CITIZENS & NORTHERN CORP - Annual Report: 2020 (Form 10-K)

Table of Contents

​

​

​

​

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

(Mark One)

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

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020

OR

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

For the transition period from _______________ to _________________________.

Commission file number: 0-16084

CITIZENS & NORTHERN CORPORATION

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

​

90-92 MAIN STREET, WELLSBORO, PA 16901

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

570-724-3411

(Registrant’s telephone number including area code)

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 whether 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 (Section 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 definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,“ “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer ◻ Accelerated filer ◻ Non-accelerated filer ⌧ Smaller reporting company ⌧ Emerging growth company ◻

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 has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. ☒

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

The aggregate market value of the registrant’s common stock held by non-affiliates at June 30, 2020, the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter, was $274,805,802.

The number of shares of common stock outstanding at March 3, 2021 was 16,000,948.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the registrant’s proxy statement for the annual meeting of its shareholders to be held April 22, 2021 are incorporated by reference into Parts III and IV of this report.

​

​

​

​

Table of Contents

​

TABLE OF CONTENTS

​

​

​

2

Table of Contents

​

PART I

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

Citizens & Northern Corporation (“Corporation”) is a holding company whose principal activity is community banking. The Corporation’s principal office is located in Wellsboro, Pennsylvania. The largest subsidiary is Citizens & Northern Bank (“C&N Bank” or the “Bank”). The Corporation’s other wholly-owned subsidiaries are Citizens & Northern Investment Corporation and Bucktail Life Insurance Company (“Bucktail”). Citizens & Northern Investment Corporation was formed in 1999 to engage in investment activities. Bucktail reinsures credit and mortgage life and accident and health insurance on behalf of C&N Bank.

The Corporation’s acquisition of Covenant Financial, Inc. (“Covenant”) was completed July 1, 2020. Covenant was the parent company of Covenant Bank, a commercial bank which operated a community bank office in Bucks County, Pennsylvania and another in Chester County, Pennsylvania. Pursuant to the transaction, Covenant merged with and into the Corporation and Covenant Bank merged with and into C&N Bank. Total purchase consideration was $63.3 million, including common stock with a fair value of $41.6 million and cash of $21.7 million. Holders of Covenant common stock prior to the consummation of the merger held approximately 12.9% of the Corporation’s common stock outstanding immediately following the merger.

Over the past few years, the Corporation has been employing a growth strategy. Presently, a majority of C&N Bank’s operations are conducted in its legacy markets in the northern tier/north central region of Pennsylvania and southern tier of New York. In 2020, with the acquisition of Covenant, the Bank expanded its presence in Southeastern Pennsylvania. The Covenant acquisition follows the acquisition of Monument Bancorp, Inc. (“Monument”) in 2019, as well as the opening of a lending office in York, Pennsylvania which is located in southcentral Pennsylvania. Mainly as a result of the acquisitions, the Corporation’s consolidated total assets at December 31, 2020 of $2.2 billion were up 73% from the corresponding total at December 31, 2018. Similarly, gross loans of $1.6 billion at December 31, 2020 were up 99% from December 31, 2018 and total deposits of $1.8 billion were up 76% from December 31, 2018.

C&N Bank is a Pennsylvania banking institution that was formed by the consolidation of Northern National Bank of Wellsboro and Citizens National Bank of Towanda in 1971. C&N Bank has held its current name since May 6, 1975, at which time C&N Bank changed its charter from a national bank to a Pennsylvania bank. The Bank has expanded its presence over the past several decades through a series of mergers as well as by opening new branch and lending offices and providing access to banking services via the internet and through ATMs. At December 31, 2020, the Bank had 29 branch offices, including 23 in the northern tier/north central region of Pennsylvania, 4 in Southeastern Pennsylvania (3 in Bucks County and 1 in Chester County) and 2 in the southern tier of New York State. In addition to its branch locations, the Bank had lending offices in York, Pennsylvania and Elmira, New York.

C&N Bank provides an extensive range of banking services, including deposit and loan products for personal and commercial customers. The Bank also maintains a trust department that provides a wide range of financial services, such as 401(k) plans, retirement planning, estate planning, estate settlements and asset management. C&N Financial Services Corporation (“C&NFSC”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Bank, is a licensed insurance agency that provides insurance products to individuals and businesses and through its broker-dealer division, offers mutual funds, annuities, educational savings accounts and other investment products through registered agents. C&NFSC’s operations are not significant in relation to the total operations of the Corporation.

In 2017, C&N Bank established Northern Tier Holding LLC, to acquire, hold and dispose of real property acquired by the Bank. C&N Bank is the sole member of Northern Tier Holding LLC.

All phases of the Bank’s business are competitive. The Bank competes with online financial institutions, local commercial banks headquartered in our market areas and other commercial banks with branches in our market area. Many of the online financial institutions and some of the banks that have branches in our market areas are larger in overall size. With respect to lending activities and attracting deposits, the Bank also competes with savings banks, savings and loan associations, insurance companies, regulated small loan companies and credit unions. Also, the Bank competes with mutual funds, exchange-traded funds and other investment vehicles for deposits. C&N Bank competes with insurance companies, investment counseling firms, mutual funds and other business firms and individuals for trust, investment management, brokerage and insurance services. The Bank is generally competitive with all financial institutions in our service areas with respect to interest rates paid on time and savings deposits, service charges on deposit accounts and interest rates charged on loans. The Bank serves a diverse customer base and is not economically dependent on any small group of customers or on any individual industry.

3

Table of Contents

​

At December 31, 2020, C&N Bank had total assets of $2,222,478,000, total deposits of $1,827,881,000 and net loans outstanding of $1,632,824,000.

