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ENTERPRISE BANCORP INC /MA/ - Quarter Report: 2015 September (Form 10-Q)

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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549 
Form 10-Q
 
 
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2015

Commission File Number:  001-33912
 Enterprise Bancorp, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
Massachusetts
04-3308902
(State or other jurisdiction of
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
incorporation or organization)
 
 
 
222 Merrimack Street, Lowell, Massachusetts
01852
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip code)
 (978) 459-9000
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  x Yes   o  No
 
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)  x Yes  o  No
 
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 definition for "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act (Check one): 
Large accelerated filer o
Accelerated filer x
Non-accelerated filer o
Smaller reporting company o
 
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  ¨  Yes  x  No
 
As of November 2, 2015, there were 10,360,876 shares of the issuer's common stock outstanding- Par Value $0.01 per share




Table of Contents

ENTERPRISE BANCORP, INC.
INDEX

 
 
Page Number
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


2

Table of Contents

PART I-FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1 -
Financial Statements
ENTERPRISE BANCORP, INC.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Dollars in thousands)
 
September 30,
2015
 
December 31,
2014
 
 
(Unaudited)
 
 
Assets
 
 

 
 

Cash and cash equivalents:
 
 

 
 

Cash and due from banks
 
$
35,093

 
$
30,044

Interest-earning deposits
 
20,693

 
10,102

Total cash and cash equivalents
 
55,786

 
40,146

Investment securities at fair value
 
281,027

 
245,065

Federal Home Loan Bank Stock
 
4,239

 
3,357

Loans held for sale
 
1,325

 
2,371

Loans, less allowance for loan losses of $28,130 at September 30, 2015 and $27,121 at December 31, 2014
 
1,762,478

 
1,645,483

Premises and equipment
 
30,153

 
30,370

Accrued interest receivable
 
7,734

 
6,733

Deferred income taxes, net
 
13,684

 
12,852

Bank-owned life insurance
 
28,063

 
16,315

Prepaid income taxes
 

 
770

Prepaid expenses and other assets
 
5,169

 
13,110

Goodwill
 
5,656

 
5,656

Total assets
 
$
2,195,314

 
$
2,022,228

Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
 
 

 
 

Liabilities
 
 

 
 

Deposits
 
$
1,963,615

 
$
1,768,546

Borrowed funds
 
24,171

 
58,900

Subordinated debt
 
14,819

 
10,825

Accrued expenses and other liabilities
 
15,440

 
16,441

Income taxes payable
 
313

 

Accrued interest payable
 
252

 
566

Total liabilities
 
$
2,018,610

 
$
1,855,278

Commitments and Contingencies
 


 


Stockholders' Equity
 
 

 
 

Preferred stock, $0.01 par value per share; 1,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued
 

 

Common stock $0.01 par value per share; 20,000,000 shares authorized; 10,359,395 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2015 (including 145,762 shares of unvested participating restricted awards), and 10,207,943 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2014 (including 157,694 shares of unvested participating restricted awards)
 
104

 
102

Additional paid-in-capital
 
60,042

 
57,130

Retained earnings
 
113,515

 
105,951

Accumulated other comprehensive income
 
3,043

 
3,767

Total stockholders' equity
 
$
176,704

 
$
166,950

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
 
$
2,195,314

 
$
2,022,228

 
See the accompanying notes to the unaudited consolidated interim financial statements.

3

Table of Contents

ENTERPRISE BANCORP, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Income
(Unaudited)
 
 
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Interest and dividend income:
 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
Loans and loans held for sale
 
$
19,584

 
$
18,234

 
$
57,115

 
$
53,117

Investment securities
 
1,377

 
1,131

 
3,825

 
3,204

Other interest-earning assets
 
62

 
29

 
137

 
84

Total interest and dividend income
 
21,023

 
19,394

 
61,077

 
56,405

Interest expense:
 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
Deposits
 
1,022

 
1,005

 
3,033

 
3,031

Borrowed funds
 
10

 
3

 
32

 
33

Subordinated debt
 
232

 
294

 
837

 
883

Total interest expense
 
1,264

 
1,302

 
3,902

 
3,947

Net interest income
 
19,759

 
18,092

 
57,175

 
52,458

Provision for loan losses
 
250

 
765

 
2,100

 
1,165

Net interest income after provision for loan losses
 
19,509

 
17,327

 
55,075

 
51,293

Non-interest income:
 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
Investment advisory fees
 
1,182

 
1,202

 
3,568

 
3,451

Deposit and interchange fees
 
1,207

 
1,268

 
3,575

 
3,727

Income on bank-owned life insurance, net
 
157

 
99

 
358

 
313

Net gains on sales of investment securities
 
7

 
215

 
1,363

 
830

Gains on sales of loans
 
89

 
135

 
373

 
283

Other income
 
743

 
621

 
2,073

 
1,679

Total non-interest income
 
3,385

 
3,540

 
11,310

 
10,283

Non-interest expense:
 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
Salaries and employee benefits
 
10,255

 
9,454

 
29,934

 
27,852

Occupancy and equipment expenses
 
1,775

 
1,588

 
5,484

 
4,881

Technology and telecommunications expenses
 
1,428

 
1,248

 
4,223

 
3,844

Advertising and public relations expenses
 
641

 
575

 
2,180

 
1,932

Audit, legal and other professional fees
 
564

 
453

 
1,305

 
1,294

Deposit insurance premiums
 
299

 
297

 
889

 
851

Supplies and postage expenses
 
226

 
257

 
736

 
776

Investment advisory and custodial expenses
 
102

 
143

 
237

 
409

Other operating expenses
 
1,258

 
1,100

 
4,037

 
3,546

Total non-interest expense
 
16,548

 
15,115

 
49,025

 
45,385

Income before income taxes
 
6,346

 
5,752

 
17,360

 
16,191

Provision for income taxes
 
2,054

 
1,921

 
5,933

 
5,540

Net income
 
$
4,292

 
$
3,831

 
$
11,427

 
$
10,651

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic earnings per share
 
$
0.41

 
$
0.38

 
$
1.11

 
$
1.05

Diluted earnings per share
 
$
0.41

 
$
0.37

 
$
1.10

 
$
1.05

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding
 
10,349,232

 
10,143,055

 
10,308,310

 
10,099,593

Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding
 
10,414,254

 
10,228,501

 
10,373,464

 
10,184,264

 
See the accompanying notes to the unaudited consolidated interim financial statements.

4

Table of Contents


ENTERPRISE BANCORP, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(Unaudited)

 
 
 
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Net income
 
$
4,292

 
$
3,831

 
$
11,427

 
$
10,651

Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of taxes:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross unrealized holding gains (losses) on investments arising during the period
 
1,065

 
(283
)
 
234

 
2,905

Income tax (expense) benefit
 
(388
)
 
113

 
(70
)
 
(1,049
)
Net unrealized holding gains (losses), net of tax
 
677

 
(170
)
 
164

 
1,856

Less: Reclassification adjustment for net gains included in net income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net realized gains on sales of securities during the period
 
7

 
215

 
1,363

 
830

Income tax expense
 
(2
)
 
(75
)
 
(475
)
 
(294
)
Reclassification adjustment for gains realized, net of tax
 
5

 
140

 
888

 
536

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total other comprehensive income (loss)
 
672

 
(310
)
 
(724
)
 
1,320

Comprehensive income
 
$
4,964

 
$
3,521

 
$
10,703

 
$
11,971




See the accompanying notes to the unaudited consolidated interim financial statements.



5

Table of Contents

ENTERPRISE BANCORP, INC.
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders' Equity
(Unaudited)

 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Common
Stock
 
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
 
Retained
Earnings
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income
 
Total
Stockholders'
Equity
Balance at December 31, 2014
 
$
102

 
$
57,130

 
$
105,951

 
$
3,767

 
$
166,950

Net income
 
 
 
 
 
11,427

 
 
 
11,427

Other comprehensive income (loss), net
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(724
)
 
(724
)
Tax benefit from exercise of stock options
 
 
 
4

 
 
 
 
 
4

Common stock dividend paid ($0.375 per share)
 
 
 
 
 
(3,863
)
 
 
 
(3,863
)
Common stock issued under dividend reinvestment plan
 
1

 
956

 
 
 
 
 
957

Common stock issued other
 

 
129

 
 
 
 
 
129

Stock-based compensation
 
1

 
1,416

 
 
 
 
 
1,417

Stock options exercised, net
 

 
407

 
 
 
 
 
407

Balance at September 30, 2015
 
$
104

 
$
60,042

 
$
113,515

 
$
3,043

 
$
176,704

 
See the accompanying notes to the unaudited consolidated interim financial statements.


6

Table of Contents

ENTERPRISE BANCORP, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
Nine months ended September 30,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
 
2015
 
2014
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
 
$
11,427

 
$
10,651

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
Provision for loan losses
 
 
2,100

 
1,165

Depreciation and amortization
 
 
4,162

 
4,089

Stock-based compensation expense
 
 
1,365

 
1,325

Mortgage loans originated for sale
 
 
(18,013
)
 
(13,948
)
Proceeds from mortgage loans sold
 
 
19,432

 
13,841

Net gains on sales of loans
 
 
(373
)
 
(283
)
Net gains on sales of OREO
 
 
(154
)
 

Net gains on sales of investments
 
 
(1,363
)
 
(830
)
Income on bank-owned life insurance, net
 
 
(358
)
 
(313
)
Changes in:
 
 
 
 
 
Accrued interest receivable
 
 
(1,001
)
 
(498
)
Prepaid expenses and other assets
 
 
7,807

 
(1,726
)
Deferred income taxes
 
 
(427
)
 
527

Accrued expenses and other liabilities
 
 
1,700

 
5,083

Subordinated debt issuance costs
 
 
(190
)
 

Accrued interest payable
 
 
(314
)
 
(314
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
 
 
25,800

 
18,769

Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
Proceeds from sales of investment securities available-for-sale
 
 
13,677

 
24,329

Net (purchases) proceeds from FHLB capital stock
 
 
(882
)
 
967

Proceeds from maturities, calls and pay-downs of investment securities
 
 
21,276

 
30,311

Purchase of investment securities
 
 
(73,940
)
 
(74,752
)
Net increase in loans
 
 
(119,095
)
 
(90,316
)
Additions to premises and equipment, net
 
 
(2,970
)
 
(2,949
)
Proceeds from OREO sales and payments
 
 
1,015

 

Purchase of OREO
 
 

 
(457
)
Purchase of bank-owned life insurance
 
 
(11,390
)
 

Net cash used in investing activities
 
 
(172,309
)
 
(112,867
)
Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
Net increase in deposits
 
 
195,069

 
132,804

Net decrease in borrowed funds
 
 
(34,729
)
 
(35,530
)
Repayment of subordinated debt
 
 
(10,825
)
 

Proceeds from issuance of subordinated debt
 
 
15,000

 

Cash dividends paid
 
 
(3,863
)
 
(3,632
)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock
 
 
1,086

 
917

Proceeds from the exercise of stock options, net
 
 
407

 
570

Tax benefit from the exercise of stock options
 
 
4

 
3

Net cash provided by financing activities
 
 
162,149

 
95,132

 
 
 
 
 
 
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
 
 
15,640

 
1,034

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
 
 
40,146

 
53,733

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
 
 
$
55,786

 
$
54,767

 
 
 
 
 
 
Supplemental financial data:
 
 
 
 
 
Cash Paid For: Interest
 
 
$
4,216

 
$
4,261

Cash Paid For: Income Taxes
 
 
5,291

 
6,175

 
 
 
 
 
 
Supplemental schedule of non-cash investing activity:
 
 
 
 
 
Transfer from loans to other real estate owned
 
 

 
290

Transfer from loans to other assets
 
 

 
205

Capital expenditures incurred not yet paid
 
 

 
276

 See accompanying notes to the unaudited consolidated interim financial statements.

7

Table of Contents

ENTERPRISE BANCORP, INC.
Notes to the Unaudited Consolidated Interim Financial Statements
 
(1)
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

(a) Organization of Holding Company and Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited consolidated interim financial statements and these notes should be read in conjunction with the December 31, 2014 audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto contained in the 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K of Enterprise Bancorp, Inc. (the "Company" or "Enterprise"), a Massachusetts corporation, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") on March 13, 2015.  The Company has not changed its accounting policies from those disclosed in its 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

The Company's unaudited consolidated interim financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiary, Enterprise Bank and Trust Company (the "Bank").  The Bank is a Massachusetts trust company organized in 1989. Substantially all of the Company's operations are conducted through the Bank and its subsidiaries.

The Bank's subsidiaries include Enterprise Insurance Services, LLC and Enterprise Investment Services, LLC, organized under the laws of the State of Delaware for the purposes of engaging in insurance sales activities and offering non-deposit investment products and services, respectively.  In addition, the Bank has the following subsidiaries that are incorporated in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and classified as security corporations in accordance with applicable Massachusetts General Laws: Enterprise Security Corporation; Enterprise Security Corporation II; and Enterprise Security Corporation III.  The security corporations, which hold various types of qualifying securities, are limited to conducting securities investment activities that the Bank itself would be allowed to conduct under applicable laws.

The Company has 22 full service branches serving the greater Merrimack Valley and North Central regions of Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire. The Company also plans to open its second Nashua, NH branch in the second quarter of 2016, pending regulatory approval. Through the Bank and its subsidiaries, the Company offers a range of commercial and consumer loan products, and deposit and cash management services. The Company also offers investment advisory and wealth management, trust and insurance services.  The services offered through the Bank and its subsidiaries are managed as one strategic unit and represent the Company's only reportable operating segment.

Pursuant to the Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 810 "Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities," issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB"), at December 31, 2014, the Company carried Junior Subordinated Debentures as a liability on its consolidated financial statements, along with the related interest expense. The debentures were issued by a statutory business trust (the "Trust") created by the Company in March 2000 under the laws of the State of Delaware, and the trust preferred securities issued by the Trust, and the related non-interest expense, were excluded from the Company's consolidated financial statements. In March 2015, the Company redeemed in full the Junior Subordinated Debentures, which in turned allowed the Trust to redeem in full the trust preferred securities. The Company also dissolved the Trust in April 2015. See Note 5, "Borrowed Funds and Subordinated Debt," below for further information on the Company's subordinated debt.

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the "FDIC") and the Massachusetts Division of Banks (the "Division") have regulatory authority over the Bank.  The Bank is also subject to certain regulatory requirements of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the "Federal Reserve Board") and, with respect to its New Hampshire branch operations, the New Hampshire Banking Department.  The business and operations of the Company are subject to the regulatory oversight of the Federal Reserve Board.  The Division also retains supervisory jurisdiction over the Company.

The accompanying unaudited consolidated interim financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("GAAP") for interim financial information and the instructions for Form 10-Q through the rules and interpretive releases of the SEC under federal securities law. In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited consolidated interim financial statements reflect all necessary adjustments consisting of normal recurring accruals for a fair presentation.  All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in the accompanying unaudited consolidated interim financial statements. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the entire year.

8

ENTERPRISE BANCORP, INC.
Notes to the Unaudited Consolidated Interim Financial Statements
 



(b) Critical Accounting Estimates

In preparing the unaudited consolidated interim financial statements in conformity with GAAP, management is required to exercise judgment in determining many of the methodologies, assumptions and estimates to be utilized.  These assumptions and estimates affect the reported values of assets and liabilities as of the balance sheet date and income and expenses for the period then ended.  As future events and their effects cannot be determined with precision, actual results could differ significantly from these estimates should the assumptions and estimates used change over time due to changes in circumstances.  Changes in those estimates resulting from continuing change in the economic environment and other factors will be reflected in the financial statements and results of operations in future periods.

As discussed in the Company's 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K, the three most significant areas in which management applies critical assumptions and estimates that are particularly susceptible to change relate to the determination of the allowance for loan losses, impairment review of investment securities and the impairment review of goodwill.  Refer to Note 1,"Summary of Significant Accounting Policies," to the Company's consolidated financial statements included in the Company's 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K for significant accounting policies. The Company has not changed its significant accounting policies from those disclosed in its 2014 Annual Report filed on Form 10-K.

(c) Reporting Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive income is defined as all changes to stockholders' equity except investments by and distributions to stockholders.  Net income is one component of comprehensive income, with other components referred to in the aggregate as other comprehensive income.  The Company's only other comprehensive income component is the net unrealized holding gains or losses on investments available-for-sale, net of deferred income taxes. Pursuant to Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2013-02, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reporting Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, the Company initially excludes these unrealized holding gains and losses from net income; however, they are later reported as reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income into net income when the securities are sold. When securities are sold, the reclassification of realized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities are included on the Consolidated Statements of Income under the "non-interest income" subheading on the line item "net gains on sales of investment securities" and the related income tax expense is included in the line item "provision for income taxes," both of which are also detailed on the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income under the subheading "reclassification adjustment for net gains included in net income."

(d) Restricted Investments

As a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston ("FHLB"), the Company is required to purchase certain levels of FHLB capital stock at par value in association with the Company's borrowing relationship from the FHLB.  This stock is classified as a restricted investment and carried at cost, which management believes approximates fair value.  FHLB stock represents the only restricted investment held by the Company.
 
In conjunction with the other-than-temporary-impairment ("OTTI") review on available-for-sale investments (See Note 2, "Investments," for additional information), management also regularly reviews its holdings of FHLB stock for OTTI. Based on management's periodic review, the Company has not recorded any OTTI charges on this investment to date. If it was determined that a write-down of FHLB stock was required, impairment would be recognized through a charge to earnings.

(e) Income Taxes
 
The Company uses the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes.  Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax basis of assets and liabilities.  The deferred tax assets and liabilities are reflected at currently enacted income tax rates applicable to the period in which the deferred tax assets or liabilities are expected to be realized or settled.  As changes in tax laws or rates are enacted, deferred tax assets and liabilities will be adjusted accordingly through the provision for income taxes.

The Company's policy is to classify interest resulting from underpayment of income taxes as income tax expense in the first period the interest would begin accruing according to the provisions of the relevant tax law.  The Company classifies penalties resulting from underpayment of income taxes as income tax expense in the period for which the Company claims or expects to claim an uncertain tax position or in the period in which the Company's judgment changes regarding an uncertain tax position.

9

ENTERPRISE BANCORP, INC.
Notes to the Unaudited Consolidated Interim Financial Statements
 


 
The income tax provisions will differ from the expense that would result from applying the federal statutory rate to income before taxes, due primarily to the impact of tax exempt interest from certain investment securities, loans and bank-owned life insurance.

The Company did not have any unrecognized tax benefits accrued as income tax liabilities or receivables or as deferred tax items at September 30, 2015.  The Company is subject to U.S. federal and state income tax examinations by taxing authorities for the 2013 through 2015 tax years.

(f) Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In April 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued ASU No. 2015-03, Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs. The amendments in this ASU require that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. The recognition and measurement guidance for debt issuance costs are not affected by the amendments in this ASU. Entities are required to apply the new guidance on a retrospective basis, wherein the balance sheet of each individual period presented should be adjusted to reflect the period-specific effects of applying the new guidance. For public business entities, the amendments are effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption of the amendments is permitted for financial statements that have not been previously issued. The Company early adopted this ASU as of January 1, 2015 in relation to the Company's Fixed-to-Floating Rate Subordinated Notes issued in January 2015. This adoption did not have a material impact on the Company's financial statements or results of operations.

In January 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-04, Receivables - Troubled Debt Restructurings by Creditors (Subtopic 310-40) - Reclassification of Residential Real Estate Collateralized Consumer Mortgage Loans upon Foreclosure. The amendments are intended to reduce diversity of practice by clarifying when a creditor should be considered to have received physical possession of residential real estate property collateralizing a residential mortgage loan, such that the loan should be removed, and the real estate property recognized, on the financial statements. Additionally, the amendments require interim and annual disclosure of both the amount of foreclosed residential real estate property held by the creditor and the recorded investment in collateralized residential mortgage loans that are in the process of foreclosure according to local requirements of the applicable jurisdiction. The amendments in this ASU are effective for public business entities for annual periods and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2014. As this ASU primarily offers clarification of existing standards and added disclosures, the adoption of this ASU in the first quarter of 2015 did not have a material impact on the Company's financial statements or results of operations.

In January 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-01, Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323): Accounting for Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing Projects. The amendments in this ASU apply to all reporting entities that invest in qualified affordable housing projects through limited liability entities that are flow through entities for tax purposes. The amendments in this ASU eliminate the effective yield election and permit reporting entities to make an accounting policy election to account for such investments using the proportional amortization method if certain conditions are met. The investor must recognize any subsequent impairment loss when it is more likely than not that the carrying amount of the investment will not be realized. Those not electing the proportional amortization method would account for the investment using the equity method or cost method. The decision to apply the proportional amortization method of accounting is an accounting policy decision that must be applied consistently to all qualifying affordable housing project investments rather than a decision to be applied to individual investments. A reporting entity must disclose information that enables users of its financial statements to understand the nature of such investments and the effect of the measurement, and the related tax credits, on its financial position and results of operations. The amendments in this ASU are to 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 public business entities for annual periods and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2014. The adoption of this ASU in the first quarter of 2015 did not have a material impact on the Company's financial statements or results of operations.

