meet any applicable regulatory capital requirement.

Community Reinvestment Act and Fair Lending Laws. All insured institutions have a responsibility under the Community Reinvestment Act and related regulations to help meet the credit needs of their communities, including low- and moderate-income borrowers. The FDIC is required to assess the Bank’s record of compliance with the Community Reinvestment Act. Failure to comply with the provisions of the Community Reinvestment Act could, at a minimum, result in denial of certain corporate applications, such as branches or mergers, or in restrictions on its activities. In addition, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act and the Fair Housing Act prohibit lenders from discriminating in their lending practices on the basis of characteristics specified in those statutes. The failure to comply with the Equal Credit Opportunity Act and the Fair Housing Act could result in enforcement actions by the FDIC, as well as other federal regulatory agencies and the Department of Justice.

The Community Reinvestment Act requires all institutions insured by the FDIC to publicly disclose their rating. The Bank received a “satisfactory” rating in its most recent federal examination.

Transactions with Related Parties. A state-chartered bank’s authority to engage in transactions with its affiliates is limited by Sections 23A and 23B of the Federal Reserve Act and federal regulation. An affiliate is generally a company that controls or is under common control with an insured depository institution, such as the Bank. The Company is an affiliate of the Bank because of its control of the Bank. In general, transactions between an insured depository institution and its affiliates are subject to certain quantitative limits and collateral requirements. In addition, federal regulations prohibit a state-chartered bank from lending to any of its affiliates that are engaged in activities that are not permissible for bank holding companies and from purchasing the securities of any affiliate, other than a subsidiary. Finally, transactions with affiliates must be consistent with safe and sound banking practices, not involve the purchase of low-quality assets and be on terms that are as favorable to the institution as comparable transactions with non-affiliates.

The Bank’s authority to extend credit to its directors, executive officers and 10% shareholders, as well as to entities controlled by such persons, is currently governed by the requirements of Sections 22(g) and 22(h) of the Federal Reserve Act and Regulation O of the Federal Reserve. Among other things, these provisions generally require that extensions of credit to insiders be made on terms that are substantially the same as, and follow credit underwriting procedures that are not less stringent than, those prevailing for comparable transactions with unaffiliated persons and that do not involve more than the normal risk of repayment or present other unfavorable features; and not exceed certain limitations on the amount of credit extended to such persons, individually and in the aggregate, which limits are based, in part, on the amount of the Bank’s capital. In addition, extensions of credit in excess of certain limits must be approved by the Bank’s Board. Extensions of credit to executive officers are subject to additional limits based on the type of extension involved.

Standards for Safety and Soundness. Federal law requires each federal banking agency to prescribe certain standards for all insured depository institutions. These standards relate to, among other things, internal controls, information systems and audit systems, loan documentation, credit underwriting, interest rate risk exposure, asset growth, compensation, and other operational and managerial standards as the agency deems appropriate. Interagency guidelines set forth the safety and soundness standards that the federal banking agencies use to identify and address problems at insured depository institutions before capital becomes impaired. If the appropriate federal banking agency determines that an institution fails to meet any standard prescribed by the guidelines, the agency may require the institution to submit to the agency an acceptable plan to achieve compliance with the standard. If an institution fails to meet these standards, the appropriate federal banking agency may require the institution to implement an acceptable compliance plan. Failure to implement such a plan can result in further enforcement action, including the issuance of a cease and desist order or the imposition of civil money penalties.

Prompt Corrective Action Regulations. Under the Federal Prompt Corrective Action statute, the FDIC is required to take supervisory actions against undercapitalized state-chartered banks under its jurisdiction, the severity of which depends upon the institution’s level of capital. An institution that has total risk-based capital of less than 8% or a leverage ratio or a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio that generally is less than 4% is considered to be “undercapitalized”. An institution that has total risk-based capital less than 6%, a Tier 1 core risk-based capital ratio of less than 3% or a leverage ratio that is less than 3% is considered to be “significantly undercapitalized.” An institution that has a tangible capital to assets ratio equal to or less than 2% is deemed to be “critically undercapitalized.”