Most activities of the Corporation and its subsidiaries are regulated by federal or state agencies. The primary regulatory relationships are described as follows:

A copy of the Corporation’s annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current events reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to these reports, will be furnished without charge upon written request to the Corporation’s Treasurer at P.O. Box 58, Wellsboro, PA 16901. Copies of these reports will be furnished as soon as reasonably possible after they are filed electronically with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The information is also available through the Corporation’s web site at www.cnbankpa.com

Human Capital

​

The Corporation’s Board of Directors and executive leadership team have established the following mission, vision and values:

Mission: Creating value through lifelong relationships with our customers, teammates, shareholders and communities.

Vision: Every customer says “C&N is the ONLY bank I need.”

Values: Teamwork, Respect, Responsibility and Accountability, Excellence, Integrity, Client Focus, Have Fun.

We recognize that our ability to create value on a consistent basis is highly dependent upon the effectiveness of our team.

The Corporation‘s key human capital management objectives are to attract and retain diverse raw and seasoned talent that fits our values and culture. Our talent strategy focuses on acquiring new employees through branding and outreach programs, developing employees though a robust onboarding program, ongoing training, and performance management, and retaining employees through recognition, engagement, and an attractive total rewards package.

Diversity and Inclusion

At C&N Bank, we are committed to creating value through relationships. At the heart of this mission is a promise of excellence in service to all people, as demonstrated by our commitment to equity of opportunity, inclusion and our fostering of a spirit of belonging. We live our values of respect, integrity and excellence by creating access and providing support to help our diverse constituents of customers, teammates, shareholders and communities in achieving their financial goals. We embrace inclusion of all of our stakeholders as an important component of our vision to be the ONLY bank our customers need.

​

4

Table of Contents

​

Compensation and Benefits

The Corporation offers competitive compensation to attract and retain talent. Our generous total rewards package includes market-competitive salary, bonuses or sales commissions, short-term and long-term equity incentives, healthcare and retirement benefits, and paid time off. Employees have regular performance reviews and salary raises commensurate with performance. Employees have access to a holistic suite of items within our employee assistance program that caters to physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing for the employee and their family. Additionally, we have conducted discretionary bonus payouts – the most recent grant program took place in 2020 and was in recognition of our employees’ special efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Training and Development

The Corporation provides a robust training and development program that supports our culture, prepares employees for their immediate role, develops them for long term success at the bank and supports personal enrichment. We offer functional training, culture building exercises, personal development, C&N Bank history, C&N Bank integration and ongoing technical training throughout each year. Employees also have access to additional educational and development opportunities including tuition reimbursement and certification programs.

Communication and Engagement

At C&N, we believe in the importance of employee communication and engagement. We utilize several methods to foster engagement, including activities such as Employee Recognition programs, Service Anniversary Awards, Bank wide monthly calls, semi-annual Bank wide events, annual employee surveys, focus groups, daily huddles, and the Giving Back, Giving Together community service program. We believe keeping our team well informed, connected, and appreciated adds to the success of our organization.

​

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

The Corporation is subject to the many risks and uncertainties applicable to all banking companies, as well as risks specific to the Corporation’s geographic locations. Although the Corporation seeks to effectively manage risks, and maintains a level of equity that exceeds the banking regulatory agencies’ thresholds for being considered “well capitalized” (see Note 18 to the consolidated financial statements), management cannot predict the future and cannot eliminate the possibility of credit, operational or other losses. Accordingly, actual results may differ materially from management’s expectations. Some of the Corporation’s significant risks and uncertainties are discussed below.

Coronavirus Outbreak – In December 2019, a coronavirus (COVID-19) was reported in China, and, in March 2020, the World Health Organization declared it a pandemic. Since first being reported in China, the coronavirus has spread to additional countries including the United States.

In response, many state and local governments, including the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, have instituted emergency restrictions that have substantially limited the operation of non-essential businesses and the activities of individuals. It has been widely reported that these restrictions have resulted in significant adverse effects for many different types of businesses, particularly those in the travel, hospitality and food and beverage industries, among many others, and has resulted in a significant number of layoffs and furloughs of employees nationwide and in the regions in which the Corporation operates. The ultimate effect of COVID-19 on the local or broader economy is not known nor is the ultimate length of the restrictions described and any accompanying effects. Moreover, the Federal Reserve has taken action to lower the Federal Funds rate, which may negatively affect interest income and, therefore, earnings. Given the ongoing and dynamic nature of the circumstances, it is difficult to predict the impact of the coronavirus outbreak, and there is no guarantee that the Corporation’s efforts to address the adverse impacts of the coronavirus will be effective. The extent of such impact will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted, including new information which may emerge concerning the severity of the coronavirus and actions taken to contain the coronavirus or its impact, among others.

The effect of COVID-19 and related events, including those described above and those not yet known or knowable, could have a negative effect on the Corporation’s business prospects, financial condition and results of operations, as a result of quarantines; market volatility; market downturns; changes in consumer behavior; business closures; deterioration in the credit quality of borrowers or the inability of borrowers to satisfy their obligations (and any related forbearances or restructurings that may be implemented); changes in the value of

5

Table of Contents

​

collateral securing outstanding loans; changes in the value of the investment securities portfolio; effects on key employees, including operational management personnel and those charged with preparing, monitoring and evaluating the Corporation’s financial reporting and internal controls; declines in the demand for loans and other banking services and products; declines in demand resulting from adverse impacts of the disease on businesses deemed to be “non-essential” by governments; branch or office closures and business interruptions; and efforts to integrate the businesses of the Corporation and Covenant.