For information regarding recent accounting pronouncements not yet adopted by the Company, see Item 2, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," under the heading "Recent Accounting Pronouncements."


10

ENTERPRISE BANCORP, INC.
Notes to the Unaudited Consolidated Interim Financial Statements
 


(2)Investments
 
The amortized cost and carrying values of investment securities at the dates specified are summarized as follows:

 
 
September 30, 2015
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Amortized
cost
 
Unrealized
gains
 
Unrealized
losses
 
Fair Value
Federal agency obligations (1)
 
$
68,507

 
$
845

 
$

 
$
69,352

Federal agency mortgage backed securities (MBS) (1)
 
95,833

 
1,103

 
320

 
96,616

Municipal securities
 
89,343

 
1,725

 
166

 
90,902

Corporate bonds
 
9,272


65


28


9,309

Certificates of deposits (2)
 
3,834

 

 
12

 
3,822

Total fixed income securities
 
266,789

 
3,738

 
526

 
270,001

Equity investments
 
9,543

 
1,884

 
401

 
11,026

Total available-for-sale securities, at fair value
 
$
276,332

 
$
5,622

 
$
927

 
$
281,027

 
 
 
December 31, 2014
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Amortized
cost
 
Unrealized
gains
 
Unrealized
losses
 
Fair Value
Federal agency obligations(1)
 
$
59,518

 
$
318

 
$
24

 
$
59,812

Federal agency mortgage backed securities (MBS) (1)
 
88,303

 
1,015

 
516

 
88,802

Municipal securities
 
72,113

 
2,157

 
66

 
74,204

Corporate bonds
 
7,937

 
61

 
26

 
7,972

Total fixed income securities
 
227,871

 
3,551

 
632

 
230,790

Equity investments
 
11,370

 
3,071

 
166

 
14,275

Total available-for-sale securities, at fair value
 
$
239,241

 
$
6,622

 
$
798

 
$
245,065


__________________________________________
(1)
These categories may include investments issued or guaranteed by government sponsored enterprises such as Fannie Mae (FNMA), Freddie Mac (FHLMC), Federal Farm Credit Bank, or one of several Federal Home Loan Banks, as well as, investments guaranteed by Ginnie Mae (GNMA), a wholly-owned government entity. 
(2)
Certificates of deposit ("CDs") represent term deposits issued by banks that are subject to FDIC insurance and purchased on the open market.

At September 30, 2015, the carrying amount of the federal agency MBS category consisted of $67.4 million in pass-through securities backed by residential mortgages, $16.5 million in collateralized mortgage obligations ("CMOs") backed by residential mortgages and $12.7 million in CMOs backed by commercial mortgages.  At December 31, 2014, all of the federal agency MBS investments were backed by residential mortgages, consisting of $75.5 million in pass through securities and $13.3 million in CMOs.

At September 30, 2015, the equity portfolio consisted primarily of investments in a diversified group of mutual funds, with a portion of the portfolio (approximately 16%) invested in individual common stock of entities in the financial services industry.

Net unrealized appreciation and depreciation on investments available-for-sale, net of applicable income taxes, are reflected as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income.

The net unrealized gain or loss in the Company's fixed income portfolio fluctuates as market interest rates rise and fall.  Due to the fixed rate nature of this portfolio, as market rates fall the value of the portfolio rises, and as market rates rise, the value of the portfolio declines.  The unrealized gains or losses on fixed income investments will also decline as the securities approach maturity, or if the issuer is credit impaired. Unrealized gains or losses will be recognized in the statements of

11

ENTERPRISE BANCORP, INC.
Notes to the Unaudited Consolidated Interim Financial Statements
 


income if the securities are sold. However, if an unrealized loss on a fixed income investment is deemed to be other than temporary, the credit loss portion is charged to earnings and the noncredit portion is recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income.

The net unrealized gain or loss on equity securities will fluctuate based on changes in the market value of the mutual funds and individual securities held in the portfolio.  Unrealized gains or losses will be recognized in the statements of income if the securities are sold. However, if an unrealized loss on an equity security is deemed to be other than temporary prior to a sale, the loss is charged to earnings.

Management regularly reviews the portfolio for securities with unrealized losses that are other-than-temporarily impaired.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, the Company did not record any fair value impairment charges on its investments. As of September 30, 2015, there were a total of 66 investments (fixed income and equity, excluding CDs), with a fair market value of $50.3 million, in an unrealized loss position totaling $915 thousand, including unrealized losses of $309 thousand that have been temporarily impaired for 12 months or longer. Management attributes these unrealized losses to increases in market yields compared to the yields at the time the investments were purchased by the Company and the impact of market value fluctuations on the equity portion of our portfolio. Management does not consider these investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired at September 30, 2015, because (1) the decline in market value is not attributable to credit quality for fixed income securities or a fundamental deterioration in the equity fund or issuers, and (2) the Company does not intend to, and it is more likely than not that it will not be required to, sell those investments prior to a market price recovery or maturity.  

In assessing the Company's investments in federal agency mortgage-backed securities and federal agency obligations, the contractual cash flows of these investments are guaranteed by the respective government sponsored enterprise (FHLMC, FNMA, FFCB, or FHLB) or wholly-owned government corporation (GNMA). Accordingly, it is expected that the securities would not be settled at a price less than the par value of the Company's investments. Management's assessment of other fixed income investments within the portfolio includes reviews of market pricing, ongoing credit quality evaluations, assessment of the investments' materiality, and duration of the investments' unrealized loss position. In addition, the Company utilizes an outside registered investment adviser to manage the corporate and municipal bond portfolios, within prescribed guidelines set by management, and to provide assistance in assessing the credit risk of those portfolios. At September 30, 2015, the Company's corporate and municipal bond portfolios did not contain any securities below investment grade, as reported by major credit rating agencies. For equities and funds, management's assessment includes the severity of the declines, whether it is unlikely that the security or fund will completely recover its unrealized loss within a reasonable time period and if the equity security or fund exhibits fundamental deterioration.

As noted in the table above, a small portion of the portfolio invested in short-term CDs was also in an unrealized loss position at September 30, 2015 due to market rates. The unrealized loss was not considered to be material and the securities are expected to mature at par value.

The contractual maturity distribution at September 30, 2015 of total fixed income investments was as follows:

 
Within One Year
 
After One, But Within 
Five Years
 
After Five, But Within
Ten Years
 
After Ten Years
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Yields
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Yields
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Yields
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Yields
At amortized cost:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Federal agency obligations
$

 
%
 
$
56,019

 
1.57
%
 
$
12,488

 
2.19
%
 
$

 
%
MBS

 
%
 
4,049

 
3.13
%
 
14,120

 
2.18
%
 
77,664

 
2.14
%
Municipal securities
3,959

 
2.75
%
 
25,893

 
3.29
%
 
30,229

 
3.78
%
 
29,262

 
3.98
%
Corporate bonds
532

 
1.32
%
 
4,724

 
2.08
%
 
4,016

 
2.94
%
 

 
%
CDs
2,884

 
0.29
%
 
950

 
2.13
%
 

 
%
 

 
%
Total fixed income securities
$
7,375

 
1.69
%
 
$
91,635

 
2.16
%
 
$
60,853

 
3.03
%
 
$
106,926

 
2.64
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
At fair value:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total fixed income securities
$
7,400

 
 
 
$
93,098

 
 
 
$
61,623

 
 
 
$
107,880

 
 

12

ENTERPRISE BANCORP, INC.
Notes to the Unaudited Consolidated Interim Financial Statements
 



Scheduled contractual maturities shown above may not reflect the actual maturities of the investments. The actual MBS/CMO cash flows likely will be faster than presented above due to prepayments and amortization. Similarly, included in the carrying value of fixed income investments above are callable securities, comprised of municipal securities and corporate bonds totaling $44.8 million, which can be redeemed by the issuer prior to the maturity presented above.  Management considers these early payment factors when evaluating the interest rate risk in the Company's asset-liability management program.

From time to time, the Company may pledge securities as collateral for deposit account balances of municipal deposit customers, and for borrowing capacity with the FHLB and the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston (the "FRB").  The fair value of securities pledged as collateral for these purposes was $266.2 million at September 30, 2015

See Note 9, "Fair Value Measurements," below for further information regarding the Company's fair value measurements for available-for-sale securities.

(3)
Loans

The Company specializes in lending to business entities, non-profit organizations, professionals and individuals. The Company's primary lending focus is on the development of high quality commercial relationships achieved through active business development efforts, long-term relationships with established commercial developers, strong community involvement and focused marketing strategies.  Loans made to businesses include commercial mortgage loans, construction and land development loans, secured and unsecured commercial loans and lines of credit, and standby letters of credit.  The Company also originates equipment lease financing for businesses. Loans made to individuals include conventional residential mortgage loans, home equity loans and lines, residential construction loans on primary and secondary residences, and secured and unsecured personal loans and lines of credit. The Company manages its loan portfolio to avoid concentration by industry and loan size to lessen its credit risk exposure.

See Note 4, "Allowance for Loan Losses," for information on the Company's credit risk management, non-accrual, impaired and troubled debt restructured loans and the allowance for loan losses.
 
Major classifications of loans at the periods indicated were as follows:
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
September 30,
2015
 
December 31,
2014
Commercial real estate
 
$
922,167

 
$
862,747

Commercial and industrial
 
431,029

 
402,994

Commercial construction
 
184,927

 
168,044

Total commercial loans
 
1,538,123

 
1,433,785

Residential mortgages
 
162,414

 
149,959

Home equity loans and lines
 
81,195

 
80,018

Consumer
 
10,520

 
10,708

Total retail loans
 
254,129

 
240,685

 
 
 
 
 
Gross loans
 
1,792,252

 
1,674,470

Deferred loan origination fees, net
 
(1,644
)
 
(1,866
)
Total loans
 
1,790,608

 
1,672,604

Allowance for loan losses
 
(28,130
)
 
(27,121
)
Net loans
 
$
1,762,478

 
$
1,645,483

 

13

ENTERPRISE BANCORP, INC.
Notes to the Unaudited Consolidated Interim Financial Statements
 


Loan Categories
 
- Commercial loans:

Commercial real estate loans include loans secured by both owner-use and non-owner occupied real estate.  These loans are typically secured by a variety of commercial and industrial property types, including one-to-four and multi-family apartment buildings, office or mixed-use facilities, strip shopping centers, or other commercial property, and are generally guaranteed by the principals of the borrower. Commercial real estate loans generally have repayment periods of approximately fifteen to twenty-five years.  Variable interest rate loans have a variety of adjustment terms and underlying interest rate indices, and are generally fixed for an initial period before periodic rate adjustments begin.
 
Commercial and industrial loans include seasonal revolving lines of credit, working capital loans, equipment financing (including equipment leases), and term loans.  Also included in commercial and industrial loans are loans partially guaranteed by the U.S. Small Business Administration ("SBA"), and loans under various programs and agencies.  Commercial and industrial credits may be unsecured loans and lines to financially strong borrowers, loans secured in whole or in part by real estate unrelated to the principal purpose of the loan or secured by inventories, equipment, or receivables, and are generally guaranteed by the principals of the borrower.  Variable rate loans and lines in this portfolio have interest rates that are periodically adjusted, with loans generally having fixed initial periods.  Commercial and industrial loans have average repayment periods of one to seven years.
 
Construction lenders work to cultivate long-term relationships with established commercial developers. Commercial construction loans include the development of residential housing and condominium projects, the development of commercial and industrial use property, and loans for the purchase and improvement of raw land.  These loans are secured in whole or in part by underlying real estate collateral and are generally guaranteed by the principals of the borrowers.  The Company limits the amount of financing provided to any single developer for the construction of properties built on a speculative basis.  Funds for construction projects are disbursed as pre-specified stages of construction are completed.  Regular site inspections are performed, prior to advancing additional funds, at each construction phase, either by experienced construction lenders on staff or by independent outside inspection companies.  Commercial construction loans generally are variable rate loans and lines with interest rates that are periodically adjusted and generally have terms of one to three years.

From time to time, the Company participates with other banks in the financing of certain commercial projects.  Participating loans with other institutions provide banks the opportunity to retain customer relationships and reduce credit risk exposure among each participating bank, while providing customers with larger credit vehicles than the individual bank might be willing or able to offer independently. In some cases, the Company may act as the lead lender, originating and servicing the loans, but participating out a portion of the funding to other banks.  In other cases, the Company may participate in loans originated by other institutions. In each case, the participating bank funds a percentage of the loan commitment and takes on the related risk.  In each case in which the Company participates in a loan, the rights and obligations of each participating bank are divided proportionately among the participating banks in an amount equal to their share of ownership and with equal priority among all banks.  The balances participated out to other institutions are not carried as assets on the Company's financial statements.  Loans originated by other banks in which the Company is the participating institution are carried in the loan portfolio at the Company's pro rata share of ownership.  The Company performs an independent credit analysis of each commitment and a review of the participating institution prior to participation in the loan.  Loans originated by other banks in which the Company is the participating institution amounted to $65.7 million at September 30, 2015 and $65.3 million at December 31, 2014.
 
Standby letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by the Company to guarantee the financial obligation or performance of a customer to a third party.  The credit risk involved in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending loan facilities to customers.  If the letter of credit is drawn upon, a loan is created for the customer, generally a commercial loan, with the same criteria associated with similar commercial loans.
 
- Residential loans:

Enterprise originates conventional mortgage loans on one-to-four family residential properties.  These properties may serve as the borrower's primary residence, vacation homes, or investment properties.  Loan to value limits vary, generally from 75% for multi-family, owner occupied properties, up to 97% for single family, owner-occupied properties, with mortgage insurance coverage required for loan-to-value ratios greater than 80% based on program parameters.  In addition, financing is provided for the construction of owner-occupied primary and secondary residences.  Residential mortgage loans may have terms of up to

14

ENTERPRISE BANCORP, INC.
Notes to the Unaudited Consolidated Interim Financial Statements
 


30 years at either fixed or adjustable rates of interest.  Fixed and adjustable rate residential mortgage loans are generally originated using secondary market underwriting and documentation standards.
 
Depending on the current interest rate environment, management projections of future interest rates and the overall asset-liability management program of the Company, management may elect to sell those fixed and adjustable rate residential mortgage loans which are eligible for sale in the secondary market, or hold some or all of this residential loan production for the Company's portfolio.  Mortgage loans are generally not pooled for sale, but instead sold on an individual basis. The Company may retain or sell the servicing when selling the loans.  Loans sold are subject to standard secondary market underwriting and eligibility representations and warranties over the life of the loan and are subject to an early payment default period covering the first four payments for certain loan sales. Loans classified as held for sale are carried as a separate line item on the balance sheet.

  - Home equity loans and lines of credit:

Home equity term loans are originated for one-to-four family residential properties with maximum original loan to value ratios generally up to 80% of the assessed or appraised value of the property securing the loan.  Home equity loan payments consist of monthly principal and interest based on amortization ranging from three to fifteen years.  The rates may also be fixed for three to fifteen years.
 
The Company originates home equity revolving lines of credit for one-to-four family residential properties with maximum original loan to value ratios generally up to 80% of the appraised value of the property securing the loan.  Home equity lines generally have interest rates that adjust monthly based on changes in the Prime Rate, although minimum rates may be applicable.  Some home equity line rates may be fixed for a period of time and then adjusted monthly thereafter. The payment schedule for home equity lines requires interest only payments for the first ten years of the lines. Generally at the end of ten years, the line may be frozen to future advances, and principal plus interest payments are collected over a fifteen-year amortization schedule or, for eligible borrowers meeting certain requirements, the line availability may be extended for an additional interest only period.
 
- Consumer loans:

Consumer loans consist primarily of secured or unsecured personal loans, loans under energy efficiency financing programs in conjunction with Massachusetts public utilities, and overdraft protection lines on checking accounts extended to individual customers. The aggregate amount of overdrawn deposit accounts are reclassified as loan balances.
 

Loans serviced for others
 
At September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Company was servicing residential mortgage loans owned by investors amounting to $17.9 million and $19.3 million, respectively.  Additionally, the Company was servicing commercial loans participated out to various other institutions amounting to $51.0 million and $44.8 million at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. See the discussion above for further information regarding commercial participations.
 
Loans serving as collateral
 
Loans designated as qualified collateral and pledged to the FHLB for borrowing capacity are summarized below:

(Dollars in thousands)
September 30,
2015
 
December 31,
2014
Commercial real estate
$
288,188

 
$
276,657

Residential mortgages
112,499

 
107,906

Home equity
14,164

 
15,677

Total loans pledged to FHLB
$
414,851

 
$
400,240



15

ENTERPRISE BANCORP, INC.
Notes to the Unaudited Consolidated Interim Financial Statements
 


(4)
Allowance for Loan Loss
 
While the Company manages its loan portfolio to avoid concentration by industry and loan size to lessen its credit risk exposure, inherent in the lending process is the risk of loss due to customer non-payment, or "credit risk."  The Company endeavors to minimize this risk through sound underwriting practices and the risk management function; however, management recognizes that loan losses will occur and that the amount of these losses will fluctuate depending on the risk characteristics of the loan portfolio and economic conditions.

The allowance for loan losses is an estimate of probable credit risk inherent in the loan portfolio as of the specified balance sheet dates. The Company maintains the allowance at a level that it deems adequate to absorb all reasonably anticipated losses from specifically known and other credit risks associated with the portfolio. In making its assessment on the adequacy of the allowance, management considers several quantitative and qualitative factors that could have an effect on the credit quality of the portfolio, including individual assessment of larger and high risk credits, delinquency trends and the level of non-performing loans, impaired and restructured loans, net charge-offs, the growth and composition of the loan portfolio, expansion in the geographic market area and the strength of the local and national economies, among other factors.

Allowance for probable loan losses methodology

On a quarterly basis, management prepares an estimate of the allowance necessary to cover estimated credit losses.  The Company uses a systematic methodology to measure the amount of estimated loan loss exposure inherent in the portfolio for purposes of establishing a sufficient allowance for loan losses. The methodology makes use of specific reserves for loans individually evaluated and deemed impaired, and general reserves for larger groups of homogeneous loans, which are collectively evaluated relying on a combination of qualitative and quantitative factors that may affect credit quality of the pool.

There have been no material changes to the Company's underwriting practices, credit risk management system, or to the allowance assessment methodology used to estimate loan loss exposure as reported in the 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K.  Refer to heading "Allowance for probable loan losses methodology" contained in Note 4 "Allowance For Loan Losses," to the Company's consolidated financial statements contained in the 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion of management's methodology used to estimate the loan loss exposure inherent in the portfolio for purposes of establishing a sufficient allowance.

The balances of loans as of September 30, 2015 by segment and evaluation method are summarized as follows: 

(Dollars in thousands)
 
Loans individually
evaluated for
impairment
 
Loans collectively
evaluated for
impairment
 
Total Loans
Commercial real estate
 
$
13,104

 
$
909,063

 
$
922,167

Commercial and industrial
 
7,740

 
423,289

 
431,029

Commercial construction
 
1,780

 
183,147

 
184,927

Residential
 
436

 
161,978

 
162,414

Home equity
 
160

 
81,035

 
81,195

Consumer
 
45

 
10,475

 
10,520

Deferred Fees
 

 
(1,644
)
 
(1,644
)
Total loans
 
$
23,265

 
$
1,767,343

 
$
1,790,608


16

ENTERPRISE BANCORP, INC.
Notes to the Unaudited Consolidated Interim Financial Statements
 



The balances of loans as of December 31, 2014 by segment and evaluation method are summarized as follows:

(Dollars in thousands)
 
Loans individually
evaluated for
impairment
 
Loans collectively
evaluated for
impairment
 
Total Loans
Commercial real estate
 
$
15,003

 
$
847,744

 
$
862,747

Commercial and industrial
 
10,901

 
392,093

 
402,994

Commercial construction
 
2,675

 
165,369

 
168,044

Residential
 
465

 
149,494

 
149,959

Home equity
 
180

 
79,838

 
80,018

Consumer
 
28

 
10,680

 
10,708

Deferred Fees
 

 
(1,866
)
 
(1,866
)
Total loans
 
$
29,252

 
$
1,643,352

 
$
1,672,604


Credit quality indicators

Early detection of credit issues is critical to minimize credit losses. Accordingly, management regularly monitors internal credit quality indicators such as the risk classification of individual loans, adversely classified loans, past due and non-accrual loans, impaired and restructured loans, and the level of foreclosure activity, as well as trends in the general levels of these indicators. However, despite prudent loan underwriting and ongoing credit risk management, adverse changes within the Company's market area or deterioration in the local, regional or national economic conditions could negatively impact the portfolio's credit risk profile and the Company's asset quality in the future.