Generally, the Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities (the “Pennsylvania Department of Banking” or “PDBS”) is required to appoint a receiver or conservator for a state-chartered bank that is “critically undercapitalized” within specific time frames. The regulations also provide that a capital restoration plan must be filed with the FDIC within 45 days of the date that an institution is deemed to have received notice that it is “undercapitalized,” “significantly undercapitalized” or “critically undercapitalized.” Any bank holding company of an institution that is required to submit a capital restoration plan must guarantee performance under the plan in an amount of up to the lesser of 5% of the institution’s assets at the time it was deemed to be undercapitalized by the FDIC or the amount necessary to restore the institution to adequately capitalized status. This guarantee remains in place until the FDIC notifies the institution that it has maintained adequately capitalized status for each of four consecutive calendar quarters. Institutions that are undercapitalized become subject to certain mandatory measures, such as restrictions on capital distributions and asset growth. The PDBS may also take any one of a number of discretionary supervisory actions against undercapitalized institutions, including the issuance of a capital directive and the replacement of senior executive officers and directors.

At December 31, 2019, the Bank met the criteria for being considered “well capitalized.”

In addition, the final capital rule adopted in July 2013 revises the prompt corrective action categories to incorporate the revised minimum capital requirements of that rule.

Enforcement. The Pennsylvania Department of Banking maintains enforcement authority over the Bank, including the power to issue cease and desist orders and civil money penalties and to remove directors, officers or employees. It also has the power to appoint a conservator or receiver for a bank upon insolvency, imminent insolvency, unsafe or unsound condition or certain other situations. The FDIC has primary federal enforcement responsibility over non-Federal Reservice Bank (“FRB”)-member state banks and has authority to bring actions against the institution and all institution-affiliated parties, including shareholders, and any attorneys, appraisers and accountants who knowingly or recklessly participate in wrongful actions likely to have an adverse effect on the bank. Formal enforcement action may range from the issuance of a capital directive or cease and desist order to removal of officers and/or directors. Civil penalties cover a wide range of violations and can amount to $25,000 per day, or even $1 million per day in especially egregious cases. In general, regulatory enforcement actions occur with respect to situations involving unsafe or unsound practices or conditions, violations of law or regulation or breaches of fiduciary duty. Federal and Pennsylvania laws also establish criminal penalties for certain violations.

Insurance of Deposit Accounts. The Deposit Insurance Fund (“DIF”) of the FDIC insures deposits at FDIC-insured financial institutions, such as the Bank. Deposit accounts in the Bank are insured by the FDIC generally up to a maximum of $250,000 per separately insured depositor and up to a maximum of $250,000 for self-directed retirement accounts. The FDIC charges insured depository institutions premiums to maintain the DIF.

The Dodd-Frank Act increased the minimum target DIF ratio from 1.15% to 1.35% of estimated insured deposits. The FDIC was required to seek to achieve the 1.35% ratio by September 30, 2020, and insured institutions with assets of $10 billion or more were supposed to fund the increase. On September 30, 2018, the 1.35% ratio was exceeded, reaching 1.36%. Insured institutions of less than $10 billion of assets will receive credits for the portion of their assessments that contributed to raising the reserve ratio between 1.15% and 1.35% effective when the fund rate achieves 1.38%. The fund rate achieved 1.40% as of June 30, 2019, and the FDIC first applied small bank credits on the September 30, 2019 assessment invoice (for the second quarter of 2019). The FDIC will continue to apply small bank credits so long as the ratio is at least 1.35%. After applying small bank credits for four quarters, the FDIC will remit to banks the value of any remaining small bank credits in the next assessment period in which the ratio is at least 1.35%. A total of $308,000 of DIF credits were recognized in the third and fourth quarters of 2019. All DIF credits available to the Bank have been utilized. The Dodd-Frank Act eliminated the 1.5% maximum fund ratio, instead leaving it to the discretion of the FDIC to establish a maximum fund ratio. The FDIC has exercised that discretion by establishing a long-range fund ratio of 2%.

In addition to the FDIC assessments, the Financing Corporation (“FICO”) is authorized to impose and collect, with the approval of the FDIC, assessments for anticipated payments, issuance costs and custodial fees on bonds issued by the FICO in the 1980s to recapitalize the former Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation. The bonds issued by the FICO matured in 2019.

The FDIC has authority to increase insurance assessments. Any significant increases would have an adverse effect on the operating expenses and results of operations of the Bank. Management cannot predict what assessment rates will be in the future.

Insurance of deposits may be terminated by the FDIC upon a finding that an institution has engaged in unsafe or unsound practices, is in an unsafe or unsound condition to continue operations or has violated any applicable law, regulation, rule, order or condition imposed by the FDIC. The Bank does not currently know of any practice, condition or violation that may lead to termination of its deposit insurance.

