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COMMUNITY BANCORP /VT - Quarter Report: 2014 March (Form 10-Q)

cmtv_10q.htm


UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC  20549

FORM 10-Q

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

For the Quarterly Period Ended March 31, 2014

OR
o  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 000-16435


Vermont
 
03-0284070
(State of Incorporation)
 
(IRS Employer Identification Number)
 
4811 US Route 5, Derby, Vermont
 
05829
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
 
(zip code)
 
Registrant's Telephone Number:  (802) 334-7915

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 for such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes þ   No o

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

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

Large accelerated filer o
Accelerated filer o
Non-accelerated filer   o    (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company þ

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

At May 7, 2014, there were 4,883,976 shares outstanding of the Corporation's common stock.
 


 
 
 
 
 
FORM 10-Q
 
 
Index
   
   
Page
PART I
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
     
Item 1
Financial Statements
3
Item 2
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
27
Item 3
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
43
Item 4
Controls and Procedures
43
     
PART II
OTHER INFORMATION
 
     
Item 1
Legal Proceedings
44
Item 2
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
44
Item 6
Exhibits
45
 
Signatures
46
 
 
 
2

 
 
PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1.  Financial Statements (Unaudited)

The following are the unaudited consolidated financial statements for Community Bancorp. and Subsidiary, "the Company".
 
Community Bancorp. and Subsidiary
Consolidated Balance Sheets

   
March 31,
   
December 31,
   
March 31,
 
   
2014
   
2013
   
2013
 
   
(Unaudited)
         
(Unaudited)
 
Assets
                 
  Cash and due from banks
  $ 12,611,269     $ 11,841,161     $ 8,669,614  
  Federal funds sold and overnight deposits
    6,515,899       6,488,828       32,556  
     Total cash and cash equivalents
    19,127,168       18,329,989       8,702,170  
  Securities held-to-maturity (fair value $39,297,000 at 03/31/14
                       
   $38,370,000 at 12/31/13 and $42,733,000 at 03/31/13)
    38,919,299       37,936,911       42,380,968  
  Securities available-for-sale
    31,187,390       35,188,602       46,010,313  
  Restricted equity securities, at cost
    3,632,850       3,632,850       3,632,850  
  Loans held-for-sale
    505,600       209,500       1,347,961  
  Loans
    452,230,767       439,908,926       417,469,135  
    Allowance for loan losses
    (4,837,578 )     (4,854,915 )     (4,493,384 )
    Deferred net loan costs
    290,265       300,429       206,969  
        Net loans
    447,683,454       435,354,440       413,182,720  
  Bank premises and equipment, net
    11,599,575       11,723,468       12,172,480  
  Accrued interest receivable
    1,998,301       1,778,305       1,970,615  
  Bank owned life insurance
    4,330,567       4,303,307       4,215,534  
  Core deposit intangible
    1,022,606       1,090,781       1,295,301  
  Goodwill
    11,574,269       11,574,269       11,574,269  
  Other real estate owned (OREO)
    865,820       1,105,525       879,705  
  Other assets
    10,680,849       11,439,457       13,015,495  
        Total assets
  $ 583,127,748     $ 573,667,404     $ 560,380,381  
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
                       
 Liabilities
                       
  Deposits:
                       
    Demand, non-interest bearing
  $ 80,608,105     $ 82,156,154     $ 64,660,692  
    Interest-bearing transaction accounts
    112,378,796       126,578,052       114,257,777  
    Money market funds
    84,177,510       81,960,677       94,380,704  
    Savings
    74,187,411       69,906,147       68,232,421  
    Time deposits, $100,000 and over
    57,849,279       46,928,443       45,220,821  
    Other time deposits
    73,406,469       74,023,096       77,509,684  
        Total deposits
    482,607,570       481,552,569       464,262,099  
                         
  Federal funds purchased and other borrowed funds
    12,000,000       0       7,845,000  
  Repurchase agreements
    25,885,704       29,644,615       28,623,952  
  Capital lease obligations
    694,315       711,042       759,260  
  Junior subordinated debentures
    12,887,000       12,887,000       12,887,000  
  Accrued interest and other liabilities
    2,429,965       2,736,201       2,151,091  
        Total liabilities
    536,504,554       527,531,427       516,528,402  
 Shareholders' Equity
                       
  Preferred stock, 1,000,000 shares authorized, 25 shares issued
                       
    and outstanding ($100,000 liquidation value)
    2,500,000       2,500,000       2,500,000  
  Common stock - $2.50 par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized,
                       
    5,091,506 shares issued at 03/31/14, 5,078,707 shares issued
                       
    at 12/31/13, and 5,037,828 shares issued at 03/31/13
    12,728,765       12,696,768       12,594,570  
  Additional paid-in capital
    28,754,257       28,612,308       28,177,907  
  Retained earnings
    5,269,524       4,997,144       3,046,163  
  Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income
    (6,575 )     (47,466 )     156,116  
  Less: treasury stock, at cost; 210,101 shares at 03/31/14,
                       
    12/31/13 and 03/31/13
    (2,622,777 )     (2,622,777 )     (2,622,777 )
        Total shareholders' equity
    46,623,194       46,135,977       43,851,979  
        Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
  $ 583,127,748     $ 573,667,404     $ 560,380,381  
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements
 
 
3

 
 
Community Bancorp. and Subsidiary
Consolidated Statements of Income
(Unaudited)
 
    For The Quarters Ended March 31,  
   
2014
   
2013
 
             
Interest income
           
   Interest and fees on loans
  $ 5,270,776     $ 5,207,889  
   Interest on debt securities
               
     Taxable
    66,344       77,202  
     Tax-exempt
    256,628       255,547  
   Dividends
    23,284       15,079  
   Interest on federal funds sold and overnight deposits
    1,244       6,332  
        Total interest income
    5,618,276       5,562,049  
                 
Interest expense
               
   Interest on deposits
    657,255       773,770  
   Interest on federal funds purchased and other borrowed funds
    18,686       23,265  
   Interest on repurchase agreements
    16,598       36,019  
   Interest on junior subordinated debentures
    100,751       101,743  
        Total interest expense
    793,290       934,797  
                 
     Net interest income
    4,824,986       4,627,252  
 Provision for loan losses
    135,000       206,250  
     Net interest income after provision for loan losses
    4,689,986       4,421,002  
                 
Non-interest income
               
   Service fees
    646,813       558,950  
   Income from sold loans
    249,130       387,591  
   Other income from loans
    144,400       143,313  
   Other income
    273,158       278,338  
        Total non-interest income
    1,313,501       1,368,192  
                 
Non-interest expense
               
   Salaries and wages
    1,650,000       1,657,185  
   Employee benefits
    631,197       609,289  
   Occupancy expenses, net
    684,198       871,904  
   Other expenses
    1,746,801       1,450,912  
        Total non-interest expense
    4,712,196       4,589,290  
                 
    Income before income taxes
    1,291,291       1,199,904  
 Income tax expense
    219,726       158,126  
        Net income
  $ 1,071,565     $ 1,041,778  
                 
 Earnings per common share
  $ 0.22     $ 0.21  
 Weighted average number of common shares
               
  used in computing earnings per share
    4,872,589       4,816,588  
 Dividends declared per common share
  $ 0.16     $ 0.14  
 Book value per share on common shares outstanding at March 31,
  $ 9.04     $ 8.57  
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements
 
 
4

 
 
Community Bancorp. and Subsidiary
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(Unaudited)
 
             
             
    For The Quarters Ended March 31,  
   
2014
   
2013
 
             
Net income
  $ 1,071,565     $ 1,041,778  
                 
Other comprehensive gain (loss), net of tax:
               
  Unrealized holding gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities
               
    arising during the period
    61,956       (23,700 )
  Tax effect
    (21,065 )     8,058  
  Other comprehensive gain (loss), net of tax
    40,891       (15,642 )
          Total comprehensive income
  $ 1,112,456     $ 1,026,136  
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements
 
 
5

 
 
Community Bancorp. and Subsidiary
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)
 
             
             
    For The Quarters Ended March 31,  
   
2014
   
2013
 
             
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
           
  Net income
  $ 1,071,565     $ 1,041,778  
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
               
   operating activities:
               
    Depreciation and amortization, bank premises and equipment
    246,008       261,932  
    Provision for loan losses
    135,000       206,250  
    Deferred income tax
    (27,827 )     (144,408 )
    Gain on sale of loans
    (127,454 )     (219,954 )
    Loss (gain) on sale of OREO
    1,840       (9,728 )
    Gain on Trust LLC
    (79,812 )     (63,594 )
    Amortization of bond premium, net
    79,113       120,290  
    Proceeds from sales of loans held for sale
    4,922,980       8,069,687  
    Originations of loans held for sale
    (5,091,626 )     (7,695,988 )
    Increase in taxes payable
    540,800       277,187  
    Increase in interest receivable
    (219,996 )     (219,530 )
    Amortization of FDIC insurance assessment
    0       94,105  
    Decrease (increase) in mortgage servicing rights
    7,384       (36,629 )
    Decrease (increase) in other assets
    149,217       (124,301 )
    Increase in cash surrender value of bank owned life insurance
    (27,260 )     (27,890 )
    Amortization of core deposit intangible
    68,175       68,175  
    Amortization of limited partnerships
    147,780       144,570  
    Decrease (increase) in unamortized loan costs
    10,164       (37,468 )
    Increase (decrease) in interest payable
    1,186       (9,891 )
    Decrease in accrued expenses
    (424,696 )     (446,324 )
    Increase in other liabilities
    15,067       38,046  
       Net cash provided by operating activities
    1,397,608       1,286,315  
                 
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
               
  Investments - held-to-maturity
               
    Maturities and pay downs
    3,083,260       4,476,973  
    Purchases
    (4,065,647 )     (4,992,386 )
  Investments - available-for-sale
               
    Maturities, calls, pay downs and sales
    6,000,000       2,000,000  
    Purchases
    (2,015,945 )     (7,268,244 )
  Proceeds from redemption of restricted equity securities
    0       388,500  
  Decrease in limited partnership contributions payable
    0       (527,000 )
  Increase in loans, net
    (12,490,049 )     (1,128,848 )
  Capital expenditures net of proceeds from sales of bank premises and equipment
    (122,115 )     (191,092 )
  Proceeds from sales of OREO
    237,865       204,728  
  Recoveries of loans charged off
    15,871       10,215  
       Net cash used in investing activities
    (9,356,760 )     (7,027,154 )
 
 
6

 
 
   
2014
   
2013
 
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
           
  Net decrease in demand and interest-bearing transaction accounts
    (15,747,305 )     (22,861,793 )
  Net increase in money market and savings accounts
    6,498,097       10,422,592  
  Net increase in time deposits
    10,304,209       1,204,441  
  Net decrease in repurchase agreements
    (3,758,911 )     (5,525,656 )
  Net increase in short-term borrowings
    6,000,000       7,845,000  
  Proceeds from long-term borrowings
    6,000,000       0  
  Repayments on long-term borrowings
    0       (6,000,000 )
  Decrease in capital lease obligations
    (16,727 )     (15,441 )
  Dividends paid on preferred stock
    (20,313 )     (20,313 )
  Dividends paid on common stock
    (502,719 )     (487,661 )
       Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    8,756,331       (15,438,831 )
                 
       Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    797,179       (21,179,670 )
  Cash and cash equivalents:
               
          Beginning
    18,329,989       29,881,840  
          Ending
  $ 19,127,168     $ 8,702,170  
                 
Supplemental Schedule of Cash Paid During the Period
               
  Interest
  $ 792,104     $ 944,688  
                 
  Income taxes
  $ (330,069 )   $ 0  
                 
Supplemental Schedule of Noncash Investing and Financing Activities:
               
  Change in unrealized gain (loss) on securities available-for-sale
  $ 61,956     $ (23,700 )
                 
Common Shares Dividends Paid
               
  Dividends declared
  $ 778,872     $ 673,502  
  Increase in dividends payable attributable to dividends declared
    (102,207 )     (18,758 )
  Dividends reinvested
    (173,946 )     (167,083 )
    $ 502,719     $ 487,661  
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
 
 
7

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 1.  Basis of Presentation and Consolidation

The interim consolidated financial statements of Community Bancorp. and Subsidiary are unaudited.  All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.  In the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary for the fair presentation of the financial condition and results of operations of the Company contained herein have been made.  The unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the year ended December 31, 2013 contained in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K.  The results of operations for the interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations to be expected for the full annual period ending December 31, 2014, or for any other interim period.

Note 2.  Recent Accounting Developments

In January 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2014-01, “Investments – Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323): Accounting for Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing Projects”. The amendments in this Update permit institutions to make accounting policy elections to account for their investments in qualified affordable housing projects using the proportional amortization method if certain conditions are met. Under the proportional amortization method, an entity amortizes the initial cost of the investment in proportion to the tax credits and other tax benefits received and recognizes the net investment performance in the income statement as a component of income tax expense (benefit). For those investments in qualified affordable housing projects not accounted for using the proportional amortization method, the ASU requires the investment to be accounted for as an equity method investment or a cost method investment. The amendments in this Update should be applied retrospectively to all periods presented. A reporting entity that uses the effective yield method to account for its investments in qualified affordable housing projects before the date of adoption may continue to apply the effective yield method for those preexisting investments. The amendments in this ASU are effective for annual periods and interim reporting periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2014.  Early adoption is permitted.  Management has reviewed the ASU and does not believe that it will have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In January 2014, FASB issued ASU No. 2014-04, “Receivables – Troubled Debt Restructurings by Creditors (Sub Topic 310-40): Reclassification of Residential Real Estate Collateralized Consumer Mortgage Loans upon Foreclosure”. The amendments in this Update clarify that an in substance repossession or foreclosure occurs, and a creditor is considered to have received physical possession of residential real estate property collateralizing a consumer mortgage loan, upon either (1) the creditor obtaining legal title to the residential real estate property upon completion of a foreclosure or (2) the borrower conveying all interest in the residential real estate property to the creditor to satisfy that loan through completion of a deed in lieu of foreclosure or through a similar legal agreement. Additionally, the amendments require disclosure of both (1) the amount of foreclosed residential real estate property held by the creditor and (2) the recorded investment in consumer mortgage loans collateralized by residential real estate property that are in the process of foreclosure.  The amendments in this Update are effective for annual periods and interim reporting periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2014.  Management has reviewed the ASU and does not believe that it will have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Note 3.  Earnings per Common Share

Earnings per common share amounts are computed based on the weighted average number of shares of common stock issued during the period (retroactively adjusted for stock splits and stock dividends), including Dividend Reinvestment Plan shares issuable upon reinvestment of dividends declared, and reduced for shares held in treasury.

The following tables illustrate the calculation for the periods ended March 31, as adjusted for the cash dividends declared on the preferred stock:

For The Quarters Ended March 31,
 
2014
   
2013
 
             
Net income, as reported
  $ 1,071,565     $ 1,041,778  
Less: dividends to preferred shareholders
    20,313       20,313  
Net income available to common shareholders
  $ 1,051,252     $ 1,021,465  
Weighted average number of common shares
               
   used in calculating earnings per share
    4,872,589       4,816,588  
Earnings per common share
  $ 0.22     $ 0.21  
 
 
8

 
 
Note 4.  Investment Securities

Securities available-for-sale (AFS) and held-to-maturity (HTM) as of the balance sheet dates consisted of the following:

         
Gross
   
Gross
       
   
Amortized
   
Unrealized
   
Unrealized
   
Fair
 
Securities AFS
 
Cost
   
Gains
   
Losses
   
Value
 
                         
March 31, 2014
                       
U.S. Government sponsored enterprise (GSE) debt securities
  $ 25,648,701     $ 105,874     $ 124,214     $ 25,630,361  
U.S. Government securities
    5,548,652       11,188       2,811       5,557,029  
    $ 31,197,353     $ 117,062     $ 127,025     $ 31,187,390  
                                 
December 31, 2013
                               
U.S. GSE debt securities
  $ 29,220,333     $ 114,102     $ 195,521     $ 29,138,914  
U.S. Government securities
    6,040,188       10,955       1,455       6,049,688  
    $ 35,260,521     $ 125,057     $ 196,976     $ 35,188,602  
                                 
March 31, 2013
                               
U.S. GSE debt securities
  $ 38,706,702     $ 238,027     $ 25,471     $ 38,919,258  
U.S. Government securities
    7,067,072       24,401       418       7,091,055  
    $ 45,773,774     $ 262,428     $ 25,889     $ 46,010,313  
 
         
Gross
   
Gross
       
   
Amortized
   
Unrealized
   
Unrealized
   
Fair
 
Securities HTM
 
Cost
   
Gains
   
Losses
   
Value*
 
                         
March 31, 2014
                       
States and political subdivisions
  $ 38,919,299     $ 377,701     $ 0     $ 39,297,000  
                                 
December 31, 2013
                               
States and political subdivisions
  $ 37,936,911     $ 433,089     $ 0     $ 38,370,000  
                                 
March 31, 2013
                               
States and political subdivisions
  $ 42,380,968     $ 352,032     $ 0     $ 42,733,000  
 
*Method used to determine fair value of HTM securities rounds values to nearest thousand.