Adversely classified loans

The Company's loan risk rating system classifies loans depending on risk of loss characteristics.  The classifications range from "substantially risk free" for the highest quality loans and loans that are secured by cash collateral, to the more severe adverse classifications of "substandard," "doubtful" and "loss" based on criteria established under banking regulations.
 
Loans classified as substandard include those loans characterized by the distinct possibility that the Company will sustain some loss if deficiencies are not corrected.  These loans are inadequately protected by the sound net worth and paying capacity of the borrower; repayment has become increasingly reliant on collateral liquidation or reliance on guarantees; credit weaknesses are well-defined; and borrower cash flow is insufficient to meet required debt service specified in loan terms and to meet other obligations, such as trade debt and tax payments.
 
Loans classified as doubtful have all the weaknesses inherent in a substandard rated loan with the added characteristic that the weaknesses make collection or full payment from liquidation, on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions, and values, highly questionable and improbable.  The probability of loss is extremely high, but because of certain important and reasonably specific pending factors which may work to the advantage and strengthening of the loan, its classification as an estimated loss is deferred until more exact status may be determined.

Loans classified as loss are generally considered uncollectible at present, although long-term recovery of part or all of loan proceeds may be possible.  These "loss" loans would require a specific loss reserve or charge-off.
 
Adversely classified loans may be accruing or in non-accrual status and may be additionally designated as impaired or restructured, or some combination thereof.  Loans which are evaluated to be of weaker credit quality are reviewed on a more frequent basis by management.
 

17

ENTERPRISE BANCORP, INC.
Notes to the Unaudited Consolidated Interim Financial Statements
 


The following tables present the Company's credit risk profile for each class of loan in its portfolio by internally assigned risk rating category at the periods indicated. 
 
 
September 30, 2015
 
 
Adversely Classified
 
Not Adversely
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Substandard
 
Doubtful
 
Loss
 
Classified
 
Gross Loans
Commercial real estate
 
$
11,432

 
$
1,144

 
$
19

 
$
909,572

 
$
922,167

Commercial and industrial
 
7,743

 
5

 
221

 
423,060

 
431,029

Commercial construction
 
1,863

 

 

 
183,064

 
184,927

Residential
 
797

 

 

 
161,617

 
162,414

Home equity
 
426

 

 

 
80,769

 
81,195

Consumer
 
53

 
17

 

 
10,450

 
10,520

Total gross loans
 
$
22,314

 
$
1,166

 
$
240

 
$
1,768,532

 
$
1,792,252



 
 
December 31, 2014
 
 
Adversely Classified
 
Not Adversely
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Substandard
 
Doubtful
 
Loss
 
Classified
 
Gross Loans
Commercial real estate
 
$
11,409

 
$
1,188

 
$
19

 
$
850,131

 
$
862,747

Commercial and industrial
 
11,298

 
51

 
57

 
391,588

 
402,994

Commercial construction
 
2,759

 

 

 
165,285

 
168,044

Residential
 
1,133

 

 

 
148,826

 
149,959

Home equity
 
464

 

 

 
79,554

 
80,018

Consumer
 
48

 

 

 
10,660

 
10,708

Total gross loans
 
$
27,111

 
$
1,239

 
$
76

 
$
1,646,044

 
$
1,674,470



Total adversely classified loans amounted to 1.32% of total loans at September 30, 2015, as compared to 1.70% at December 31, 2014. At September 30, 2015, as compared to December 31, 2014, adversely classified balances decreased, due primarily to several larger commercial loan payoffs, charge-offs and principal payments, partially offset by additional credit downgrades during the period.

Past due and non-accrual loans

Loans on which the accrual of interest has been discontinued are designated as non-accrual and are credit downgraded to one of the adversely classified categories noted above.  Accrual of interest on loans is generally discontinued when a loan becomes contractually past due, with respect to interest or principal, by 90 days, or when reasonable doubt exists as to the full and timely collection of interest or principal. When a loan is placed on non-accrual status, all interest previously accrued but not collected is reversed against current period interest income. Interest payments received on loans in a non-accrual status are generally applied to principal on the books of the Company. Interest accruals are resumed on such loans only when payments are brought current and have remained current for a period of 180 days and when, in the judgment of management, the collectability of both principal and interest is reasonably assured. Additionally, deposit accounts overdrawn for 90 or more days are included in the consumer non-accrual balances below.



18

ENTERPRISE BANCORP, INC.
Notes to the Unaudited Consolidated Interim Financial Statements
 


 The following tables present age analysis of past due loans as of the dates indicated. 

Balance at September 30, 2015
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Loans
30-59 Days
Past Due
 
Loans
60-89 Days
Past Due
 
Loans 90 or
More Days
Past Due (non-
accrual)
 
Total Past
Due Loans
 
Current Loans
 
Gross
Loans
Commercial real estate
 
$
3,533

 
$
983

 
$
8,762

 
$
13,278

 
$
908,889

 
$
922,167

Commercial and industrial
 
1,408

 
1,262

 
4,673

 
7,343

 
423,686

 
431,029

Commercial construction
 
1,295

 

 
329

 
1,624

 
183,303

 
184,927

Residential
 
1,445

 
56

 
436

 
1,937

 
160,477

 
162,414

Home equity
 
280

 
98

 
206

 
584

 
80,611

 
81,195

Consumer
 
9

 
5

 
46

 
60

 
10,460

 
10,520

Total gross loans
 
$
7,970

 
$
2,404

 
$
14,452

 
$
24,826

 
$
1,767,426

 
$
1,792,252


Balance at December 31, 2014
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Loans
30-59 Days
Past Due
 
Loans
60-89 Days
Past Due
 
Loans 90 or
More Days
Past Due (non-
accrual)
 
Total Past
Due Loans
 
Current Loans
 
Gross Loans
Commercial real estate
 
$
1,471

 
$
1,235

 
$
9,714

 
$
12,420

 
$
850,327

 
$
862,747

Commercial and industrial
 
1,184

 
101

 
5,950

 
7,235

 
395,759

 
402,994

Commercial construction
 

 

 
447

 
447

 
167,597

 
168,044

Residential
 
1,328

 
370

 
763

 
2,461

 
147,498

 
149,959

Home equity
 
29

 

 
245

 
274

 
79,744

 
80,018

Consumer
 
94

 
1

 
17

 
112

 
10,596

 
10,708

Total gross loans
 
$
4,106

 
$
1,707

 
$
17,136

 
$
22,949

 
$
1,651,521

 
$
1,674,470

 
At September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014, all loans 90 days or more past due were carried as non-accrual. Non-accrual loans which were not adversely classified amounted to $322 thousand at September 30, 2015 and $211 thousand at December 31, 2014. These balances primarily represented the guaranteed portions of non-performing SBA loans. The majority of the non-accrual loan balances were also carried as impaired loans during the periods noted, and are discussed further below.

The ratio of non-accrual loans to total loans amounted to 0.81% at September 30, 2015, 1.02% at December 31, 2014, and 1.03% at September 30, 2014. Non-accrual loan balances decreased due primarily to several larger commercial loan payoffs, charge-offs and principal payments, partially offset by additional new non-accrual status loans added during the period. The increase in loans 30 - 59 days past due occurred primarily within the commercial portfolios at September 30, 2015, with the majority of these loans having subsequent payments made by mid-October.
 
At September 30, 2015, additional funding commitments for loans on non-accrual status totaled $320 thousand. The Company's obligation to fulfill the additional funding commitments on non-accrual loans is generally contingent on the borrower's compliance with the terms of the credit agreement. If the borrower is not in compliance, additional funding commitments may or may not be made at the Company's discretion.
 
Impaired loans
 
Impaired loans are individually significant loans for which management considers it probable that not all amounts due (principal and interest) in accordance with the original contractual terms will be collected.  The majority of impaired loans are included within the non-accrual balances; however, not every loan on non-accrual status has been designated as impaired.  Impaired loans include loans that have been modified in a troubled debt restructuring ("TDR").  Impaired loans exclude large groups of smaller-balance homogeneous loans, such as residential mortgage loans and consumer loans, which are collectively evaluated for impairment, and loans that are measured at fair value, unless the loan is amended in a TDR. 

19

ENTERPRISE BANCORP, INC.
Notes to the Unaudited Consolidated Interim Financial Statements
 



Management does not set any minimum delay of payments as a factor in reviewing for impaired classification.  Management considers the individual payment status, net worth and earnings potential of the borrower, and the value and cash flow of the collateral as factors to determine if a loan will be paid in accordance with its contractual terms. An impaired or TDR loan classification will be considered for upgrade based on the borrower's sustained performance over time and their improving financial condition. Consistent with the criteria for returning non-accrual loans to accrual status, the borrower must demonstrate the ability to continue to service the loan in accordance with the original or modified terms and, in the judgment of management, the collectability of the remaining balances, both principal and interest, are reasonably assured. In the case of TDR loans having had a modified interest rate, that rate must be at, or greater than, a market rate for a similar credit at the time of modification for an upgrade to be considered.

Impaired loans are individually evaluated for credit loss and a specific allowance reserve is assigned for the amount of the estimated credit loss.  Refer to heading "Allowance for probable loan losses methodology" contained in Note 4 "Allowance For Loan Losses," to the Company's consolidated financial statements contained in the 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion of management's methodology used to estimate specific reserves for impaired loans.
 
The carrying value of impaired loans amounted to $23.3 million and $29.3 million at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.  Total accruing impaired loans amounted to $8.9 million and $12.5 million at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, while non-accrual impaired loans amounted to $14.3 million and $16.7 million as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.   The decrease was due primarily to the several larger commercial loan payoffs, charge-offs and principal payments discussed above.
 
The following tables set forth the recorded investment in impaired loans and the related specific allowance allocated as of the dates indicated.
Balance at September 30, 2015
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Unpaid
contractual
principal
balance
 
Total recorded
investment in
impaired loans
 
Recorded
investment
with no
allowance
 
Recorded
investment
with
allowance
 
Related specific
allowance
Commercial real estate
 
$
15,758

 
$
13,104

 
$
12,640

 
$
464

 
$
160

Commercial and industrial
 
9,521

 
7,740

 
5,015

 
2,725

 
1,265

Commercial construction
 
1,889

 
1,780

 
221

 
1,559

 
516

Residential
 
525

 
436

 
436

 

 

Home equity
 
295

 
160

 
160

 

 

Consumer
 
47

 
45

 

 
45

 
44

Total
 
$
28,035

 
$
23,265

 
$
18,472

 
$
4,793

 
$
1,985


Balance at December 31, 2014
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Unpaid
contractual
principal 
balance
 
Total recorded
investment in
impaired loans
 
Recorded
investment
with no
allowance
 
Recorded
investment
with
allowance
 
Related specific
allowance
Commercial real estate
 
$
17,182

 
$
15,003

 
$
14,800

 
$
203

 
$
68

Commercial and industrial
 
11,991

 
10,901

 
5,461

 
5,440

 
1,516

Commercial construction
 
2,862

 
2,675

 
1,150

 
1,525

 
519

Residential
 
537

 
465

 
465

 

 

Home equity
 
183

 
180

 

 
180

 
26

Consumer
 
28

 
28

 

 
28

 
28

Total
 
$
32,783

 
$
29,252

 
$
21,876

 
$
7,376

 
$
2,157


20

ENTERPRISE BANCORP, INC.
Notes to the Unaudited Consolidated Interim Financial Statements
 



The following table presents the average recorded investment in impaired loans and the related interest recognized during the three month periods indicated

 
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2015
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2014
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Average recorded
investment
 
Interest income
recognized
 
Average recorded
investment
 
Interest income
recognized
Commercial real estate
 
$
13,360

 
$
56

 
$
14,224

 
$
75

Commercial and industrial
 
8,567

 
16

 
10,279

 
40

Commercial construction
 
1,834

 
17

 
3,174

 
27

Residential
 
440

 

 
1,294

 
(2
)
Home equity
 
174

 
1

 
243

 
(1
)
Consumer
 
47

 

 
25

 
1

Total
 
$
24,422

 
$
90

 
$
29,239

 
$
140


The following table presents the average recorded investment in impaired loans and the related interest recognized during the nine month periods indicated.

 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Average recorded
investment
 
Interest income
recognized
 
Average recorded
investment
 
Interest income
recognized
Commercial real estate
 
$
14,277

 
$
153

 
$
13,913

 
$
169

Commercial and industrial
 
9,881

 
74

 
10,482

 
120

Commercial construction
 
2,142

 
59

 
3,243

 
79

Residential
 
449

 

 
1,032

 
1

Home equity
 
177

 
2

 
215

 
(1
)
Consumer
 
48

 

 
25

 
1

Total
 
$
26,974

 
$
288

 
$
28,910

 
$
369


At September 30, 2015, additional funding commitments for impaired loans totaled $320 thousand. The Company's obligation to fulfill the additional funding commitments on impaired loans is generally contingent on the borrower's compliance with the terms of the credit agreement. If the borrower is not in compliance, additional funding commitments may or may not be made at the Company's discretion.
 
Troubled debt restructurings
 
Loans are designated as a TDR when, as part of an agreement to modify the original contractual terms of the loan as a result of financial difficulties of the borrower, the Bank grants the borrower a concession on the terms, that would not otherwise be considered.  Typically, such concessions may consist of a reduction in interest rate to a below market rate, taking into account the credit quality of the note, or a deferment or reduction of payments (principal or interest) which materially alters the Bank's position or significantly extends the note's maturity date, such that the present value of cash flows to be received is materially less than those contractually established at the loan's origination. All loans that are modified are reviewed by the Company to identify if a TDR has occurred. TDR loans are included in the impaired loan category and, as such, these loans are individually evaluated and a specific reserve is assigned for the amount of the estimated credit loss. 

Total TDR loans, included in the impaired loan balances above, as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, were $15.4 million and $19.5 million, respectively. TDR loans on accrual status amounted to $8.4 million and $11.9 million at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. TDR loans included in non-performing loans amounted to $7.0 million and $7.5 million at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. The Company continues to work with commercial relationships and enters into loan modifications to the extent deemed to be necessary or appropriate while attempting to achieve the best mutual outcome given the current economic environment.

21

ENTERPRISE BANCORP, INC.
Notes to the Unaudited Consolidated Interim Financial Statements
 



At September 30, 2015, additional funding commitments for TDR loans totaled $11 thousand. The Company's obligation to fulfill the additional funding commitments on TDR loans is generally contingent on the borrower's compliance with the terms of the credit agreement. If the borrower is not in compliance, additional funding commitments may or may not be made at the Company's discretion.

There were no loans modified as troubled debt restructurings during the three month period ended September 30, 2015.


Loans modified as troubled debt restructurings during the nine month period ended September 30, 2015 are detailed below.

 
 
Nine months ended September 30, 2015
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Number of
restructurings
 
Pre-modification
outstanding recorded
investment
 
Post-modification
outstanding recorded
investment
Commercial real estate
 
3

 
$
269

 
$
274

Commercial and industrial
 
4

 
869

 
823

Commercial construction
 

 

 

Residential
 

 

 

Home equity
 

 

 

Consumer
 
1

 
4

 
3

Total
 
8

 
$
1,142

 
$
1,100



Loans modified as troubled debt restructurings within the preceding twelve month period for which there was a subsequent payment default during the periods noted are detailed below.

 
 
Three months ended September 30, 2015
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Number of TDRs that defaulted
 
Post-
modification outstanding
recorded investment
Commercial real estate
 

 
$

Commercial and industrial
 
2

 
679

Commercial construction
 

 

Residential
 

 

Home Equity
 

 

Consumer
 

 

Total
 
2

 
679



22

ENTERPRISE BANCORP, INC.
Notes to the Unaudited Consolidated Interim Financial Statements
 


Loans modified as troubled debt restructurings within the preceding twelve month period for which there was a subsequent payment default during the periods noted are detailed below.

 
 
Nine months ended September 30, 2015
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Number of TDRs that defaulted
 
Post-
modification outstanding
recorded investment
Commercial real estate
 

 
$

Commercial and industrial
 
2

 
679

Commercial construction
 

 

Residential
 

 

Home Equity
 

 

Consumer
 

 

Total
 
2

 
$
679



There were no subsequent charge-offs associated with the TDRs noted in the table above during the nine months ended September 30, 2015. At September 30, 2015, there were specific reserves of $20 thousand allocated to the TDRs entered into during the 2015 period as management considered it likely that the majority of principal would ultimately be collected. Interest payments received on non-accruing TDRs in the table above which were applied to principal and not recognized in interest income during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 amounted to $18 thousand.


Loans modified as troubled debt restructurings during the three month period ended September 30, 2014 are detailed below. 

 
 
Three months ended September 30, 2014
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Number of
restructurings
 
Pre-modification
outstanding recorded
investment
 
Post-modification
outstanding recorded
investment
Commercial real estate
 
2

 
$
1,429

 
$
1,429

Commercial and industrial
 
2

 
43

 
43

Commercial construction
 

 

 

Residential
 

 

 

Home equity
 

 

 

Consumer
 

 

 

Total
 
4

 
$
1,472

 
$
1,472



23

ENTERPRISE BANCORP, INC.
Notes to the Unaudited Consolidated Interim Financial Statements
 


Loans modified as troubled debt restructurings within the preceding twelve month period for which there was a subsequent payment default during the period noted are detailed below.


 
 
Three months ended September 30, 2014
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Number of TDRs that defaulted
 
Post-
modification outstanding
recorded investment
Commercial real estate
 

 
$

Commercial and industrial
 

 

Commercial construction
 

 

Residential
 
1

 
126

Home Equity
 

 

Consumer
 

 

Total
 
1

 
$
126


Loans modified as troubled debt restructurings during the nine month period ended September 30, 2014 are detailed below. 

 
 
Nine months ended September 30, 2014
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Number of
restructurings
 
Pre-modification
outstanding recorded
investment
 
Post-modification
outstanding recorded
investment
Commercial real estate
 
3

 
$
1,979

 
$
1,979

Commercial and industrial
 
8

 
268

 
263

Commercial construction
 

 

 

Residential
 
1

 
124

 
122

Home equity
 
1

 
73

 
73

Consumer
 

 

 

Total
 
13

 
$
2,444

 
$
2,437


24

ENTERPRISE BANCORP, INC.
Notes to the Unaudited Consolidated Interim Financial Statements
 



Loans modified as troubled debt restructurings within the preceding twelve month period for which there was a subsequent payment default during the period noted are detailed below.

 
 
Nine months ended September 30, 2014
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Number of TDRs that defaulted
 
Post-
modification outstanding
recorded investment
Commercial real estate
 

 
$

Commercial and industrial
 
1

 
66

Commercial construction
 

 

Residential
 
1

 
126

Home Equity
 

 

Consumer
 

 

Total
 
2

 
$
192


At September 30, 2014, there were specific reserves of $45 thousand allocated to the TDRs entered into during the 2014 period as management considered it likely the majority of principal would ultimately be collected. Interest payments received on non-accruing TDRs in the table above which were applied to principal and not recognized in interest income during the nine months ended amounted to $5 thousand.

There were subsequent charge-offs of $66 thousand associated with the TDRs noted in the table above during the nine months ended September 30, 2014.

Other real estate owned ("OREO")

Real estate acquired by the Company through foreclosure proceedings or the acceptance of a deed in lieu of foreclosure is classified as OREO. When property is acquired, it is generally recorded at the lesser of the loan's remaining principal balance, net of any unamortized deferred fees, or the estimated fair value of the property acquired, less estimated costs to sell. The estimated fair value is based on market appraisals and the Company's internal analysis. Any loan balance in excess of the estimated realizable fair value on the date of transfer is charged to the allowance for loan losses on that date. All costs incurred thereafter in maintaining the property, as well as subsequent declines in fair value, are charged to non-interest expense.

The Company carried no OREO at September 30, 2015 compared to $861 thousand at December 31, 2014. During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, the Company sold the three properties held at December 31, 2014, recognizing net gains on OREO sales of $154 thousand; there were no additions to OREO, or subsequent impairment write-downs during the period. During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, there were no sales or subsequent impairment write-downs on OREO.

Allowance for loan loss activity
 
The allowance for loan losses is established through a provision for loan losses, a direct charge to earnings.  Loan losses are charged against the allowance when management believes that the collectability of the loan principal is unlikely.  Recoveries on loans previously charged-off are credited to the allowance.

The allowance for loan losses amounted to $28.1 million at September 30, 2015, compared to $27.1 million at December 31, 2014, and $27.0 million at September 30, 2014. The allowance for loan losses to total loans ratio was 1.57% at September 30, 2015, 1.62% at December 31, 2014 and 1.68% at September 30, 2014. The declining trend in the allowance ratio reflects the improvement in credit quality statistics and general economic conditions over the period.

Based on management's judgment as to the existing credit risks inherent in the loan portfolio, as discussed above under the heading "Credit Quality Indicators," management believes that the Company's allowance for loan losses is adequate to absorb probable losses from specifically known and other credit risks associated with the portfolio as of September 30, 2015.