Prohibitions Against Tying Arrangements. State-chartered banks are prohibited, subject to some exceptions, from extending credit to or offering any other service, or fixing or varying the consideration for such extension of credit or service, on the condition that the customer obtain some additional service from the institution or its affiliates or not obtain services of a competitor of the institution.

FHLB System. The Bank is a member of the FHLB System, which consists of 12 regional FHLBs. The FHLB System provides a central credit facility primarily for member institutions as well as other entities involved in home mortgage lending. As a member of the FHLB of Pittsburgh, The Bank is required to acquire and hold shares of capital stock in the FHLB. As of December 31, 2019, the Bank was in compliance with this requirement. The Bank also is able to borrow from the FHLB of Pittsburgh, which provides an additional source of liquidity for the Bank.

Federal Reserve System. The FRB regulations require banks to maintain reserves against their transaction accounts (primarily Negotiable Order of Withdrawal, or NOW and regular checking accounts). The regulations generally provide that reserves be maintained against aggregate transaction accounts as follows for 2019: a 3% reserve ratio is assessed on net transaction accounts up to and including $124.2 million; a 10% reserve ratio is applied above $124.2 million. The first $16.3 million of otherwise reservable balances (subject to adjustments by the Federal Reserve Board) are exempted from the reserve requirements. The Bank complies with the foregoing requirements. The amounts are adjusted annually and, for 2020, establish a 3% reserve ratio for aggregate transaction accounts up to $127.5 million, a 10% ratio above $127.5 million, and an exemption of $16.9 million.

Other Regulations

Interest and other charges collected or contracted by the Bank are subject to state usury laws and federal laws concerning interest rates. The Bank’s operations are also subject to federal and state laws applicable to credit transactions, such as the:

The operations of the Bank also are subject to the:

Holding Company Regulation

General. The Company is a bank holding company within the meaning of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended. As such, the Company is registered with the Federal Reserve and is subject to regulations, examinations, supervision and reporting requirements applicable to bank holding companies. In addition, the Federal Reserve has enforcement authority over the Company and its non-bank subsidiaries. Among other things, this authority permits the Federal Reserve to restrict or prohibit activities that are determined to be a serious risk to the subsidiary banking institution.

Capital. The Dodd-Frank Act requires the Federal Reserve to establish for all depository institution holding companies minimum consolidated capital requirements that are as stringent as those required for the insured depository subsidiaries.

Source of Strength. The Dodd-Frank Act requires that all bank holding companies serve as a source of strength to their subsidiary depository institutions by providing capital, liquidity and other support in times of financial stress.

Dividends. The Federal Reserve has issued a policy statement regarding the payment of dividends and the repurchase of shares of common stock by bank holding companies. In general, the policy provides that dividends should be paid only out of current earnings and only if the prospective rate of earnings retention by the holding company appears consistent with the organization’s capital needs, asset quality and overall financial condition. Regulatory guidance provides for prior regulatory consultation with respect to capital distributions in certain circumstances, such as where the company’s net income for the past four quarters, net of dividends previously paid over that period, is insufficient to fully fund the dividend or the company’s overall rate or earnings retention is inconsistent with the company’s capital needs and overall financial condition. The ability of a holding company to pay dividends may be restricted if a subsidiary depository institution becomes undercapitalized. The policy statement also states that a holding company should inform the Federal Reserve supervisory staff before redeeming or repurchasing common stock or perpetual preferred stock if the holding company is experiencing financial weaknesses or if the repurchase or redemption would result in a net reduction, as of the end of a quarter, in the amount of such equity instruments outstanding compared with the beginning of the quarter in which the redemption or repurchase occurred. These regulatory policies may affect the Company’s ability to pay dividends, repurchase shares of common stock or otherwise engage in capital distributions.

Acquisition. Under the Change in Bank Control Act, a federal statute, a notice must be submitted to the Federal Reserve if any person (including a company), or group acting in concert, seeks to acquire direct or indirect “control” of a bank holding company. Under certain circumstances, a change of control may occur, and prior notice is required, upon the acquisition of 10% or more of the company’s outstanding voting stock, unless the Federal Reserve has found that the acquisition will not result in control of the company. A change in control definitively occurs upon the acquisition of 25% or more of the company’s outstanding voting stock.

Under the Change in Bank Control Act, the Federal Reserve generally has 60 days from the filing of a complete notice to act, taking into consideration certain factors, including the financial and managerial resources of the acquirer and the competitive effects of the acquisition.