 
9

 

The scheduled maturities of debt securities AFS were as follows:

   
Amortized
   
Fair
 
   
Cost
   
Value
 
March 31, 2014
           
Due in one year or less
  $ 6,631,624     $ 6,657,510  
Due from one to five years
    24,565,729       24,529,880  
    $ 31,197,353     $ 31,187,390  
                 
                 
December 31, 2013
               
Due in one year or less
  $ 4,508,181     $ 4,510,923  
Due from one to five years
    30,752,340       30,677,679  
    $ 35,260,521     $ 35,188,602  
                 
March 31, 2013
               
Due in one year or less
  $ 8,184,431     $ 8,205,591  
Due from one to five years
    35,339,343       35,565,694  
Due from five to ten years
    2,250,000       2,239,028  
    $ 45,773,774     $ 46,010,313  
 
The scheduled maturities of debt securities HTM were as follows:

   
Amortized
   
Fair
 
   
Cost
   
Value*
 
March 31, 2014
           
Due in one year or less
  $ 28,961,980     $ 28,962,000  
Due from one to five years
    3,739,065       3,834,000  
Due from five to ten years
    2,445,740       2,540,000  
Due after ten years
    3,772,514       3,961,000  
    $ 38,919,299     $ 39,297,000  
                 
December 31, 2013
               
Due in one year or less
  $ 27,615,731     $ 27,616,000  
Due from one to five years
    3,939,950       4,048,000  
Due from five to ten years
    2,592,045       2,700,000  
Due after ten years
    3,789,185       4,006,000  
    $ 37,936,911     $ 38,370,000  
                 
March 31, 2013
               
Due in one year or less
  $ 33,501,248     $ 33,501,000  
Due from one to five years
    3,641,743       3,730,000  
Due from five to ten years
    1,898,484       1,986,000  
Due after ten years
    3,339,493       3,516,000  
    $ 42,380,968     $ 42,733,000  
 
*Method used to determine fair value of HTM securities rounds values to nearest thousand.

 
10

 

There were no debt securities HTM in an unrealized loss position as of the balance sheet date.  Debt securities AFS with unrealized losses as of the balance sheet dates are presented in the table below.

   
Less than 12 months
   
12 months or more
   
Total
 
   
Fair
   
Unrealized
   
Fair
   
Unrealized
   
Fair
   
Unrealized
 
   
Value
   
Loss
   
Value
   
Loss
   
Value
   
Loss
 
March 31, 2014
                                   
U.S. GSE debt securities
  $ 8,003,111     $ 27,981     $ 5,160,370     $ 96,233     $ 13,163,481     $ 124,214  
U.S. Government securities
    1,544,061       2,811       0       0       1,544,061       2,811  
    $ 9,547,172     $ 30,792     $ 5,160,370     $ 96,233     $ 14,707,542     $ 127,025  
                                                 
December 31, 2013
                                               
U.S. GSE debt securities
  $ 11,094,830     $ 194,188     $ 1,004,235     $ 1,333     $ 12,099,065     $ 195,521  
U.S. Government securities
    1,034,336       1,455       0       0       1,034,336       1,455  
    $ 12,129,166     $ 195,643     $ 1,004,235     $ 1,333     $ 13,133,401     $ 196,976  
                                                 
March 31, 2013
                                               
U.S. GSE debt securities
  $ 11,398,359     $ 25,471     $ 0     $ 0     $ 11,398,359     $ 25,471  
U.S. Government securities
    2,051,016       418       0       0       2,051,016       418  
    $ 13,449,375     $ 25,889     $ 0     $ 0     $ 13,449,375     $ 25,889  
 
Debt securities in the table above consisted of 13 U.S. GSE debt securities and two U.S. Government securities at March 31, 2014, 12 U.S. GSE debt securities and one U.S. Government security at December 31, 2013, and 11 U.S. GSE debt securities and two U.S. Government securities at March 31, 2013.  The unrealized losses for all periods presented were principally attributable to changes in prevailing interest rates for similar types of securities and not deterioration in the creditworthiness of the issuer.

Management evaluates securities for other-than-temporary impairment at least on a quarterly basis, and more frequently when economic or market conditions, or adverse developments relating to the issuer, warrant such evaluation. Consideration is given to (1) the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than the carrying value, (2) the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, and (3) the intent and ability of the Company to retain its investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value.  In analyzing an issuer's financial condition, management considers whether the securities are issued by the federal government or its agencies, whether downgrades by bond rating agencies or other adverse developments in the status of the securities have occurred, and the results of reviews of the issuer's financial condition.  As of March 31, 2014, there were no declines in the fair value of any of the securities reflected in the table above that were deemed by management to be other than temporary.

Note 5.  Loans, Allowance for Loan Losses and Credit Quality

The composition of net loans follows:

   
March 31,
   
December 31,
   
March 31,
 
   
2014
   
2013
   
2013
 
                   
Commercial & industrial
  $ 60,728,808     $ 55,619,285     $ 51,044,490  
Commercial real estate
    167,369,628       156,935,803       138,784,472  
Residential real estate – 1st lien
    171,561,880       172,847,074       172,031,283  
Residential real estate - Jr lien
    44,528,723       45,687,405       45,912,846  
Consumer
    8,041,728       8,819,359       9,696,044  
      452,230,767       439,908,926       417,469,135  
Deduct (add):
                       
Allowance for loan losses
    4,837,578       4,854,915       4,493,384  
Deferred net loan costs
    (290,265 )     (300,429 )     (206,969 )
      4,547,313       4,554,486       4,286,415  
          Net Loans
  $ 447,683,454     $ 435,354,440     $ 413,182,720  

 
11

 

The following is an age analysis of past due loans (including non-accrual), by segment:

         
90 Days
   
Total
               
Non-Accrual
   
90 Days or More
 
March 31, 2014
 
30-89 Days
   
or More
   
Past Due
   
Current
   
Total Loans
   
Loans
   
and Accruing
 
                                           
Commercial & industrial
  $ 1,134,539     $ 289,474     $ 1,424,013     $ 59,304,795     $ 60,728,808     $ 477,572     $ 0  
Commercial real estate
    1,936,831       128,428       2,065,259       165,304,369       167,369,628       1,299,476       5,313  
Residential real estate - 1st lien
    4,664,185       1,368,469       6,032,654       165,529,226       171,561,880       2,047,423       557,640  
Residential real estate - Jr lien
    355,723       135,033       490,756       44,037,967       44,528,723       460,590       79,722  
Consumer
    106,929       0       106,929       7,934,799       8,041,728       0       0  
          Total
  $ 8,198,207     $ 1,921,404     $ 10,119,611     $ 442,111,156     $ 452,230,767     $ 4,285,061     $ 642,675  
 
           
90 Days
   
Total
                   
Non-Accrual
   
90 Days or More
 
December 31, 2013
 
30-89 Days
   
or More
   
Past Due
   
Current
   
Total Loans
   
Loans
   
and Accruing
 
                                                         
Commercial & industrial
  $ 1,060,971     $ 310,669     $ 1,371,640     $ 54,247,645     $ 55,619,285     $ 527,105     $ 21,902  
Commercial real estate
    713,160       215,507       928,667       156,007,136       156,935,803       1,403,541       5,313  
Residential real estate - 1st lien
    5,184,457       1,655,950       6,840,407       166,006,667       172,847,074       2,203,106       817,109  
Residential real estate - Jr lien
    533,134       289,169       822,303       44,865,102       45,687,405       593,125       56,040  
Consumer
    136,922       7,784       144,706       8,674,653       8,819,359       0       7,784  
          Total
  $ 7,628,644     $ 2,479,079     $ 10,107,723     $ 429,801,203     $ 439,908,926     $ 4,726,877     $ 908,148  
 
           
90 Days
   
Total
                   
Non-Accrual
   
90 Days or More
 
March 31, 2013
 
30-89 Days
   
or More
   
Past Due
   
Current
   
Total Loans
   
Loans
   
and Accruing
 
                                                         
Commercial & industrial
  $ 1,487,049     $ 303,881     $ 1,790,930     $ 49,253,560     $ 51,044,490     $ 558,874     $ 0  
Commercial real estate
    923,865       1,396,401       2,320,266       136,464,206       138,784,472       2,222,566       186,792  
Residential real estate - 1st lien
    3,085,496       719,177       3,804,673       168,226,610       172,031,283       1,769,150       164,472  
Residential real estate - Jr lien
    211,168       104,255       315,423       45,597,423       45,912,846       368,827       53,446  
Consumer
    93,842       0       93,842       9,602,202       9,696,044       0       0  
          Total
  $ 5,801,420     $ 2,523,714     $ 8,325,134     $ 409,144,001     $ 417,469,135     $ 4,919,417     $ 404,710  

For all loan segments, loans over 30 days past due are considered delinquent.
 
Allowance for loan losses

The allowance for loan losses is established through a provision for loan losses charged to earnings. Loan losses are charged against the allowance when management believes the uncollectibility of a loan balance is probable. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance.  No changes in the Company’s policies or methodology pertaining to the allowance for loan losses were made during the first quarter of 2014.

Unsecured loans, primarily consumer loans, are charged off when they become uncollectible and no later than 120 days past due.  Unsecured loans to customers who subsequently file bankruptcy are charged off within 30 days of receipt of the notification of filing or by the end of the month in which the loans become 120 days past due, whichever occurs first.  For secured loans, both residential and commercial, the potential loss on impaired loans is carried as a loan loss reserve specific allocation; the loss portion is charged off when collection of the full loan appears unlikely.  The unsecured portion of a real estate loan is that portion of the loan exceeding the "fair value" of the collateral less the estimated cost to sell. Value of the collateral is determined in accordance with the Company’s appraisal policy.  The unsecured portion of an impaired real estate secured loan is charged off by the end of the month in which the loan becomes 180 days past due.

As described below, the allowance consists of general, specific and unallocated components.  However, the entire allowance is available to absorb losses in the loan portfolio, regardless of specific, general and unallocated components considered in determining the amount of the allowance.

 
12

 

General component

The general component of the allowance for loan losses is based on historical loss experience, adjusted for qualitative factors and stratified by the following loan segments: commercial and industrial, commercial real estate, residential real estate first (“1st”) lien, residential real estate junior (“Jr”) lien and consumer loans. The Company does not disaggregate its portfolio segments further into classes.  Loss ratios are calculated by loan segment for one year, two year and five year look back periods.  The highest loss ratio among these look-back periods is then applied against the respective segment.  Management uses an average of historical losses based on a time frame appropriate to capture relevant loss data for each loan segment. This historical loss factor is adjusted for the following qualitative factors: levels of and trends in delinquencies and non-performing loans, levels of and trends in loan risk groups, trends in volumes and terms of loans, effects of any changes in loan related policies, experience, ability and the depth of management, documentation and credit data exception levels, national and local economic trends, external factors such as competition and regulation and lastly, concentrations of credit risk in a variety of areas, including portfolio product mix, the level of loans to individual borrowers and their related interests, loans to industry segments, and the geographic distribution of commercial real estate loans. This evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires estimates that are susceptible to revision as more information becomes available.

The qualitative factors are determined based on the various risk characteristics of each loan segment. The Company has policies, procedures and internal controls that management believes are commensurate with the risk profile of each of these segments.  Major risk characteristics relevant to each portfolio segment are as follows:

Commercial & Industrial – Loans in this segment include commercial and industrial loans and to a lesser extent loans to finance agricultural production. Commercial loans are made to businesses and are generally secured by assets of the business, including trade assets and equipment. While not the primary collateral, in many cases these loans may also be secured by the real estate of the business. Repayment is expected from the cash flows of the business. A weakened economy, soft consumer spending, unfavorable foreign trade conditions and the rising cost of labor or raw materials are examples of issues that can impact the credit quality in this segment.

Commercial Real Estate – Loans in this segment are principally made to businesses and are generally secured by either owner-occupied, or non-owner occupied commercial real estate. A relatively small portion of this segment includes farm loans secured by farm land and buildings.  As with commercial and industrial loans, repayment of owner-occupied commercial real estate loans is expected from the cash flows of the business and the segment would be impacted by the same risk factors as commercial and industrial loans. The non-owner occupied commercial real estate portion includes both residential and commercial construction loans, vacant land and real estate development loans, multi-family dwelling loans and commercial rental property loans. Repayment of construction loans is expected from permanent financing takeout; the Company generally requires a commitment or eligibility for the take-out financing prior to construction loan origination. Real estate development loans are generally repaid from the sale of the subject real property as the project progresses. Construction and development lending entail additional risks, including the project exceeding budget, not being constructed according to plans, not receiving permits, or the pre-leasing or occupancy rate not meeting expectations. Repayment of multi-family loans and commercial rental property loans is expected from the cash flow generated by rental payments received from the individuals or businesses occupying the real estate. Commercial real estate loans are impacted by factors such as competitive market forces, vacancy rates, cap rates, net operating incomes, lease renewals and overall economic demand. In addition, loans in the recreational and tourism sector can be affected by weather conditions, such as unseasonably low winter snowfalls. Commercial real estate lending also carries a higher degree of environmental risk than other real estate lending.

Residential Real Estate - 1st Lien – All loans in this segment are collateralized by first mortgages on 1 – 4 family owner-occupied residential real estate and repayment is dependent on the credit quality of the individual borrower. The overall health of the economy, including unemployment rates and housing prices, has an impact on the credit quality of this segment.

Residential Real Estate – Jr Lien – All loans in this segment are collateralized by junior lien mortgages on 1 – 4 family residential real estate and repayment is primarily dependent on the credit quality of the individual borrower. The overall health of the economy, including unemployment rates and housing prices, has an impact on the credit quality of this segment.

Consumer – Loans in this segment are made to individuals for consumer and household purposes.  This segment includes both loans secured by automobiles and other consumer goods, as well as loans that are unsecured.  This segment also includes overdrafts, which are extensions of credit made to both individuals and businesses to cover temporary shortages in their deposit accounts and are generally unsecured.  The Company maintains policies restricting the size and term of these extensions of credit.  The overall health of the economy, including unemployment rates, has an impact on the credit quality of this segment.

 
13

 
 
Specific component

The specific component of the allowance for loan losses relates to loans that are impaired.  Impaired loans are loan(s) to a borrower that in the aggregate are greater than $100,000 and that are in non-accrual status or are troubled debt restructurings (“TDR”) regardless of amount.  A specific allowance is established for an impaired loan when its estimated impaired basis is less than the carrying value of the loan.  For all loan segments, except consumer loans, a loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, in management’s estimation it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect the scheduled payments of principal or interest when due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement.  Factors considered by management in determining impairment include payment status, collateral value and probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due. Loans that experience insignificant or temporary payment delays and payment shortfalls generally are not classified as impaired. Management evaluates 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 and frequency 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 on a loan by loan basis, by either the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, the loan’s obtainable market price, or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent.

Impaired loans also include troubled loans that are restructured. A TDR occurs when the Company, for economic or legal reasons related to the borrower’s financial difficulties, grants a concession to the borrower that would otherwise not be granted. TDRs may include the transfer of assets to the Company in partial satisfaction of a troubled loan, a modification of a loan’s terms, or a combination of the two.

Large groups of smaller balance homogeneous loans are collectively evaluated for impairment. Accordingly, the Company does not separately identify individual consumer loans for impairment evaluation, unless such loans are subject to a restructuring agreement.

Unallocated component

An unallocated component of the allowance for loan losses is maintained to cover uncertainties that could affect management’s estimate of probable losses. The unallocated component reflects management’s estimate of the margin of imprecision inherent in the underlying assumptions used in the methodologies for estimating specific and general losses in the portfolio.