25

ENTERPRISE BANCORP, INC.
Notes to the Unaudited Consolidated Interim Financial Statements
 


Changes in the allowance for loan losses by portfolio segment for the three months ended September 30, 2015 are presented below: 

(Dollars in thousands)
 
Cmml Real
Estate
 
Cmml and
Industrial
 
Cmml
Constr
 
Resid.
Mortgage
 
Home
Equity
 
Consumer
 
Total
Beginning Balance at June 30, 2015
 
$
12,864

 
$
10,022

 
$
3,447

 
$
1,022

 
$
575

 
$
232

 
$
28,162

Provision
 
435

 
(311
)
 
207

 
(50
)
 
(52
)
 
21

 
250

Recoveries
 

 
65

 

 

 
1

 
2

 
68

Less: Charge offs
 
108

 
232

 

 

 

 
10

 
350

Ending Balance at September 30, 2015
 
$
13,191

 
$
9,544

 
$
3,654

 
$
972

 
$
524

 
$
245

 
$
28,130



Changes in the allowance for loan losses by segment for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 are presented below: 

(Dollars in thousands)
 
Cmml Real
Estate
 
Cmml and
Industrial
 
Cmml
Constr
 
Resid.
Mortgage
 
Home
Equity
 
Consumer
 
Total
Beginning Balance at December 31, 2014
 
$
12,664

 
$
9,245

 
$
3,384

 
$
989

 
$
608

 
$
231

 
$
27,121

Provision
 
630

 
1,268

 
245

 
(17
)
 
(99
)
 
73

 
2,100

Recoveries
 
5

 
232

 
25

 

 
15

 
14

 
291

Less: Charge offs
 
108

 
1,201

 

 

 

 
73

 
1,382

Ending Balance at September 30, 2015
 
$
13,191

 
$
9,544

 
$
3,654

 
$
972

 
$
524

 
$
245

 
$
28,130

Ending allowance balance:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Allotted to loans individually evaluated for impairment
 
$
160

 
$
1,265

 
$
516

 
$

 
$

 
$
44

 
$
1,985

Allotted to loans collectively evaluated for impairment
 
$
13,031

 
$
8,279

 
$
3,138

 
$
972

 
$
524

 
$
201

 
$
26,145


Changes in the allowance for loan losses by segment for the three months ended September 30, 2014 are presented below: 

(Dollars in thousands)
 
Cmml Real
Estate
 
Cmml and
Industrial
 
Cmml
Constr
 
Resid.
Mortgage
 
Home
Equity
 
Consumer
 
Total
Beginning Balance at June 30, 2014
 
$
13,065

 
$
7,550

 
$
3,741

 
$
1,266

 
$
685

 
$
221

 
$
26,528

Provision
 
154

 
664

 
(90
)
 
(38
)
 
36

 
39

 
765

Recoveries
 

 
286

 
17

 

 
1

 
2

 
306

Less: Charge offs
 
92

 
256

 
134

 
46

 
27

 
15

 
570

Ending Balance at September 30, 2014
 
$
13,127

 
$
8,244

 
$
3,534

 
$
1,182

 
$
695

 
$
247

 
$
27,029


 

26

ENTERPRISE BANCORP, INC.
Notes to the Unaudited Consolidated Interim Financial Statements
 


Changes in the allowance for loan losses by segment for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 are presented below: 

(Dollars in thousands)
 
Cmml Real
Estate
 
Cmml and
Industrial
 
Cmml
Constr
 
Resid.
Mortgage
 
Home
Equity
 
Consumer
 
Total
Beginning Balance at December 31, 2013
 
$
13,174

 
$
8,365

 
$
3,493

 
$
1,057

 
$
653

 
$
225

 
$
26,967

Provision
 
248

 
512

 
128

 
171

 
68

 
38

 
1,165

Recoveries
 

 
510

 
47

 

 
1

 
24

 
582

Less: Charge offs
 
295

 
1,143

 
134

 
46

 
27

 
40

 
1,685

Ending Balance at September 30, 2014
 
$
13,127

 
$
8,244

 
$
3,534

 
$
1,182

 
$
695

 
$
247

 
$
27,029

Ending allowance balance:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Allotted to loans individually evaluated for impairment
 
$
110

 
$
2,198

 
$
690

 
$
103

 
$
46

 
$
22

 
$
3,169

Allotted to loans collectively evaluated for impairment
 
$
13,017

 
$
6,046

 
$
2,844

 
$
1,079

 
$
649

 
$
225

 
$
23,860


(5)
Borrowed Funds and Subordinated Debt
 
Borrowed funds consisted of FHLB borrowings of $24.2 million at September 30, 2015, compared to $58.9 million at December 31, 2014.

The Company also carried subordinated debt of $14.8 million at September 30, 2015, and $10.8 million at December 31, 2014.

The subordinated debt carried at September 30, 2015 consisted of $15.0 million in aggregate principal amount of Fixed-to-Floating Rate Subordinated Notes (the "Notes"), issued in January 2015, in a private placement to an accredited investor. The Notes, which are intended to qualify as Tier 2 capital for regulatory purposes, mature on January 30, 2030 (the "Maturity Date") and are callable by the Company, subject to regulatory approval, at a premium beginning January 30, 2020, and at par beginning January 30, 2025. The Notes pay interest at a fixed rate of 6.00% per annum through January 30, 2025, and beginning on January 31, 2025 through the Maturity Date, or any early redemption date, the interest rate on the Notes will adjust monthly at an interest rate of 3.90% plus 30-day LIBOR. Original note issuance costs were $190 thousand and have been netted against the subordinated debt on the balance sheet in accordance with recent accounting guidance which the Company adopted in the first quarter of 2015. These costs and are being amortized over the life of the Notes.

The subordinated debt balance carried at December 31, 2014 consisted of $10.8 million in Junior Subordinated Debt Securities (the "Debt"). In March 2000, Enterprise (MA) Capital Trust I (the "Trust"), a subsidiary of Enterprise Bancorp, issued $10.5 million of 10.875% trust preferred securities that were to mature in 2030 and were callable at a premium. The proceeds from the sale of the trust preferred securities were used by the Trust, along with the Company's $325 thousand capital contribution, to acquire $10.8 million in aggregate principal amount of the Company's 10.875% Debt that was to mature in 2030 and was callable.

In March 2015, the Company redeemed the Debt in full using proceeds from the $15.0 million in Notes issued in January 2015, which in turned allowed the Trust to redeem in full the trust preferred securities.

(6)
Supplemental Retirement Plan and Other Postretirement Benefit Obligations
 
Supplemental Retirement Plan
 
The Company has salary continuation agreements with two of its current executive officers and one former executive officer. These agreements provide for predetermined fixed-cash supplemental retirement benefits to be provided for a period of 20 years after each individual reaches a defined "benefit age." The Company has not recognized service costs in the current or prior year as each officer had previously attained their individually defined benefit age and was fully vested under the plan.

This non-qualified plan represents a direct liability of the Company, and as such has no specific assets set aside to settle the benefit obligation.  The funded status is the aggregate amount accrued, or the "accumulated benefit obligation," which is equal

27

ENTERPRISE BANCORP, INC.
Notes to the Unaudited Consolidated Interim Financial Statements
 


to the present value of the benefits to be provided to the employee or any beneficiary.  Because the Company's benefit obligations provide for predetermined fixed-cash payments, the Company does not have any unrecognized costs to be included as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income.

The total net periodic benefit costs, which were comprised of interest costs only, were $31 thousand for the three months ended September 30, 2015, compared to $36 thousand for the three months ended September 30, 2014. Year-to-date total net periodic benefit costs, comprised of interest costs only, were $94 thousand for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, compared to $107 thousand for the nine months ended September 30, 2014.

Benefits paid amounted to $69 thousand and $207 thousand for both the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014, respectively. The Company anticipates accruing an additional $31 thousand to the plan during the remainder of 2015.
 
Supplemental Life Insurance
 
The Company has provided supplemental life insurance through split-dollar life insurance arrangements for certain executive and senior officers on whom the Bank owns bank-owned life insurance ("BOLI").

These arrangements provide a death benefit to the officer's designated beneficiaries that extend to postretirement periods for some of the supplemental life insurance plans. The Company has recognized a liability for these future postretirement benefits.

These non-qualified plans represent a direct liability of the Company, and as such has no specific assets set aside to settle the benefit obligation.  The funded status is the aggregate amount accrued, or the "accumulated postretirement benefit obligation," which is the present value of the post-retirement benefits associated with this arrangement.

The total net periodic benefit costs, which were comprised primarily of interest costs, amounted to $18 thousand and $55 thousand for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, total net periodic benefit costs, which were comprised primarily of interest costs, were $19 thousand and $55 thousand, respectively.
 
(7)
Stock-Based Compensation
 
The Company has individual stock incentive plans and has not changed the general terms and conditions of these plans from those disclosed in the Company's 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
The Company's stock-based compensation expense includes stock options and stock awards to officers and other employees included in salary and benefits expense, and stock awards and stock compensation in lieu of cash fees to non-employee directors included in other operating expenses.  Total stock-based compensation expense was $411 thousand and $1.4 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively, compared to $409 thousand and $1.3 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively.
 
Stock Option Awards
 
The Company recognized stock-based compensation expense related to stock option awards of $71 thousand and $247 thousand for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively, compared to $87 thousand and $277 thousand for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively.

The Company utilizes the Black-Scholes option valuation model in order to determine the per share grant date fair value of option grants.


28

ENTERPRISE BANCORP, INC.
Notes to the Unaudited Consolidated Interim Financial Statements
 


The table below provides a summary of the options granted in 2015 and 2014.

 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2015
 
2014
Options granted
27,376

 
31,229

Term in years
10

 
10

Average assumptions used in the fair value model:
 
 
 
Expected volatility
47
%
 
47
%
Expected dividend yield
2.90
%
 
2.88
%
Expected life in years
7

 
7

Risk-free interest rate
1.95
%
 
2.19
%
Market price on date of grant
$
21.03

 
$
20.29

Per share weighted average fair value
$
8.51

 
$
8.32

Fair value as a percentage of market value at grant date
40
%
 
41
%
 
Options granted during the first nine months of 2015 and 2014 vest 50% in year two and 50% in year four, on the anniversary date of the awards. Vested options are only exercisable while the employee remains employed with the Bank and for a limited time thereafter. If a grantee's employment is terminated for any reason, then any stock options granted that have not vested as of the time of such termination generally must be forfeited, unless the Compensation Committee or the Board of Directors, as the case may be, waives such forfeiture requirement.

Refer to Note 11 "Stock-Based Compensation Plans" in the Company's 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K for a further description of the assumptions used in the valuation model.
 
Stock Awards
 
Stock-based compensation expense recognized in association with stock awards amounted to $295 thousand and $928 thousand for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively, compared to $278 thousand and $868 thousand for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively.
 
In January 2014, the Company granted 2,142 shares of fully vested stock to employees as anniversary awards at a grant date fair market value of $20.95 per share. There were no fully vested stock awards granted in the nine months ended September 30, 2015.

Restricted stock awards are granted at the market price on the date of the grant. Employee awards generally vest over four years in equal portions beginning on or about the first anniversary date of the award or are performance based awards that vest upon the Company achieving certain predefined performance objectives. Non-employee director awards generally vest over two years in equal portions beginning on or about the first anniversary date of the award.

The table below provides a summary of restricted stock awards granted in 2015 and 2014.
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
Restricted Stock Awards
2015
 
2014
Two Year Vesting
7,276

 
6,660

Four Year Vesting
17,775

 
19,167

Performance-Based Vesting
30,262

 
33,017

Total Restricted Stock Awards
55,313

 
58,844

 
 
 
 
Weighted average grant date fair value
$
21.03

 
$
20.29



29

ENTERPRISE BANCORP, INC.
Notes to the Unaudited Consolidated Interim Financial Statements
 


If a grantee's employment or other service relationship, such as service as a director, is terminated for any reason, then any shares of restricted stock granted that have not vested as of the time of such termination generally must be forfeited, unless the Compensation Committee or the Board of Directors, as the case may be, waives such forfeiture requirement.

The restricted stock awards allow for the receipt of dividends, and the voting of all shares, whether or not vested, throughout the vesting periods at the same proportional level as common shares outstanding.

Stock in Lieu of Directors' Fees
 
In addition to restricted stock awards discussed above, the non-employee members of the Company's Board of Directors may opt to receive newly issued shares of the Company's common stock in lieu of cash compensation for attendance at Board and Board Committee meetings.  Stock-based compensation expense related to these directors' fees amounted to $45 thousand and $190 thousand for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively, compared to $44 thousand and $180 thousand for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively, and is included in other operating expenses. In January 2015, non-employee directors were issued 11,612 shares of common stock in lieu of 2014 annual cash fees of $242 thousand at a market value price of $20.84 per share, the market value of the common stock on the opt-in measurement date of January 2, 2014.

(8)
Earnings per share
 
Basic earnings per share are calculated by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding (including participating securities) during the year.  The Company's only participating securities are unvested restricted stock awards that contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends. Diluted earnings per share reflects the effect on weighted average shares outstanding of the number of additional shares outstanding if dilutive stock options were converted into common stock using the treasury stock method.

The table below presents the increase in average shares outstanding, using the treasury stock method, for the diluted earnings per share calculation for the periods indicated: 
 
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding
10,349,232

 
10,143,055

 
10,308,310

 
10,099,593

Dilutive shares
65,022

 
85,446

 
65,154

 
84,671

Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding
10,414,254

 
10,228,501

 
10,373,464

 
10,184,264


For the nine months ended September 30, 2015, all options outstanding were included in the year-to-date calculation of diluted earnings per share, as they were all considered "in the money" under the treasury stock method.

(9)
Fair Value Measurements
 
The FASB defines the fair value of an asset or liability to be the price which a seller would receive in an orderly transaction between market participants (an exit price) and also establishes a fair value hierarchy segregating fair value measurements using three levels of inputs: (Level 1) quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities; (Level 2) significant other observable inputs, including quoted prices for similar items in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar items in markets that are not active, inputs such as interest rates and yield curves, volatilities, prepayment speeds, credit risks and default rates which provide a reasonable basis for fair value determination or inputs derived principally from observed market data; and (Level 3) significant unobservable inputs for situations in which there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability.  Unobservable inputs must reflect reasonable assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, which are developed on the basis of the best information available under the circumstances.
 

30

ENTERPRISE BANCORP, INC.
Notes to the Unaudited Consolidated Interim Financial Statements
 


The following tables summarize significant assets and liabilities carried at fair value and placement in the fair value hierarchy at the dates specified collateral dependent impaired loans open:
 
 
 
September 30, 2015
 
Fair Value Measurements using:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Fair Value
 
(level 1)
 
(level 2)
 
(level 3)
Assets measured on a recurring basis:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Fixed income securities
 
$
270,001

 
$

 
$
270,001

 
$

Equity securities
 
11,026

 
11,026

 

 

FHLB stock
 
4,239

 

 

 
4,239

Assets measured on a non-recurring basis:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Impaired loans (collateral dependent)
 
2,598

 

 

 
2,598

 
 
 
December 31,
2014
 
Fair Value Measurements using:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Fair Value
 
(level 1)
 
(level 2)
 
(level 3)
Assets measured on a recurring basis:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Fixed income securities
 
$
230,790

 
$

 
$
230,790

 
$

Equity securities
 
14,275

 
14,275

 

 

FHLB stock
 
3,357

 

 

 
3,357

Assets measured on a non-recurring basis:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Impaired loans (collateral dependent)
 
5,174

 

 

 
5,174

Other real estate owned
 
861

 

 

 
861

 
The Company did not have cause to transfer any assets between the fair value measurement levels during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 or the year ended December 31, 2014. There were no liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring or non-recurring basis as of September 30, 2015 or December 31, 2014.

All of the Company's fixed income investments and equity securities that are considered "available-for-sale" are carried at fair value.  The fixed income category above includes federal agency obligations, federal agency MBS, municipal securities, corporate bonds and certificates of deposits, as held at those dates.  The Company utilizes third-party pricing vendors to provide valuations on its fixed income securities.  Fair values provided by the vendors were generally determined based upon pricing matrices utilizing observable market data inputs for similar or benchmark securities in active markets and/or based on a matrix pricing methodology which employs The Bond Market Association's standard calculations for cash flow and price/yield analysis, live benchmark bond pricing and terms/condition data available from major pricing sources.  Therefore, management regards the inputs and methods used by third-party pricing vendors to be "Level 2 inputs and methods" as defined in the "fair value hierarchy." The Company periodically obtains a second price from an impartial third party on fixed income securities to assess the reasonableness of prices provided by the primary independent pricing vendor.

The Company's equity portfolio fair value is measured based on quoted market prices for the shares; therefore, these securities are categorized as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy.
 
The Bank is required to purchase FHLB stock at par value in association with advances from the FHLB; this stock is classified as a restricted investment and carried at cost which management believes approximates fair value; therefore, these securities are categorized as Level 3 measures.  See Note 1, "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies," Item (d) for further information regarding the Company's fair value assessment of FHLB capital stock.
 
Impaired loan balances in the table above represent those collateral dependent impaired commercial loans where management has estimated the credit loss by comparing the loan's carrying value against the expected realizable fair value of the collateral (appraised value, or internal analysis less estimated cost to sell, adjusted as necessary for changes in relevant valuation factors subsequent to the measurement date).  Certain inputs used in these assessments, and possible subsequent adjustments, are not always observable, and therefore, collateral dependent impaired loans are categorized as Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy.  A specific allowance is assigned to the collateral dependent impaired loan for the amount of management's estimated credit loss. 

31

ENTERPRISE BANCORP, INC.
Notes to the Unaudited Consolidated Interim Financial Statements
 


The specific allowances assigned to the collateral dependent impaired loans at September 30, 2015 amounted to $1.3 million compared to $1.7 million at December 31, 2014.
 
When OREO property is acquired, it is generally recorded at the lesser of the loan's remaining principal balance, net of unamortized deferred fees, or the estimated fair value of the property acquired, less estimated costs to sell.  The estimated fair value is based on market appraisals and the Company's internal analysis.  Certain inputs used in appraisals or the Company's internal analysis are not always observable and therefore, OREO may be categorized as Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy.  The Company carried no OREO at September 30, 2015 compared to $861 thousand at December 31, 2014. The Company sold the three properties held at December 31, 2014, recognizing net gains on OREO sales of $154 thousand, during the nine months ended September 30, 2015; there were no additions to OREO, or subsequent impairment write-downs during the period. There were no sales or subsequent write downs of OREO during the nine months ended September 30, 2014.

The following table presents additional quantitative information about assets measured at fair value on a recurring and non-recurring basis for which the Company utilized Level 3 inputs (significant unobservable inputs for situations in which there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability) to determine fair value as of September 30, 2015
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Fair Value
 
Valuation Technique
 
Unobservable Input
 
Unobservable Input Value or Range
Assets measured on a recurring basis:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  FHLB stock
 
$4,239
 
FHLB Stated Par Value
 
N/A
 
N/A
Assets measured on a non-recurring basis:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Impaired loans (collateral dependent)
 
$2,598
 
Appraisal of collateral
 
Appraisal adjustments (1)
 
5% - 50%

(1)
Appraisals may be adjusted by management for qualitative factors such as economic conditions and estimated liquidation expenses.

Other Guarantees and Commitments
 
Standby letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by the Company to guarantee the financial obligation or performance of a customer to a third party.  The fair value of these commitments was estimated to be the fees charged to enter into similar agreements, and accordingly these fair value measures are deemed to be FASB Level 2 measurements.  In accordance with the FASB, the estimated fair values of these commitments are carried on the balance sheet as a liability and amortized to income over the life of the letters of credit, which are typically one year.  The estimated fair value of these commitments carried on the balance sheet at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 were deemed immaterial.

Interest rate lock commitments related to the origination of mortgage loans that will be sold are considered derivative instruments.  The commitments to sell loans are also considered derivative instruments. The Company generally does not pool mortgage loans for sale, but instead sells the loans on an individual basis. To reduce the net interest rate exposure arising from its loan sale activity, the Company enters into the commitment to sell these loans at essentially the same time that the interest rate lock commitment is quoted on the origination of the loan. The Company estimates the fair value of these derivatives based on current secondary mortgage market prices.  These commitments represent the Company's only derivative instruments and are accounted for in accordance with FASB guidance.  The fair values of the Company's derivative instruments are deemed to be FASB Level 2 measurements. At September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the estimated fair value of the Company's derivative instruments was considered to be immaterial.

Estimated Fair Values of Assets and Liabilities

In addition to disclosures regarding the measurement of assets and liabilities carried at fair value on the balance sheet, the Company is also required to disclose fair value information about financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate that value, whether or not recognized on the balance sheet. 