Federal Securities Laws. The Company’s common stock is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. As a result, the Company is subject to the information, proxy solicitation, insider trading restrictions and other requirements under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 is intended to improve corporate responsibility, to provide for enhanced penalties for accounting and auditing improprieties at publicly traded companies and to protect investors by improving the accuracy and reliability of corporate disclosures pursuant to the federal securities laws.  The Company has policies, procedures and systems designed to comply with these regulations, and the Company reviews and documents these policies, procedures and systems to ensure continued compliance with these regulations.

TAXATION

General. The Company and the Bank are subject to federal income taxation in the same general manner as other corporations, with some exceptions discussed below. The following discussion of federal taxation is intended only to summarize certain pertinent federal income tax matters and is not a comprehensive description of the tax rules applicable to the Company and the Bank.

Method of Accounting. For federal income tax purposes, the Company currently reports its income and expenses on the accrual method of accounting and uses a tax year ending December 31 for filing its federal and state income tax returns.

Federal Taxation. The federal income tax laws apply to the Company in the same manner as to other corporations with some exceptions. The Company may exclude from income 100% of dividends received from the Bank as members of the same affiliated group of corporations. For federal income tax purposes, corporations may carryforward net operating losses indefinitely, but the deduction is limited to 80% of taxable income. For its 2019 and 2018 fiscal year, the Company’s maximum federal income tax rate was 21%.

State Taxation. The Bank is subject to the Pennsylvania Bank and Trust Company Shares Tax (“Shares Tax”) rate of 0.95%. The tax is imposed on the Bank’s adjusted equity. The Company and Exchange Underwriters are subject to the Pennsylvania Corporate Net Income Tax, otherwise known as “CNI tax.” The CNI tax rate in 2018 and 2019 was 9.99%. The tax is imposed on income or loss from the federal income tax return on a separate-company basis for the Company and Exchange Underwriters. The federal return income or loss is adjusted for various items treated differently by the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue.

The FWVB merger has exposed the Company to additional state tax filing requirements in West Virginia and Ohio. West Virginia imposes a state income tax at the rate 6.5% on the consolidated net income of the Company. The multi-state revenue generating activities are apportioned according to state nexus rules. The State of Ohio imposes an equity-based tax similar to the PA Shares Tax called Financial Institutions Tax (“FIT”) at a minimum tax of $1,000 or a rate of 0.8% for the first $200 million of Ohio based-equity, and then a declining rate thereafter.

In addition to risks disclosed elsewhere in this Report, the following discussion sets forth the material risk factors that could affect the Company’s consolidated financial condition and results of operations. Readers should not consider any descriptions of these factors to be a complete set of all potential risks that could affect the Company. Any risk factor discussed below could by itself, or combined with other factors, materially and adversely affect the Company’s business, results of operations, financial condition, capital position, liquidity, competitive position or reputation, including by materially increasing expenses or decreasing revenues, which could result in material losses or a decrease in earnings.

Changes in interest rates may reduce the Company’s profits and impair asset values.

The Company’s earnings and cash flows depend primarily on its net interest income. Interest rates are highly sensitive to many factors that are beyond the Company’s control, including general economic conditions and the policies of various governmental and regulatory agencies, particularly the Federal Reserve. Changes in market interest rates could have an adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations. The Company’s interest-bearing liabilities generally reprice or mature more quickly than its interest earning assets. If rates increase rapidly, the Company may have to increase the rates paid on deposits, particularly higher cost time deposits and borrowed funds, more quickly than any changes in interest rates earned on loans and investments, resulting in a negative effect on interest rate spreads and net interest income. Increases in interest rates may also make it more difficult for borrowers to repay adjustable rate loans. Conversely, should market interest rates fall below current levels, the Company’s net interest margin also could be negatively affected if competitive pressures keep it from further reducing rates on deposits, while the yields on the Company’s interest-earning assets decrease more rapidly through loan prepayments and interest rate adjustments. Decreases in interest rates often result in increased prepayments of loans and mortgage-related securities, as borrowers refinance their loans to reduce borrowings costs. Under these circumstances, the Company is subject to reinvestment risk to the extent it is unable to reinvest the cash received from such prepayments in loans or other investments that have interest rates that are comparable to the interest rates on existing loans and securities. Changes in interest rates also affect the value of the Company’s interest-earning assets, and in particular its securities portfolio. Generally, the value of fixed-rate securities fluctuates inversely with changes in interest rates. Unrealized gains and losses on securities available for sale determined to be temporary in nature are reported as a separate component of equity. Decreases in the fair value of securities available for sale resulting from increases in interest rates therefore could have an adverse effect on the Company’s shareholders’ equity.