Risk Related to Acquisition Activity – As described in Item 1, the Corporation has completed two acquisitions of banking companies over the past two years (Covenant and Monument) and expanded its geographic footprint to Southeastern and southcentral Pennsylvania. Further, management intends to continue to pursue additional acquisition opportunities. Potential acquisitions may disrupt the Corporation’s business and dilute shareholder value. We regularly evaluate merger and acquisition opportunities and conduct due diligence activities related to possible transactions with other financial institutions and financial service companies. Acquiring other banks, businesses, or branches involves various risks commonly associated with acquisitions, including: potential exposure to unknown or contingent liabilities of the target company, exposure to potential asset quality issues of the target company, difficulty and expense of integrating the operations and personnel of the target company, potential disruption to the Corporation’s business, potential diversion of management’s time and attention, the possible loss of key employees and customers of the target company, difficulty in estimating the value of the target company and potential changes in banking or tax laws or regulations that may affect the target company. Acquisitions may involve the payment of a premium over book and market values, and, therefore, some dilution of the Corporation’s tangible book value and net income per share of common stock may occur in connection with any future transaction. Furthermore, failure to realize the expected revenue projections, cost savings, increases in geographic or product presence, and/or other projected benefits from recent or future acquisitions could have a material adverse effect on the Corporation’s financial condition or results of operations.

Credit Risk from Lending Activities - A significant source of risk is the possibility that losses will be sustained because borrowers, guarantors and related parties may fail to perform in accordance with the terms of their loan agreements. Most of the Corporation’s loans are secured, but some loans are unsecured. With respect to secured loans, the collateral securing the repayment of these loans may be insufficient to cover the obligations owed under such loans. Collateral values may be adversely affected by changes in economic, environmental and other conditions, including declines in the value of real estate, changes in interest rates, changes in monetary and fiscal policies of the federal government, wide-spread disease, terrorist activity, environmental contamination and other external events. In addition, collateral appraisals that are out of date or that do not meet industry recognized standards may create the impression that a loan is adequately collateralized when it is not. The Corporation has adopted underwriting and credit monitoring procedures and policies, including regular reviews of appraisals and borrower financial statements, that management believes are appropriate to mitigate the risk of loss. Also, as discussed further in the “Provision and Allowance for Loan Losses” section of Management’s Discussion and Analysis, the Corporation attempts to estimate the amount of losses that may be inherent in the portfolio through a quarterly evaluation process that includes several members of management and that addresses specifically identified problem loans, as well as other quantitative data and qualitative factors. Such risk management and accounting policies and procedures, however, may not prevent unexpected losses that could have a material adverse effect on the Corporation’s financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.

Interest Rate Risk - Business risk arising from changes in interest rates is an inherent factor in operating a banking organization. The Corporation’s assets are predominantly long-term, fixed-rate loans and debt securities. Funding for these assets comes principally from shorter-term deposits and borrowed funds. Accordingly, there is an inherent risk of lower future earnings or decline in fair value of the Corporation’s financial instruments when interest rates change. Significant fluctuations in interest rates could have a material adverse effect on the Corporation’s financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.

Limited Geographic Diversification - The Corporation grants commercial, residential and personal loans to customers primarily in the Corporation’s legacy markets of the northern tier/north central regions of Pennsylvania and southern tier of New York and in Southeastern and southcentral Pennsylvania. Although the Corporation has a diversified loan portfolio, a significant portion of its debtors’ ability to honor their contracts is dependent on the local economic conditions within these regions. Deterioration in economic conditions could adversely affect the quality of the Corporation’s loan portfolio and the demand for its products and services, and accordingly, could have a material adverse effect on the Corporation’s financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.

​

6

Table of Contents

​

Competition - All phases of the Corporation’s business are competitive. Some competitors are much larger in total assets and capitalization than the Corporation, have greater access to capital markets and can offer a broader array of financial services. There can be no assurance that the Corporation will be able to compete effectively in its markets. Furthermore, developments increasing the nature or level of competition could have a material adverse effect on the Corporation’s financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.

Inability to Attract and Develop Qualified Personnel – The Corporation believes that our future success will depend in large part on our ability to attract, develop and retain highly qualified management, lending, financial, technical, marketing, sales, and support personnel. Competition for qualified personnel is intense and we cannot ensure success in attracting or retaining qualified personnel. There may be only a limited number of persons with the requisite skills to serve in these positions, and it may be increasingly difficult for us to hire personnel over time. Our ability to retain key officers and employees may be further impacted by legislation and regulation affecting the financial services industry. For example, legislation and bank regulatory action that places restrictions on executive compensation at, and the pay practices of, financial institutions may further impact our ability to compete for talent with other industries that are not subject to the same limitations as financial institutions. Any inability to attract, develop and retain significant numbers of qualified management and other personnel would have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Breach of Information Security and Technology Dependence - The Corporation relies on software, communication, and information exchange on a variety of computing platforms and networks and over the Internet. Despite numerous safeguards, the Corporation cannot be certain that its systems are entirely free from vulnerability to attack or other technological difficulties or failures. The Corporation relies on the services of a variety of vendors to meet its data processing and communication needs. If information security is breached or other technology difficulties or failures occur, information may be lost or misappropriated, services and operations may be interrupted, and the Corporation could be exposed to claims from customers. Any of these results could have a material adverse effect on the Corporation’s financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.

Government Regulation and Monetary Policy - The Corporation and the banking industry are subject to extensive regulation and supervision under federal and state laws and regulations. The requirements and limitations imposed by such laws and regulations limit the way the Corporation conducts its business, undertakes new investments and activities and obtains financing. These regulations are designed primarily for the protection of the deposit insurance funds and consumers and not to benefit the Corporation’s shareholders. Financial institution regulation has been the subject of significant legislation in recent years and may be the subject of further significant legislation in the future, none of which is in the control of the Corporation. Significant new laws or changes in, or repeals of, existing laws could have a material adverse effect on the Corporation’s financial condition, results of operations or liquidity. Further, federal monetary policy, particularly as implemented through the Federal Reserve System, significantly affects short-term interest rates and credit conditions, and any unfavorable change in these conditions could have a material adverse effect on the Corporation’s financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.