32

ENTERPRISE BANCORP, INC.
Notes to the Unaudited Consolidated Interim Financial Statements
 


The carrying values, estimated fair values and placement in the fair value hierarchy of the Company's financial instruments for which fair value is only disclosed but not recognized on the balance sheet at the dates indicated are summarized as follows:

 
 
September 30, 2015
 
Fair value measurement
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Fair Value
 
Level 1 inputs
 
Level 2 Inputs
 
Level 3 Inputs
Financial assets:
 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Loans held for sale
 
$
1,325

 
$
1,346

 
$

 
$
1,346

 
$

Loans, net
 
1,762,478

 
1,781,857

 

 

 
1,781,857

Financial liabilities:
 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Certificates of deposit (including brokered)
 
277,465

 
277,572

 

 
277,572

 

Borrowed funds
 
24,171

 
24,164

 

 
24,164

 

Subordinated debt
 
14,819

 
14,148

 

 

 
14,148

 
 
 
December 31, 2014
 
Fair value measurement
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Fair Value
 
Level 1 inputs
 
Level 2 Inputs
 
Level 3 Inputs
Financial assets:
 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Loans held for sale
 
$
2,371

 
$
2,381

 
$

 
$
2,381

 
$

Loans, net
 
1,645,483

 
1,668,863

 

 

 
1,668,863

Financial liabilities:
 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Certificates of deposit (including brokered)
 
263,779

 
262,774

 

 
262,774

 

Borrowed funds
 
58,900

 
58,899

 

 
58,899

 

Subordinated debt
 
10,825

 
13,017

 

 

 
13,017


Excluded from the tables above are certain financial instruments with carrying values that approximated their fair value at the dates indicated, as they were short-term in nature or payable on demand.  These include cash and cash equivalents, accrued interest receivable, non-term deposit accounts, and accrued interest payable. The respective carrying values of these instruments would all be considered to be classified within Level 1 of their fair value hierarchy.

Also excluded from these tables are the fair values of commitments for unused portion of lines of credit and letters of credit, which were estimated to be the fees currently charged to enter into similar agreements and are deemed to be immaterial, as well as commitments to originate non-mortgage loans which were short-term, at current market rates and estimated to have no significant change in fair value.

When determining fair values noted in the tables above, in cases where quoted fair values are not available, fair values are based upon estimates using various valuation techniques.  Those techniques are significantly affected by the assumptions used, including the discount rate and estimates of future cash flows.  The following methods and assumptions were used by the Company in estimating fair values of its financial instruments:

Loans held for sale: Loans held for sale are recorded at the lower of aggregate amortized cost or market value. The fair value is based on comparable market prices for loans with similar rates and terms.

Loans: The fair value of loans was determined using discounted cash flow analysis, using interest rates currently being offered by the Company.  The incremental credit risk for adversely classified loans was considered in the determination of the fair value of the loans.  This method of estimating fair value does not incorporate the exit price concept of fair value.
 
Financial liabilities: The fair values of certificates of deposit and borrowings were estimated using discounted cash flow analysis using rates offered by the Bank or advance rates offered by the FHLB on September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 for similar instruments.  The fair value of subordinated debt was estimated using discounted cash flow analysis using a market rate of interest at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014.
 

33

ENTERPRISE BANCORP, INC.
Notes to the Unaudited Consolidated Interim Financial Statements
 


Limitations:  The estimates of fair value of financial instruments were based on information available at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 and are not indicative of the fair market value of those instruments as of the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.  These estimates do not reflect any premium or discount that could result from offering for sale at one time the Company's entire holdings of a particular financial instrument. The fair value of the Company's time deposit liabilities do not take into consideration the value of the Company's long-term relationships with depositors, which may have significant value.
 
Because no active market exists for a portion of the Company's financial instruments, fair value estimates were based on judgments regarding future expected loss experience, current economic conditions, risk characteristics of various financial instruments, and other factors.  These estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment and therefore cannot be determined with precision.  Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates.
 
Fair value estimates were based on existing on- and off-balance sheet financial instruments without an attempt to estimate the value of anticipated future business and the value of assets and liabilities that are not considered financial instruments, including premises and equipment and foreclosed real estate.
 
In addition, the tax ramifications related to the realization of the unrealized appreciation and depreciation can have a significant effect on fair value estimates and have not been considered in any of the estimates.  Accordingly, the aggregate fair value amounts presented do not represent the underlying value of the Company.



34

Table of Contents

Item 2 -
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Management's discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the Company's (also referred to herein as "Enterprise," "us," "we" or "our") unaudited consolidated interim financial statements and notes thereto contained in this report and the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto contained in the Company's 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (this "Form 10-Q") contains certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements concerning plans, objectives, future events or performance and assumptions and other statements that are other than statements of historical fact. Forward-looking statements may be identified by reference to a future period or periods or by use of forward-looking terminology such as "anticipates," "believes," "expects," "intends," "may," "plans," "pursue," "views" and similar terms or expressions. Various statements contained in Item 2 - "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and Item 3 - "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk" of this Form 10-Q including, but not limited to, statements related to management's views on the banking environment and the economy, competition and market expansion opportunities, the interest rate environment, credit risk and the level of future non-performing assets and charge-offs, potential asset and deposit growth, future non-interest expenditures and non-interest income growth, and borrowing capacity are forward-looking statements. The Company cautions readers that such forward-looking statements reflect numerous assumptions and involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, the forward looking statement. The forward-looking statements in this report are based on information available to the Company as of the date of this Form 10-Q and the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or otherwise revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. The following important factors, among others, could cause the Company's results for subsequent periods to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statement made in this Form 10-Q: (i) changes in interest rates could negatively impact net interest income; (ii) changes in the business cycle and downturns in the local, regional or national economies, including deterioration in the local real estate market, could negatively impact credit and/or asset quality and result in credit losses and increases in the Company's allowance for loan losses; (iii) changes in consumer spending could negatively impact the Company's credit quality and financial results; (iv) increasing competition from larger regional and out-of-state banking organizations as well as non-bank providers of various financial services could adversely affect the Company's competitive position within its market area and reduce demand for the Company's products and services; (v) deterioration of securities markets could adversely affect the value or credit quality of the Company's assets and the availability of funding sources necessary to meet the Company's liquidity needs; (vi) changes in technology, including the increased cyber-security risk and identity theft, could adversely impact the Company's operations and increase technology-related expenditures; (vii) increases in employee compensation and benefit expenses could adversely affect the Company's financial results; (viii) changes in laws and regulations that apply to the Company's business and operations, including without limitation, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the "Dodd-Frank Act"), the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act (the "JOBS Act"), the Basel III rules adopted by the federal banking regulators and the additional regulations that will be forthcoming as a result thereof, could cause the Company to incur additional costs and adversely affect the Company's business environment, operations and financial results; (ix) changes in accounting standards, policies and practices, as may be adopted or established by the regulatory agencies, the FASB, or the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board could negatively impact the Company's financial results; (x) our ability to enter new markets successfully and capitalize on growth opportunities, including the receipt of required regulatory approvals; (xi) future regulatory compliance costs, including any increase caused by new regulations imposed by the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau; and (xii) the risks and uncertainties described in the documents that the Company files or furnishes to the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), including in Item 1A of the Company's 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and results of operation.  Therefore, the Company cautions readers not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking information and statements.

35

Table of Contents

Overview


Executive Summary

The Company's strong growth in 2015 continued in the third quarter. Net income for the three months ended September 30, 2015 amounted to $4.3 million, an increase of $461 thousand, or 12%, compared to the same three-month period in 2014. Diluted earnings per share were $0.41 for the three months ended September 30, 2015, an increase of 11% compared to the same three-month period in 2014. Net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 amounted to $11.4 million, an increase of $776 thousand, or 7%, compared to the same nine-month period in 2014. Diluted earnings per share were $1.10 for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2015, an increase of 5%, compared to same period in 2014. For the first nine months of 2015, loans have increased $118.0 million, or 7%, and deposits, excluding brokered deposits, have increased $168.3 million, or 10%. On an annualized basis loans and deposits, excluding brokered deposits, have increased by 9% and 13%, respectively.

The Company continues to focus on organic growth while planning for our future by investing in our branch network and other facilities, technology, progressive product capabilities and, most importantly, in our Enterprise team, our customers and our communities. The Company recently announced plans for its 23rd branch, which would expand its presence in the Nashua market with a planned opening in 2016, pending regulatory approval. The Company’s 2015 growth contributed to increases in quarterly and year-to-date net interest income and non-interest expenses, as compared to the same periods in 2014. This growth and other items impacting the Company's net income are discussed further below.

Composition of Earnings

The Company's earnings are largely dependent on its net interest income, which is the difference between interest earned on loans and investments and the cost of funding (primarily deposits and borrowings).  Net interest income expressed as a percentage of average interest earning assets is referred to as net interest margin.  The Company reports net interest margin on a tax equivalent basis ("margin").

Net interest income for the three months ended September 30, 2015 amounted to $19.8 million, an increase of $1.7 million, or 9%, compared to the same period in 2014. Net interest income for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 amounted to $57.2 million, an increase of $4.7 million, or 9%, compared to the same period in 2014. The increase in net interest income was due primarily to loan growth, partially offset by a decrease in margin. Average loan balances (including loans held for sale) increased $163.1 million and $149.5 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively, compared to the same 2014 period averages. Margin was 3.95% for the quarter ended September 30, 2015, which is relatively consistent with the last two quarters (3.93% and 3.95% for the quarters ended June 30, 2015 and March 31, 2015, respectively). Margin was 4.02% for the quarter ended September 30, 2014. Year-to-date margin was 3.94% for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, compared to 4.03% for the nine months ended September 30, 2014.

For the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, the provision for loan losses amounted to $250 thousand and $765 thousand, respectively. The year-to-date provision for loan losses amounted to $2.1 million and $1.2 million for 2015 and 2014, respectively. The increase in the year-to-date 2015 provision was due primarily to loan growth and additional specific reserves on impaired commercial loans. In determining the provision to the allowance for loan losses, management takes into consideration the level of loan growth and an estimate of credit risk, which includes such items as adversely classified and non-performing loans, the estimated specific reserves needed for impaired loans, the level of net charge-offs, and the estimated impact of current economic conditions on credit quality. Loan growth for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 was $118.0 million compared to $88.7 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2014. Total non-performing loans as a percentage of total loans declined to 0.81% at September 30, 2015, compared to 1.03% at September 30, 2014. The balance of the allowance for loan losses allocated to impaired loans amounted to $2.0 million at September 30, 2015, compared to $3.2 million at September 30, 2014. The Company recorded net charge-offs of $1.1 million for both the nine month periods ended September 30, 2015 and 2014. The majority of the 2014 charge-offs were previously allocated specific reserves on commercial relationships which contributed to the lower provision for loan losses in 2014. The allowance for loan losses to total loans ratio was 1.57% at September 30, 2015, compared to 1.62% at December 31, 2014, and 1.68% at September 30, 2014.



36

Table of Contents

For further information regarding loan quality statistics and the allowance for loan losses, see the sections below under the heading "Financial Condition" titled "Asset Quality" and "Allowance for Loan Losses."

Non-interest income for the three months ended September 30, 2015 amounted to $3.4 million, a decrease of $155 thousand, or 4%, compared to the same period in 2014 due primarily to lower net gains on the sales of investment securities. Non-interest income for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 amounted to $11.3 million, an increase of $1.0 million, or 10%, compared to the same period in 2014 due primarily to increases in net gains on the sales of investment securities, and higher commercial loan prepayment fees and gains on the sales of other real estate owned, both of which are included in miscellaneous other income. Year-to-date non-interest income was also impacted by the net loss on the Company’s Capital Trust subsidiary due to the write-off of debt issuance costs related to the redemption of Trust Preferred Securities (Subordinated Debt) in March 2015, which is also included in miscellaneous other income.

Non-interest expense for the quarter ended September 30, 2015 amounted to $16.5 million, an increase of $1.4 million, or 9%, compared to the same period in the prior year. The increase in the quarter was due primarily to increases in salaries and benefits, occupancy costs, other professional costs and technology expenses, mainly resulting from the Company’s strategic growth initiatives. For the nine months ended September 30, 2015, non-interest expense amounted to $49.0 million, an increase of $3.6 million, or 8%, over the same period in the prior year. The increase in the year-to-date period was due primarily to expenses related to the Company’s strategic growth initiatives, including increases in salaries and benefits, occupancy costs, advertising and public relations, and technology expenses. The year-to-date period was also impacted by an increase in miscellaneous other expenses due primarily to the prepayment fees associated with the redemption of the Trust Preferred Securities mentioned above.

Sources and Uses of Funds
 
The Company's primary sources of funds are deposits, Federal Home Loan Bank ("FHLB") borrowings, current earnings and proceeds from the sales, maturities and pay-downs on loans and investment securities.  The Company may also, from time to time, utilize brokered deposits and overnight borrowings from correspondent banks to provide additional funding sources and to aid in the Company's asset liability and interest rate risk positioning. Additionally, funding for the Company may be generated through the issuance of debt securities or equity transactions, including the dividend reinvestment and direct stock purchase plan, exercise of stock options, and occasionally the sale of new stock. These funds are used to originate loans, purchase investment securities, conduct operations, expand the branch network, and pay dividends to stockholders.
 
The investment portfolio is primarily used to provide liquidity, manage the Company's asset-liability position and to invest excess funds. Total investments, one of the key components of interest earning assets, amounted to $281.0 million at September 30, 2015, and comprised 13% of total assets at September 30, 2015 compared to 12% at December 31, 2014. Since December 31, 2014, investments have increased $36.0 million, or 15%, reflecting increased liquidity from deposit growth.

Enterprise's main asset strategy is to grow loans, the largest component of interest earning assets, with a focus on high quality commercial loans.  Total loans increased $118.0 million, or 7%, since December 31, 2014 and amounted to $1.79 billion at September 30, 2015, comprising 82% of total assets at September 30, 2015 and 83% of assets at December 31, 2014. Total commercial loans amounted to $1.54 billion, or 86% of gross loans, at September 30, 2015, which was consistent with the composition at December 31, 2014.
 
Management's preferred strategy for funding asset growth is to grow low cost deposits (comprised of demand deposit accounts, interest and business checking accounts and traditional savings accounts).  Asset growth in excess of low cost deposits is typically funded through "higher cost" deposits (comprised of money market accounts, commercial tiered rate or "investment savings" accounts and term certificates of deposit) and wholesale funding (brokered deposits and borrowed funds).
 
At September 30, 2015, total deposits, excluding brokered deposits, amounted to $1.85 billion, an increase of $168.3 million, or 10%, from December 31, 2014 balances. Non-brokered deposit growth since December 31, 2014 was noted primarily within the checking category.

Wholesale funding amounted to $136.1 million at September 30, 2015, compared to $144.1 million at December 31, 2014, a decrease of $8.0 million, or 6%. Wholesale funding included FHLB advances of $24.2 million and $58.9 million at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, and brokered deposits of $111.9 million and $85.2 million at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. Overnight FHLB advance balances have declined since year end as deposits have grown and the Company has utilized longer-term brokered CDs as an alternative strategic funding source.


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Opportunities and Risks

The Company's ability to achieve its long-term strategic growth and market share objectives will depend in part upon the Company's continued success in differentiating itself in the market place and its ability to strengthen its competitive position. Enterprise faces robust competition to attract and retain customers within existing and neighboring geographic markets. National and larger regional banks have a local presence in the Company's market area.  These larger banks have certain competitive advantages, including greater financial resources and the ability to make larger loans to a single borrower. Numerous local savings banks, commercial banks, cooperative banks and credit unions also compete in the Company's market area. The expanded commercial lending capabilities of credit unions and the shift to commercial lending by traditional savings banks means that both of these types of traditionally consumer-orientated institutions now compete for the Company's targeted commercial customers. In addition, the non-taxable status of credit unions allows them certain advantages as compared to taxable institutions such as Enterprise. Competition for loans, deposits and cash management services, investment advisory assets, and insurance business also comes from other businesses that provide financial services, including consumer finance companies, mortgage brokers and lenders, private lenders, insurance companies, securities brokerage firms, institutional mutual funds, registered investment advisors, internet based banks, and non-bank payment and funding channels.  Consolidation within the industry, customer disenfranchisement with larger national/international banks, banks exiting certain business lines, the cost of compliance with new government regulations, and the continued low interest rate environment have and are expected to continue to have an impact on the regional competitive market. The Company also faces increasing competition within its marketplace on the pricing of loans. This is expected to be an ongoing competitive challenge; however, the Company is committed to maintaining asset quality and focuses its sales efforts on building long-term relationships, rather than competing for individual transactions or easing loan terms. In addition, the increased use and advances in technology such as internet and mobile banking, non-bank payment channels, electronic transaction processing and cyber-security, are expected to have a significant impact on the future competitive landscape confronting financial service businesses.

The Company's business model is to provide a full range of diversified financial products and services through a highly-trained staff of knowledgeable banking professionals, with in-depth understanding of our markets, commitment to open and honest communication with clients and dedication to active community service. Management believes the Company has differentiated itself from the competition by building a solid reputation within the local market as a dependable commercial-focused community bank, delivering consistent and exceptional customer service, offering competitive products and by taking an active role in support of the communities we serve. The Company's banking professionals are committed to upholding the Company's core values, including significant and active involvement in many charitable and civic organizations, and community development programs throughout our service area. This long-held commitment to community not only contributes to the welfare of the communities we serve, it also helps to fuel the local economy and has led to a strong referral network with local business, non-profit organizations and community leaders. Management believes the Company's community service reputation and culture positions the Company to be a leading provider of banking, investment advisory and wealth management, trust and insurance services in its growing market area.

The Company actively seeks to increase deposit share and strengthen its competitive position through continuous reviews of deposit product offerings, cash management and ancillary services and state-of-the-art delivery channels, targeted to businesses, professional practice groups, municipalities and consumers' needs. These products and services are delivered by experienced local banking professionals who possess strong technical skills, and function as trusted advisors to clients. In addition, Enterprise carefully plans deposit expansion through new branch development, identifying offices strategically located to complement existing locations while expanding the Company's geographic market footprint. Recently, the Company announced plans to open its second Nashua, NH branch in the second quarter of 2016, pending regulatory approval. Branch expansion is aimed at achieving not only deposit market share growth, but also is intended to contribute to loan originations and generate referrals for investment advisory and wealth management, trust and insurance services, residential mortgages and cash management products.

Management believes that Enterprise is also well equipped to capitalize on market potential to grow both the commercial and residential loan portfolios through strong business development efforts, while utilizing a disciplined and consistent lending approach and credit review practices, which have served to provide quality asset growth over varying economic cycles during the Company's history.  The Company has a skilled lending sales force with a broad breadth of business knowledge and depth of lending experience to draw upon, supported by a highly qualified and experienced commercial credit review function.

The Company's investment services, including advisory, customized investment management, trust and brokerage services, provide for additional income diversification. The Company's investment advisory and services channels derive their revenues primarily from investment management fees based on assets under management and not product commissions. Management believes that the Company's investment services are distinguished from the competition by a client-centric open architecture approach in which clients work with a dedicated portfolio manager to hand-select funds with styles that match the client's

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investment goals. The Company's investment advisory team consists of licensed professionals adept in a number of financial and investment disciplines dedicated to providing personalized investment service to each client.

Management continues to undertake significant strategic initiatives, including investments in employee training and development, marketing and public relations, technology and electronic delivery methods, ongoing improvements and renovations of existing facilities and the continued development of recently added branches.  Industry consolidation also provides management the opportunity to recruit experienced banking professionals with market knowledge who complement the Enterprise sales and service culture.  While management recognizes that such investments increase expenses in the short-term, Enterprise believes that such initiatives are a necessary investment in the long-term growth and earnings potential of the Company and help the Company to capitalize on opportunities in the current marketplace for community banks such as Enterprise. However, lower than expected returns on these investments, such as slower than anticipated loan and deposit growth in new branches and/or lower than expected fee or other income generated from new technology or initiatives, could decrease anticipated revenues and net income on such investments in the future.

Any prolonged deterioration of the general economic environment in the national or local New England economy could have adverse repercussions on local industries, leading to increased unemployment and mortgage foreclosures, deterioration of local commercial real estate values, and other unforeseen consequences, which could have a severe negative impact on the Company's financial condition, capital position, liquidity, and performance. In addition, the loan portfolio consists primarily of commercial real estate, commercial and industrial, and commercial construction loans.  These types of loans are typically larger and are generally viewed as having more risk of default than owner occupied residential real estate loans or consumer loans. Any significant deterioration in the credit quality of the commercial loan portfolio or underlying collateral values due to a downturn in the economic environment could have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition and results of operations. The risk of loss due to customers' non-payment of loans or lines of credit is called "credit risk."  Credit risk management is reviewed below in this Item 2 under the headings "Credit Risk," "Asset Quality" and "Allowance for Loan Losses."

The value of the investment portfolio as a whole, or individual securities held, including restricted FHLB capital stock, could be negatively impacted by any sustained volatility in the financial markets or in credit markets, or fundamental deterioration in credit quality of the individual security, fund or issuer, which could possibly result in the recognition of additional other-than-temporary-impairment ("OTTI") charges in the future.

A decline in the aggregate balance of the assets under management could decrease investment advisory fee income. The Company's ability to maintain or increase investment assets under management is subject to a number of factors, including competition from investment management companies and alternative investment options, fluctuations in financial markets and various economic conditions, among others.