A large percentage of the Company’s loans are collateralized by real estate, and further disruptions in the real estate market may result in losses and reduce the Company’s earnings.

A substantial portion of the Company’s loan portfolio consists of loans collateralized by real estate. Improving economic conditions have shifted to an increase in demand for real estate, which has resulted in stabilization of some real estate values in the Company’s markets. Further disruptions in the real estate market could significantly impair the value of the Company’s collateral and its ability to sell the collateral upon foreclosure. The real estate collateral in each case provides an alternate source of repayment in the event of default by the borrower and may deteriorate in value during the time the credit is extended. If real estate values decline further, it is likely that the Company would be required to increase its allowance for loan losses. If, during a period of lower real estate values, the Company is required to liquidate the collateral securing a loan to satisfy debts or to increase its allowance for loan losses, it could materially reduce its profitability and adversely affect its financial condition.

Strong competition within the Company’s market area could adversely affect the Company’s earnings and slow growth.

The Company faces intense competition both in making loans and attracting deposits. Price competition for loans and deposits might result in the Company earning less on its loans and paying more on its deposits, which reduces net interest income. Some of the Company’s competitors have substantially greater resources than the Company has and may offer services that it does not provide. The Company expects competition to increase in the future as a result of legislative, regulatory and technological changes and the continuing consolidation in the financial services industry. The Company’s profitability will depend upon its continued ability to compete successfully in its market areas.

Government responses to economic conditions may adversely affect the Company’s operations, financial condition and earnings.

The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”) has changed the bank regulatory framework. For example, the law created an independent Consumer Financial Protection Bureau that has assumed the consumer protection responsibilities of the various federal banking agencies, established more stringent capital standards for banks and bank holding companies, and gave the Federal Reserve exclusive authority to regulate both banking holding companies and savings and loan holding companies. The legislation also has resulted in numerous new regulations affecting the lending, funding, trading and investment activities of banks and bank holding companies. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has broad rulemaking authority for a wide range of consumer protection laws that apply to all banks and savings institutions (including the Bank), including the authority to prohibit “unfair, deceptive or abusive” acts and practices. Banks and savings institutions with $10.0 billion or less in assets will continue to be examined by their applicable bank regulators. The Dodd-Frank Act also requires the federal banking agencies to promulgate rules requiring mortgage lenders to retain a portion of the credit risk related to loans that are securitized and sold to investors, and in 2014 the federal bank agencies issued a final rule regarding retention of credit risk on loan sales.

These rules could make it more difficult for the Company to sell loans in the secondary market. Bank regulatory agencies also have been responding aggressively to any safety and soundness or compliance concerns identified in examinations, and such agencies have broad discretion and significant resources to initiate enforcement actions against financial institutions and their directors and officers in connection with their examination authority. Ongoing uncertainty and adverse developments in the financial services industry and in the domestic and international credit markets, and the effect of new legislation and regulatory actions in response to these conditions, may adversely affect the Company’s operations by restricting business activities, including the ability to originate or sell loans, modify loan terms or foreclose on property securing loans.

Compliance with these new laws and regulations has required and will continue to require changes to the Company’s business and operations and may result in additional costs and divert management’s time from other business activities, any of which may adversely impact its results of operations, liquidity or financial condition.

Federal regulations would restrict Community Bank’s ability to originate and sell loans.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has issued a rule designed to clarify for lenders how they can avoid legal liability under the Dodd-Frank Act, which holds lenders accountable for ensuring a borrower’s ability to repay a mortgage. Loans that meet this “qualified mortgage” definition will be presumed to have complied with the new ability-to-repay standard. Under the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s rule, a qualified mortgage loan must not contain certain specified features, including:

Also, to qualify as a “qualified mortgage,” a loan must be made to a borrower whose total monthly debt-to-income ratio does not exceed 43%. Lenders must also verify and document the income and financial resources relied upon to qualify the borrower on the loan and underwrite the loan based on a fully amortizing payment schedule and maximum interest rate during the first five years, taking into account all applicable taxes, insurance and assessments. Although the significant majority of the Company’s historical loan originations would qualify as qualified mortgages under the new rule on qualified mortgages, the new rule may limit the Company’s ability or desire to make certain types of loans or loans to certain borrowers, and may make it more costly and/or time consuming to make these loans, which could limit the Company’s growth and/or profitability. The new rule may also alter the Company’s residential mortgage loan origination mix between qualified and non-qualified mortgage loans, which could reduce gain on sale fees from secondary market loan sales and affect interest rate risk related to non-qualified loans that are originated and held in the Company’s portfolio.