The following summarizes changes in the allowance for loan losses and select loan information, by portfolio segment:
 
For the quarter ended March 31, 2014
 
               
Residential
   
Residential
                   
   
Commercial
   
Commercial
   
Real Estate
   
Real Estate
                   
   
& Industrial
   
Real Estate
   
1st Lien
   
Jr Lien
   
Consumer
   
Unallocated
   
Total
 
Allowance for loan losses          
Beginning balance
  $ 516,382     $ 2,143,398     $ 1,452,184     $ 366,471     $ 105,279     $ 271,201     $ 4,854,915  
  Charge-offs
    (16,680 )     (100,000 )     0       0       (51,528 )     0       (168,208 )
  Recoveries
    112       0       9,373       60       6,326       0       15,871  
  Provision (credit)
    56,409       129,280       (64,623 )     (17,793 )     40,309       (8,582 )     135,000  
Ending balance
  $ 556,223     $ 2,172,678     $ 1,396,934     $ 348,738     $ 100,386     $ 262,619     $ 4,837,578  
                                                         
Allowance for loan losses          
Evaluated for impairment
                                                       
  Individually
  $ 24,000     $ 29,000     $ 92,700     $ 52,500     $ 0     $ 0     $ 198,200  
  Collectively
    532,223       2,143,678       1,304,234       296,238       100,386       262,619       4,639,378  
     Total
  $ 556,223     $ 2,172,678     $ 1,396,934     $ 348,738     $ 100,386     $ 262,619     $ 4,837,578  
   
Loans evaluated for impairment          
  Individually
  $ 348,376     $ 1,269,644     $ 1,499,533     $ 349,152     $ 0             $ 3,466,705  
  Collectively
    60,380,432       166,099,984       170,062,347       44,179,571       8,041,728               448,764,062  
     Total
  $ 60,728,808     $ 167,369,628     $ 171,561,880     $ 44,528,723     $ 8,041,728             $ 452,230,767  

 
14

 
 
For the year ended December 31, 2013
 
               
Residential
   
Residential
                   
   
Commercial
   
Commercial
   
Real Estate
   
Real Estate
                   
   
& Industrial
   
Real Estate
   
1st Lien
   
Jr Lien
   
Consumer
   
Unallocated
   
Total
 
Allowance for loan losses                  
Beginning balance
  $ 428,381     $ 1,536,440     $ 1,563,576     $ 332,556     $ 138,699     $ 312,428     $ 4,312,080  
  Charge-offs
    (83,344 )     (124,849 )     (56,430 )     (56,797 )     (67,009 )     0       (388,429 )
  Recoveries
    2,953       185,791       15,819       21,277       35,424       0       261,264  
  Provision (credit)
    168,392       546,016       (70,781 )     69,435       (1,835 )     (41,227 )     670,000  
Ending balance
  $ 516,382     $ 2,143,398     $ 1,452,184     $ 366,471     $ 105,279     $ 271,201     $ 4,854,915  
                                                         
Allowance for loan losses                              
Evaluated for impairment
                                                       
  Individually
  $ 27,500     $ 147,700     $ 99,700     $ 76,500     $ 0     $ 0     $ 351,400  
  Collectively
    488,882       1,995,698       1,352,484       289,971       105,279       271,201       4,503,515  
     Total
  $ 516,382     $ 2,143,398     $ 1,452,184     $ 366,471     $ 105,279     $ 271,201     $ 4,854,915  
   
Loans evaluated for impairment                              
  Individually
  $ 373,696     $ 1,386,477     $ 1,788,793     $ 559,250     $ 0             $ 4,108,216  
  Collectively
    55,245,589       155,549,326       171,058,281       45,128,155       8,819,359               435,800,710  
     Total
  $ 55,619,285     $ 156,935,803     $ 172,847,074     $ 45,687,405     $ 8,819,359             $ 439,908,926  

For the quarter ended March 31, 2013

               
Residential
   
Residential
                   
   
Commercial
   
Commercial
   
Real Estate
   
Real Estate
                   
   
& Industrial
   
Real Estate
   
1st Lien
   
Jr Lien
   
Consumer
   
Unallocated
   
Total
 
Allowance for loan losses                  
Beginning balance
  $ 428,381     $ 1,536,440     $ 1,563,576     $ 332,556     $ 138,699     $ 312,428     $ 4,312,080  
  Charge-offs
    (17,935 )     0       0       0       (17,226 )     0       (35,161 )
  Recoveries
    200       0       5,626       60       4,329       0       10,215  
  Provision (credit)
    25,743       226,597       (58,063 )     53,454       (6,770 )     (34,711 )     206,250  
Ending balance
  $ 436,389     $ 1,763,037     $ 1,511,139     $ 386,070     $ 119,032     $ 277,717     $ 4,493,384  
                                                         
Allowance for loan losses                              
Evaluated for impairment
                                                       
  Individually
  $ 0     $ 104,500     $ 116,300     $ 47,400     $ 0     $ 0     $ 268,200  
  Collectively
    436,389       1,658,537       1,394,839       338,670       119,032       277,717       4,225,184  
     Total
  $ 436,389     $ 1,763,037     $ 1,511,139     $ 386,070     $ 119,032     $ 277,717     $ 4,493,384  
   
Loans evaluated for impairment                              
  Individually
  $ 323,486     $ 2,054,265     $ 1,490,005     $ 340,340     $ 0             $ 4,208,096  
  Collectively
    50,721,004       136,730,207       170,541,278       45,572,506       9,696,044               413,261,039  
     Total
  $ 51,044,490     $ 138,784,472     $ 172,031,283     $ 45,912,846     $ 9,696,044             $ 417,469,135  

 
15

 

Impaired loans by segments were as follows:

   
As of March 31, 2014
       
         
Unpaid
         
Average
 
   
Recorded
   
Principal
   
Related
   
Recorded
 
   
Investment
   
Balance
   
Allowance
   
Investment(1)
 
                         
With no related allowance recorded
                       
   Commercial & industrial
  $ 285,339     $ 339,849     $ 0     $ 299,925  
   Commercial real estate
    1,159,450       1,249,304       0       1,052,148  
   Residential real estate - 1st lien
    1,252,528       1,509,290       0       1,303,480  
   Residential real estate - Jr lien
    96,266       110,220       0       130,202  
                                 
With an allowance recorded
                               
   Commercial & industrial
    63,037       63,037       24,000       61,112  
   Commercial real estate
    110,194       188,009       29,000       275,913  
   Residential real estate - 1st lien
    247,005       275,939       92,700       340,683  
   Residential real estate - Jr lien
    252,886       283,853       52,500       324,000  
                                 
Total
                               
   Commercial & industrial
  $ 348,376     $ 402,885     $ 24,000     $ 361,037  
   Commercial real estate
  $ 1,269,644     $ 1,437,313     $ 29,000     $ 1,328,061  
   Residential real estate - 1st lien
  $ 1,499,533     $ 1,785,229     $ 92,700     $ 1,644,163  
   Residential real estate - Jr lien
  $ 349,152     $ 394,074     $ 52,500     $ 454,202  
                                 
     Total
  $ 3,466,705     $ 4,019,500     $ 198,200     $ 3,787,463  
 
(1) For the quarter ended March 31, 2014
   
As of December 31, 2013
   
2013
 
         
Unpaid
         
Average
 
   
Recorded
   
Principal
   
Related
   
Recorded
 
   
Investment
   
Balance
   
Allowance
   
Investment
 
                         
With no related allowance recorded
                       
   Commercial & industrial
  $ 314,510     $ 363,618     $ 0     $ 339,519  
   Commercial real estate
    944,845       1,021,143       0       1,325,504  
   Residential real estate - 1st lien
    1,354,432       1,654,023       0       1,088,631  
   Residential real estate - Jr lien
    164,137       228,134       0       64,606  
                                 
With an allowance recorded
                               
   Commercial & industrial
    59,186       59,186       27,500       11,837  
   Commercial real estate
    441,632       446,963       147,700       272,174  
   Residential real estate - 1st lien
    434,361       474,496       99,700       515,685  
   Residential real estate - Jr lien
    395,113       429,167       76,500       380,855  
                                 
Total
                               
   Commercial & industrial
  $ 373,696     $ 422,804     $ 27,500     $ 351,356  
   Commercial real estate
  $ 1,386,477     $ 1,468,106     $ 147,700     $ 1,597,678  
   Residential real estate - 1st lien
  $ 1,788,793     $ 2,128,519     $ 99,700     $ 1,604,316  
   Residential real estate - Jr lien
  $ 559,250     $ 657,301     $ 76,500     $ 445,461  
                                 
     Total
  $ 4,108,216     $ 4,676,730     $ 351,400     $ 3,998,811  

 
16

 
 
   
As of March 31, 2013
       
         
Unpaid
         
Average
 
   
Recorded
   
Principal
   
Related
   
Recorded
 
   
Investment
   
Balance
   
Allowance
   
Investment(1)
 
                         
With no related allowance recorded            
   Commercial & industrial
  $ 323,486     $ 360,385     $ 0     $ 379,326  
   Commercial real estate
    1,749,415       2,123,371       0       1,756,015  
   Residential real estate - 1st lien
    1,010,777       1,230,873       0       1,017,687  
   Residential real estate - Jr lien
    15,694       77,545       0       15,694  
                                 
With an allowance recorded(2)
                               
   Commercial real estate
    304,850       304,850       104,500       152,425  
   Residential real estate - 1st lien
    479,228       540,698       116,300       548,295  
   Residential real estate - Jr lien
    324,646       352,498       47,400       309,279  
                                 
Total
                               
   Commercial & industrial
  $ 323,486     $ 360,385     $ 0     $ 379,326  
   Commercial real estate
  $ 2,054,265     $ 2,428,221     $ 104,500     $ 1,908,440  
   Residential real estate - 1st lien
  $ 1,490,005     $ 1,771,571     $ 116,300     $ 1,565,982  
   Residential real estate - Jr lien
  $ 340,340     $ 430,043     $ 47,400     $ 324,973  
                                 
      Total
  $ 4,208,096     $ 4,990,220     $ 268,200     $ 4,178,721  
 
(1) For the quarter ended March 31, 2013
(2) There were no commercial & industrial loans with an allowance recorded for the period presented.

Interest income recognized on impaired loans was immaterial for all periods presented.
 
For all loans segments, the accrual of interest is discontinued when a loan is specifically determined to be impaired or when the loan is delinquent 90 days and management believes, after considering collection efforts and other factors, that the borrower's financial condition is such that collection of interest is doubtful.  Any unpaid interest previously accrued on those loans is reversed from income.  Interest income is generally not recognized on specific impaired loans unless the likelihood of further loss is considered by management to be remote.  Interest payments received on impaired loans are generally applied as a reduction of the loan principal balance.  Loans are returned to accrual status when all the principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current and future payments are considered by management to be reasonably assured.

As of the balance sheet dates, the Company was not contractually committed to lend additional funds to debtors with impaired, non-accrual or restructured loans.
 
Credit Quality Grouping
 
In developing the allowance for loan losses, management uses credit quality grouping to help evaluate trends in credit quality. The Company groups credit risk into Groups A, B and C. The manner the Company utilizes to assign risk grouping is driven by loan purpose. Commercial purpose loans are individually risk graded while the retail portion of the portfolio is generally grouped by delinquency pool.
 
Group A loans - Acceptable Risk – are loans that are expected to perform as agreed under their respective terms.  Such loans carry a normal level of risk that does not require management attention beyond that warranted by the loan or loan relationship characteristics, such as loan size or relationship size. Group A loans include commercial purpose loans that are individually risk rated and retail loans that are rated by pool. Group A retail loans include both performing consumer and residential real estate loans. Residential real estate loans are loans to individuals secured by 1-4 family homes, including first mortgages, home equity and home improvement loans. Loan balances fully secured by deposit accounts or that are fully guaranteed by the Federal Government are considered acceptable risk.
 
Group B loans – Management Involved - are loans that require greater attention than the acceptable loans in Group A. Characteristics of such loans may include, but are not limited to, borrowers that are experiencing negative operating trends such as reduced sales or margins, borrowers that have exposure to adverse market conditions such as increased competition or regulatory burden, or borrowers that have had unexpected or adverse changes in management. These loans have a greater likelihood of migrating to an unacceptable risk level if these characteristics are left unchecked. Group B is limited to commercial purpose loans that are individually risk rated.
 
 
17

 
 
Group C loans – Unacceptable Risk – are loans that have distinct shortcomings that require a greater degree of management attention.  Examples of these shortcomings include a borrower's inadequate capacity to service debt, poor operating performance, or insolvency.  These loans are more likely to result in repayment through collateral liquidation. Group C loans range from those that are likely to sustain some loss if the shortcomings are not corrected, to those for which loss is imminent and non-accrual treatment is warranted. Group C loans include individually rated commercial purpose loans, and retail loans adversely rated in accordance with the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council’s Uniform Retail Credit Classification Policy. Group C retail loans include 1-4 family residential real estate loans and home equity loans past due 90 days or more with loan-to-value ratios greater than 60%, home equity loans 90 days or more past due where the bank does not hold first mortgage, irrespective of loan-to-value, loans in bankruptcy where repayment is likely but not yet established, and lastly consumer loans that are 90 days or more past due.
 
Commercial purpose loan ratings are assigned by the commercial account officer; for larger and more complex commercial loans, the credit rating is a collaborative assignment by the lender and the credit analyst. The credit risk rating is based on the borrower's expected performance, i.e., the likelihood that the borrower will be able to service its obligations in accordance with the loan terms. Credit risk ratings are meant to measure risk versus simply record history.  Assessment of expected future payment performance requires consideration of numerous factors.  While past performance is part of the overall evaluation, expected performance is based on an analysis of the borrower's financial strength, and historical and projected factors such as size and financing alternatives, capacity and cash flow, balance sheet and income statement trends, the quality and timeliness of financial reporting, and the quality of the borrower’s management.  Other factors influencing the credit risk rating to a lesser degree include collateral coverage and control, guarantor strength and commitment, documentation, structure and covenants and industry conditions.  There are uncertainties inherent in this process.
 
Credit risk ratings are dynamic and require updating whenever relevant information is received.  The risk ratings of larger or more complex loans, and Group B and C rated loans, are assessed at the time of their respective annual reviews, during quarterly updates, in action plans or at any other time that relevant information warrants update. Lenders are required to make immediate disclosure to the Chief Credit Officer of any known increase in loan risk, even if considered temporary in nature.

The risk ratings within the loan portfolio by segments as of the balance sheet dates were as follows:

As of March 31, 2014

               
Residential
   
Residential
             
   
Commercial
   
Commercial
   
Real Estate
   
Real Estate
             
   
& Industrial
   
Real Estate
   
1st Lien
   
Jr Lien
   
Consumer
   
Total
 
                                     
Group A
  $ 56,637,600     $ 157,395,642     $ 168,645,904     $ 43,890,056     $ 8,041,728     $ 434,610,930  
Group B
    2,759,619       4,697,830       214,558       148,881       0       7,820,888  
Group C
    1,331,589       5,276,156       2,701,418       489,786       0       9,798,949  
     Total
  $ 60,728,808     $ 167,369,628     $ 171,561,880     $ 44,528,723     $ 8,041,728     $ 452,230,767  
 
As of December 31, 2013
 
               
Residential
   
Residential
             
   
Commercial
   
Commercial
   
Real Estate
   
Real Estate
             
   
& Industrial
   
Real Estate
   
1st Lien
   
Jr Lien
   
Consumer
   
Total
 
                                     
Group A
  $ 51,740,744     $ 148,516,895     $ 169,771,357     $ 44,739,736     $ 8,800,365     $ 423,569,097  
Group B
    2,824,169       3,292,200       160,468       460,844       0       6,737,681  
Group C
    1,054,372       5,126,708       2,915,249       486,825       18,994       9,602,148  
     Total
  $ 55,619,285     $ 156,935,803     $ 172,847,074     $ 45,687,405     $ 8,819,359     $ 439,908,926  
 
 
18

 
 
As of March 31, 2013

               
Residential
   
Residential
             
   
Commercial
   
Commercial
   
Real Estate
   
Real Estate
             
   
& Industrial
   
Real Estate
   
1st Lien
   
Jr Lien
   
Consumer
   
Total
 
                                     
Group A
  $ 49,335,387     $ 129,675,041     $ 168,993,626     $ 44,989,095     $ 9,693,695     $ 402,686,844  
Group B
    501,888       4,282,500       183,678       431,348       0       5,399,414  
Group C
    1,207,215       4,826,931       2,853,979       492,403       2,349       9,382,877  
     Total
  $ 51,044,490     $ 138,784,472     $ 172,031,283     $ 45,912,846     $ 9,696,044     $ 417,469,135  
 
Modifications of Loans and TDRs

A loan is classified as a TDR if, for economic or legal reasons related to a borrower’s financial difficulties, the Company grants a concession to the borrower that it would not otherwise consider.

The Company is deemed to have granted such a concession if it has modified a troubled loan in any of the following ways:

  
Reduced accrued interest
  
Reduced the original contractual interest rate to a rate that is below the current market rate for the borrower;
  
Converted a variable-rate loan to a fixed-rate loan;
  
Extended the term of the loan beyond an insignificant delay;
  
Deferred or forgiven principal in an amount greater than three months of payments; or,
  
Performed a refinancing and deferred or forgiven principal on the original loan.

An insignificant delay or insignificant shortfall in the amount of payments typically would not require the loan to be accounted for as a TDR.  However, pursuant to regulatory guidance, any payment delay longer than three months is generally not considered insignificant. The assessment of whether a concession has been granted also takes into account payments expected to be received from third parties, including third-party guarantors, provided that the third party has the ability to perform on the guarantee.