In addition, a sustained low interest rate environment could negatively impact the Company's net interest income and results of operation. Interest rate risk is reviewed in more detail under the heading Item 3A, "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk," below.

Liquidity management is the coordination of activities so that cash needs are anticipated and met, readily and efficiently.  Liquidity management is reviewed further below in this Item 2 under the heading "Liquidity."

Federal banking agencies require the Company and the Bank to meet minimum capital requirements. Effective January 1, 2015, the Company and the Bank implemented the Basel III regulatory capital framework. For information regarding the current capital requirements applicable to the Company and the Bank and their respective capital levels at September 30, 2015, and the recently adopted changes to the regulatory capital framework, see the section entitled "Capital Resources" contained in this Item 2 below. At September 30, 2015, both the Company and the Bank were categorized as "well capitalized" however, future unanticipated charges against capital, or changes in regulatory requirements such as the phase-in requirements under Basel III, could impact those regulatory capital designations.

In addition, any further changes in government regulation or oversight, including, but not limited to, the implementation by the federal regulatory agencies of the various requirements contained in the Dodd-Frank Act and new consumer financial protection laws enacted by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, could affect the Company in substantial and unpredictable ways, including, but not limited to, subjecting the Company to additional operating, governance and compliance costs, potentially influencing the Company's business decisions, or causing potential loss of revenue due to the impact of an enhanced regulatory structure on the banking industry as a whole.


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Compliance risk includes the threat of fines, civil money penalties, lawsuits and restricted growth opportunities resulting from violations and/or non-conformance with laws, rules, regulations, prescribed practices, internal policies and procedures, or ethical standards.  The Company maintains a Compliance Management Program (the "CMP") designed to meet regulatory and legislative requirements.  The CMP provides a framework for tracking and implementing regulatory changes, monitoring the effectiveness of policies and procedures, conducting compliance risk assessments, and educating employees in matters relating to regulatory compliance.  The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors oversees the effectiveness of the CMP.

Operational risk includes the threat of loss from inadequate or failed internal processes, people, systems or external events, due to, among other things: fraud or error; the inability to deliver products or services; failure to maintain a competitive position; lack of information or physical security; inadequate procedures or controls followed by third-party service providers; or violations of ethical standards. In addition to intensive and ongoing employee training and awareness campaigns, controls to manage operational risk include, but are not limited to, technology administration, information security, third-party management, and disaster recovery and business continuity planning. The Banking Technology Steering Committee of the Board of Directors oversees the information security program, monitors the results of third-party testing and risk assessments, and responses to breaches of customer data, among other technology, security and business continuity related functions.

The Company's technology administration includes policies and guidelines for the design, procurement, installation, management and acceptable use of hardware, software and network devices. The Company's technology project standards are designed to provide risk based oversight, coordinate and communicate ideas, and to prioritize and manage project implementation in a manner consistent with corporate objectives.

The Company has implemented layered security approaches for all delivery channels to mitigate rising cyber-security risks. Management utilizes a combination of third-party information security assessments, key technologies and ongoing internal evaluations to provide a level of protection of non-public personal information and to continually monitor and attempt to safeguard information on its operating systems and those of third-party service providers.  The Company also utilizes firewall technology and a combination of software and third-party monitoring to detect intrusion, guard against unauthorized access, and continuously identify and prevent computer viruses on the Company's information systems.

The Company has a third-party risk management program designed to provide a mechanism to enable management to determine what risk, if any, a particular vendor or customer exposes the Company to, and to rate and mitigate that risk by properly performing initial and ongoing due diligence when selecting or maintaining relationships with critical third-party providers and customers who in turn provide financial services or products to their own customers.

The Company's Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity Program consists of the information and procedures required to enable a rapid recovery from an occurrence that would disable the Company's operations for an extended period, due to circumstances such as: loss of personnel; loss of data and/or loss of facilities, under various scenarios, including unintentional, malicious or criminal intentions; and loss of access to, or the physical destruction or damage of, facilities, infrastructure or systems. The plan, which is reviewed annually, establishes responsibility for assessing a disruption of business, contains alternative strategies for the continuance of critical business functions during an emergency situation, assigns responsibility for restoring services, and sets priorities by which critical services will be restored.  A bank-owned and maintained secondary data center location provides the Company back-up network processing capabilities and flexibility to relocate key operational personnel if needed.

The Company has developed Incident Response Policy and Procedures in order to guide its actions in responding to real and suspected information security incidents. This includes unlawful, unauthorized, or unacceptable actions that involve a computer system or a computer network such as Denial of Service attacks, Corporate Account Takeover schemes, or an event that has potentially compromised customers' non-public personal information. Additionally, an event that disrupts one of the Bank's service channels, whether as a result of a security incident or not, is also considered an incident requiring a response under this program. The reaction to an incident aims to reduce potential damage and loss and to protect and restore confidence through timely communication and the restoration of normal operating conditions for computers, services and information.

Any system of controls or contingency plan, however well designed and operated, is based in part on certain assumptions and can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurances that the objectives of the controls and procedures will be met. Any breakdown in the integrity of these information systems, infrastructure, or cyber-security measures, or the Company's inability to identify, respond and correct such breakdown, could result in a loss of customer business, expose customers' personal information to unauthorized parties, damage the Company's reputation, subject the Company to increase costs and additional regulatory scrutiny, and expose the Company to civil litigation and possible financial liability, any of which could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations.


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This Opportunities and Risks discussion should be read in conjunction with Item 1A "Risk Factors," and the section titled "Opportunities and Risk" contained in Item 7 "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Conditions and Results of Operations" included in the Company's 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K, which address numerous other factors and details that could adversely affect the Company's business, reputation, its future results of operations and financial condition.

Accounting Policies/Critical Accounting Estimates

As discussed in the Company's 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K, the three most significant areas in which management applies critical assumptions and estimates that are particularly susceptible to change relate to the determination of the allowance for loan losses, impairment review of investment securities and the impairment review of goodwill.  The Company has not changed its significant accounting and reporting policies from those disclosed in its 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K.


Financial Condition
 
Total assets increased $173.1 million, or 9%, since December 31, 2014, to $2.20 billion at September 30, 2015.  The balance sheet composition and changes since December 31, 2014 are discussed below.

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents is comprised of cash on hand and cash items due from banks, interest-earning deposits (deposit accounts, excess cash balances, money markets, and money market mutual funds accounts) and fed funds sold. Cash and cash equivalents amounted to 3% of total assets at September 30, 2015, compared to 2% at December 31, 2014. Balances in cash and cash equivalents will fluctuate due primarily to the timing of net deposit flows, borrowing and loan inflows and outflows, investment purchases and maturities, calls and sales proceeds, and the immediate liquidity needs of the Company.
 
Investments
 
At September 30, 2015, the carrying value of the investment portfolio amounted to $281.0 million, an increase of $36.0 million, or 15%, since December 31, 2014.  The increase reflects increased liquidity from deposit growth.

The following table summarizes investments at the dates indicated:
 
 
 
September 30,
2015
 
December 31,
2014
 
September 30,
2014
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Amount
 
Percent
 
Amount
 
Percent
 
Amount
 
Percent
Federal agency obligations(1)
 
$
69,352

 
24.7
%
 
$
59,812

 
24.4
%
 
$
54,338

 
22.9
%
Federal agency mortgage backed securities (MBS)(1)
 
96,616

 
34.4
%
 
88,802

 
36.2
%
 
91,543

 
38.7
%
Municipal securities
 
90,902

 
32.3
%
 
74,204

 
30.3
%
 
68,693

 
29.0
%
Corporate bonds
 
9,309

 
3.3
%
 
7,972

 
3.3
%
 
7,074

 
3.0
%
Certificates of deposits(2)
 
3,822

 
1.4
%
 

 
%
 

 
%
Total fixed income securities
 
270,001

 
96.1
%
 
230,790

 
94.2
%
 
221,648

 
93.6
%
Equity investments
 
11,026

 
3.9
%
 
14,275

 
5.8
%
 
15,105

 
6.4
%
Total available-for-sale investments at fair value
 
$
281,027

 
100.0
%
 
$
245,065

 
100.0
%
 
$
236,753

 
100.0
%
__________________________________________ 
(1)
These categories may include investments issued or guaranteed by government sponsored enterprises such as Fannie Mae (FNMA), Freddie Mac (FHLMC), Federal Farm Credit Bank, or one of several Federal Home Loan Banks, as well as, investments guaranteed by Ginnie Mae (GNMA), a wholly-owned government entity.  
(2)
Certificates of deposit ("CDs") represent term deposits issued by banks that are subject to FDIC insurance and purchased on the open market.

At September 30, 2015, the carrying amount of the federal agency MBS category consisted of $67.4 million in pass-through securities backed by residential mortgages, $16.5 million in collateralized mortgage obligations ("CMOs") backed by residential mortgages and $12.7 million in CMOs backed by commercial mortgages.  At December 31, 2014, all of the federal agency MBS investments were backed by residential mortgages, consisting of $75.5 million in pass through securities and $13.3 million in CMOs.

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During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, the principal pay downs, calls and maturities amounted to $21.3 million, a decrease of $9.0 million over the same period in the prior year, primarily as a result of more investments being called in 2014. In addition, management sold investment securities, primarily municipal securities and equity investments, with an amortized cost of approximately $12.3 million realizing net gains on sales of $1.4 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2015. During the same period, the Company purchased $71.6 million in securities.

Net unrealized gains on the investment portfolio amounted to $4.7 million at September 30, 2015 compared to $5.8 million and $5.3 million at December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, respectively. The Company attributes the decrease in net unrealized gains since December 31, 2014 primarily to the impact of market value fluctuations on the equity portion of our portfolio. Unrealized gains or losses will only be recognized in the statements of income if the investments are sold. However, should an investment be deemed "other than temporarily impaired," the Company is required to write-down the fair value of the investment.  

See also Note 2, "Investment Securities," and Note 9, "Fair Value Measurements," to the Company's unaudited consolidated interim financial statements contained in Item 1 above for further information regarding the Company's unrealized gains and losses on debt and equity securities, including information about investments in an unrealized loss position for which an other-than-temporary impairment has or has not been recognized, and investments pledged as collateral, as well as the Company's fair value measurements for available-for-sale securities.
 
Federal Home Loan Bank Stock
 
The Bank is required to purchase stock of the FHLB at par value in association with advances from the FHLB; this stock is classified as a restricted investment and carried at cost, which management believes approximates fair value.  The carrying amount of FHLB stock was $4.2 million for the period ended September 30, 2015, and $3.4 million at both December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014.

See Note 1, "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies," Item (d), "Restricted Investments," to the Company's unaudited consolidated interim financial statements contained in Item 1 above for further information regarding the Company's investment in FHLB stock.

Loans
 
Total loans represented 82% of total assets as of September 30, 2015, compared to 83% at December 31, 2014.  Total loans increased $118.0 million, or 7%, compared to December 31, 2014, and $177.8 million, or 11%, since September 30, 2014.  The mix of loans within the portfolio remained relatively unchanged with commercial loans amounting to approximately 86% of gross loans, reflecting a continued focus on commercial loan growth.
 

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The following table sets forth the loan balances by certain loan categories at the dates indicated and the percentage of each category to gross loans.
 
 
 
September 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
September 30, 2014
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Amount
 
Percent
 
Amount
 
Percent
 
Amount
 
Percent
Commercial real estate
 
$
922,167

 
51.5
%
 
$
862,747

 
51.6
%
 
$
843,648

 
52.3
%
Commercial and industrial
 
431,029

 
24.0
%
 
402,994

 
24.1
%
 
396,990

 
24.6
%
Commercial construction
 
184,927

 
10.3
%
 
168,044

 
10.0
%
 
142,352

 
8.8
%
Total commercial loans
 
1,538,123

 
85.8
%
 
1,433,785

 
85.7
%
 
1,382,990

 
85.7
%
Residential mortgages
 
162,414

 
9.1
%
 
149,959

 
8.9
%
 
143,825

 
8.9
%
Home equity loans and lines
 
81,195

 
4.5
%
 
80,018

 
4.8
%
 
77,983

 
4.8
%
Consumer
 
10,520

 
0.6
%
 
10,708

 
0.6
%
 
9,654

 
0.6
%
Total retail loans
 
254,129

 
14.2
%
 
240,685

 
14.3
%
 
231,462

 
14.3
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross loans
 
1,792,252

 
100.0
%
 
1,674,470

 
100.0
%
 
1,614,452

 
100.0
%
Deferred fees, net
 
(1,644
)
 
 

 
(1,866
)
 
 

 
(1,678
)
 
 

Total loans
 
1,790,608

 
 

 
1,672,604

 
 

 
1,612,774

 
 

Allowance for loan losses
 
(28,130
)
 
 

 
(27,121
)
 
 

 
(27,029
)
 
 

Net loans
 
$
1,762,478

 
 

 
$
1,645,483

 
 

 
$
1,585,745

 
 


Commercial real estate loans increased $59.4 million, or 7%, as of September 30, 2015, compared to December 31, 2014, and increased 9% compared to September 30, 2014.  Commercial real estate loans are typically secured by one-to-four and multi-family apartment buildings, office, industrial or mixed-use facilities, strip shopping centers or other commercial properties.

Commercial and industrial loans increased by $28.0 million, or 7%, since December 31, 2014, and increased 9% as compared to September 30, 2014.  These loans include seasonal revolving lines of credit, working capital loans, equipment financing (including equipment leases), and term loans.  Also included in commercial and industrial loans are loans partially guaranteed by the U.S. Small Business Administration ("SBA"), and loans under various programs and agencies.

Commercial construction loans increased by $16.9 million, or 10%, since December 31, 2014, and increased 30% as compared to September 30, 2014. Commercial construction loans include the development of residential housing and condominium projects, the development of commercial and industrial use property and loans for the purchase and improvement of raw land.
 
Retail loan balances increased by $13.4 million, or 6%, since December 31, 2014, and have increased by 10% since September 30, 2014.  The increase was primarily within the residential mortgage portfolio.
 
At September 30, 2015, commercial loan balances participated out to various banks amounted to $51.0 million, compared to $44.8 million at December 31, 2014, and $41.4 million at September 30, 2014.  These balances participated out to other institutions are not carried as assets on the Company's financial statements. Commercial loans originated by other banks in which the Company is the participating institution are carried at the pro-rata share of ownership and amounted to $65.7 million, $65.3 million and $51.7 million at September 30, 2015, December 31, 2014, and September 30, 2014, respectively. In each case, the participating bank funds a percentage of the loan commitment and takes on the related risk. The rights and obligations of each participating bank are divided proportionately among the participating banks in an amount equal to their share of ownership and with equal priority among all banks. Participating loans with other institutions provide banks the opportunity to retain customer relationships and reduce credit risk exposure among each participating bank, while providing customers with larger credit vehicles than the individual bank might be willing or able to offer independently.
 
See Note 3, "Loans," to the Company's unaudited consolidated interim financial statements contained in Item 1 for information on loans serviced for others and loans pledged as collateral.

Credit Risk
 
The Company seeks to manage its loan portfolio to avoid concentration by industry and loan size to lessen its credit risk exposure.  However, inherent in the lending process is the risk of loss due to customer non-payment, or "credit risk."  The Company's commercial lending focus may entail significant additional risks compared to long-term financing on existing,

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owner-occupied residential real estate.  While the Company endeavors to minimize this risk through sound underwriting practices and the risk management function, management recognizes that loan losses will occur and that the amount of these losses will fluctuate depending on the risk characteristics of the loan portfolio and economic conditions.
 
The credit risk management function focuses on a wide variety of factors, including, among others, current and expected economic conditions, the real estate market, the financial condition of borrowers, the ability of borrowers to adapt to changing conditions or circumstances affecting their business and the continuity of borrowers' management teams.  Early detection of credit issues is critical to minimize credit losses. Accordingly, management regularly monitors these factors, among others, through ongoing credit reviews by the Credit Department, an external loan review service, reviews by members of senior management and the Loan Committee of the Board of Directors. This review includes the assessment of internal credit quality indicators such as the risk classification of loans, individual review of problem assets, past due and non-accrual loans, impaired and restructured loans, and the level of foreclosure activity, as well as trends in the general levels of these indicators.
 
The Company's loan risk rating system classifies loans depending on risk of loss characteristics.  The classifications range from "substantially risk free" for the highest quality loans and loans that are secured by cash collateral, to the more severe adverse classifications of "substandard," "doubtful" and "loss" based on criteria established under banking regulations.  Loans classified as "substandard" include those characterized by the distinct possibility that the Company will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected. Loans classified as "doubtful" have all the weaknesses inherent in a substandard rated loan with the added characteristic that the weaknesses make collection or full payment from liquidation, on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions, and values, highly questionable and improbable.  Loans classified as "loss" are generally considered uncollectible at present, although long term recovery of part or all of loan proceeds may be possible.  These "loss" loans would require a specific loss reserve or charge-off. Adversely classified loans may be accruing or in non-accrual status and may be additionally designated as restructured and/or impaired, or some combination thereof. Loans which are evaluated to be of weaker credit quality are reviewed on a more frequent basis by management.
 
Loans on which the accrual of interest has been discontinued are designated as non-accrual loans and are credit downgraded to one of the adversely classified categories noted above. Accrual of interest on loans is generally discontinued when a loan becomes contractually past due, with respect to interest or principal, by 90 days, or when reasonable doubt exists as to the full and timely collection of interest or principal. When a loan is placed on non-accrual status, all interest previously accrued but not collected is reversed against current period interest income. Interest accruals are resumed on such loans only when payments are brought current and have remained current for a period of 180 days or when, in the judgment of management, the collectability of both principal and interest is reasonably assured.  Interest payments received on loans in a non-accrual status are generally applied to principal on the books of the Company.
 
Impaired loans are individually significant loans for which management considers it probable that not all amounts due (principal and interest) in accordance with original contractual terms will be collected.  The majority of impaired loans are included within the non-accrual balances; however, not every loan in non-accrual status has been designated as impaired. Impaired loans include loans that have been modified in a troubled debt restructuring (or "TDR", see below). Impaired loans exclude large groups of smaller-balance homogeneous loans, such as residential mortgage loans and consumer loans, which are collectively evaluated for impairment, and loans that are measured at fair value, unless the loan is amended in a TDR.

Management does not set any minimum delay of payments as a factor in reviewing for impaired classification.  Management considers the individual payment status, net worth and earnings potential of the borrower, and the value and cash flow of the collateral as factors to determine if a loan will be paid in accordance with its contractual terms.

Impaired loans are individually evaluated for credit loss and a specific reserve is assigned for the amount of the estimated credit loss. When a loan is deemed to be impaired, management estimates the credit loss by comparing the loan's carrying value against either 1) the present value of the expected future cash flows discounted at the loan's effective interest rate; 2) the loan's observable market price; or 3) the expected realizable fair value of the collateral, in the case of collateral dependent loans.  A specific allowance is assigned to the impaired loan for the amount of estimated credit loss. Impaired loans are charged off, in whole or in part, when management believes that the recorded investment in the loan is uncollectible.
 
Loans are designated as a TDR when, as part of an agreement to modify the original contractual terms of the loan as a result of financial difficulties of the borrower, the Bank grants the borrower a concession on the terms that would otherwise not be considered.  Typically, such concessions may consist of a reduction in interest rate to a below market rate, taking into account the credit quality of the note, or a deferment or reduction of payments (principal or interest), which materially alters the Bank's position or significantly extends the note's maturity date, such that the present value of cash flows to be received is materially less than those contractually established at the loan's origination. All loans that are modified are reviewed by the Company to

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identify if a TDR has occurred.  TDR loans are included in the impaired loan category and as such, these loans are individually reviewed and evaluated, and a specific reserve is assigned for the amount of the estimated credit loss.

An impaired or TDR loan classification will be considered for upgrade based on the borrower's sustained performance over time and their improving financial condition. Consistent with the criteria for returning non-accrual loans to accrual status, the borrower must demonstrate the ability to continue to service the loan in accordance with the original or modified terms and, in the judgment of management, the collectability of the remaining balances, both principal and interest, are reasonably assured. In the case of TDR loans having had a modified interest rate, that rate must be at, or greater than, a market rate for a similar credit at the time of modification for an upgrade to be considered.

Real estate acquired by the Company through foreclosure proceedings or the acceptance of a deed in lieu of foreclosure is classified as OREO. When property is acquired, it is generally recorded at the lesser of the loan's remaining principal balance, net of any unamortized deferred fees, or the estimated fair value of the property acquired, less estimated costs to sell. The estimated fair value is based on market appraisals and the Company's internal analysis. Any loan balance in excess of the estimated realizable fair value on the date of transfer is charged to the allowance for loan losses on that date. All costs incurred thereafter in maintaining the property, as well as subsequent declines in fair value are charged to non-interest expense.
 