A worsening of economic conditions could adversely affect the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.

Although the U.S. economy has emerged from the severe recession that occurred in 2008 and 2009, recent economic growth has been slow and uneven. Recovery by many businesses has been impaired by lower consumer spending, and a notable portion of new jobs created nationally have been in lower wage positions. A return to prolonged deteriorating economic conditions could significantly affect the markets in which the Company operates, the value of loans and investments, ongoing operations, costs and profitability. Further declines in real estate values and sales volumes and continued elevated unemployment levels may result in higher than expected loan delinquencies, increases in nonperforming and criticized classified assets, and a decline in demand for the Company’s products and services. In addition, the recent decline in natural gas prices, if it persists or if prices decline further, may depress natural gas exploration and drilling activities in the Marcellus Shale Formation. Furthermore, exploration and drilling of natural gas reserves in our market area may be affected by federal, state and local laws and regulations affecting production, permitting, environmental protection and other matters. Any of these events may negatively affect our customer, and may cause the Company to incur losses, and may adversely affect its financial condition and results of operations.

If the Company’s allowance for loan losses is not sufficient to cover actual loan losses, the Company’s results of operations would be negatively affected.

In determining the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses, the Company analyzes its loss and delinquency experience by loan categories and considers the effect of existing economic conditions. In addition, the Company makes various assumptions and judgments about the collectability of the loan portfolio, including the creditworthiness of its borrowers and the value of the real estate and other assets serving as collateral for the repayment of many of the loans. If the results of these analyses are incorrect, the allowance for loan losses may not be sufficient to cover losses inherent in the portfolio, which would require additions to the allowance and would reduce net income.

In addition, bank regulators periodically review the Company’s allowance for loan losses and may require it to increase the allowance for loan losses or recognize further loan charge-offs. Any increase in the allowance for loan losses or loan charge-offs as required by these regulatory authorities may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.

Because the Company emphasizes commercial real estate and commercial loan originations, its credit risk may increase, and continued downturns in the local real estate market or economy could adversely affect its earnings.

Commercial real estate and commercial loans generally have more inherent risk than the residential real estate loans. Because the repayment of commercial real estate and commercial loans depends on the successful management and operation of the borrower’s properties or related businesses, repayment of such loans can be affected by adverse conditions in the local real estate market or economy. Commercial real estate and commercial loans also may involve relatively large loan balances to individual borrowers or groups of related borrowers. A downturn in the real estate market or the local economy could adversely affect the value of properties securing the loan or the revenues from the borrower’s business, thereby increasing the risk of nonperforming loans. As the Company’s commercial real estate and commercial loan portfolios increase, the corresponding risks and potential for losses from these loans may also increase. Furthermore, it may be difficult to assess the future performance of newly originated commercial loans, as such loans may have delinquency or charge-off levels above the Company’s historical experience, which could adversely affect the Company’s future performance.

If our nonperforming assets increase, our earnings will suffer.

Our nonperforming assets adversely affect our net income in various ways. We do not record interest income on non-accrual loans or real estate owned. We must reserve for probable losses, which results in additional provisions for loan losses. As circumstances warrant, we must write down the value of properties in our other real estate owned portfolio to reflect changing market values. Additionally, we have legal fees associated with the resolution of problem assets as well as additional costs, such as taxes, insurance and maintenance related to our other real estate owned. The resolution of nonperforming assets also requires the active involvement of management, which can adversely affect the amount of time we devote to the income-producing activities of the Bank. If our estimate of the allowance for loan losses is inadequate, we will have to increase the allowance accordingly.

Reforms to and uncertainty regarding LIBOR may adversely affect our business.