The Company’s TDRs are principally a result of extending loan repayment terms to relieve cash flow difficulties. The Company has only, on a limited basis, reduced interest rates for borrowers below the current market rate for the borrower.  The Company has not forgiven principal or reduced accrued interest within the terms of original restructurings, nor has it converted variable rate terms to fixed rate terms.  However, the Company evaluates each TDR situation on its own merits and does not foreclose the granting of any particular type of concession.

There were no loans modified as TDR’s during the three month period ended March 31, 2013.  TDR’s by segment for the other periods presented were as follows:

   
For the quarter ended March 31, 2014
 
         
Pre-
   
Post-
 
         
Modification
   
Modification
 
         
Outstanding
   
Outstanding
 
   
Number of
   
Recorded
   
Recorded
 
   
Contracts
   
Investment
   
Investment
 
                         
Residential real estate - 1st lien
    3     $ 262,569     $ 273,647  
 
 
19

 
 
  For the year ended December 31, 2013  
         
Pre-
   
Post-
 
         
Modification
   
Modification
 
         
Outstanding
   
Outstanding
 
   
Number of
   
Recorded
   
Recorded
 
   
Contracts
   
Investment
   
Investment
 
                   
Residential real estate - 1st lien
    4     $ 321,406     $ 330,266  
Residential real estate - Jr lien
    1       23,425       23,425  
     Total
    5     $ 344,831     $ 353,691  
 
There were no TDRs for which there was a payment default under the restructured terms during the twelve month period ended March 31, 2013.  The TDR’s for which there was a payment default during the twelve month period ended March 31, 2014 were as follows:

   
Number of
   
Recorded
 
   
Contracts
   
Investment
 
             
Residential real estate - 1st lien
    5     $ 446,668  
 
TDRs are treated as other impaired loans and carry individual specific reserves with respect to the calculation of the allowance for loan losses.  These loans are categorized as non-performing, may be past due, and are generally adversely risk rated. The TDRs that have defaulted under their restructured terms are generally in collection status and their reserve is typically calculated using the fair value of collateral method. At March 31, 2014, December 31, 2013, and March 31, 2013, the allowance related to TDRs was approximately $0, $5,800 and $12,000, respectively.

At March 31, 2014, the Company did not have any commitments to lend additional funds to borrowers with loans classified as TDRs.

Note 6.  Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

As a result of the merger with LyndonBank on December 31, 2007, the Company recorded goodwill amounting to $11,574,269.  The goodwill is not amortizable and is not deductible for tax purposes.

The Company also recorded $4,161,000 of acquired identified intangible assets representing the core deposit intangible which is subject to amortization as a non-interest expense over a ten year period.  The accumulated amortization expense was $3,138,394 and $2,865,699 as of March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Amortization expense for the core deposit intangible for the first three months of 2014 and 2013 was $68,175.  As of March 31, 2014, the remaining annual amortization expense related to the core deposit intangible, absent any future impairment, is expected to be as follows:

2014
  $ 204,520  
2015
    272,695  
2016
    272,695  
2017
    272,696  
Total remaining core deposit intangible
  $ 1,022,606  

Management evaluates goodwill for impairment annually and the core deposit intangible for impairment if conditions warrant.  As of the date of the most recent evaluation (December 31, 2013), management concluded that no impairment existed in either category.

Note 7.  Fair Value

Certain assets and liabilities are recorded at fair value to provide additional insight into the Company’s quality of earnings. The fair values of some of these assets and liabilities are measured on a recurring basis while others are measured on a nonrecurring basis, with the determination based upon applicable existing accounting pronouncements. For example, securities available-for-sale are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. Other assets, such as mortgage servicing rights, loans held-for-sale, and impaired loans, are recorded at fair value on a nonrecurring basis using the lower of cost or market methodology to determine impairment of individual assets. The Company groups assets and liabilities which are recorded at fair value in three levels, based on the markets in which the assets and liabilities are traded and the reliability of the assumptions used to determine fair value. The level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement (with Level 1 considered highest and Level 3 considered lowest). A brief description of each level follows.
 
 
20

 
 
Level 1
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.  Level 1 assets and liabilities include debt and equity securities and derivative contracts that are traded in an active exchange market, as well as U.S. Treasury, other U.S. Government debt securities that are highly liquid and are actively traded in over-the-counter markets.

Level 2
Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices such as quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.  Level 2 assets and liabilities include debt securities with quoted prices that are traded less frequently than exchange-traded instruments and derivative contracts whose value is determined using a pricing model with inputs that are observable in the market or can be derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data.  This category generally includes mortgage servicing rights, impaired loans and OREO.

Level 3
Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.  Level 3 assets and liabilities include financial instruments whose value is determined using pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies, or similar techniques, as well as instruments for which the determination of fair value requires significant management judgment or estimation.

The following methods and assumptions were used by the Company in estimating its fair value measurements and disclosures:

Cash and cash equivalents:  The carrying amounts reported in the balance sheet for cash and cash equivalents approximate their fair values.  As such, the Company classifies these financial instruments as Level 1.

Securities Available-for-Sale and Held-to-Maturity: Fair value measurement is based upon quoted prices for similar assets, if available. If quoted prices are not available, fair values are measured using matrix pricing models, or other model-based valuation techniques requiring observable inputs other than quoted prices such as yield curves, prepayment speeds and default rates.  Level 1 securities would include U.S. Treasury securities that are traded by dealers or brokers in active over-the-counter markets.  Level 2 securities include federal agency securities and securities of local municipalities.

Restricted equity securities:  Restricted equity securities are comprised of Federal Reserve Bank of Boston (FRBB) stock and Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston (FHLBB) stock.  These securities are carried at cost, which is believed to approximate fair value, based on the redemption provisions of the FRBB and the FHLBB.  The stock is nonmarketable, and redeemable at par value, subject to certain conditions.  As such the Company classifies these securities as Level 2.

Loans and loans held-for-sale:  For variable-rate loans that reprice frequently and with no significant change in credit risk, fair values are based on carrying amounts.  The fair values for other loans (for example, fixed rate residential, commercial real estate, and rental property mortgage loans, and commercial and industrial loans) are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses, based on interest rates currently being offered for loans with similar terms to borrowers of similar credit quality. Loan fair value estimates include judgments regarding future expected loss experience and risk characteristics.  Loan impairment is deemed to exist when full repayment of principal and interest according to the contractual terms of the loan is no longer probable.  Impaired loans are reported based on one of three measures: the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate; the loan’s observable market price; or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent.  If the fair value is less than an impaired loan’s recorded investment, an impairment loss is recognized as part of the allowance for loan losses.  Accordingly, certain impaired loans may be subject to measurement at fair value on a non-recurring basis.  Management has estimated the fair values of these assets using Level 2 inputs, such as the fair value of collateral based on independent third-party appraisals for collateral-dependent loans.  All other loans are valued using Level 3 inputs.

The fair value of loans held-for-sale is based upon an actual purchase and sale agreement between the Company and an independent market participant.  The sale is executed within a reasonable period following quarter end at the stated fair value.

Mortgage servicing rights:  Mortgage servicing rights represent the value associated with servicing residential mortgage loans. Servicing assets and servicing liabilities are reported using the amortization method. In evaluating the carrying values of mortgage servicing rights, the Company obtains third party valuations based on loan level data including note rate, and the type and term of the underlying loans. As such, the Company classifies mortgage servicing rights as nonrecurring Level 2.
 
 
21

 
 
OREO:  Real estate acquired through or in lieu of foreclosure and bank properties no longer used as bank premises are initially recorded at fair value. The fair value of OREO is based on property appraisals and an analysis of similar properties currently available. As such, the Company records OREO as nonrecurring Level 2.

Deposits, federal funds purchased and borrowed funds:  The fair values disclosed for demand deposits (for example, checking accounts, savings accounts and repurchase agreements) are, by definition, equal to the amount payable on demand at the reporting date (that is, their carrying amounts). The fair values for certificates of deposit and borrowed funds are estimated using a discounted cash flow calculation that applies interest rates currently being offered on certificates and indebtedness to a schedule of aggregated contractual maturities on such time deposits and indebtedness.  As such the Company classifies deposits, federal funds purchased and borrowed funds as Level 2.

Capital lease obligations:  Fair value is determined using a discounted cash flow calculation using current rates.  Based on current rates, carrying value approximates fair value.  As such the Company classifies these obligations as Level 2.

Junior subordinated debentures:  Fair value is estimated using current rates for debentures of similar maturity.  As such the Company classifies these instruments as Level 2.

Accrued interest:  The carrying amounts of accrued interest approximate their fair values.  As such the Company classifies accrued interest as Level 2.

Off-balance-sheet credit related instruments:  Commitments to extend credit are evaluated and fair value is estimated using the fees currently charged to enter into similar agreements, taking into account the remaining terms of the agreements and the present credit-worthiness of the counterparties.  For fixed-rate loan commitments, fair value also considers the difference between current levels of interest rates and the committed rates.

FASB Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 825 “Financial Instruments”, requires disclosures of fair value information about financial instruments, whether or not recognized in the balance sheet, if the fair values can be reasonably determined. Fair value is best determined based upon quoted market prices. However, in many instances, there are no quoted market prices for the Company’s various financial instruments. In cases where quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on estimates using present value or other valuation techniques using observable inputs when available. Those techniques are significantly affected by the assumptions used, including the discount rate and estimates of future cash flows. Accordingly, the fair value estimates may not be realized in an immediate settlement of the instrument. Topic 825 excludes certain financial instruments and all nonfinancial instruments from its disclosure requirements. Accordingly, the aggregate fair value amounts presented may not necessarily represent the underlying fair value of the Company.

 
22

 

Assets and Liabilities Recorded at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis and reflected in the consolidated balance sheets at the dates presented, segregated by fair value hierarchy, are summarized below:

March 31, 2014
 
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Total
 
Assets: (market approach)
                 
U.S. GSE debt securities
  $ 0     $ 25,630,361     $ 25,630,361  
U.S. Government securities
    5,557,029       0       5,557,029  
                         
December 31, 2013
                       
Assets: (market approach)
                       
U.S. GSE debt securities
  $ 0     $ 29,138,914     $ 29,138,914  
U.S. Government securities
    6,049,688       0       6,049,688  
                         
March 31, 2013
                       
Assets: (market approach)
                       
U.S. GSE debt securities
  $ 0     $ 38,919,258     $ 38,919,258  
U.S. Government securities
    7,091,055       0       7,091,055  
 
There were no transfers between Levels 1 and 2 for the periods presented.  There were no Level 3 assets or liabilities measured on a recurring basis as of the balance sheet dates presented.

Assets and Liabilities Recorded at Fair Value on a Non-Recurring Basis

The following table includes assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis that have had a fair value adjustment since their initial recognition. Impaired loans measured at fair value only include impaired loans with a related specific allowance for loan losses and are presented net of specific allowances as disclosed in Note 5.

Assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis and reflected in the consolidated balance sheets at the dates presented, segregated by fair value hierarchy, are summarized below:

March 31, 2014
 
Level 2
 
Assets: (market approach)
     
Residential mortgage servicing rights
  $ 1,321,695  
Impaired loans, net of related allowance
    474,922  
OREO
    865,820  
         
December 31, 2013
       
Assets: (market approach)
       
Residential mortgage servicing rights
  $ 1,329,079  
Impaired loans, net of related allowance
    978,892  
OREO
    1,105,525  
         
March 31, 2013
       
Assets: (market approach)
       
Residential mortgage servicing rights
  $ 1,046,252  
Impaired loans, net of related allowance
    840,524  
OREO
    879,705  
 
There were no Level 1 or Level 3 assets or liabilities measured on a non-recurring basis as of the balance sheet dates presented.

 
23

 

The estimated fair values of commitments to extend credit and letters of credit were immaterial as of the dates presented in the tables below.  The estimated fair values of the Company's financial instruments were as follows:
 
March 31, 2014
       
Fair
   
Fair
   
Fair
   
Fair
 
   
Carrying
   
Value
   
Value
   
Value
   
Value
 
   
Amount
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
 
   
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
Financial assets:
                             
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 19,127     $ 19,127     $ 0     $ 0     $ 19,127  
Securities held-to-maturity
    38,919       0       39,297       0       39,297  
Securities available-for-sale
    31,187       5,557       25,630       0       31,187  
Restricted equity securities
    3,633       0       3,633       0       3,633  
Loans and loans held-for-sale
                                       
  Commercial & industrial
    60,138       0       324       61,035       61,359  
  Commercial real estate
    165,100       0       1,241       168,597       169,838  
  Residential real estate - 1st lien
    170,571       0       1,407       173,511       174,918  
  Residential real estate - Jr lien
    44,154       0       296       44,799       45,095  
  Consumer
    7,937       0       0       8,321       8,321  
Mortgage servicing rights
    1,322       0       1,608       0       1,608  
Accrued interest receivable
    1,998       0       1,998       0       1,998  
                                         
Financial liabilities:
                                       
Deposits
                                       
  Other deposits
    454,295       0       455,151       0       455,151  
  Brokered deposits
    28,313       0       28,319       0       28,319  
Federal funds purchased and short term-borrowings
    6,000       0       6,000       0       6,000  
Long-term borrowings
    6,000       0       6,000       0       6,000  
Repurchase agreements
    25,886       0       25,886       0       25,886  
Capital lease obligations
    694       0       694       0       694  
Subordinated debentures
    12,887       0       12,881       0       12,881  
Accrued interest payable
    77       0       77       0       77  

 
24

 
 
December 31, 2013
       
Fair
   
Fair
   
Fair
   
Fair
 
   
Carrying
   
Value
   
Value
   
Value
   
Value
 
   
Amount
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
 
   
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
Financial assets:
                             
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 18,330     $ 18,330     $ 0     $ 0     $ 18,330  
Securities held-to-maturity
    37,937       0       38,370       0       38,370  
Securities available-for-sale
    35,189       6,050       29,139       0       35,189  
Restricted equity securities
    3,633       0       3,633       0       3,633  
Loans and loans held-for-sale
                                       
  Commercial & industrial
    55,069       0       346       56,035       56,381  
  Commercial real estate
    154,696       0       1,239       157,843       159,082  
  Residential real estate - 1st lien
    171,498       0       1,689       174,776       176,465  
  Residential real estate - Jr lien
    45,292       0       483       45,785       46,268  
  Consumer
    8,709       0       0       9,130       9,130  
Mortgage servicing rights
    1,329       0       1,608       0       1,608  
Accrued interest receivable
    1,778       0       1,778       0       1,778  
                                         
Financial liabilities:
                                       
Deposits
                                       
  Other deposits
    463,160       0       464,220       0       464,220  
  Brokered deposits
    18,393       0       18,401       0       18,401  
Repurchase agreements
    29,645       0       29,645       0       29,645  
Capital lease obligations
    711       0       711       0       711  
Subordinated debentures
    12,887       0       12,880       0       12,880  
Accrued interest payable
    75       0       75       0       75  
 
March 31, 2013
       
Fair
   
Fair
   
Fair
   
Fair
 
   
Carrying
   
Value
   
Value
   
Value
   
Value
 
   
Amount
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
 
   
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
Financial assets:
                             
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 8,702     $ 8,702     $ 0     $ 0     $ 8,702  
Securities held-to-maturity
    42,381       0       42,733       0       42,733  
Securities available-for-sale
    46,010       7,091       38,919       0       46,010  
Restricted equity securities
    3,633       0       3,633       0       3,633  
Loans and loans held-for-sale
                                       
  Commercial & industrial
    50,575       0       323       51,347       51,670  
  Commercial real estate
    136,929       0       1,949       137,425       139,374  
  Residential real estate - 1st lien
    171,753       0       1,374       177,405       178,779  
  Residential real estate - Jr lien
    45,496       0       293       46,250       46,543  
  Consumer
    9,571       0       0       10,090       10,090  
Mortgage servicing rights
    1,046       0       1,046       0       1,046  
Accrued interest receivable
    1,971       0       1,971       0       1,971  
                                         
Financial liabilities:
                                       
Deposits
                                       
  Other deposits
    446,782       0       448,797       0       448,797  
  Brokered deposits
    17,480       0       17,492       0       17,492  
Federal funds purchased and short term-borrowings
    7,845       0       7,845       0       7,845  
Repurchase agreements
    28,624       0       28,624       0       28,624  
Capital lease obligations
    759       0       759       0       759  
Subordinated debentures
    12,887       0       12,880       0       12,880  
Accrued interest payable
    83       0       83       0       83  

 
25

 

Note 8.  Loan Servicing

The following table shows the changes in the carrying amount of the mortgage servicing rights, included in other assets on the consolidated balance sheets, for the periods indicated:

   
March 31,
   
December 31,
   
March 31,
 
   
2014
   
2013
   
2013
 
                   
Balance at beginning of year
  $ 1,329,079     $ 1,009,623     $ 1,009,623  
   Mortgage servicing rights capitalized
    46,636       274,253       74,507  
   Mortgage servicing rights amortized
    (57,818 )     (317,865 )     (104,557 )
   Change in valuation allowance
    3,798       363,068       66,679  
Balance at end of period
  $ 1,321,695     $ 1,329,079     $ 1,046,252  
 
Note 9.  Legal Proceedings

In the normal course of business the Company and its subsidiary are involved in litigation that is considered incidental to their business.  Management does not expect that any such litigation will be material to the Company's consolidated financial condition or results of operations.