Bank Secrecy Act and Related Laws and Regulations - These laws and regulations have significant implications for all financial institutions. In recent years, they have increased due diligence requirements and reporting obligations for financial institutions, created new crimes and penalties, and required the federal banking agencies, in reviewing merger and other acquisition transactions, to consider the effectiveness of the parties to such transactions in combating money laundering activities. Even innocent noncompliance and inconsequential failure to follow the regulations could result in significant fines or other penalties, which could have a material adverse impact on the Corporation’s financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.

The Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh - Through its subsidiary (C&N Bank), the Corporation is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh (FHLB-Pittsburgh), which is one of 11 regional Federal Home Loan Banks. The Corporation has a line of credit with the FHLB-Pittsburgh that is secured by a blanket lien on its loan portfolio. Access to this line of credit is critical if a funding need arises. However, there can be no assurance that the FHLB-Pittsburgh will be able to provide funding when needed, nor can there be assurance that the FHLB-Pittsburgh will provide funds specifically to the Corporation should its financial condition deteriorate and/or regulators prevent that access. The inability to access this source of funds could have a materially adverse effect on the Corporation’s financial flexibility if alternate financing is not available at acceptable interest rates. The failure of the FHLB-Pittsburgh or the FHLB system in general, may materially impair the Corporation’s ability to meet short- and long-term liquidity needs or to meet growth plans.

The Corporation owns common stock of the FHLB-Pittsburgh to qualify for membership in the FHLB system and access services from the FHLB-Pittsburgh. The FHLB-Pittsburgh faces a variety of risks in its operations including interest rate risk, counterparty credit risk,

7

Table of Contents

​

and adverse changes in its regulatory framework. In addition, the 11 Federal Home Loan Banks are jointly liable for the consolidated obligations of the FHLB system. To the extent that one FHLB cannot meet its obligations, other FHLBs can be called upon to make required payments. Such risks affecting the FHLB-Pittsburgh could adversely impact the value of the Corporation’s investment in the common stock of the FHLB-Pittsburgh and/or affect its access to credit.

Soundness of Other Financial Institutions - In addition to the FHLB-Pittsburgh, the Corporation maintains other credit facilities that provide it with additional liquidity. These facilities include secured and unsecured borrowings from the Federal Reserve Bank and third-party commercial banks. The Corporation believes that it maintains a strong liquidity position and that it is well positioned to withstand foreseeable market conditions. However, legal agreements with counterparties typically include provisions allowing them to restrict or terminate the Corporation’s access to these credit facilities with or without advance notice and at their sole discretion.

Financial institutions are interconnected because of trading, clearing, counterparty, and other relationships. Financial market conditions have been negatively impacted in the past and such disruptions or adverse changes in the Corporation’s results of operations or financial condition could, in the future, have a negative impact on available sources of liquidity. Such a situation may arise due to circumstances that are outside the Corporation’s control, such as general market disruptions or operational problems affecting the Corporation or third parties. The Corporation’s efforts to monitor and manage liquidity risk may not be successful or sufficient to deal with dramatic or unanticipated reductions in available liquidity. In such events, the Corporation’s cost of funds may increase, thereby reducing net interest income, or the Corporation may need to sell a portion of its securities and/or loan portfolio, which, depending upon market conditions, could necessitate realizing a loss.

Securities Markets – The fair value of the Corporation’s available-for-sale debt securities, as well as the revenues the Corporation earns from its Trust and Financial Management and brokerage services, are sensitive to price fluctuations and market events.

Declines in the values of the Corporation’s securities holdings, combined with adverse changes in the expected cash flows from these investments, could result in other-than-temporary impairment charges. For additional information regarding debt securities, see the “Securities” section of Management’s Discussion and Analysis and Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements.

The Corporation’s Trust and Financial Management revenue is determined, in part, from the value of the underlying investment portfolios. Accordingly, if the values of those investment portfolios decrease, whether due to factors influencing U.S. or international securities markets, in general, or otherwise, the Corporation’s revenue could be negatively impacted. In addition, the Corporation’s ability to sell its brokerage services is dependent, in part, upon consumers’ level of confidence in securities markets.

Mortgage Banking – Since 2009, the Corporation has originated and sold residential mortgage loans to the secondary market through the MPF Xtra program. Since 2014, the Corporation has also originated and sold residential mortgage loans to the secondary market through the MPF Original program. Both of these programs are administered by the Federal Home Loan Banks of Pittsburgh and Chicago. At December 31, 2020, the total outstanding balance of residential mortgages sold and serviced through the two programs amounted to $278,857,000. The Corporation must strictly adhere to the MPF Xtra and MPF Original program guidelines for origination, underwriting and servicing loans, and failure to do so may result in the Corporation being forced to repurchase loans or being dropped from the program. As of December 31, 2020, the total outstanding balance of residential mortgage loans the Corporation has repurchased as a result of identified instances of noncompliance amounted to $1,714,000. If the volume of such forced repurchases of loans were to increase significantly, or if the Corporation were to be dropped from the programs, it could have a material adverse effect on the Corporation’s financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.

​

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

Not applicable.

​

8

Table of Contents

​

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

The Corporation’s full-service banking branch properties as of December 31, 2020 totaled 29 branches located in Bradford, Bucks, Cameron, Chester, Lycoming, McKean, Potter, Sullivan and Tioga Counties in Pennsylvania and Steuben County in New York. Of those branches, 25 were owned and 4 were leased. The Corporation operates loan production offices in Elmira, New York and York, Pennsylvania and operates 4 administrative offices in Wellsboro and Doylestown, Pennsylvania. Of the 35 total properties, 29 were owned and 6 were leased. The Corporation’s headquarters is located in Wellsboro, Pennsylvania.