Non-performing assets are comprised of non-accrual loans, deposit account overdrafts that are more than 90 days past due and OREO.  The designation of a loan or other asset as non-performing does not necessarily indicate that loan principal and interest will ultimately be uncollectible.  However, management recognizes the greater risk characteristics of these assets and therefore considers the potential risk of loss on assets included in this category in evaluating the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses.  Despite prudent loan underwriting, adverse changes within the Company's market area, or deterioration in local, regional or national economic conditions, could negatively impact the Company's level of non-performing assets in the future.

Asset Quality

At September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Company had adversely classified loans (loans carrying "substandard," "doubtful" or "loss" classifications) amounting to $23.7 million and $28.4 million, respectively. The decrease in adversely classified balances was due primarily to several larger commercial relationships that paid off, in addition to charge-offs and principal payments, partially offset by additional credit downgrades during the period. These same factors also contributed to the declines in non-accrual and impaired balances discussed below.

Adversely classified loans which were performing but possessed potential weaknesses and, as a result, could ultimately become non-performing loans amounted to $9.6 million at September 30, 2015 and $11.5 million at December 31, 2014.  The remaining balances of adversely classified loans were non-accrual loans, amounting to $14.1 million and $16.9 million at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.  Non-accrual loans which were not adversely classified amounted to $322 thousand and $211 thousand at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, and primarily represented the guaranteed portions of non-performing SBA loans.
 

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The following table sets forth information regarding non-performing assets, TDR loans and delinquent loans 60-89 days past due as to interest or principal, held by the Company at the dates indicated:
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
September 30,
2015
 
December 31,
2014
 
September 30,
2014
Non-Accrual loan summary:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial real estate
 
$
8,762

 
$
9,714

 
$
8,028

Commercial and industrial
 
4,673

 
5,950

 
5,865

Commercial construction
 
329

 
447

 
669

Residential
 
436

 
763

 
1,677

Home equity
 
206

 
245

 
276

Consumer
 
39

 
16

 
9

Total non-accrual loans
 
14,445

 
17,135

 
16,524

Overdrafts > 90 days past due
 
7

 
1

 
16

Total non-performing loans
 
14,452

 
17,136

 
16,540

OREO
 

 
861

 
861

Total non-performing assets
 
$
14,452

 
$
17,997

 
$
17,401

Total Loans
 
$
1,790,608

 
$
1,672,604

 
$
1,612,775

Accruing TDR loans not included above
 
$
8,418

 
$
11,943

 
$
13,027

Delinquent loans 60-89 day past due
 
$
2,404

 
$
1,707

 
$
4,208

Non-performing loans to total loans
 
0.81
%
 
1.02
%
 
1.03
%
Non-performing assets to total assets
 
0.66
%
 
0.89
%
 
0.89
%
Loans 60-89 days past due to total loans
 
0.13
%
 
0.10
%
 
0.26
%
Adversely classified loans to total loans
 
1.32
%
 
1.70
%
 
1.74
%
Allowance for loan losses
 
$
28,130

 
$
27,121

 
$
27,029

Allowance for loan losses to non-performing loans
 
194.64
%
 
158.27
%
 
163.42
%
Allowance for loan losses to total loans
 
1.57
%
 
1.62
%
 
1.68
%
 

Total impaired loans amounted to $23.3 million and $29.3 million at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.  Total accruing impaired loans amounted to $8.9 million and $12.5 million at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, while non-accrual impaired loans amounted to $14.3 million and $16.7 million as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.

In management's opinion, the majority of impaired loan balances at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 were supported by expected future cash flows or, for those collateral dependent loans, the net realizable value of the underlying collateral. Based on management's assessment at September 30, 2015, impaired loans totaling $18.5 million required no specific reserves and impaired loans totaling $4.8 million required specific reserve allocations of $2.0 million.  At December 31, 2014, impaired loans totaling $21.9 million required no specific reserves and impaired loans totaling $7.4 million required specific reserve allocations of $2.2 million.  Management closely monitors these relationships for collateral or credit deterioration.
 
Total TDR loans included in the impaired loan figures above as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 were $15.4 million and $19.5 million, respectively.  TDR loans on accrual status amounted to $8.4 million and $11.9 million at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. TDR loans included in non-performing loans amounted to $7.0 million and $7.5 million at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.  The Company continues to work with commercial relationships and enters into loan modifications to the extent deemed to be necessary or appropriate while attempting to achieve the best mutual outcome given the current economic environment.
 
The Company carried no OREO at September 30, 2015 compared to $861 thousand at December 31, 2014. During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, the Company sold the three properties held at December 31, 2014, recognizing net gains on

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OREO sales of $154 thousand; there were no additions to OREO, or subsequent impairment write-downs during the period. During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, there were no sales or subsequent impairment write-downs on OREO.

Although the Company's credit statistics have begun show some improvement over prior periods, management believes that individual commercial relationships have been and will continue to be affected by lagging effects that the economic environment has had on the regional and local commercial markets.

Allowance for Loan Losses
 
On a quarterly basis, management prepares an estimate of the allowance necessary to cover estimated credit losses.  The allowance for loan losses is an estimate of probable credit risk inherent in the loan portfolio as of the specified balance sheet dates.  The Company maintains the allowance at a level that it deems adequate to absorb all reasonably anticipated losses from specifically known and other credit risks associated with the portfolio.
 
In making its assessment on the adequacy of the allowance, management considers several quantitative and qualitative factors that could have an effect on the credit quality of the portfolio including individual assessment of larger and high risk credits, delinquency trends and the level of non-performing loans, net charge-offs, the growth and composition of the loan portfolio, expansion in geographic market area, the experience level of lenders and changes in underwriting criteria, and the strength of the local and national economy, among other factors.  Except for loans specifically identified as impaired, as discussed above, the estimate is a two-tiered approach that allocates loan loss reserves to "regulatory problem assets" loans by credit rating and to non-classified loans by credit type.  The general loss allocations take into account the quantitative historic loss experience as well as the qualitative factors identified above.  The allowance for loan losses is established through a provision for loan losses, which is a direct charge to earnings.  Loan losses are charged against the allowance when management believes that the collectability of loan principal is unlikely.  Recoveries on loans previously charged off are credited to the allowance.

Management closely monitors the credit quality of individual delinquent and non-performing relationships, industry concentrations, the local and regional real estate market and current economic conditions.  The level of delinquent and non-performing assets is largely a function of economic conditions and the overall banking environment.  Despite prudent loan underwriting, adverse changes within the Company's market area, or deterioration in the local, regional or national economic conditions could negatively impact the Company's level of non-performing assets in the future.

Management continues to closely monitor the non-performing assets, charge-offs and necessary allowance levels, including specific reserves. The allowance for loan losses to total loans ratio was 1.57% at September 30, 2015, 1.62% at December 31, 2014, and 1.68% at September 30, 2014. The declining trend in the allowance ratio reflects the improvement in credit quality statistics and general economic conditions over the period.
Based on management's judgment as to the existing credit risks inherent in the loan portfolio, as discussed above under the headings "Credit Risk" and "Asset Quality," management believes that the Company's allowance for loan losses is deemed adequate to absorb probable losses from specifically known and other credit risks associated with the portfolio as of September 30, 2015.
 

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The following table summarizes the activity in the allowance for loan losses for the periods indicated:
 
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2015
 
2014
Balance at beginning of year
 
$
27,121

 
$
26,967

 
 
 
 
 
Provision charged to operations
 
2,100

 
1,165

  Recoveries on charged-off loans:
 
 

 
 

Commercial real estate
 
5

 

Commercial and industrial
 
232

 
510

Commercial construction
 
25

 
47

Residential
 

 

Home equity
 
15

 
1

Consumer
 
14

 
24

Total recoveries
 
291

 
582

  Charged-off loans
 
 
 
 
Commercial real estate
 
108

 
295

Commercial and industrial
 
1,201

 
1,143

Commercial construction
 

 
134

Residential
 

 
46

Home equity
 

 
27

Consumer
 
73

 
40

Total Charged off
 
1,382

 
1,685

 
 
 
 
 
Net loans charged-off
 
1,091

 
1,103

Ending Balance
 
$
28,130

 
$
27,029

Annualized net loans charged-off: Average loans outstanding
 
0.09
%
 
0.09
%
 
Refer to "Credit Risk," "Asset Quality" and "Allowance for Loan Losses" contained in Item 7, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," included in the Company's 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information regarding the Company's credit risk management process and allowance for loan losses.


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Deposits
 
The following table sets forth the deposit balances by certain categories at the dates indicated and the percentage of each category to total deposits.
 
 
 
September 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
September 30, 2014
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Amount
 
Percent
 
Amount
 
Percent
 
Amount
 
Percent
Non-interest bearing demand deposits
 
$
559,367

 
28.5
%
 
$
470,025

 
26.6
%
 
$
483,074

 
27.3
%
Interest bearing checking
 
320,579

 
16.3
%
 
253,126

 
14.3
%
 
245,207

 
13.9
%
Total checking
 
879,946

 
44.8
%
 
723,151

 
40.9
%
 
728,281

 
41.2
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Savings
 
168,175

 
8.6
%
 
149,940

 
8.5
%
 
149,587

 
8.5
%
Money markets
 
638,029

 
32.5
%
 
631,676

 
35.7
%
 
619,630

 
35.0
%
Total savings/money markets
 
806,204

 
41.1
%
 
781,616

 
44.2
%
 
769,217

 
43.5
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Certificates of deposit
 
165,554

 
8.4
%
 
178,594

 
10.1
%
 
186,140

 
10.5
%
Total non-brokered deposits
 
1,851,704

 
94.3
%
 
1,683,361

 
95.2
%
 
1,683,638

 
95.2
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Brokered deposits
 
111,911

 
5.7
%
 
85,185

 
4.8
%
 
85,158

 
4.8
%
Total deposits
 
$
1,963,615

 
100.0
%
 
$
1,768,546

 
100.0
%
 
$
1,768,796

 
100.0
%


As of September 30, 2015, deposits, excluding brokered deposits, increased $168.3 million, or 10%, since December 31, 2014, and $168.1 million, or 10%, since September 30, 2014. Non-brokered deposit growth was noted primarily within the checking category.

Wholesale funding, which includes brokered deposits and borrowed funds, amounted to $136.1 million at September 30, 2015, compared to $144.1 million at December 31, 2014, a decrease of $8.0 million, or 6%.

From time to time, management utilizes brokered deposits as cost effective wholesale funding sources to support continued loan growth and as part of the Company's asset-liability management strategy to protect against rising rates. Brokered deposits may be comprised of overnight money market deposits and selected term CDs gathered from nationwide bank networks or from large money center banks, however, at September 30, 2015, December 31, 2014, and September 30, 2014 brokered deposits were comprised only of brokered CDs. While brokered CDs increased $26.7 million, or 31%, during the first nine months of 2015, the Company's level of borrowed funds have declined over the same period. Brokered CDs outstanding at September 30, 2015 had a weighted average remaining life of approximately 1.6 years.


Borrowed Funds and Subordinated Debt
 
Borrowed funds consisted of FHLB borrowings of $24.2 million at September 30, 2015, compared to $58.9 million at December 31, 2014 and $1.0 million September 30, 2014. Borrowed fund balances have declined $34.7 million, or 59%, since year end as deposits have grown and the Company has utilized brokered CDs as an alternative strategic funding source.

At September 30, 2015, the Bank had the capacity to borrow additional funds from the FHLB of up to approximately $370.0 million and capacity to borrow from the FRB Discount Window of approximately $95.0 million.
 
The Company also had $14.8 million of outstanding subordinated debt at September 30, 2015. At both December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, the Company had $10.8 million in subordinated debt.

The subordinated debt carried at September 30, 2015 consisted of $15.0 million in aggregate principal amount of Fixed-to-Floating Rate Subordinated Notes (the "Notes") issued in January 2015, in a private placement to an accredited investor. The Notes, which are intended to qualify as Tier 2 capital for regulatory purposes, mature on January 30, 2030 (the "Maturity Date") and are callable by the Company, subject to regulatory approval, at a premium beginning January 30, 2020 and at par beginning January 30, 2025. The Notes pay interest at a fixed rate of 6.00% per annum through January 30, 2025 and

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beginning on January 31, 2025 through the Maturity Date, or any early redemption date, the interest rate on the Notes will adjust monthly at an interest rate of 3.90% plus 30-day LIBOR. Original debt issuance costs were $190 thousand and have been netted against the subordinated debt on the balance sheet in accordance with recent accounting guidance which the Company adopted in the first quarter of 2015. These costs are being amortized over the life of the Notes.

The subordinated debt balance carried at December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014 consisted of $10.8 million in Junior Subordinated Debt Securities (the "Debt"), at a rate of 10.875%. In March 2015, the Company paid off the Debt using proceeds from the $15.0 million in Notes issued in January 2015.

Liquidity
 
Liquidity is the ability to meet cash needs arising from, among other things, fluctuations in loans, investments, deposits and borrowings.  Liquidity management is the coordination of activities so that cash needs are anticipated and met readily and efficiently.  The Company's liquidity policies are set and monitored by the Company's Asset-Liability Committee of the Board of Directors ("ALCO").  The Company's asset-liability objectives are to engage in sound balance sheet management strategies, maintain liquidity, provide and enhance access to a diverse and stable source of funds, provide competitively priced and attractive products to customers and conduct funding at a low cost relative to current market conditions.  Funds gathered are used to support current commitments, to fund earning asset growth, and to take advantage of selected leverage opportunities.
 
The Company's liquidity is maintained by projecting cash needs, balancing maturing assets with maturing liabilities, monitoring various liquidity ratios, monitoring deposit flows, maintaining cash flow within the investment portfolio, and maintaining wholesale funding resources. 

At September 30, 2015, the Company's wholesale funding sources included borrowing capacity at the FHLB and brokered deposits. In addition, the Company maintains fed fund purchase arrangements with correspondent banks and access to the FRB Discount Window.

Management believes that the Company has adequate liquidity to meet its obligations. However, if, as a result of general economic conditions or other events, these sources of external funding become restricted or are eliminated, the Company may not be able to raise adequate funds or may incur substantially higher funding costs or operating restrictions in order to raise the necessary funds to support the Company's operations and growth.

The Company has in the past also increased capital and liquidity by offering shares of the Company's common stock for sale to its existing stockholders and new investors.

Capital Resources
 
The Company believes its current capital is adequate to support ongoing operations.  As of September 30, 2015, both the Company and the Bank qualify as "well capitalized" under applicable regulations of Basel III, the Federal Reserve Board and the FDIC. 
 

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The Company began implementing the new regulatory requirements under Basel III in 2015. The current regulatory requirements, and the Company's and the Bank's actual capital amounts and ratios are presented as of September 30, 2015 in the tables below.
 
 
Actual
 
Minimum Capital
for Capital Adequacy
Purposes
 
Minimum Capital
To Be
Well Capitalized
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Amount
 
Ratio
 
Amount
 
Ratio
 
Amount
 
Ratio
 
The Company
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Capital (to risk weighted assets)
 
$
207,371


10.88
%

$
152,493


8.00
%

$
190,616


10.00
%
 
Tier 1 Capital (to risk weighted assets)
 
$
168,005


8.81
%

$
114,369


6.00
%

$
152,493


8.00
%
 
Tier 1 Capital (to average assets) or Leverage ratio
 
$
168,005


7.85
%

$
85,569


4.00
%

N/A


N/A

*
Common equity tier 1 capital to risk weighted assets
 
$
168,005

 
8.81
%
 
$
85,777

 
4.50
%
 
$
123,900

 
6.50
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The Bank
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Capital (to risk weighted assets)
 
$
203,709

 
10.69
%
 
$
152,493

 
8.00
%
 
$
190,616

 
10.00
%
 
Tier 1 Capital (to risk weighted assets)
 
$
179,162

 
9.40
%
 
$
114,369

 
6.00
%
 
$
152,493

 
8.00
%
 
Tier 1 Capital (to average assets) or Leverage ratio
 
$
179,162

 
8.38
%
 
$
85,566

 
4.00
%
 
$
106,957

 
5.00
%
 
Common equity tier 1 capital to risk weighted assets
 
$
179,162

 
9.40
%
 
$
85,777

 
4.50
%
 
$
123,900

 
6.50
%
 
__________________________________________
* For the Bank to qualify as "well capitalized," it must maintain a leverage capital ratio (Tier 1 capital to average assets) of at least 5%.  This requirement does not apply to the Company.
  
Under Basel III, capital ratio requirements for all banking organizations have increased and include a "capital conservation buffer," which is being phased in through 2019, and is in addition to each capital ratio. If a banking organization dips into its capital conservation buffer it may be restricted in its ability to pay dividends and discretionary bonus payments to its executive officers. Although community banks began complying with the Basel III rules on January 1, 2015, as previously noted above, there is a phase in period for several aspects, including the capital conservation buffer, which begins in January 2016 and extends to January 2019.

The Basel III minimum capital ratio requirements as applicable to the Company and the Bank in 2019 after the full phase-in period are summarized in the table below:
 
 
Basel III Minimum for Capital Adequacy Purposes
 
Basel III Additional Capital Conservation Buffer
 
Basel III "Adequate" Ratio with Capital Conservation Buffer
Total Risk Based Capital (total capital to risk weighted assets)
 
8.0%
 
2.5%
 
10.5%
Tier 1 Risk Based Capital (tier 1 to risk weighted assets)
 
6.0%
 
2.5%
 
8.5%
Tier 1 Leverage Ratio (tier 1 to average assets)
 
4.0%
 
—%
 
4.0%
Common Equity Tier 1 Risk Based to risk weighted assets
 
4.5%
 
2.5%
 
7.0%

Although the Company believes its current capital is adequate to support ongoing operations, on July 18, 2013, the Company filed a shelf registration statement of common stock, rights or preferred stock with the SEC for the flexibility to raise, over a three year period, up to $40 million in capital to position the Company to take advantage of future growth and market share opportunities. As of September 30, 2015, the Company has not utilized this shelf registration statement.

The Company previously maintained a dividend reinvestment plan for stockholders of the Company (the "DRP").  In July 2014, that DRP was terminated and the Company adopted a new dividend reinvestment plan and direct stock purchase plan (the "DRSPP"). The DRSPP enables stockholders, at their discretion, to continue to elect to reinvest cash dividends paid on their shares of the Company's common stock by purchasing additional shares of common stock from the Company at a purchase price equal to fair market value.  Under the DRSPP, stockholders and new investors also have the opportunity to purchase shares of the Company's common stock without brokerage fees, subject to monthly minimums and maximums.
 

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For the nine months ended September 30, 2015, the Company paid $3.9 million in cash dividends. Stockholders utilized the dividend reinvestment portion of the DRSPP to purchase an aggregate of 45,449 shares of the Company's common stock totaling $957 thousand. The direct purchase component of the DRSPP was used to purchase 5,280 shares of the Company's common stock totaling $117 thousand during the nine months ended September 30, 2015.

On October 20, 2015, the Company announced a quarterly dividend of $0.125 per share to be paid on December 1, 2015 to stockholders of record as of November 10, 2015. The 2015 dividend rate represents a 4.2% increase over the 2014 dividend rate.

Investment Assets Under Management
 
The Company provides a wide range of investment advisory and wealth management services, including brokerage, trust, and investment management (together, "investment advisory services").  Also included in the investment assets under management total are customers' commercial sweep arrangements that are invested in third-party money market mutual funds.
 
The following table sets forth the fair market value of investment assets under management by certain categories at the dates indicated.
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
September 30,
2015
 
December 31,
2014
 
September 30,
2014
Investment advisory and management services
 
$
517,798

 
$
528,718

 
$
524,517

Brokerage and management services
 
152,232

 
144,396

 
140,130

Total investment advisory assets
 
670,030

 
673,114

 
664,647

Commercial sweep accounts
 
2,046

 
1,490

 
2,096

Investment assets under management
 
$
672,076

 
$
674,604

 
$
666,743


Investment assets under management are relatively flat since December 31, 2014 and have increased slightly by $5.3 million, or 1%, since September 30, 2014.  Market volatility at the end the current quarter resulted in declines in market values that offset growth from net sales year-to-date.

Total assets under management, which includes total assets, investment assets under management, and loans serviced for others amounted to $2.94 billion at September 30, 2015, $2.76 billion at December 31, 2014, and $2.69 billion at September 30, 2014. Investment assets under management and loans serviced for others are not carried as assets on the Company's balance sheet.

Results of Operations
Three Months Ended September 30, 2015 vs. Three Months Ended September 30, 2014
 
Unless otherwise indicated, the reported results are for the three months ended September 30, 2015 with the "same period," the "comparable period," and "prior period" being the three months ended September 30, 2014. Average yields are presented on a tax equivalent basis.
 
The Company's third quarter 2015 net income amounted to $4.3 million, compared to $3.8 million for the same period in 2014, an increase of $461 thousand, or 12%.  Diluted earnings per common share were $0.41 and $0.37 for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014, respectively, an increase of 11%.
 
The Company’s 2015 growth contributed to increases in net interest income and non-interest expenses for the quarter, as compared to the same period in 2014. This growth and other items impacting the Company's net income are discussed further below.
 