Note 10.  Subsequent Event

The Company has evaluated events and transactions through the date that the financial statements were issued for potential recognition or disclosure in these financial statements, as required by GAAP.  On March 11, 2014, the Company declared a cash dividend of $0.16 per common share payable May 1, 2014 to shareholders of record as of April 15, 2014.  This dividend, amounting to $778,872, was accrued at March 31, 2014.

 
26

 
 
ITEM 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
for the Period Ended March 31, 2014

The following discussion analyzes the consolidated financial condition of Community Bancorp. (the “Company”) and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Community National Bank (the “Bank”), as of March 31, 2014, December 31, 2013 and March 31, 2013, and its consolidated results of operations for the two interim periods presented.  The Company is considered a “smaller reporting company” under applicable regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and is therefore eligible for relief from certain disclosure requirements.  In accordance with such provisions, the Company has elected to provide its interim consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, and cash flows for two, rather than three, years.

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements and related notes contained in its 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contains certain forward-looking statements about the results of operations, financial condition and business of the Company and its subsidiary. Words used in the discussion below such as "believes," "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "estimates," "plans," "predicts," or similar expressions, indicate that management of the Company is making forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance.  They necessarily involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions.  Future results of the Company may differ materially from those expressed in these forward-looking statements.  Examples of forward looking statements included in this discussion include, but are not limited to, estimated contingent liability related to assumptions made within the asset/liability management process, management's expectations as to the future interest rate environment and the Company's related liquidity level, credit risk expectations relating to the Company's loan portfolio and its participation in the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston (“FHLBB”) Mortgage Partnership Finance (“MPF”) program, and management's general outlook for the future performance of the Company or the local or national economy. Although forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations and estimates, many of the factors that could influence or determine actual results are unpredictable and not within the Company's control.  Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such statements as they speak only as of the date they are made.  The Company does not undertake, and disclaims any obligation, to revise or update any forward-looking statements to reflect the occurrence or anticipated occurrence of events or circumstances after the date of this Report, except as required by applicable law.  The Company claims the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements provided in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by these forward-looking statements include, among others, the following possibilities: (1) general economic conditions, either nationally, regionally or locally continue to deteriorate, resulting in a decline in credit quality or a diminished demand for the Company's products and services; (2) competitive pressures increase among financial service providers in the Company's northern New England market area or in the financial services industry generally, including competitive pressures from non-bank financial service providers, from increasing consolidation and integration of financial service providers, and from changes in technology and delivery systems; (3) interest rates change in such a way as to reduce the Company's margins;  (4) changes in laws or government rules, including the rules of the federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, or the way in which courts or government agencies interpret or implement those laws or rules, increase our costs of doing business causing us to limit or change our product offerings or pricing, or otherwise adversely affect the Company's business; (5) changes in federal or state tax policy; (6) changes in the level of nonperforming assets and charge-offs; (7) changes in estimates of future reserve requirements based upon relevant regulatory and accounting requirements; (8) changes in consumer and business spending, borrowing and savings habits; (9) the effect of changes to the calculation of the Company’s regulatory capital ratios under the recently adopted Basel III capital framework which, among other things, will require additional regulatory capital, and change the framework for risk-weighting of certain assets; (10) the effect of and changes in the United States monetary and fiscal policies, including the interest rate policies of the Federal Reserve Board (“FRB”) and its regulation of the money supply; and (11) adverse changes in the credit rating of U.S. government debt.

NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

Under SEC Regulation G, public companies making disclosures containing financial measures that are not in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“US GAAP” or “GAAP”) must also disclose, along with each non-GAAP financial measure, certain additional information, including a reconciliation of the non-GAAP financial measure to the closest comparable GAAP financial measure, as well as a statement of the company’s reasons for utilizing the non-GAAP financial measure.  The SEC has exempted from the definition of non-GAAP financial measures certain commonly used financial measures that are not based on GAAP.  However, two non-GAAP financial measures commonly used by financial institutions, namely tax-equivalent net interest income and tax-equivalent net interest margin (as presented in the tables in the section labeled Interest Income Versus Interest Expense (Net Interest Income), have not been specifically exempted by the SEC, and may therefore constitute non-GAAP financial measures under Regulation G.  We are unable to state with certainty whether the SEC would regard those measures as subject to Regulation G.
 
 
27

 

Management believes that these non-GAAP financial measures are useful in evaluating the Company’s financial performance and facilitate comparisons with the performance of other financial institutions.  However, that information should be considered supplemental in nature and not as a substitute for related financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP.

OVERVIEW

The Company’s consolidated assets on March 31, 2014 were $583,127,748, an increase of $9,460,344, or 1.65% from December 31, 2013, and an increase of $22,747,367, or 4.06% from March 31, 2013.  The growth in assets was due to an increase in the loan portfolio of $12,329,014, or 2.83% and $34,500,734, or 8.35% in the two comparison periods.  The increase in loans was driven primarily by growth in commercial loans, predominantly in the central Vermont market.  The increase from year to year was partially funded with a combination of a decrease in the investment portfolio of $14,822,923 and an increase in deposits of $18,345,471.  Contributing to the year-over-year increase in deposits was an increase in core non-interest bearing business and personal checking account balances in the amount of $11,065,116 and $4,343,842, respectively, from March 31, 2013 to March 31, 2014.  During the first quarter of 2014, loan demand remained strong, while demand deposits decreased by $15,747,305; therefore the Company borrowed $12,000,000 from the FHLBB to fund the loan growth.  A decrease in non-maturing deposits is typical for the Company in the first quarter of the year and is mostly due to cyclical fluctuations in the balances of municipal customer accounts, as account balances typically increase during the second and third quarters of the year and then run off during the first half of the following year.  To help offset the seasonal fluctuations in non-maturing account balances in the first quarter of 2014, the Company purchased $10,000,000 in short-term certificates of deposits through Certificate of Deposit Account Registry Service (CDARS) of Promontory Interfinancial Network.

The Company’s net income for the first quarter of 2014 of $1,071,565 or $0.22 per share compares favorably to $1,041,778 or $0.21 per share for the first quarter of 2013.  Interest rates have remained at historically low levels for several years, causing erosion of yields on earning assets; however the combined effect of the increase in average interest-earning assets of $7.2 million combined with a decrease in the Company’s average cost of funds of 11 basis points has resulted in an increase in tax-equivalent net interest income of $198,291, generating an increase in net interest margin of eleven basis points.

One of the components of non-interest income is income generated from selling loans in the secondary market.  In recent years, the Federal Reserve’s stimulus program has kept mortgage interest rates low providing several refinancing cycles which continued somewhat into 2013.  However the pace of refinancings has continued to decline resulting in originations of $5,091,626 during the first quarter of 2014 compared to $7,695,988 for the first quarter of 2013 and providing points and premiums from the sales of these mortgages of $111,928 and $199,870, respectively.  These decreases were partially offset by an increase in service fees in 2014 of $87,863 and a decrease in the provision for loan losses of $71,250 compared to the same period last year.  Operating expenses for the quarter were relatively stable resulting in an increase of 2.86% over the first quarter of 2013.  Please refer to the Non-interest Expense section for more information.

The loan growth is in line with the Company’s strategic plan to increase its concentration in commercial loans while maintaining the residential loan portfolio.  The opportunities for growth have come from the Central Vermont market where the economic activity is supported by several construction projects, in both the municipal and private sectors.  Furthermore, Central Vermont’s small but diverse base of manufacturing companies continues to be the economic leaders reporting stable employment levels throughout the region.  Technology, financial services and light manufacturing, particularly of specialty artisan foods, continue to be the economic leaders throughout Vermont.

The Company was able to maintain an allowance to average total loans coverage ratio of 1.09% on March 31, 2014 compared to 1.08% on March 31, 2013 while reducing the provision for loan losses to $135,000 in the first quarter of 2014 compared to $206,250 in the same period in 2013.  The lower provision was possible in spite of the increase in the loan portfolio, due to improving trends in past dues and non-performing assets.  The Company continues to practice conservative credit standards and believes that the reserve is sufficient to cover losses that are probable and estimable.

The regulatory environment continues to increase operating costs and place extensive burden on personnel resources to comply with a myriad of legal requirements, including those under the Dodd-Frank Act of 2010, and the numerous rulemakings it has spawned, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the USA Patriot Act, the Bank Secrecy Act, the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act and the Truth in Lending Act, as well as the new Basel III capital framework.  It is unlikely that these administrative costs and burdens will moderate in the future.

 
28

 

On March 11, 2014, the Company's Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.16 per common share, payable on May 1, 2014 to shareholders of record on April 15, 2014.  The Company is committed to remaining a well-capitalized community bank, working to meet the needs of our customers, while providing a fair return to our shareholders.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The Company’s significant accounting policies, which are described in Note 1 (Significant Accounting Policies) to the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements in its 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K, are fundamental to understanding the Company’s results of operations and financial condition because they require management to use estimates and assumptions that may affect the value of the Company’s assets or liabilities and financial results.  These policies are considered by management to be critical because they require 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.  The Company’s critical accounting policies govern:

 the allowance for loan losses;
 other real estate owned (OREO);
 valuation of residential mortgage servicing rights (MSRs);
 other than temporary impairment of investment securities; and
 the carrying value of goodwill.

These policies are described further in the Company’s 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K in the section titled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Critical Accounting Policies” and in Note 1 (Significant Accounting Policies) to the audited consolidated financial statements.  There have been no material changes in the critical accounting policies described in the 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The Company’s net income for the first quarter of 2014 was $1,071,565, representing an increase of $29,787 or 2.9% over net income of $1,041,778 for the first quarter of 2013. This resulted in earnings per common share of $0.22 and $0.21, respectively.  Core earnings (net interest income) for the first quarter of 2014 increased $197,734 or 4.3%, compared to the first quarter of 2013.  Despite continued pressure on the net interest margin and spread in this persistently low interest rate environment, the Company is pleased with these increases.  To help offset this pressure, the Company shifted assets from lower yielding taxable investments to loans.  Interest income increased $56,227 or 1.0% for the first quarter of 2014 compared to 2013 reflecting growth in the loan portfolio.  Although total deposits increased $18,345,471 or 4.0% year over year, interest expense on deposits, which is the major component of total interest expense, decreased $116,515 or 15.1% for the first quarter of 2014 compared to the first quarter of 2013.  This decrease is attributable to a decrease in the rates paid on interest-bearing deposit accounts, as rates paid on deposits continued to drop throughout the period.  The rate change on the Company’s junior subordinated debentures has now been in effect for a full year, resulting in comparable debenture interest expense figures for both periods with a decrease of $992 or 1.0% between periods.  The rate paid on these debentures repriced from a fixed rate of 7.56% through December 15, 2012, to a quarterly adjustable floating rate equal to the 3-month London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) plus 2.85%, or 3.093% for the first quarter of 2014 compared to 3.158% for the first quarter of 2013.   The Company recorded a provision for loan losses of $135,000 for the first quarter of 2014 compared to $206,250 for the first quarter of 2013, resulting in a decrease of $71,250 or 34.6%.  Non-interest income decreased $54,691 or 4.0% for the first quarter of 2014 compared to the first quarter of 2013.  Non-interest expense increased $122,906 or 2.7%, from $4,589,290 for the first quarter in 2013 to $4,712,196 for the first quarter in 2014.  The section below labeled Non-Interest Income and Non-Interest Expense provides a more detailed discussion on the significant components of these two items.

Return on average assets, which is net income divided by average total assets, measures how effectively a corporation uses its assets to produce earnings.  Return on average equity, which is net income divided by average shareholders' equity, measures how effectively a corporation uses its equity capital to produce earnings.

The following table shows these ratios annualized for the comparison periods.

For The Quarters Ended March 31,
 
    2014     2013  
Return on Average Assets
    0.76 %     0.75 %
Return on Average Equity
    9.37 %     9.71 %
 
 
29

 
 
The following table summarizes the earnings performance and certain balance sheet data of the Company for the periods presented.
 
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA (Unaudited)
 
Balance Sheet Data
 
March 31,
   
December 31,
 
   
2014
   
2013
 
             
Net loans
  $ 447,683,454     $ 435,354,440  
Total assets
    583,127,748       573,667,404  
Total deposits
    482,607,570       481,552,569  
Borrowed funds
    12,000,000       0  
Total liabilities
    536,504,554       527,531,427  
Total shareholders' equity
    46,623,194       46,135,977  
 
   
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
    2014     2013  
                 
Operating Data
               
Total interest income
  $ 5,618,276     $ 5,562,049  
Total interest expense
    793,290       934,797  
     Net interest income
    4,824,986       4,627,252  
                 
Provision for loan losses
    135,000       206,250  
     Net interest income after provision for loan losses
    4,689,986       4,421,002  
                 
Non-interest income
    1,313,501       1,368,192  
Non-interest expense
    4,712,196       4,589,290  
     Income before income taxes
    1,291,291       1,199,904  
Applicable income tax expense (1)
    219,726       158,126  
                 
     Net Income
  $ 1,071,565     $ 1,041,778  
                 
Per Common Share Data
               
                 
Earnings per common share (2)
  $ 0.22     $ 0.21  
Dividends declared per common share
  $ 0.16     $ 0.14  
Book value per common share outstanding, period end
  $ 9.04     $ 8.57  
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding
    4,872,589       4,816,588  
Number of common shares outstanding, period end
    4,881,405       4,827,727  
 
(1) Applicable income tax expense assumes a 34% tax rate.

(2) Computed based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the periods presented.

INTEREST INCOME VERSUS INTEREST EXPENSE (NET INTEREST INCOME)

The largest component of the Company’s operating income is net interest income, which is the difference between interest earned on loans and investments versus the interest paid on deposits and other sources of funds (i.e. other borrowings).  The Company’s level of net interest income can fluctuate over time due to changes in the level and mix of earning assets, and sources of funds (volume) and from changes in the yield earned and costs of funds (rate).  A portion of the Company’s income from municipal investments is not subject to income taxes.  Because the proportion of tax-exempt items in the Company's portfolio varies from year-to-year, to improve comparability of information, the non-taxable income shown in the tables below has been converted to a tax equivalent basis. Because the Company’s corporate tax rate is 34%, to equalize tax-free and taxable income in the comparison, we divide the tax-free income by 66%, with the result that every tax-free dollar is equivalent to $1.52 in taxable income.

The Company’s tax-exempt interest income is derived from municipal investments, which comprised the entire held-to-maturity portfolio of $38,919,299 at March 31, 2014, and $42,380,968 at March 31, 2013.
 
 
30

 
 
The following table shows the reconciliation between reported net interest income and tax equivalent, net interest income for the comparison periods of 2014 and 2013.

For the Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2014
   
2013
 
             
Net interest income as presented
  $ 4,824,986     $ 4,627,252  
Effect of tax-exempt income
    132,202       131,645  
   Net interest income, tax equivalent
  $ 4,957,188     $ 4,758,897  
 
The following table presents average earning assets and average interest-bearing liabilities supporting earning assets.  Interest income (excluding interest on non-accrual loans) and interest expense are both expressed on a tax equivalent basis, both in dollars and as a rate/yield for the 2014 and 2013 comparison periods.