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

The Corporation and the Bank are involved in various legal proceedings incidental to their business. Management believes the aggregate liability, if any, resulting from such pending and threatened legal proceedings will not have a material adverse effect on the Corporation’s financial condition or results of operations.

​

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE

Not applicable.

​

PART II

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

QUARTERLY SHARE DATA

Trades of the Corporation’s stock are executed through various brokers who maintain a market in the Corporation’s stock. The Corporation’s stock is listed on the NASDAQ Capital Market with the trading symbol CZNC. As of December 31, 2020, there were 2,147 shareholders of record of the Corporation’s common stock.

The following table sets forth the high and low sales prices of the common stock and dividends declared per quarter during 2020 and 2019.

​

​

Future dividend payments will depend upon maintenance of a strong financial condition, future earnings and capital and regulatory requirements. Also, the Corporation and C&N Bank are subject to restrictions on the amount of dividends that may be paid without approval of banking regulatory authorities. These restrictions are described in Note 18 to the consolidated financial statements.

9

Table of Contents

​

Effective April 21, 2016, the Corporation’s Board of Directors approved a treasury stock repurchase program. Under this program, the Corporation is authorized to repurchase up to 600,000 shares of the Corporation’s common stock. The Board of Directors’ April 21, 2016 authorization provides that: (1) the treasury stock repurchase program shall be effective when publicly announced and shall continue thereafter until suspended or terminated by the Board of Directors, in its sole discretion; and (2) all shares of common stock repurchased pursuant to the new program shall be held as treasury shares and be available for use and reissuance for purposes as and when determined by the Board of Directors including, without limitation, pursuant to the Corporation’s Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan and its equity compensation program. To date, no purchases have been made under this repurchase program.

The following table sets forth a summary of purchases by the Corporation, in the open market, of its equity securities during the fourth quarter 2020:

​

​

10

Table of Contents

​

​

PERFORMANCE GRAPH

Set forth below is a chart comparing the Corporation’s cumulative return to stockholders against the cumulative return of the Russell 2000 and a Peer Group Index of similar banking organizations selected by the Corporation for the five-year period commencing December 31, 2015 and ended December 31, 2020. The index values are market-weighted dividend-reinvestment numbers, which measure the total return for investing $100.00 five years ago. This meets Securities & Exchange Commission requirements for showing dividend reinvestment share performance over a five-year period and measures the return to an investor for placing $100.00 into a group of bank stocks and reinvesting any and all dividends into the purchase of more of the same stock for which dividends were paid.

​

Peer Group includes all publicly traded SEC filing Commercial Banks & Thrifts within NJ, NY, OH, PA, MD, and WV with assets between $1.1B and $4.6B as of 9/30/2020

Source: S&P Global Market Intelligence

© 2021

11

Table of Contents

​

EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION

The following table sets forth information concerning the Stock Incentive Plan and Independent Directors Stock Incentive Plan, both of which have been approved by the Corporation’s shareholders. The figures shown in the table below are as of December 31, 2020.

​

​

More details related to the Corporation’s equity compensation plans are provided in Notes 1 and 13 to the consolidated financial statements.

​

ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

Not applicable.

​

​

ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Certain statements in this section and elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K are forward-looking statements. Citizens & Northern Corporation and its wholly-owned subsidiaries (collectively, the Corporation) intend such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements, which are not historical facts, are based on certain assumptions and describe future plans, business objectives and expectations, and are generally identifiable by the use of words such as, "should", “likely”, "expect", “plan”, "anticipate", “target”, “forecast”, and “goal”. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict, may be beyond management’s control and could cause results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors which could have a material, adverse impact on the operations and future prospects of the Corporation include, but are not limited to, the following:

These risks and uncertainties should be considered in evaluating forward-looking statements and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements.

CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) OUTBREAK

The Corporation’s Pandemic Committee has been very active since March 2020, providing frequent communication with employees and clients by telephone, video conference, email and digital tools, while substantially limiting business travel.  Since the pandemic

12

Table of Contents

​

began, the Committee instituted measures to protect the health of employees and clients, including temporarily operating branch locations on a drive-through only basis and transitioning a significant portion of the Corporation’s employees to remote work. Currently all branches have limited operations to drive-up and appointment-only services. No furloughs or layoffs of employees have been made to date.

Emergency restrictions on the activities of businesses and individuals have resulted in significant adverse economic effects and a significant number of layoffs and furloughs of employees nationwide and in the regions in which the Corporation operates. The ultimate effect of COVID-19 on the local or broader economy is not known nor is the ultimate length of the restrictions described and any accompanying effects. In 2020, the Corporation increased the allowance for loan losses $785,000 based on an increase in qualitative factors related to potential deterioration in economic conditions. Because of the significant uncertainties related to the ultimate duration of the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic impact, the total impact on the Corporation’s loan portfolio is not determinable.

Section 4013 of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”) provides that, from the period beginning March 1, 2020 until the earlier of December 31, 2020 or the date that is 60 days after the date on which the national emergency concerning the COVID-19 pandemic declared by the President of the United States under the National Emergencies Act terminates (the “applicable period”), the Corporation may elect to suspend U.S. GAAP for loan modifications related to the pandemic that would otherwise be categorized as troubled debt restructurings (TDRs) and suspend any determination of a loan modified as a result of the effects of the pandemic as being a TDR, including impairment for accounting purposes. The suspension is applicable for the term of the loan modification that occurs during the applicable period for a loan that was not more than 30 days past due as of December 31, 2019. The suspension is not applicable to any adverse impact on the credit of a borrower that is not related to the pandemic.