In 2017, the Chief Executive of the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority, which regulates the London Inter-bank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”), announced its intention to stop persuading or compelling banks to submit rates for the calculation of LIBOR to the administrator of LIBOR after 2021. The announcement indicates that the continuation of LIBOR on the current basis cannot and will not be guaranteed after 2021. It is impossible to predict whether and to what extent banks will continue to provide LIBOR submissions to the administrator of LIBOR or whether any additional reforms to LIBOR may be enacted in the United Kingdom or elsewhere. A committee of private-market derivative participants and their regulators convened by the Federal Reserve, the Alternative Reference Rates Committee (“ARRC”), was created to identify an alternative reference interest rate to replace LIBOR. The ARRC announced Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”), a broad measure of the cost of borrowing cash overnight collateralized by Treasury securities, as its preferred alternative to LIBOR. Subsequently, the Federal Reserve announced final plans for the production of SOFR, which resulted in the commencement of its published rates by the FRB of New York on April 2, 2018. Whether or not SOFR attains market traction as a LIBOR replacement tool remains in question and the future of LIBOR at this time is uncertain. The uncertainty as to the nature and effect of such reforms and actions and the political discontinuance of LIBOR may adversely affect the value of and return on our financial assets and liabilities that are based on or are linked to LIBOR, our results of operations or financial condition. In addition, these reforms may also require extensive changes to the contracts that govern these LIBOR based products, as well as our systems and processes. The implementation of a substitute index or indices for the calculation of interest rates under our loan agreements with our borrowers may result in our incurring significant expenses in effecting the transition, may result in reduced loan balances if borrowers do not accept the substitute index or indices, and may result in disputes or litigation with customers over the appropriateness or comparability to LIBOR of the substitute index or indices, which could have an adverse effect on our results of operations. Currently, the manner and impact of this transition and related developments, as well as the effect of these developments on our funding costs, securities portfolio and business, is uncertain.

If we are unable to borrow funds, we may not be able to meet the cash flow requirements of our depositors, creditors, and borrowers, or the operating cash needed to fund corporate expansion and other corporate activities.

Liquidity is the ability to meet cash flow needs on a timely basis at a reasonable cost. Our liquidity is used to make loans and to repay deposit liabilities as they become due or are demanded by customers. Liquidity policies and procedures are established by the board, with operating limits set based upon the ratio of loans to deposits and percentage of assets funded with non-core or wholesale funding. We regularly monitor our overall liquidity position to ensure various alternative strategies exist to cover unanticipated events that could affect liquidity. We also establish policies and monitor guidelines to diversify our wholesale funding sources to avoid concentrations in any one market source. Wholesale funding sources include federal funds purchased, securities sold under repurchase agreements, non-core deposits, and debt. The Bank is a member of the FHLB of Pittsburgh, which provides funding through advances to members that are collateralized with mortgage-related assets.

We maintain a portfolio of available-for-sale securities that can be used as a secondary source of liquidity. There are other sources of liquidity available to us should they be needed. These sources include the sale of loans, the ability to acquire national market, non-core deposits, issuance of additional collateralized borrowings such as FHLB advances and federal funds purchased, and the issuance of preferred or common securities.

The Company’s ability to pay dividends is subject to the ability of Community Bank to make capital distributions to the Company, and also may be limited by Federal Reserve policy.

The Company’s long-term ability to pay dividends to its shareholders depends primarily on the ability of the Bank to make capital distributions to the Company and on the availability of cash at the holding company level if the Bank’s earnings are not sufficient to pay dividends. In addition, the Federal Reserve has issued a policy statement regarding the payment of dividends by bank holding companies. In general, the policy provides that dividends should be paid only out of current earnings and only if the prospective rate of earnings retention by the holding company appears consistent with the organization’s capital needs, asset quality and overall financial condition. Regulatory guidance provides for prior regulatory consultation with respect to capital distributions in certain circumstances, such as where the holding company’s net income for the past four quarters, net of dividends paid over that period, is insufficient to fully fund the dividend or the holding company’s overall rate or earnings retention is inconsistent with its capital needs and overall financial condition. These regulatory policies may adversely affect the Company’s ability to pay dividends or otherwise engage in capital distributions.

Changes in the Company’s accounting policies or in accounting standards could materially affect how the Company reports its financial condition and results of operations.

The Company’s accounting policies are essential to understanding its financial condition and results of operations. Some of these policies require the use of estimates and assumptions that may affect the value of the Company’s assets, liabilities, and financial results. Some of the Company’s accounting policies are critical because they require management to make difficult, subjective and complex judgments about matters that are inherently uncertain, and because it is likely that materially different amounts would be reported under different conditions or using different assumptions. If such estimates or assumptions underlying the Company’s financial statements are incorrect, it may experience material losses.