   
For the Three Months Ended March 31,
 
    2014     2013  
               
Average
               
Average
 
   
Average
   
Income/
   
Rate/
   
Average
   
Income/
   
Rate/
 
   
Balance
   
Expense
   
Yield
   
Balance
   
Expense
   
Yield
 
Interest-Earning Assets
                                   
                                     
 Loans (1)
  $ 445,692,728     $ 5,270,776       4.80 %   $ 417,364,812     $ 5,207,889       5.06 %
 Taxable investment securities
    32,313,919       66,344       0.83 %     42,498,605       77,202       0.74 %
 Tax-exempt investment securities
    38,747,966       388,830       4.07 %     42,489,415       387,192       3.70 %
 Sweep and interest earning accounts
    1,928,158       1,244       0.26 %     8,859,076       6,332       0.29 %
 Other investments (2)
    4,019,850       23,284       2.35 %     4,317,700       15,079       1.42 %
     Total
  $ 522,702,621     $ 5,750,478       4.46 %   $ 515,529,608     $ 5,693,694       4.48 %
                                                 
Interest-Bearing Liabilities
                                               
                                                 
 Interest-bearing transaction accounts
  $ 117,104,159     $ 63,432       0.22 %   $ 120,349,667     $ 85,969       0.29 %
 Money market accounts
    83,504,107       211,428       1.03 %     93,554,420       258,784       1.12 %
 Savings deposits
    72,259,754       22,633       0.13 %     66,821,316       25,878       0.16 %
 Time deposits
    122,080,087       359,762       1.20 %     122,246,215       403,139       1.34 %
 Federal funds purchased and
                                               
  other borrowed funds
    7,742,000       4,474       0.23 %     2,161,256       7,767       1.46 %
 Repurchase agreements
    27,451,077       16,598       0.25 %     31,103,735       36,019       0.47 %
 Capital lease obligations
    700,225       14,212       8.12 %     764,486       15,498       8.11 %
 Junior subordinated debentures
    12,887,000       100,751       3.17 %     12,887,000       101,743       3.20 %
     Total
  $ 443,728,409     $ 793,290       0.73 %   $ 449,888,095     $ 934,797       0.84 %
                                                 
Net interest income
          $ 4,957,188                     $ 4,758,897          
Net interest spread (3)
                    3.73 %                     3.64 %
Net interest margin (4)
                    3.85 %                     3.74 %

(1)  Included in gross loans are non-accrual loans with an average balance of $4,502,878 and $4,901,781 for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  Loans are stated before deduction of unearned discount and allowance for loans losses.
 
(2)  Included in other investments is the Company’s FHLBB Stock with an average balance of $3,044,700 and $3,342,550, respectively, for the three months of 2014 and 2013, and dividend payout rates of approximately 1.49% and 0.37%, respectively, per quarter.
 
(3)  Net interest spread is the difference between the average yield on average interest-earning assets and the average rate paid on average interest-bearing liabilities.
 
(4)  Net interest margin is net interest income divided by average earning assets.
 
 
31

 
 
The average volume of interest-earning assets for the first three months of 2014 increased $7,173,013 or 1.4% compared to the same period of 2013, while the average yield decreased two basis points.  The average volume of loans increased $28,327,916 or 6.8%, while the average yield decreased 26 basis points.  Interest earned on the loan portfolio equaled 91.7% of total interest income for the first three months of 2014 and 91.5% for the 2013 comparison period.  The average volume of the taxable investment portfolio (classified as available-for-sale) decreased $10,184,686 or 24.0% for the same period, while the average yield increased nine basis points.  Sales and maturities within the Company’s taxable investment portfolio helped fund loan growth throughout 2013 and into 2014, accounting for the decrease in these funds.  The average volume of the tax-exempt investment portfolio (classified as held-to-maturity) decreased $3,741,449 or 8.8% between periods, while the average tax equivalent yield increased 37 basis points.  During the first quarter of 2014, the Company changed its pricing strategy on municipal investments, accounting for this increase in the average yield but also causing a decrease in the average volume of tax-exempt investments as well as in the associated deposit product.

In comparison, the average volume of interest-bearing liabilities for the first three months of 2014 decreased $6,159,686 or 1.4% over the 2013 comparison period, and the average rate paid on these liabilities decreased 11 basis points.  The average volume of interest-bearing transaction accounts decreased $3,245,508 or 2.7% and the average volume of money market funds decreased $10,050,313 or 10.7%, and the average rate paid decreased seven basis points on interest-bearing transaction accounts and nine basis points on money market funds.  The average volume carried in the Company’s money market product, an insured cash sweep account (ICS) offered through Promontory Interfinancial Network, increased $1,628,647 or 10.3% year over year from $15,824,969 in 2013 to $17,453,616 in 2014, while the average volume in the Company’s non-arbitrage borrowing account offered to municipal customers decreased $8,802,708 or 29.4%.  The decrease in these municipal deposits is due in part to a change in the pricing strategy mentioned above.  The average volume of time deposits decreased $166,128 or 0.14%, and the average rate paid on time deposits decreased 14 basis points.  Interest paid on time deposits comprised 45.4% and 43.1%, respectively, of total interest expense for the first three months of 2014 and 2013.  Increases are noted in the average volume of savings deposits, and of federal funds purchased and other borrowed funds with increases of $5,438,438 and $5,580,744, respectively, for the first three months of 2014 compared to the same period in 2013, while the average rate paid decreased three basis points on savings deposits and 123 basis points on federal funds purchased and other borrowed funds for the first three months of 2014 compared to the same period in 2013.  The increase in the average volume of savings deposits is primarily due to a shift in customer deposits as it appears that customers may be waiting for more favorable rates from other interest-bearing accounts.  The Company drew down FHLBB advances totaling $15,000,000 in both short-term and long-term categories in February, 2014, and as of March 31, 2014, $12,000,000 remained outstanding, accounting for the increase in the average balance of these funds.

The prolonged low interest rate environment has resulted in continued pressure on the Company’s net interest spread and margin.  The Company’s earning assets are being replaced and repricing to lower interest rates, while the opportunity to reduce rates further on non-maturing interest-bearing deposits is more limited, given the already low rates paid on deposits.  Between the three month comparison periods of 2014 and 2013, the average yield on interest-earning assets decreased two basis points, and the average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities decreased 11 basis points.  The decrease in interest expense was attributable to decreases in the average volume of most components of interest-bearing liabilities, with money market funds and time deposits noting the largest decrease in interest expense and together accounting for the largest portion of interest expense.  The cumulative results of all these changes were increases of nine basis points in the net interest spread and eleven basis points in net interest margin.

 
32

 

The following table summarizes the variances in interest income and interest expense on a fully tax-equivalent basis for the first three months of 2014 and 2013 resulting from volume changes in average assets and average liabilities and fluctuations in average rates earned and paid.
 
Changes in Interest Income and Interest Expense
 
   
Variance
   
Variance
       
   
Due to
   
Due to
   
Total
 
   
Rate (1)
   
Volume (1)
   
Variance
 
Average Interest-Earning Assets
                 
 Loans
  $ (290,552 )   $ 353,439     $ 62,887  
 Taxable investment securities
    9,986       (20,844 )     (10,858 )
 Tax-exempt investment securities
    39,186       (37,548 )     1,638  
 Sweep and interest earning accounts
    (645 )     (4,443 )     (5,088 )
 Other investments
    9,931       (1,726 )     8,205  
     Total
  $ (232,094 )   $ 288,878     $ 56,784  
                         
Average Interest-Bearing Liabilities
                       
 Interest-bearing transaction accounts
  $ (20,776 )   $ (1,761 )   $ (22,537 )
 Money market accounts
    (21,831 )     (25,525 )     (47,356 )
 Savings deposits
    (5,391 )     2,146       (3,245 )
 Time deposits
    (42,885 )     (492 )     (43,377 )
 Federal funds purchased and  other borrowed funds
    (23,384 )     20,091       (3,293 )
 Repurchase agreements
    (17,169 )     (2,252 )     (19,421 )
 Capital lease obligations
    1       (1,287 )     (1,286 )
 Junior subordinated debentures
    (992 )     0       (992 )
     Total
  $ (132,427 )   $ (9,080 )   $ (141,507 )
                         
       Changes in net interest income
  $ (99,667 )   $ 297,958     $ 198,291  
 
(1) Items which have shown a year-to-year increase in volume have variances allocated as follows:
          Variance due to rate = Change in rate x new volume
          Variance due to volume = Change in volume x old rate
     Items which have shown a year-to-year decrease in volume have variances allocated as follows:
          Variance due to rate = Change in rate x old volume
          Variances due to volume = Change in volume x new rate
 
NON-INTEREST INCOME AND NON-INTEREST EXPENSE

Non-interest Income

The components of non-interest income for the periods presented are as follows:

   
Quarter Ended
             
   
March 31,
   
Change
 
   
2014
   
2013
    $     %  
                           
Service fees
  $ 646,813     $ 558,950     $ 87,863       15.72 %
Income from sold loans
    249,130       387,591       (138,461 )     -35.72 %
Other income from loans
    144,400       143,313       1,087       0.76 %
Income from CFSG Partners
    79,811       63,595       16,216       25.50 %
Rental income on OREO properties
    48,537       38,650       9,887       25.58 %
Exchange income
    28,500       23,000       5,500       23.91 %
SERP fair value adjustment
    16,048       52,561       (36,513 )     -69.47 %
Other income
    100,262       100,532       (270 )     -0.27 %
     Total non-interest income
  $ 1,313,501     $ 1,368,192     $ (54,691 )     -4.00 %

 
33

 

Total non-interest income decreased $54,691 for the first quarter of 2014 versus the same period last year, with significant changes noted in the following:

  
Service fees increased $87,863 as a result of a change in the structure of various demand deposit accounts, including implementation of a paper statement fee late in the first half of 2013, accounting for $75,133 of this increase.

  
Income from sold loans decreased $138,461 which is attributable to a decrease in secondary market sales, as the pace of refinancing continued to slow.  Proceeds from sale of loans held-for-sale amounted to $8,069,687 for the first three months of 2013 compared to $4,922,980 for the first three months of 2014.

  
Income from the Company’s trust and investment management affiliate, Community Financial Services Group (CFSG Partners) increased $16,216 due in part to an increase in the customer base, as well as an increase in the market value for various investments

  
Rental income on OREO properties increased $9,887.  While rental of OREO properties is not a normal practice for the Company, it was deemed appropriate on a condominium unit in Stowe, Vermont to help offset expenses associated with this property while it is on the market for sale.  The bountiful snowfall this past winter season generated more of a demand for rental of this condominium unit.

  
The SERP fair value adjustment decreased $36,513 due to a decrease in the market value of the Company’s Supplemental Employee Retirement Program (SERP) investment account.

Non-interest Expense

The components of non-interest expense for the periods presented are as follows:

   
Quarter Ended
             
   
March 31,
   
Change
 
   
2014
   
2013
    $     %  
                           
Salaries and wages
  $ 1,650,000     $ 1,657,185     $ (7,185 )     -0.43 %
Employee benefits
    631,197       609,289       21,908       3.60 %
Occupancy expenses, net
    684,198       871,904       (187,706 )     -21.53 %
Other expenses
                               
     Computer outsourcing
    104,055       0       104,055       100.00 %
     Service contracts - administrative
    109,114       0       109,114       100.00 %
     Loss on limited partnerships
    110,958       119,223       (8,265 )     -6.93 %
     FDIC Insurance
    103,567       102,669       898       0.87 %
     Telephone expense
    81,239       115,384       (34,145 )     -29.59 %
     ATM Fees
    93,736       107,902       (14,166 )     -13.13 %
     Other miscellaneous expenses
    1,144,132       1,005,734       138,398       13.76 %
          Total non-interest expense
  $ 4,712,196     $ 4,589,290     $ 122,906       2.68 %
 
During the first quarter of 2014 the Company re-categorized some of its expense accounts for service contracts from occupancy expense to other expenses, which is reflected in the increase in other expense between periods.  Had the re-categorization been in effect during the first quarter of 2013, $180,000 would have shifted from occupancy expense to other expenses for the first quarter of 2013, which would have resulted in minimal change in occupancy expense between periods.  This would then have decreased the change in other expenses to approximately $100,000.

Total non-interest expense increased $122,906 for the first quarter of 2014 compared to the first quarter of 2013 with other significant changes noted in the following:

  
Computer outsourcing increased $104,055.  The Company began outsourcing its data processing operations at the end of the fourth quarter of 2012, but due to incentive credits received for various functions, the Company did not incur data processing expenses until late in the second quarter of 2013.  Outsourcing of the core processing function has provided the opportunity for the existing information technology staff to take on additional duties and roles in response to regulatory and industry changes.

  
Service contracts – administrative increased $109,114 which was a direct result of the re-categorization mentioned above.

  
Telephone expense decreased $34,145 as the result of entering into a contract with a new vendor during the comparison periods.

 
34

 
 
Losses related to limited partnership investments for the first quarter of 2014 and 2013 are included in the table above and amounted to $110,958 and $119,223, respectively.  These investments provide tax benefits, including tax credits, and are designed to provide an effective yield between 8% and 10%.  Losses relating to the Company’s New Market Tax Credit (NMTC) investment for the first quarter of 2014 were recorded as $36,822 compared to $25,347 for the first quarter of 2013, with tax credits amounting to $33,809 and $28,173, respectively.  The Company amortizes these investments under the effective yield method.

APPLICABLE INCOME TAXES

The provision for income taxes increased $61,600 or 39.0% for the first quarter of 2014 compared to the first quarter of 2013 due to an increase in income before taxes as well as a decrease in tax credits, with a provision of $219,726 and $158,126, respectively.  Net income before taxes was $1,291,291 for the first quarter of 2014 and $1,199,904 for the first quarter of 2013, with tax credits totaling $195,751 and $185,181, respectively.

CHANGES IN FINANCIAL CONDITION

The following table reflects the composition of the Company's major categories of assets and liabilities as a percentage of total assets or liabilities and shareholders’ equity, as the case may be, as of the dates indicated:

   
March 31, 2014
   
December 31, 2013
   
March 31, 2013
 
Assets
                                   
 Loans
  $ 452,230,767       77.55 %   $ 439,908,926       76.68 %   $ 417,469,135       74.50 %
 Securities available-for-sale
    31,187,390       5.35 %     35,188,602       6.13 %     46,010,313       8.21 %
 Securities held-to-maturity
    38,919,299       6.67 %     37,936,911       6.61 %     42,380,968       7.56 %
                                                 
Liabilities
                                               
 Time deposits
  $ 131,255,748       22.51 %   $ 120,951,539       21.08 %   $ 122,730,505       21.90 %
 Savings deposits
    74,187,411       12.72 %     69,906,147       12.19 %     68,232,421       12.18 %
 Demand deposits
    80,608,105       13.82 %     82,156,154       14.32 %     64,660,692       11.54 %
 Interest-bearing transaction accounts
    112,378,796       19.27 %     126,578,052       22.06 %     114,257,777       20.39 %
 Money market accounts
    84,177,510       14.44 %     81,960,677       14.29 %     94,380,704       16.84 %
 Federal funds purchased
    0       0.00 %     0       0.00 %     7,845,000       1.40 %
 Short-term advances
    6,000,000       1.03 %     0       0.00 %     0       0.00 %
 Long-term advances
    6,000,000       1.03 %     0       0.00 %     0       0.00 %
 
The Company's loan portfolio increased throughout the comparison periods with increases of $12,321,841 or 2.8%, from December 31, 2013 to March 31, 2014, and $34,761,632 or 8.3%, year over year.  This increase is due to strong commercial loan growth during 2013 and into the first three months of 2014, primarily in commercial & industrial loans.  The Company set goals to increase its commercial loan portfolio, and with the help of a seasoned commercial lending team with a strong presence in the small business community, these goals are becoming a reality.  Most of the growth in the commercial loan portfolio has occurred in the Company’s Washington County (Central Vermont) market.  Securities available-for-sale decreased $4,001,212 or 11.4% from December 31, 2013 to March 31, 2014, and $14,822,923 or 32.2% year over year. During 2013 as loan demand increased, the Company used sales, calls and maturities from its available-for-sale portfolio to help fund this loan growth contributing to the decrease in both periods.  Securities held-to-maturity increased $982,388 or 2.6% during the first three months of 2014, but decreased $3,461,669 or 8.2% year over year.  Held-to-maturity securities are made up of investments from the Company’s municipal customers in its service areas.  The Company changed its pricing strategy during the first quarter of 2014, and as a result attracted fewer municipal accounts.

Total deposits increased $1,055,001 or 0.2% from December 31, 2013 to March 31, 2014 and $18,345,471 or 4.0% year over year.  Time deposits increased $10,304,209 or 8.5% from December 31, 2013 to March 31, 2014, and $8,525,243 or 7.0% year to year due to a one-way CDARS balance of $10,000,140 at quarter-end.  Savings deposits increased throughout the comparison period, with increases of $4,281,264 or 6.1% year to date and $5,954,990 or 8.7% year to year.  Demand deposits decreased $1,548,049 or 1.9% during the first three months of 2014, but increased $15,947,413 or 24.7% year to year. Interest-bearing transaction accounts decreased $14,199,256 or 11.2% during the first three months of 2014, and $1,878,981 or 1.6% year to year.  Business demand deposits increased $11,065,116 or 29.8% year to year, which coincides with the increase in commercial loans during the same period. The Company believes at least a portion of the decrease in interest-bearing transaction accounts is attributable to customers shifting their funds into higher yielding time deposits, which accounts for a portion of the increase in those funds.  A decrease in government agency accounts in the amount of $16,553,150 or 40.7% and an increase of $3,547,206 or 19.6% in the account held by the Company’s affiliate, CFSG, accounted for most of the decrease in interest-bearing accounts during the first three months of 2014.  Money market accounts increased $2,216,833 or 2.7% for the first three months of 2014 but decreased $10,203,194 or 10.8% from March 31, 2013 to March 31, 2014.  The municipal money market accounts increased $847,392 or 4.3% for the first three months of 2014 but decreased $9,538,258 or 31.5% year to year, in conjunction with a decrease in municipal investments classified as held-to-maturity securities.  Beginning late in the first quarter of 2013, the Company borrowed overnight funds to help fund loan growth, resulting in a balance of $7,845,000 as of March 31, 2013, but as the year progressed these borrowings decreased and there were no balances outstanding as of December 31, 2013.  The substantial loan activity during the first three months of 2014 caused the Company to seek alternate funding sources resulting in FHLBB advances totaling $12,000,000 as of March 31, 2014.
 