On December 27, 2020, the President of the United States signed into law the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (the “CAA Act”), which both funds the federal government until September 30, 2021 and broadly addresses additional COVID-19 responses and relief.  Among the additional relief measures included are certain extensions to elements of the CARES Act, including extension of temporary relief from troubled debt restructurings established under Section 4013 of the CARES Act to the earlier of a) January 1, 2022, or b) the date that is 60 days after the date on which the national COVID-19 emergency terminates.  

In addition, the banking regulators and other financial regulators, on March 22, 2020 and revised April 7, 2020, issued a joint interagency statement titled the “Interagency Statement on Loan Modifications and Reporting for Financial Institutions Working with Customers Affected by the Coronavirus” that encourages financial institutions to work prudently with borrowers who are or may be unable to meet their contractual payment obligations due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Pursuant to the interagency statement, loan modifications that do not meet the conditions of Section 4013 of the CARES Act may still qualify as a modification that does not need to be accounted for as a TDR. Specifically, the agencies confirmed with the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) staff that short-term modifications made in good faith in response to the pandemic to borrowers who were current prior to any relief are not TDRs under U.S. GAAP. This includes short-term (e.g. six months) modifications such as payment deferrals, fee waivers, extensions of repayment terms, or delays in payment that are insignificant. Borrowers considered current are those that are less than 30 days past due on their contractual payments at the time a modification program is implemented. Appropriate allowances for loan and lease losses are expected to be maintained. With regard to loans not otherwise reportable as past due, financial institutions are not expected to designate loans with deferrals granted due to the pandemic as past due because of the deferral. The interagency statement also states that during short-term pandemic-related loan modifications, these loans generally should not be reported as nonaccrual.

To work with clients impacted by COVID-19, the Corporation is offering short-term loan modifications on a case-by-case basis to borrowers who were current in their payments at the inception of the loan modification program. Prior to merging with the Corporation on July 1, 2020, Covenant Financial Inc. (“Covenant”) had a similar program in place, and these modified loans have been incorporated into the Corporation’s program. These efforts have been designed to assist borrowers as they deal with the current crisis and help the Corporation mitigate credit risk. For loans subject to the program, each borrower is required to resume making regularly scheduled loan payments at the end of the modification period and the deferred amounts will be moved to the end of the loan term. Consistent with Section 4013 of the CARES Act and guidance from the joint interagency statement described in the preceding paragraphs, the modified loans have not been reported as past due, nonaccrual  or as TDRs at December 31, 2020. Most of the modifications under the program became effective in March or the second quarter 2020 and provided a deferral of interest or principal and interest for 90-to-180 days. Accordingly, most of the loans for which deferrals were granted returned to full payment status prior to December 31, 2020. At December 31, 2020, there were 45 loans in deferral status with a total recorded investment of $37,397,000, including 27 commercial loans with a total recorded investment of $35,002,000. A breakdown of these commercial loans by industry is as follows:

13

Table of Contents

​

​

The Corporation began accepting and processing applications for loans under the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) through the Small Business Administration (“SBA”) and Treasury Department on April 3, 2020. Covenant also engaged in PPP lending starting in early April 2020. Under the PPP, the Corporation provides SBA-guaranteed loans to small businesses to pay their employees, rent, mortgage interest, and utilities. PPP loans will be forgiven subject to clients providing documentation evidencing their compliant use of funds and otherwise complying with the terms of the program.

The maximum term of PPP loans is five years, though most of the Corporation’s PPP loans have two-year terms, and the Corporation will be repaid sooner to the extent the loans are forgiven. The interest rate on PPP loans is 1%, and the Corporation has received fees from the SBA ranging between 1% and 5% per loan, depending on the size of the loan. Fees on PPP loans, net of origination costs and a market rate adjustment on PPP loans acquired from Covenant, will be recognized in interest income as a yield adjustment over the term of the loans.

As of December 31, 2020, the recorded investment in PPP loans was $132,269,000, including contractual principal balances of $134,802,000, increased by a market rate adjustment on PPP loans acquired from Covenant of $504,000 and reduced by net deferred origination fees of $3,037,000. Accretion of fees received on PPP loans, net of amortization of the market rate adjustment on PPP loans acquired from Covenant, was $1,945,000 for the year ended December 31, 2020.

Capital Strength

While it is difficult to estimate the future impact of COVID-19, the Corporation, including the principal subsidiary, Citizens & Northern Bank (“C&N Bank”), entered the crisis from a position of strength. This is especially apparent in the capital ratios, which are at levels that demonstrate the capacity to absorb significant losses if they arise while continuing to meet the requirements to be considered well capitalized.

C&N Bank’s leverage ratio (Tier 1 capital to average assets) at December 31, 2020 of 10.12% is significantly higher than the well-capitalized threshold of 5%, an excess capital amount of $113.9 million. Similarly, the total capital to risk-weighted assets ratio at December 31, 2020 is 15.98%, which exceeds the well-capitalized threshold of 10%, an excess capital amount of $88.7 million.

Additional details regarding the Corporation’s and C&N Bank’s regulatory capital position are provided in the “Stockholders’ Equity and Capital Adequacy” section of Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”).

​

14

Table of Contents

​

ACQUISITIONS OF COVENANT FINANCIAL, INC. AND MONUMENT BANCORP, INC

The Corporation’s acquisition of Covenant was completed July 1, 2020. Covenant was the parent company of Covenant Bank, a commercial bank which operated a community bank office in Bucks County, Pennsylvania and another in Chester County, Pennsylvania. Pursuant to the transaction, Covenant merged with and into the Corporation and Covenant Bank merged with and into C&N Bank. Total purchase consideration was $63.3 million, including common stock with a fair value of $41.6 million and cash of $21.7 million. Holders of Covenant common stock prior to the consummation of the merger held approximately 12.9% of the Corporation’s common stock outstanding immediately following the merger.