From time to time, the Financial Accounting Standards Board and the Securities and Exchange Commission change the financial accounting and reporting standards or the interpretation of those standards that govern the preparation of the Company’s financial statements. These changes are beyond the Company’s control, can be difficult to predict, and could materially affect how the Company reports its financial condition and results of operations. The Company could also be required to apply a new or revised standard retroactively, resulting in restating prior period financial statements in material amounts.

The need to account for certain assets at estimated fair value, such as loans held for sale and investment securities, may adversely affect the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.

The Company reports certain assets, such as loans held for sale, acquired loans and investment securities, at estimated fair value. Generally, for assets that are reported at fair value, the Company uses quoted market prices or valuation models that utilize observable market inputs to estimate fair value. Because the Company carries these assets on its books at their estimated fair value, it may incur losses even if the asset in question presents minimal credit risk.

Because the nature of the financial services business involves a high volume of transactions, the Company faces significant operational risks.

The Company operates in diverse markets and relies on the ability of its employees and systems to process a significant number of transactions. Operational risk is the risk of loss resulting from operations, including the risk of fraud by employees or persons outside a company, the execution of unauthorized transactions by employees, errors relating to transaction processing and technology, breaches of the internal control system and compliance requirements, and business continuation and disaster recovery. Insurance coverage may not be available for such losses, or where available, such losses may exceed insurance limits. This risk of loss also includes the potential legal actions that could arise as a result of an operational deficiency or as a result of noncompliance with applicable regulatory standards, adverse business decisions or their implementation, and customer attrition due to potential negative publicity. If a breakdown occurs in the internal controls system, improper operation of systems or improper employee actions, the Company could incur financial loss, face regulatory action and suffer damage to its reputation.

Risks associated with system failures, interruptions, breaches of security or cyber security could negatively affect the Company’s earnings.

Information technology systems are critical to the Company’s business. The Company uses various technology systems to manage customer relationships, general ledger, investment securities, deposits and loans. The Company has established policies and procedures to prevent or limit the effect of system failures, interruptions and security breaches, but such events may still occur or may not be adequately addressed if they do occur. In addition, any compromise of the Company’s systems could deter customers from using its products and services. Security systems may not protect systems from security breaches.

In addition, the Company outsources some of its data processing to certain third-party providers. If these third-party providers encounter difficulties, or if the Company has difficulty communicating with them, the Company’s ability to adequately process and account for transactions could be affected, and business operations could be adversely affected. Threats to information security also exist in the processing of customer information through various other vendors and their personnel.

The occurrence of any system failures, interruption or breach of security could damage the Company’s reputation and result in a loss of customers and business thereby, subjecting it to additional regulatory scrutiny, or could expose it to litigation and possible financial liability. Although the Company has not experienced any system failures, interruption or breach of security to date, any of these events could have a material adverse effect on its financial condition and results of operations.

The Company is constantly relying upon the availability of technology, the Internet and telecommunication systems to enable financial transactions by clients, to record and monitor transactions and transmit and receive data to and from clients and third parties. Information security risks have increased significantly due to the use of online, telephone and mobile banking channels by clients and the increased sophistication and activities of organized crime, hackers, terrorists and other external parties. Our technologies, systems, networks and our clients’ devices have been subject to, and are likely to continue to be the target of, cyberattacks, computer viruses, malware, phishing attacks or information security breaches that could result in the unauthorized release, gathering, monitoring, misuse, loss or destruction of our or our clients’ confidential, proprietary and other information, the theft of client assets through fraudulent transactions or disruption of our or our clients’ or other third parties’ business operations. Any of the foregoing could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

The Company’s risk management framework may not be effective in mitigating risk and reducing the potential for significant losses.

The Company’s risk management framework is designed to minimize risk and loss to the company. The Company seeks to identify, measure, monitor, report and control exposure to risk, including strategic, market, liquidity, compliance and operational risks. While the Company uses a broad and diversified set of risk monitoring and mitigation techniques, these techniques are inherently limited because they cannot anticipate the existence or future development of currently unanticipated or unknown risks. Economic conditions and heightened legislative and regulatory scrutiny of the financial services industry, among other developments, have increased the Company’s level of risk. Accordingly, the Company could suffer losses if it fails to properly anticipate and manage these risks.

Not applicable.

We conduct our business through our main office and twenty-three branch offices. At December 31, 2019, our premises and equipment had an aggregate net book value of approximately $22.3 million. We believe that our office facilities are adequate to meet our present and immediately foreseeable needs.

The following table sets forth certain information concerning the main and each branch office at December 31, 2019.