 
35

 
 
RISK MANAGEMENT

Interest Rate Risk and Asset and Liability Management - Management actively monitors and manages the Company’s interest rate risk exposure and attempts to structure the balance sheet to maximize net interest income while controlling its exposure to interest rate risk.  The Company's Asset/Liability Management Committee (ALCO) is made up of the Executive Officers and all the Vice Presidents of the Bank.  The ALCO formulates strategies to manage interest rate risk by evaluating the impact on earnings and capital of such factors as current interest rate forecasts and economic indicators, potential changes in such forecasts and indicators, liquidity and various business strategies.  The ALCO meets at least quarterly to review financial statements, liquidity levels, yields and spreads to better understand, measure, monitor and control the Company’s interest rate risk.  In the ALCO process, the committee members apply policy limits set forth in the Asset Liability, Liquidity and Investment policies approved and periodically reviewed by the Company’s Board of Directors.  The ALCO's methods for evaluating interest rate risk include an analysis of the effects of interest rate changes on net interest income and an analysis of the Company's interest rate sensitivity "gap", which provides a static analysis of the maturity and repricing characteristics of the entire balance sheet.  The ALCO Policy also includes a contingency funding plan to help management prepare for unforeseen liquidity restrictions, including hypothetical severe liquidity crises.

Interest rate risk represents the sensitivity of earnings to changes in market interest rates.  As interest rates change, the interest income and expense streams associated with the Company’s financial instruments also change, thereby impacting net interest income (NII), the primary component of the Company’s earnings.  Fluctuations in interest rates can also have an impact on liquidity.  The ALCO uses an outside consultant to perform rate shock simulations to the Company's net interest income, as well as a variety of other analyses.  It is the ALCO’s function to provide the assumptions used in the modeling process.  Assumptions used in prior period simulation models are regularly tested by comparing projected NII with actual NII.  The ALCO utilizes the results of the simulation model to quantify the estimated exposure of NII and liquidity to sustained interest rate changes.  The simulation model captures the impact of changing interest rates on the interest income received and interest expense paid on all interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities reflected on the Company’s balance sheet.  The model also simulates the balance sheet’s sensitivity to a prolonged flat rate environment. All rate scenarios are simulated assuming a parallel shift of the yield curve; however further simulations are performed utilizing non-parallel changes in the yield curve.   The results of this sensitivity analysis are compared to the ALCO policy limits which specify a maximum tolerance level for NII exposure over a 1-year horizon, assuming no balance sheet growth, given a 200 basis point (bp) shift upward and a 100 bp shift downward in interest rates.

Under the Company’s rate sensitivity modeling, in the current flat rate environment, NII levels are projected to be flat as the downward pressure on asset yields is projected to slow down as cash flow is replaced at equal yields.  Funding costs are expected to provide slight relief as longer-term funding is retired and replaced at current rates.  In a rising rate environment, NII is expected to trend upward as the short-term asset base (cash and adjustable rate loans) quickly cycle upward while the retail funding base (deposits) lags the market.  If rates paid on deposits have to be increased more than projected, the expected benefit to rising rates would be reduced.  In a falling rate environment, NII is expected to trend in-line with the current rate environment scenario for the first year of the simulation as asset yield erosion is offset by decreasing funding costs.  Thereafter, net interest income is projected to experience sustained downward pressure as funding costs reach their assumed floors and asset yields continue to replace and reprice into the lower rate environment.

The following table summarizes the estimated impact on the Company's NII over a twelve month period, assuming a gradual parallel shift of the yield curve beginning March 31, 2014:

Rate Change
 
Percent Change in NII
     
Down 100 basis points
 
-.80%
     
Up 200 basis points
 
6.20%

The amounts shown in the table are well within the ALCO Policy limits.  However, those amounts do not represent a forecast and should not be relied upon as indicative of future results.  While assumptions used in the ALCO process, including the interest rate simulation analyses, are developed based upon current economic and local market conditions, the Company cannot provide any assurances as to the predictive nature of these assumptions, including how customer preferences or competitor influences might change.

Credit Risk - As a financial institution, one of the primary risks the Company manages is credit risk, the risk of loss stemming from borrowers’ failure to repay loans or inability to meet other contractual obligations.  The Company’s Board of Directors prescribes policies for managing credit risk, including Loan, Appraisal and Environmental policies.  These policies are supplemented by comprehensive underwriting standards and procedures.  The Company maintains a Credit Administration department whose function includes credit analysis and monitoring of and reporting on the status of the loan portfolio, including delinquent and non-performing loan trends. The Company also monitors concentration of credit risk in a variety of areas, including portfolio mix, the level of loans to individual borrowers and their related interest, loans to industry segments, and the geographic distribution of commercial real estate loans. Loans are reviewed periodically by an independent loan review firm in order to assure accuracy of the Company's internal risk ratings and compliance with various internal policies and procedures and regulatory guidance.
 
 
36

 
 
The residential mortgage portfolio, including first mortgages and junior liens, accounts for 47.8% of the Company’s loan portfolio, down from 52.2% a year ago.  Post-recession, these segments saw the greatest degree of collection, foreclosure and loss activity.  Delinquencies and losses, however, were not experienced to the extent of national peers as the Company maintains a mortgage loan portfolio of traditional mortgage products and had not engaged in higher risk loans such as option adjustable rate mortgage products, high loan-to-value products, interest only mortgages, subprime loans and products with deeply discounted teaser rates. While real estate values had declined in the Company’s market area, the sound underwriting standards historically employed by the Company mitigated the trends in defaults and property surrenders experienced elsewhere. Residential mortgages with loan-to-values exceeding 80% are generally covered by private mortgage insurance (“PMI”).  A 90% loan-to-value residential mortgage product without PMI is only available to borrowers with excellent credit and low debt-to-income ratios and has not been widely originated.  Junior lien home equity products make up approximately 21% of the residential mortgage portfolio with maximum loan-to-value ratios (including prior liens) of 80%.  The residential mortgage portfolio has had satisfactory performance in light of the depth of the latest recession and the slow recovery; portfolio performance improved throughout 2013 and into 2014.
 
Risk in the Company’s commercial & industrial and commercial real estate loan portfolios is mitigated in part by government guarantees issued by federal agencies such as the U.S. Small Business Administration and USDA Rural Development. At March 31, 2014, the Company had $24,935,592 in guaranteed loans with guaranteed balances of 19,799,898, compared to $25,150,175 in guaranteed loans with guaranteed balances of $20,044,091 at December 31, 2013 and $26,733,172 in guaranteed loans with guaranteed balances of $21,394,673 at March 31, 2013.

The Company’s strategy is to continue growing the commercial & industrial and commercial real estate portfolios. Consistent with the strategic focus on commercial lending, both segments saw solid growth during 2013 that has continued into 2014.  Commercial & industrial and commercial real estate loans together comprised 45.5% of the Company’s loan portfolio at March 31, 2013, growing to 48.3% at December 31, 2013 and 50.4% at March 31, 2014.  The increase in the size of the commercial loan portfolio has also improved geographic diversification, with much of the growth in commercial loans occurring in central Vermont, the Company’s newest market.
 
The following table reflects the composition of the Company's loan portfolio as a percentage of total loans as of the dates indicated:

   
March 31, 2014
   
December 31, 2013
   
March 31, 2013
 
                                     
Commercial & industrial
  $ 60,728,808       13.43 %   $ 55,619,285       12.64 %   $ 51,044,490       12.23 %
Commercial real estate
    167,369,628       37.01 %     156,935,803       35.67 %     138,784,472       33.24 %
1 - 4 family residential - 1st lien
    171,561,880       37.94 %     172,847,074       39.30 %     172,031,283       41.21 %
1 - 4 family residential - Jr lien
    44,528,723       9.84 %     45,687,405       10.39 %     45,912,846       11.00 %
Consumer
    8,041,728       1.78 %     8,819,359       2.00 %     9,696,044       2.32 %
     Total loans
    452,230,767       100.00 %     439,908,926       100.00 %     417,469,135       100.00 %
Deduct (add):
                                               
Allowance for loan losses
    4,837,578               4,854,915               4,493,384          
Unearned loan fees
    (290,265 )             (300,429 )             (206,969 )        
      4,547,313               4,554,486               4,286,415          
      Net loans
  $ 447,683,454             $ 435,354,440             $ 413,182,720          
 
The Company works actively with customers early in the delinquency process to help them to avoid default and foreclosure. With the economic recovery continuing, the levels of both Group B (Management Involved) and Group C (Unacceptable Risk) loans (as defined in Note 5 to the Company’s unaudited interim consolidated financial statements) showed gradual improvement through 2012 and 2013 and thus the loan loss reserve factors for trends in delinquency and non-accrual loans and criticized and classified were gradually decreased. Alternatively, qualitative factors have been increased principally to account for growth in the loan portfolio.  During 2013 and into 2014, lower loan losses were offset by strong commercial loan volume, the deterioration of several commercial real estate loans and the migration of some past due residential loans to later stage delinquency, resulting in increases in the associated loan loss reserve qualitative factors.

Commercial and commercial real estate loans are generally placed on non-accrual status when there is deterioration in the financial position of the borrower, payment in full of principal and interest is not expected, and/or principal or interest has been in default for 90 days or more. However, such a loan need not be placed on non-accrual status if it is both well secured and in the process of collection.  Residential mortgages and home equity loans are considered for non-accrual status at 90 days past due and are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.  The Company obtains current property appraisals or market value analyses and considers the cost to carry and sell collateral in order to assess the level of specific allocations required. Consumer loans are generally not placed in non-accrual but are charged off by the time they reach 120 days past due. When a loan is placed in non-accrual status, the Company's policy is to reverse the accrued interest against current period income and to discontinue the accrual of interest until the borrower clearly demonstrates the ability and intention to resume normal payments, typically demonstrated by regular timely payments for a period of not less than six months.  Interest payments received on non-accrual or impaired loans are generally applied as a reduction of the loan principal balance.  Deferred taxes are calculated monthly, based on interest amounts that would have accrued through the normal accrual process.

The Company’s non-performing assets decreased $946,994 or 14.1% during the first three months of 2014. The improvement in non-performing loans resulted in part from improved performance of three loans that were removed from non-accrual status, a short sale resolution to one real estate loan, and a $100,000 partial charge off of a commercial real estate loan. Claims receivable on related government guarantees were $222,836 at March 31, 2014 compared to $402,339 at March 31, 2013.

 
37

 

As of the consolidated balance sheet dates, non-performing assets were made up of the following:
 
   
March 31, 2014
   
December 31, 2013
 
         
Percent
         
Percent
 
   
Balance
   
of Total
   
Balance
   
of Total
 
Loans past due 90 days or more and still accruing
                       
Commercial & industrial
  $ 0       0.00 %   $ 21,902       0.32 %
Commercial real estate
    5,313       0.09 %     5,313       0.08 %
Residential real estate - 1st lien
    557,640       9.63 %     817,109       12.12 %
Residential real estate - Jr lien
    79,722       1.38 %     56,040       0.83 %
Consumer
    0       0.00 %     7,784       0.12 %
Total
    642,675       11.10 %     908,148       13.47 %
                                 
Non-accrual loans (1)
                               
Commercial & industrial
    477,572       8.24 %     527,105       7.82 %
Commercial real estate
    1,299,476       22.43 %     1,403,541       20.82 %
Residential real estate - 1st lien
    2,047,423       35.34 %     2,203,106       32.69 %
Residential real estate - Jr lien
    460,590       7.95 %     593,125       8.80 %
Total
    4,285,061       73.96 %     4,726,877       70.13 %
                                 
Other real estate owned
    865,820       14.94 %     1,105,525       16.40 %
                                 
Total
  $ 5,793,556       100.00 %   $ 6,740,550       100.00 %
 
(1)  No consumer loans were in non-accrual status as of the consolidated balance sheet dates.

As of the balance sheet dates, the Company was not contractually committed to lend additional funds to debtors with impaired, non-accrual or modified loans.

The Company’s TDRs are principally a result of extending loan repayment terms to relieve cash flow difficulties. The Company has only, on a limited basis, reduced interest rates for borrowers below the current market rate for the borrower.  The Company has not forgiven principal or reduced accrued interest within the terms of original restructurings, nor has it converted variable rate terms to fixed rate terms.  However, the Company evaluates each TDR situation on its own merits and does not foreclose the granting of any particular type of concession.  The Non-Performing Assets table above includes TDR’s that are past due 90 days or more or in non-accrual status.  The remainder of the Company’s TDR’s consist of 13 residential mortgage loans, two commercial real estate loans and three commercial & industrial loans totaling $1,561,342 at March 31, 2014 compared to 10 residential mortgage loans, two commercial real estate loans and three commercial & industrial loans totaling $1,312,260 at December 31, 2013.

The Company’s OREO portfolio at March 31, 2014 consisted of three properties acquired through the normal foreclosure process.  At December 31, 2013, the Company held three residential and two commercial properties in its OREO portfolio and sold one of the commercial properties taken into the portfolio during the fourth quarter of 2013 and one of the residential properties that the Bank has owned since 2012, resulting in a decrease in OREO of $239,705, to end the first quarter of 2014 with an OREO portfolio of $865,820.

Allowance for loan losses and provisions - The Company maintains an allowance for loan losses (allowance) at a level that management believes is appropriate to absorb losses inherent in the loan portfolio (See Critical Accounting Policies). Although the Company, in establishing the allowance, considers the inherent losses in individual loans and pools of loans, the allowance is a general reserve available to absorb all credit losses in the loan portfolio.  No part of the allowance is segregated to absorb losses from any particular loan or segment of loans.

When establishing the allowance each quarter the Company applies a combination of historical loss factors and qualitative factors to loan segments including residential first and junior lien mortgages, commercial real estate, commercial & industrial, and consumer loan portfolios. No changes were made to the allowance methodology during the first three months of 2014. The Company will shorten or lengthen its look back period for determining average portfolio historical loss rates as the economy either contracts or expands; during a period of economic contraction a shortening of the look back period may more conservatively reflect the current economic climate. The highest loss rates experienced for the look back period are applied to the various segments in establishing the allowance.

 
38

 
 
The Company then applies numerous qualitative factors to each of these segments of the loan portfolio. Those factors include the levels of and trends in delinquencies and non-accrual loans, criticized and classified assets, volumes and terms of loans, and the impact of any loan policy changes. Experience, ability and depth of lending personnel, levels of policy and documentation exceptions, national and local economic trends, the competitive environment, and concentrations of credit are also factors considered.

The adequacy of the allowance is reviewed quarterly by the risk management committee of the Board of Directors and then presented to the full Board of Directors for approval.

The following table summarizes the Company's loan loss experience for the three months ended March 31,

   
2014
   
2013
 
             
Loans outstanding, end of period
  $ 452,230,767     $ 417,469,135  
Average loans outstanding during period
  $ 445,692,728     $ 417,364,812  
Non-accruing loans, end of period
  $ 4,285,061     $ 4,919,417  
Non-accruing loans, net of government guarantees
  $ 3,926,162     $ 3,718,022  
                 
Allowance, beginning of period
  $ 4,854,915     $ 4,312,080  
Loans charged off(1):
               
  Commercial & industrial
    (16,680 )     (17,935 )
  Commercial real estate
    (100,000 )     0  
  Consumer loans
    (51,528 )     (17,226 )
       Total loans charged off
    (168,208 )     (35,161 )
Recoveries(1):
               
  Commercial & industrial
    112       200  
  Residential real estate - 1st lien
    9,373       5,626  
  Residential real estate - Jr lien
    60       60  
  Consumer loans
    6,326       4,329  
        Total recoveries
    15,871       10,215  
Net loans charged off
    (152,337 )     (24,946 )
Provision charged to income
    135,000       206,250  
Allowance, end of period
  $ 4,837,578     $ 4,493,384  
                 
Net charge offs to average loans outstanding
    0.034 %     0.006 %
Provision charged to income as a percent of average loans
    0.030 %     0.049 %
Allowance to average loans outstanding
    1.085 %     1.077 %
Allowance to non-accruing loans
    112.894 %     91.340 %
Allowance to non-accruing loans net of government guarantees
    123.214 %     120.854 %

(1)  There were no residential real estate 1st lien or Jr lien charge offs and there were no commercial real estate loan recoveries during the periods presented.