In connection with the acquisition, effective July 1, 2020, the Corporation recorded goodwill of $24.1 million and a core deposit intangible asset of $3.1 million. Assets acquired included loans valued at $464.2 million, cash and due from banks of $97.8 million, bank-owned life insurance valued at $11.2 million and securities valued at $10.8 million. Liabilities assumed included deposits valued at $481.8 million, borrowings valued at $64.0 million and subordinated debt valued at $10.1 million. The assets purchased and liabilities assumed in the acquisition were recorded at their preliminary estimated fair values at the time of closing and may be adjusted for up to one year subsequent to the acquisition.

The acquisition of Covenant follows the acquisition of Monument Bancorp, Inc. (“Monument”) on April 1, 2019. Monument was the parent company of Monument Bank, with two community banking offices and a lending office in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Monument merged with and into the Corporation and Monument Bank merged with and into C&N Bank. The total transaction value of the Monument acquisition was $42.7 million.

In 2020, the Corporation incurred pre-tax merger-related expenses related to the Covenant transaction of $7.7 million. Merger-related expenses include severance and similar expenses as well as expenses related to conversion of Covenant’s core customer system data into the Corporation’s core system and legal and other professional expenses. Management expects additional merger-related expenses associated with the Covenant acquisition will be insignificant.

Merger-related expenses associated with the Monument transaction totaled $3.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2019.

EARNINGS OVERVIEW

Net income for the year ended December 31, 2020 was $19,222,000, or $1.30 per diluted share as compared to 2019 net income of $19,504,000 or $1.46 per share. Earnings for the year ended December 31, 2020 were significantly impacted by the Covenant acquisition, including the effects of merger-related expenses described earlier. Earnings for the year ended December 31, 2020 included a pre-tax loss of $1.6 million on prepayment of long-term borrowings (Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh advances) with outstanding balances totaling $48.0 million. The borrowings included several advances maturing in 2022 through 2024 with a weighted-average interest rate of 1.77% and a weighted-average duration of 2.3 years. Management estimated the use of excess cash to prepay borrowings would generate an improvement in the net interest margin of approximately 0.11% in 2021 over previous internal projections, and that the loss would be recovered through higher future earnings in approximately two years. Excluding the impact of merger-related expenses, loss on prepayment of borrowings and net securities gains, adjusted (non-U.S. GAAP) earnings for 2020 would be $26,514,000 or $1.79 per share as compared to similarly adjusted (non-GAAP) earnings of $22,756,000 or $1.70 per share for 2019.

The following table provides a reconciliation of the Corporation’s 2020 earnings results under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (U.S. GAAP) to comparative non-U.S. GAAP results excluding merger-related expenses, loss on prepayment of borrowings and net securities gains. Management believes disclosure of 2020 and 2019 earnings results, adjusted to exclude the impact of these items, provides useful information to investors for comparative purposes.

15

Table of Contents

​

RECONCILIATION OF NET INCOME AND

DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE TO NON-U.S.

GAAP MEASURE

(Dollars In Thousands, Except Per Share Data)

​

In 2020, interest income on loans acquired from Covenant, partially offset by interest expense on deposits, borrowings and subordinated debt assumed, contributed to growth in net interest income, while costs associated with the expansion contributed to an increase in noninterest expenses. Results for 2019 were significantly impacted by the Monument acquisition.

Other significant variances were as follows:

​

16

Table of Contents

​

​

​

More detailed information concerning the Corporation’s earnings results are provided in other sections of Management’s Discussion and Analysis.

17

Table of Contents

​

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The presentation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect many of the reported amounts and disclosures. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

Allowance for Loan Losses – A material estimate that is particularly susceptible to significant change is the determination of the allowance for loan losses. The Corporation maintains an allowance for loan losses that represents management’s estimate of the losses inherent in the loan portfolio as of the balance sheet date and recorded as a reduction of the investment in loans. Management believes the allowance for loan losses is adequate and reasonable. Notes 1 and 8 to the consolidated financial statements provide an overview of the process management uses for evaluating and determining the allowance for loan losses, and additional discussion of the allowance for loan losses is provided in a separate section later in Management’s Discussion and Analysis. Given the very subjective nature of identifying and valuing loan losses, it is likely that well-informed individuals could make materially different assumptions, and could, therefore calculate a materially different allowance value. While management uses available information to recognize losses on loans, changes in economic conditions may necessitate revisions in future years. In addition, various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the Corporation’s allowance for loan losses. Such agencies may require the Corporation to recognize adjustments to the allowance based on their judgments of information available to them at the time of their examination.

Business Combinations – We account for business combinations under the purchase method of accounting. The application of this method of accounting requires the use of significant estimates and assumptions in the determination of the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in order to properly allocate purchase price consideration between assets that are amortized, accreted or depreciated from those that are recorded as goodwill. Our estimates of the fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed are based upon assumptions that we believe to be reasonable.

Goodwill – Goodwill is tested at least annually at December 31 for impairment, or more often if events or circumstances indicate there may be impairment. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic led to government-imposed emergency restrictions that have had significant adverse effects on macroeconomic conditions. The ultimate effect of COVID-19 on the local or broader economy is not known nor is the ultimate length of the restrictions described and any accompanying effects.

In testing goodwill for impairment at December 31, 2020, the Corporation by-passed performing a qualitative assessment and performed a quantitative assessment based on comparison of the Corporation’s market capitalization to its stockholders’ equity, resulting in the determination that the fair value of its reporting unit, its community banking operation, exceeded its carrying amount. Accordingly, there was no goodwill impairment at December 31, 2020.