Net charge-offs increased from 2007 through 2011, peaking at $841,000 in 2011. Given the trend in losses, depth of the last recession and the sluggish recovery, management increased its provisions for loan losses to $1.0 million in each of the years 2010 through 2012, compared to $625,004 for 2009. This increase was directionally consistent with the risk trends and growth of the loan portfolio during the period.  Improving loan portfolio trends throughout 2012 and 2013, and several recoveries resulted in a $330,000 or 33.0%, decrease to the provision for 2013, with total provision of $670,000 compared to $1,000,000 for 2012. The Company decreased its provision for 2014 resulting in a provision of $135,000 for the first quarter of 2014 compared to $206,250 for the same period in 2013, a decrease of $71,250 or 34.6%.  The Company’s allowance coverage of non-accruing loans as of the end of the first quarter of 2014 reflected an increase year over year as did the coverage of non-accruing loans net of government guarantees.  The first quarter of 2014 saw the $100,000 partial charge off of a commercial real estate loan, as well as higher than typical consumer loan charge offs.  The Company has an experienced collections department that continues to work actively with borrowers to resolve problem loans and manage the OREO portfolio, and management continues to monitor the loan portfolio closely.

Specific allocations to the allowance are made for certain impaired loans. Impaired loans are loans to a borrower that in aggregate are greater than $100,000 and that are in non-accrual status. A loan is considered impaired when it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due, including interest and principal, according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. The Company will review all the facts and circumstances surrounding non-accrual loans and on a case-by-case basis may consider loans below the threshold as impaired when such treatment is material to the financial statements.  See Note 5 to the accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements for information on the recorded investment in impaired loans and their related allocations.  The $100,000 commercial real estate charge off taken during the first quarter of 2014 directly reduced the level of specific allocations carried on impaired loans.
 
 
39

 
 
The portion of the allowance termed "unallocated" is established to absorb inherent losses that exist as of the valuation date although not specifically identified through management's process for estimating credit losses.  While the allowance is described as consisting of separate allocated portions, the entire allowance is available to support loan losses, regardless of category.

Market Risk - In addition to credit risk in the Company’s loan portfolio and liquidity risk in its loan and deposit-taking operations, the Company’s business activities also generate market risk.  Market risk is the risk of loss in a financial instrument arising from adverse changes in market prices and rates, foreign currency exchange rates, commodity prices and equity prices.  Declining capital markets can result in fair value adjustments necessary to record decreases in the value of the investment portfolio for other-than-temporary-impairment.  The Company does not have any market risk sensitive instruments acquired for trading purposes.  The Company’s market risk arises primarily from interest rate risk inherent in its lending and deposit taking activities. During times of recessionary periods, a declining housing market can result in an increase in loan loss reserves or ultimately an increase in foreclosures.  Interest rate risk is directly related to the different maturities and repricing characteristics of interest-bearing assets and liabilities, as well as to loan prepayment risks, early withdrawal of time deposits, and the fact that the speed and magnitude of responses to interest rate changes vary by product.  The prolonged weak economy and disruption in the financial markets in recent years may heighten the Company’s market risk.  As discussed above under "Interest Rate Risk and Asset and Liability Management", the Company actively monitors and manages its interest rate risk through the ALCO process.

COMMITMENTS, CONTINGENCIES AND OFF-BALANCE-SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

The Company is a party to financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its customers.  These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit, standby letters of credit and risk-sharing commitments on certain sold loans.  Such instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and interest rate risk in excess of the amount recognized in the balance sheet.  The contract or notional amounts of those instruments reflect the extent of involvement the Company has in particular classes of financial instruments. During the first three months of 2014, the Company did not engage in any activity that created any additional types of off-balance sheet risk.

The Company generally requires collateral or other security to support financial instruments with credit risk. The Company's financial instruments whose contract amount represents credit risk were as follows:

   
Contract or Notional Amount
 
   
March 31,
2014
   
December 31,
2013
 
             
Unused portions of home equity lines of credit
  $ 22,108,610     $ 21,961,527  
Other commitments to extend credit
    42,176,179       41,230,202  
Residential construction lines of credit
    1,413,471       2,010,417  
Commercial real estate and other construction lines of credit
    12,078,640       15,592,702  
Standby letters of credit and commercial letters of credit
    1,119,945       1,655,469  
Recourse on sale of credit card portfolio
    276,650       276,650  
MPF credit enhancement obligation, net of liability recorded
    1,544,335       1,543,211  
 
Since many of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements.  The Company sold its credit card portfolio during the third quarter of 2007, but retained a partial recourse obligation under the terms of the sale, based on total lines, not balances outstanding.  Based on historical losses, the Company does not expect any significant losses from this commitment.

In connection with its 2007 trust preferred securities financing, the Company guaranteed the payment obligations under the $12,500,000 of capital securities of its subsidiary, CMTV Statutory Trust I.  The source of funds for payments by the Trust on its capital securities is payments made by the Company on its debentures issued to the Trust.  The Company's obligation under those debentures is fully reflected in the Company's balance sheet, in the gross amount of $12,887,000 for each of the comparison periods, of which $12,500,000 represents external financing through the issuance to investors of capital securities by CMTV Statutory Trust I.

 
40

 

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Managing liquidity risk is essential to maintaining both depositor confidence and stability in earnings.  Liquidity management refers to the ability of the Company to adequately cover fluctuations in assets and liabilities.  Meeting loan demand (assets) and covering the withdrawal of deposit funds (liabilities) are two key components of the liquidity management process.  The Company’s principal sources of funds are deposits, amortization and prepayment of loans and securities, maturities of investment securities, sales of loans available-for-sale, and earnings and funds provided from operations.  Maintaining a relatively stable funding base, which is achieved by diversifying funding sources, competitively pricing deposit products, and extending the contractual maturity of liabilities, reduces the Company’s exposure to roll over risk on deposits and limits reliance on volatile short-term borrowed funds.  Short-term funding needs arise from declines in deposits or other funding sources and funding requirements for loan commitments.  The Company’s strategy is to fund assets to the maximum extent possible with core deposits that provide a sizable source of relatively stable and low-cost funds.

The Company recognizes that, at times, when loan demand exceeds deposit growth or the Company has other liquidity demands, it may be desirable to utilize alternative sources of deposit funding to augment retail deposits and borrowings.  One-way deposits purchased through the CDARS provide an alternative funding source when needed.  Such deposits are generally considered a form of brokered deposits.  During the first quarter of 2014, the Company utilized one-way CDARS totaling $10,000,140 as a supplemental funding source.  There was no one-way CDARS balance at either December 31, 2013 or March 31, 2013.  In addition, two-way CDARS deposits allow the Company to provide FDIC deposit insurance to its customers in excess of account coverage limits by exchanging deposits with other CDARS members.  At March 31, 2014, the Company reported $1,104,521 in two-way CDARS deposits representing exchanged deposits with other CDARS participating banks, compared to $1,103,008 at December 31, 2013 and $1,098,409 at March 31, 2013.  The balance in ICS deposits was $17,208,334 at March 31, 2014, compared to $17,290,435 at December 31, 2013 and $16,382,025 at March 31, 2013.

The Company has a Borrower-in-Custody (“BIC”) arrangement with the FRBB secured by eligible commercial loans, commercial real estate loans and home equity loans, resulting in an available line of $77,678,850, $74,929,216, and $69,797,730, respectively, at March 31, 2014, December 31, 2013 and March 31, 2013.  Credit advances in this FRBB lending program are overnight advances with interest chargeable at the primary credit rate (generally referred to as the discount rate), currently 75 basis points.  The Company had no outstanding advances against this line during any of the respective comparison periods.

The Company has an unsecured Federal Funds line with the FHLBB with an available balance of $500,000 at March 31, 2014, December 31, 2013 and March 31 2013.  Interest is chargeable at a rate determined daily approximately 25 basis points higher than the rate paid on federal funds sold.  In addition, at March 31, 2014, December 31, 2013 and March 31, 2013, additional borrowing capacity of approximately $71,201,419, $72,556,030 and $73,807,775, respectively, was available through the FHLBB secured by the Company's qualifying loan portfolio (generally, residential mortgages).

The Company has an unsecured line with one of its correspondent banks with an available line of $3,000,000 at March 31, 2014, December 31, 2013 and March 31, 2013.  During the first quarter of 2014, the Company established an unsecured line with a different correspondent bank with an available line of $4,000,000 as of March 31, 2014.  There were no outstanding advances against either of these lines during any of the respective comparison periods.

The following table reflects the Company’s outstanding FHLBB advances against the respective lines as of the dates indicated:

   
March 31,
   
December 31,
   
March 31,
 
   
2014
   
2013
   
2013
 
Long-Term Advances
                 
FHLBB term borrowing, 0.23% fixed rate, due August 29, 2014
  $ 6,000,000     $ 0     $ 0  
                         
Short-Term Advances
                       
FHLBB term advance, 0.19% fixed rate, due May 2, 2014
    6,000,000       0       0  
                         
Overnight Borrowings
                       
Federal funds purchased (FHLBB), 0.35%
    0       0       7,845,000  
                         
     Total Advances and Overnight Borrowings
  $ 12,000,000     $ 0     $ 7,845,000  

 
41

 

The following table illustrates the changes in shareholders' equity from December 31, 2013 to March 31, 2014:

Balance at December 31, 2013 (book value $8.96 per common share)
  $ 46,135,977  
    Net income
    1,071,565  
    Issuance of stock through the Dividend Reinvestment Plan
    173,946  
    Dividends declared on common stock
    (778,872 )
    Dividends declared on preferred stock
    (20,313 )
    Change in unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities, net of tax
    40,891  
Balance at March 31,2014 (book value $9.04 per common share)
  $ 46,623,194  

The primary objective of the Company’s capital planning process is to balance appropriately the retention of capital to support operations and future growth, with the goal of providing shareholders an attractive return on their investment.  To that end, management monitors capital retention and dividend policies on an ongoing basis.

As described in more detail in the Company’s 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K in Note 20 to the audited consolidated financial statements contained therein and under the caption “LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES” in the Management’s Discussion and Analysis section of such report, the Company (on a consolidated basis) and the Bank are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the federal banking agencies pursuant to which they must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of their assets, liabilities and certain off-balance-sheet items.   Capital amounts and classifications are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings and other factors.

As of March 31, 2014, the Bank was considered well capitalized under the regulatory capital framework for Prompt Corrective Action and the Company exceeded all applicable consolidated regulatory capital guidelines.

 
42

 

The following table shows the Company’s actual capital ratios and those of its subsidiary, as well as applicable regulatory capital requirements, as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013:

                           
Minimum
 
               
Minimum
   
To Be Well
 
               
For Capital
   
Capitalized Under
 
               
Adequacy
   
Prompt Corrective
 
   
Actual
   
Purposes
   
Action Provisions(1)
 
   
Amount
   
Ratio
   
Amount
   
Ratio
   
Amount
   
Ratio
 
   
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
March 31, 2014
 
Total capital (to risk-weighted assets)
 
   Company
  $ 51,801       12.85 %   $ 32,244       8.00 %     N/A       N/A  
   Bank
  $ 51,278       12.74 %   $ 32,209       8.00 %   $ 40,261       10.00 %
   
Tier I capital (to risk-weighted assets)
 
   Company
  $ 45,704       11.34 %   $ 16,122       4.00 %     N/A       N/A  
   Bank
  $ 46,396       11.52 %   $ 16,104       4.00 %   $ 24,156       6.00 %
   
Tier I capital (to average assets)
 
   Company
  $ 45,704       8.20 %   $ 22,284       4.00 %     N/A       N/A  
   Bank
  $ 46,396       8.33 %   $ 22,266       4.00 %   $ 27,833       5.00 %
   
December 31, 2013:
 
Total capital (to risk-weighted assets)
 
   Company
  $ 51,304       13.09 %   $ 31,365       8.00 %     N/A       N/A  
   Bank
  $ 50,765       12.97 %   $ 31,314       8.00 %   $ 39,143       10.00 %
   
Tier I capital (to risk-weighted assets)
 
   Company
  $ 45,027       11.48 %   $ 15,682       4.00 %     N/A       N/A  
   Bank
  $ 45,873       11.72 %   $ 15,657       4.00 %   $ 23,486       6.00 %
   
Tier I capital (to average assets)
 
   Company
  $ 45,027       8.04 %   $ 22,409       4.00 %     N/A       N/A  
   Bank
  $ 45,873       8.20 %   $ 22,386       4.00 %   $ 27,983       5.00 %

(1)  Applicable to banks, but not bank holding companies.

The Company's ability to pay dividends to its shareholders is largely dependent on the Bank's ability to pay dividends to the Company.  In general, a national bank may not pay dividends that exceed net income for the current and preceding two years regardless of statutory restrictions, as a matter of regulatory policy, banks and bank holding companies should pay dividends only out of current earnings and only if, after paying such dividends, they remain adequately capitalized.

ITEM 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

The Company's management of the credit, liquidity and market risk inherent in its business operations is discussed in Part 1, Item 2 of this report under the captions "RISK MANAGEMENT". “COMMITMENTS, CONTINGENCIES AND OFF-BALANCE-SHEET ARRANGEMENTS” and “LIQUIDITY & CAPITAL RESOURCES”, which are incorporated herein by reference.  Management does not believe that there have been any material changes in the nature or categories of the Company's risk exposures from those disclosed in the Company’s 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

ITEM 4. Controls and Procedures

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining effective disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”).  As of March 31, 2014, an evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of management, including the principal executive officer and principal financial officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures.  Based on that evaluation, management concluded that its disclosure controls and procedures as of March 31, 2014 were effective in ensuring that material information required to be disclosed in the reports it files with the Commission under the Exchange Act was recorded, processed, summarized, and reported on a timely basis.
 
 
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For this purpose, the term “disclosure controls and procedures” means controls and other procedures of the Company that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by it in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act (15 U.S.C. 78a et seq.) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms.  Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended March 31, 2014 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. Legal Proceedings

In the normal course of business the Company and its subsidiary are involved in litigation that is considered incidental to their business.  Management does not expect that any such litigation will be material to the Company's consolidated financial condition or results of operations.

ITEM 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

The following table provides information as to purchases of the Company’s common stock during the quarter ended March 31, 2014, by the Company and by any affiliated purchaser (as defined in SEC Rule 10b-18):
 
                      Maximum     
                      Number of    
                Total Number     Shares That May  
                of Shares     Yet Be  
               
Purchased
     Purchased  
   
Total Number
   
Average
    as Part    
 Under the Plan
 
   
of Shares
   
Price Paid
   
of Publicly
   
 at the End
 
For the period:
 
Purchased(1)(2)
    Per Share     Announced Plan    
of the Period
 
                         
January 1 - January 31
    0     $ 0.00       N/A       N/A  
February 1 - February 28
    1,489       13.75       N/A       N/A  
March 1 -March 31
    407       13.75       N/A       N/A  
Total
    1,896     $ 13.75       N/A       N/A  
 
(1)  All 1,896 shares were purchased for the account of participants invested in the Company Stock Fund under the Company’s Retirement Savings Plan by or on behalf of the Plan Trustee, the Human Resources Committee of Community National Bank.  Such share purchases were facilitated through CFSG, which provides certain investment advisory services to the Plan.  Both the Plan Trustee and CFSG may be considered affiliates of the Company under Rule 10b-18.

(2)  Shares purchased during the period do not include fractional shares repurchased from time to time in connection with the participant's election to discontinue participation in the Company's Dividend Reinvestment Plan.

 
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ITEM 6. Exhibits

The following exhibits are filed with this report:
 
Exhibit 31.1 - Certification from the Chief Executive Officer of the Company pursuant to section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
Exhibit 31.2 - Certification from the Chief Financial Officer of the Company pursuant to section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
Exhibit 32.1 - Certification from the Chief Executive Officer of the Company pursuant to 18 U.S.C., Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002*
 
Exhibit 32.2 - Certification from the Chief Financial Officer of the Company pursuant to 18 U.S.C., Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002*

Exhibit 101-
The following materials from the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2014 formatted in eXtensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL): (i) the unaudited consolidated balance sheets, (ii) the unaudited consolidated statements of income for the interim periods ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, (iii) the unaudited consolidated statements of comprehensive income, (iv) the unaudited consolidated statements of cash flows and (v) related notes.*

*  This exhibit shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or otherwise subject to the liability of that section, and shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

 
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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

COMMUNITY BANCORP.
 
DATED:  May 13, 2014
/s/ Stephen P. Marsh                    
 
 
Stephen P. Marsh, Chairman, President
 
 
& Chief Executive Officer
 
     
DATED:  May 13, 2014
/s/ Louise M. Bonvechio                
 
 
Louise M. Bonvechio,  Treasurer
 
 
(Principal Financial Officer)
 

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