Fair Value of Debt Securities – Another material estimate is the calculation of fair values of the Corporation’s debt securities. For most of the Corporation’s debt securities, the Corporation receives estimated fair values of debt securities from an independent valuation service, or from brokers. In developing fair values, the valuation service and the brokers use estimates of cash flows, based on historical performance of similar instruments in similar interest rate environments. Based on experience, management is aware that estimated fair values of debt securities tend to vary among brokers and other valuation services.

NET INTEREST INCOME

The Corporation’s primary source of operating income is net interest income, which is equal to the difference between the amounts of interest income and interest expense. Tables I, II and III include information regarding the Corporation’s net interest income in 2020 and 2019. In each of these tables, the amounts of interest income earned on tax-exempt securities and loans have been adjusted to a fully taxable-equivalent basis. Accordingly, the net interest income amounts reflected in these tables exceed the amounts presented in the consolidated financial statements. The discussion that follows is based on amounts in the tables.

Fully taxable equivalent net interest income was $68,545,000 in 2020, $13,013,000 (23.4%) higher than in 2019. Interest income was $12,325,000 higher in 2020 as compared to 2019; interest expense was lower by $688,000 in comparing the same periods. As presented in Table II, the Net Interest Margin was 3.69% in 2020 as compared to 3.86% in 2019, and the “Interest Rate Spread” (excess of average rate of return on earning assets over average cost of funds on interest-bearing liabilities) decreased to 3.49% in 2020 from 3.56% in 2019.

18

Table of Contents

​

Income from purchase accounting-related adjustments in 2020 had a positive effect on net interest income of $3,272,000, including an increase in income on loans of $1,888,000 and reductions in interest expense on time deposits of $928,000 and on borrowed funds of $456,000. The positive impact to the net interest margin from purchase accounting adjustments was 0.18% in 2020 and 0.04% in 2019.

INTEREST INCOME AND EARNING ASSETS

Interest income totaled $78,140,000 in 2020, an increase of 18.7% from 2019. Interest and fees on loans receivable increased $13,881,000, or 24.9%, to $69,606,000 in 2020 from $55,725,000 in 2019. Table III shows the increase in interest on loans includes $17,713,000 attributable to an increase in volume and a decrease of $3,832,000 related to a decrease in average yield. The average balance of loans receivable increased $387,539,000 (36.6%) to $1,445,098,000 in 2020 from $1,057,559,000 in 2019. The increase in average balance reflects the Corporation’s purchase of Covenant on July 1, 2020.  The average balance of loans outstanding in 2020 attributable to the former Covenant operations totaled $234,062,000, including PPP loans of $32,279,000.   Excluding Covenant, average loans outstanding increased $153,477,000, including PPP loans of $66,187,000. The increase in average loans outstanding includes the effect of loans acquired from Monument, effective April 1, 2019, as well as subsequent loan growth over the last three quarters of 2019. The average yield on loans in 2020 was 4.82% compared to 5.27% in 2019.

Interest income on available-for-sale debt securities totaled $8,203,000 in 2020, a reduction of $1,328,000 from the total for 2019. As indicated in Table II, average available-for-sale debt securities (at amortized cost) totaled $328,445,000 in 2020, a decrease of $28,839,000 (8.1%) from 2019. The average yield on available-for-sale debt securities decreased to 2.50% in 2020 from 2.67% in 2019.

Interest income from interest-bearing deposits in banks totaled $251,000 in 2020, a decrease of $263,000 from the total for 2019. The most significant categories of assets within this category include interest-bearing balances held with the Federal Reserve and investments in certificates of deposit issued by other banks.  The average balance increased $58,876,000, partly due to cash received in the Covenant transaction that was not fully deployed.  The average yield on interest-bearing deposits with banks fell to 0.31% in 2020 from 2.37% in 2019, which is a result of the decreases to the rates paid on balances held at the Federal Reserve.

INTEREST EXPENSE AND INTEREST-BEARING LIABILITIES

Interest expense decreased $688,000, or 6.7%, to $9,595,000 in 2020 from $10,283,000 in 2019. Table II shows that the overall cost of funds on interest-bearing liabilities decreased to 0.72% in 2020 from 1.02% in 2019.

Total average deposit balances (interest-bearing and noninterest-bearing) increased $372,722,000 to $1,586,409,000 in 2020 from $1,213,687,000 in 2019. The average balance of deposits from the former Covenant operations totaled $225,541,000. Excluding Covenant average deposits for 2020, deposits increased $147,181,000 over the comparative amount for 2019, reflecting the inclusion of deposits assumed from Monument for all of 2020 as compared to nine months in 2019 as well as increases in deposits related to PPP and other government stimulus programs.

Interest expense on deposits decreased $959,000 in 2020 over 2019. The average rate on interest-bearing deposits decreased to 0.60% in 2020 from 0.89% in 2019, consistent with the reduction in market rates in 2020.

Interest expense on borrowed funds increased $271,000 in 2020 as compared to 2019. Total average borrowed funds increased $46,553,000 to $129,265,000 in 2020 from $82,712,000 in 2019. The increase in average borrowed funds includes the impact of borrowings originated to fund loan growth in the last three quarters of 2019 and borrowings assumed from Covenant. The average rate on total borrowed funds was 1.83% in 2020 compared to 2.53% in 2019. The decrease in the average rate on borrowed funds in 2020 reflects the impact of a reduction in market rates.

19

Table of Contents

​

TABLE I - ANALYSIS OF INTEREST INCOME AND EXPENSE

​

20

Table of Contents

​

TABLE II - ANALYSIS OF AVERAGE DAILY BALANCES AND RATES

​

​

21

Table of Contents

​

TABLE III -  ANALYSIS OF VOLUME AND RATE CHANGES

​

​

​

22

Table of Contents

​

NONINTEREST INCOME

TABLE IV - COMPARISON OF NONINTEREST INCOME