Net Interest Income

The Company's net interest income for the quarter ended September 30, 2015 amounted to $19.8 million, compared to $18.1 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2014, an increase of $1.7 million, or 9%.  The increase in net interest income over the comparable period was due primarily to revenue generated from loan growth, partially offset by a decrease in tax equivalent net interest margin.

 

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Net Interest Margin
 
The Company's tax equivalent net interest margin ("margin") was 3.95% for the three months ended September 30, 2015, which is relatively consistent with the quarterly margins of 3.93% for the three months ended June 30, 2015 and 3.95% for the three months ended March 31, 2015. For the quarter ended September 30, 2014, margin was 4.02%

 Rate / Volume Analysis
 
The following table sets forth the extent to which changes in interest rates and changes in the average balances of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities have affected interest income and expense during the three months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2014.  For each category of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, information is provided on changes attributable to: (1) volume (change in average portfolio balance multiplied by prior period average rate); (2) interest rate (change in average interest rate multiplied by prior period average balance); and (3) rate and volume (the remaining difference).
 
 
 
 
 
Increase (decrease) due to
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Net
Change
 
Volume
 
Rate
 
Rate/
Volume
Interest Income
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Loans and loans held for sale
 
$
1,350

 
$
1,881

 
$
(466
)
 
$
(65
)
Investment securities
 
246

 
347

 
(49
)
 
(52
)
Other interest earning assets (1)
 
33

 
(3
)
 
41

 
(5
)
Total interest earnings assets
 
1,629

 
2,225

 
(474
)
 
(122
)
Interest Expense
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Interest checking, savings and money market
 
(7
)
 
56

 
(50
)
 
(13
)
Certificates of deposit
 
(12
)
 
(30
)
 
19

 
(1
)
Brokered CDs
 
36

 
62

 
(19
)
 
(7
)
Borrowed funds
 
7

 
7

 

 

Subordinated debt
 
(62
)
 
110

 
(130
)
 
(42
)
Total interest-bearing deposits, borrowed funds and subordinated debt
 
(38
)
 
205

 
(180
)
 
(63
)
Change in net interest income
 
$
1,667

 
$
2,020

 
$
(294
)
 
$
(59
)
__________________________________________
(1)
Other interest earning assets include dividends on FHLB stock and income on short-term investments.

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The following table presents the Company's average balance sheet, net interest income and average rates for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014.

AVERAGE BALANCES, INTEREST AND AVERAGE YIELDS
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2015
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2014
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Average
Balance
 
Interest
 
Average
Yield(1)
 
Average
Balance
 
Interest
 
Average
Yield(1)
Assets:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Loans and loans held for sale (2)
 
$
1,759,611

 
$
19,584

 
4.47
%
 
$
1,596,528

 
$
18,234

 
4.59
%
Investments (3)
 
267,364

 
1,377

 
2.66
%
 
216,901

 
1,131

 
2.75
%
Other Interest Earning Assets (4)
 
26,614

 
62

 
0.93
%
 
30,015

 
29

 
0.37
%
Total interest earnings assets
 
2,053,589

 
21,023

 
4.19
%
 
1,843,444

 
19,394

 
4.30
%
Other assets
 
92,629

 
 

 
 

 
91,537

 
 

 
 

Total assets
 
$
2,146,218

 
 

 
 

 
$
1,934,981

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities and stockholders' equity:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Int chkg, savings and money market
 
$
1,109,271

 
531

 
0.19
%
 
$
1,002,622

 
538

 
0.21
%
Certificates of deposit
 
167,333

 
258

 
0.61
%
 
188,463

 
270

 
0.57
%
Brokered CDs
 
111,900

 
233

 
0.83
%
 
85,145

 
197

 
0.92
%
Borrowed funds
 
10,544

 
10

 
0.36
%
 
2,481

 
3

 
0.37
%
Subordinated debt (5)
 
14,817

 
232

 
6.16
%
 
10,825

 
294

 
10.88
%
Total interest-bearing funding
 
1,413,865

 
1,264

 
0.35
%
 
1,289,536

 
1,302

 
0.40
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net interest rate spread
 
 

 
 

 
3.84
%
 
 

 
 

 
3.90
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Demand deposits
 
543,360

 

 


 
471,136

 

 


Total deposits, borrowed funds and subordinated debt
 
1,957,225

 
1,264

 
0.26
%
 
1,760,672

 
1,302

 
0.29
%
Other liabilities
 
14,427

 
 

 
 

 
13,272

 
 

 
 

Total liabilities
 
1,971,652

 
 

 
 

 
1,773,944

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Stockholders' equity
 
174,566

 
 

 
 

 
161,037

 
 

 
 

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
 
$
2,146,218

 
 

 
 

 
$
1,934,981

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net interest income
 
 

 
$
19,759

 
 

 
 

 
$
18,092

 
 

Net interest margin (tax equivalent)
 
 

 
 

 
3.95
%
 
 

 
 

 
4.02
%
__________________________________________
(1)
Average yields are presented on a tax equivalent basis.  The tax equivalent effect associated with loans and investments, which was not included in the interest amount above, was $634 thousand and $569 thousand for the quarters ended September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014, respectively.
(2)
Average loans and loans held for sale include non-accrual loans and are net of average deferred loan fees.
(3)
Average investments are presented at average amortized cost.
(4)
Average other interest earning assets include interest earning deposits, fed funds sold and FHLB stock.
(5)
The subordinated debt issued in January 2015 is net of average deferred debt issuance costs.


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Interest and Dividend Income

For the third quarter of 2015, total interest and dividend income amounted to $21.0 million, an increase of $1.6 million, or 8%, compared to the prior period.  The increase resulted primarily from an increase of $210.1 million, or 11%, in the average balance of interest earning assets, partially offset by an 11 basis point decline in the yield on interest earning assets.

Interest income on loans and loans held for sale, which accounts for the majority of interest income, amounted to $19.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015, an increase of $1.4 million, or 7%, over the comparable period, due primarily to loan growth, partially offset by a decline in loan yields.  The average balances of loans and loans held for sale increased $163.1 million, or 10%, for the three months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same period in 2014, while the average yield on these assets declined 12 basis points compared to the prior period, due primarily to the current interest rate environment and commercial loan repricing and amounted to 4.47% for the three months ended September 30, 2015.

Income on investment securities amounted to $1.4 million, an increase of $246 thousand, or 22%, compared to the same period in 2014. This increase primarily resulted from an increase of $50.5 million, or 23%, in the average balance of investment securities, partially offset by a decline in investment yields of 9 basis points.

Interest Expense
 
For the three months ended September 30, 2015, total interest expense amounted to $1.3 million, a decrease of $38 thousand, or 3%, compared to the prior period. The decrease resulted primarily from the issuance of $15.0 million in Notes in January 2015 at a lower rate than the Company's $10.8 million Debt that was redeemed in full in March 2015.

Interest expense on brokered CDs amounted to $233 thousand, an increase of $36 thousand, or 18%, over the comparable period. The increase primarily resulted from an increase in the average balances of brokered CDs by $26.8 million, or 31%, compared to the 2014 period, partially offset by a 9 basis point decrease in rates.

Interest expense on subordinated debt amounted to $232 thousand, a decrease of $62 thousand, or 21%, over the same period in 2014. The decrease primarily resulted from a decrease in the average rate, partially offset by an increase in the average balance. The average rate declined to 6.16% as a result of the lower rate on the Notes issued in January 2015. Average balances increased $4.0 million due to the higher dollar value of the Notes issued in January 2015, compared to the amount of the Company's Debt that was redeemed in full in March 2015.

For the three months ended September 30, 2015, the average balance of non-interest bearing demand deposits increased $72.2 million, or 15%, as compared to the same period in 2014.  Non-interest bearing demand deposits are an important component of the Company's core funding strategy.  This non-interest bearing funding source represented 28% of total average deposit balances for the three months ended September 30, 2015, compared to 27% for the three months ended September 30, 2014, respectively.

Provision for Loan Loss
 
The provision for loan losses amounted to $250 thousand for three months ended September 30, 2015, a decrease of $515 thousand compared to the same period last year.  The 2014 quarterly provision included specific reserves for two larger commercial relationships carried as impaired loans. In determining the provision to the allowance for loan losses, management takes into consideration the level of loan growth and an estimate of credit risk, which includes such items as adversely classified and non-performing loans, the estimated specific reserves needed for impaired loans, the level of net charge-offs, and the estimated impact of current economic conditions on credit quality. For further discussion regarding the provision for loan losses and management's assessment of the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses see "Credit Risk," "Asset Quality," and "Allowance for Loan Losses" under "Financial Condition" in this Item 2 above, and "Credit Risk," "Asset Quality," and "Allowance for Loan Losses" in the Financial Condition section of Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in the Company's 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
There have been no material changes to the Company's underwriting practices or to the allowance for loan loss methodology used to estimate loan loss exposure as reported in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014. The provision for loan losses is a significant factor in the Company's operating results.
 

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Table of Contents

Non-Interest Income
 
Non-interest income for the three months ended September 30, 2015 amounted to $3.4 million, a decrease of $155 thousand, or 4%, as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2014 due primarily to net gains on sales of investment securities (a decrease of $208 thousand). Investment sales are typically driven by market opportunities.

Non-Interest Expense
 
Non-interest expense for the three months ended September 30, 2015 amounted to $16.5 million, an increase of $1.4 million, or 9%, compared to the same period in 2014. The significant changes are discussed below:
 
Salaries and employee benefits increased $801 thousand, or 8%, to support the Company's strategic growth and market expansion initiatives since the prior period.

Occupancy and equipment expenses increased $187 thousand, or 12%, due primarily to the expansion of our main headquarters in Lowell, increased utility costs, and investments in maintaining our facilities.

Technology and telecommunications expense increased $180 thousand, or 14%, primarily as a result of investments to support our strategic growth, network infrastructure and security, improve our service capabilities and enhance business continuity.

Audit, legal, and other professional expenses increased $111 thousand, or 25%, due primarily to increases in other professional costs due to the timing of these services and projects.

Results of Operations
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 vs. Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
 
Unless otherwise indicated, the reported results are for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 with the "same period," the "comparable period," "prior year," and "prior period" being the nine months ended September 30, 2014. Average yields are presented on a tax equivalent basis.
 
The Company's year-to-date 2015 net income amounted to $11.4 million compared to $10.7 million for the same period in 2014, an increase of $776 thousand, or 7%.  Diluted earnings per share were $1.10 and $1.05 for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014, respectively, an increase of 5%.

The Company’s 2015 growth contributed to increases in year-to-date net interest income and non-interest expenses, as compared to the same period in 2014. This growth and other items impacting the Company's net income are discussed further below.
 
Net Interest Income
 
The Company's net interest income for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 was $57.2 million compared to $52.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014, an increase of $4.7 million, or 9%.  The increase in net interest income over the comparable year-to-date period was due primarily to revenue generated from loan growth, partially offset by a decrease in tax equivalent net interest margin.
 
Net Interest Margin 

The Company's year-to-date margin was 3.94% for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, compared to 4.03% in the comparable 2014 period. While the margin has declined since September 30, 2014, the quarterly margin for September 30, 2015 at 3.95% was relatively consistent with the margin the last two quarters.


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Table of Contents

Rate / Volume Analysis
 
The following table sets forth the extent to which changes in interest rates and changes in the average balances of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities have affected interest income and expense during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2014.  For each category of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, information is provided on changes attributable to: (1) volume (change in average portfolio balance multiplied by prior period average rate); (2) interest rate (change in average interest rate multiplied by prior period average balance); and (3) rate and volume (the remaining difference).

 
 
 
 
Increase (decrease) due to
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Net
Change
 
Volume
 
Rate
 
Rate/
Volume
Interest Income
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Loans and loans held for sale
 
$
3,998

 
$
5,084

 
$
(1,097
)
 
$
11

Investment securities
 
621

 
777

 
(95
)
 
(61
)
Other interest earning assets (1)
 
53

 
42

 
7

 
4

Total interest earnings assets
 
4,672

 
5,903

 
(1,185
)
 
(46
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest Expense
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Interest checking, savings and money market
 
(38
)
 
161

 
(146
)
 
(53
)
Certificates of deposit
 
(91
)
 
(98
)
 
15

 
(8
)
Brokered CDs
 
131

 
246

 
(77
)
 
(38
)
Borrowed funds
 
(1
)
 
(5
)
 
4

 

Subordinated debt
 
(46
)
 
419

 
(319
)
 
(146
)
Total interest-bearing deposits, borrowed funds and subordinated debt
 
(45
)
 
723

 
(523
)
 
(245
)
Change in net interest income
 
$
4,717

 
$
5,180

 
$
(662
)
 
$
199

_________________________________
(1)
Other interest earning assets include dividends on FHLB stock and income on short-term investments.


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Table of Contents

The following table presents the Company's average balance sheet, net interest income and average rates for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014
AVERAGE BALANCES, INTEREST AND AVERAGE YIELDS
 
 
 
Nine months ended September 30, 2015
 
Nine months ended September 30, 2014
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Average
Balance
 
Interest
 
Average
Yield(1)
 
Average
Balance
 
Interest
 
Average
Yield(1)
Assets:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Loans and loans held for sale (2)
 
$
1,715,527

 
$
57,115

 
4.50
%
 
$
1,565,981

 
$
53,117

 
4.59
%
Investments (3)
 
249,236

 
3,825

 
2.64
%
 
210,849

 
3,204

 
2.70
%
Other interest earning assets (4)
 
30,937

 
137

 
0.59
%
 
20,584

 
84

 
0.54
%
Total interest earnings assets
 
1,995,700

 
61,077

 
4.20
%
 
1,797,414

 
56,405

 
4.32
%
Other assets
 
91,299

 
 

 
 

 
88,982

 
 

 
 

Total assets
 
$
2,086,999

 
 

 
 

 
$
1,886,396

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities and stockholders' equity:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Int chkg, savings and money market
 
$
1,073,759

 
1,587

 
0.20
%
 
$
975,895

 
1,625

 
0.22
%
Certificates of deposit
 
172,125

 
757

 
0.59
%
 
194,674

 
848

 
0.58
%
Brokered CDs
 
114,338

 
689

 
0.81
%
 
79,351

 
558

 
0.94
%
Borrowed funds
 
12,100

 
32

 
0.35
%
 
14,270

 
33

 
0.31
%
Subordinated debt (5)
 
15,904

 
837

 
6.99
%
 
10,825

 
883

 
10.88
%
Total interest-bearing funding
 
1,388,226

 
3,902

 
0.38
%
 
1,275,015

 
3,947

 
0.41
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net interest rate spread
 
 

 
 

 
3.82
%
 
 

 
 

 
3.91
%
Demand deposits
 
512,181

 

 
 
 
441,920

 

 
 
Total deposits, borrowed funds and subordinated debt
 
1,900,407

 
3,902

 
0.27
%
 
1,716,935

 
3,947

 
0.31
%
Other liabilities
 
14,566

 
 

 
 

 
12,152

 
 

 
 

Total liabilities
 
1,914,973

 
 

 
 

 
1,729,087

 
 

 
 

Stockholders' equity
 
172,026

 
 

 
 

 
157,309

 
 

 
 

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
 
$
2,086,999

 
 

 
 

 
$
1,886,396

 
 

 
 

Net interest income
 
 

 
$
57,175

 
 

 
 

 
$
52,458

 
 

Net interest margin (tax equivalent)
 
 

 
 

 
3.94
%
 
 

 
 

 
4.03
%
_______________________________
(1)
Average yields are presented on a tax equivalent basis.  The tax equivalent effect associated with loans and investments, which was not included in the interest amount above, was $1.7 million for both the nine month periods ended September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014.
(2)
Average loans and loans held for sale include non-accrual loans and are net of average deferred loan fees.
(3)
Average investment balances are presented at average amortized cost.
(4)
Average other interest earning assets includes interest-earning deposits, fed funds sold, and FHLB stock.
(5)
The subordinated debt issued in January 2015 is net of average deferred debt issuance costs.

 

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Table of Contents


Interest and Dividend Income
 
Total interest and dividend income amounted to $61.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, an increase of $4.7 million, or 8%, compared to the prior period.  The increase resulted primarily from an increase of $198.3 million, or 11%, in the average balance of interest earning assets, partially offset by a 12 basis point decline in the yield on interest earning assets.

Interest income on loans and loans held for sale, which accounts for the majority of interest income, amounted to $57.1 million, an increase of $4.0 million, or 8%, over the comparable period, due primarily to loan growth, partially offset by a decline in loan yields.  The average loans and loans held for sale balances increased $149.5 million, or 10%, compared to the prior period. The average yield on loans and loans held for sale amounted to 4.50% for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, a decline of 9 basis points since the same period in 2014, due primarily to the current interest rate environment and commercial loan repricing.

Income on investment securities amounted to $3.8 million, an increase of $621 thousand, or 19%, compared to the same period in 2014. This increase primarily resulted from an increase in the average balance of investment securities by $38.4 million, or 18%, partially offset by a decline in investment yields of 6 basis points.

Income on other interest earning assets amounted to $137 thousand, an increase of $53 thousand, or 63%, over the comparable period in 2014, primarily due to an increase in average balances by $10.4 million, or 50%.

Interest Expense
 
For the nine months ended September 30, 2015, total interest expense amounted to $3.9 million, a decrease of $45 thousand, or 1%, compared to the prior period.  The decrease resulted primarily from the issuance of $15.0 million in Notes in January 2015 at a lower rate than the Company's $10.8 million Debt that was redeemed in full in March 2015.
 
Interest expense on interest checking, savings and money market accounts amounted to $1.6 million, a decrease of $38 thousand, or 2%, due primarily to a decrease in rates, mainly offset by an increase in average balances. Rates declined 2 basis point to 0.20%, while average balances increased $97.9 million, or 10%, to $1.07 billion.

Interest expense on CDs amounted to $757 thousand, a decrease of $91 thousand, or 11%, over the comparable period. The decrease was due primarily to a decrease in average balances of $22.5 million, or 12%, compared to the same prior period in 2014.

Interest expense on brokered CDs amounted to $689 thousand, an increase of $131 thousand, or 23%, over the comparable period, due primarily to increased average balances, partially offset by a decrease in rates of 13 basis points. The average balances increased by $35.0 million, or 44%, compared to the 2014 period.
 
Interest expense on subordinated debt amounted to $837 thousand, a decrease of $46 thousand, or 5%, over the same period in 2014. The decrease primarily resulted from a decrease in the average rate, partially offset by an increase in the average balance. The average rate declined to 6.99% as a result of the lower rate on the Notes issued in January 2015. Average balances increased $5.1 million due to the higher dollar value of the Notes issued in January 2015, compared to the amount of the Company's Debt that was redeemed in full in March 2015.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2015, the average balance of non-interest bearing demand deposits increased $70.3 million, or 16%, as compared to the same period in 2014.  Non-interest bearing demand deposits are an important component of the Company's core funding strategy.  This non-interest bearing funding represented 27% and 26% of total average deposit balances for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
 
Provision for Loan Loss
 
The provision for loan losses amounted to $2.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, an increase of $935 thousand compared to the same period last year.  The increase in the year-to-date 2015 provision was due primarily to loan growth and additional specific reserves on impaired commercial loans.  In determining the provision to the allowance for loan losses, management takes into consideration the level of loan growth and an estimate of credit risk, which includes such items as adversely classified and non-performing loans, the estimated specific reserves needed for impaired loans, the level of net charge-offs, and the estimated impact of current economic conditions on credit quality. For further discussion regarding the

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Table of Contents

provision for loan losses and management's assessment of the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses see "Credit Risk," "Asset Quality" and "Allowance for Loan Losses" under "Financial Condition" in this Item 2 above and "Credit Risk," "Asset Quality" and "Allowance for Loan Losses" in the Financial Condition section of Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in the Company's 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
There have been no material changes to the Company's underwriting practices or to the allowance for loan loss methodology used to estimate loan loss exposure as reported in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.  The provision for loan losses is a significant factor in the Company's operating results.

Non-Interest Income
 
Non-interest income for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 amounted to $11.3 million, an increase of $1.0 million, or 10%, as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2014.  The significant changes are discussed below.

Net gains on sales of investment securities increased $533 thousand. Investment sales are typically driven by market opportunities.

Other income increased $394 thousand, or 23%, due primarily to higher commercial loan prepayment fees and gains on the sales of other real estate owned. Other income was also impacted by the redemption of the Trust Preferred Securities, due primarily to a net loss ($192 thousand) on the Trust from the write-off of debt issuance costs in March 2015.

Non-Interest Expense
 
Non-interest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 amounted to $49.0 million, an increase of $3.6 million, or 8%, compared to the same period in 2014.  The significant changes are discussed below.
 
Salaries and employee benefits increased by $2.1 million, or 7%, to support the Company's strategic growth and market expansion initiatives since the prior period.

Occupancy and equipment expenses increased $603 thousand, or 12%, due primarily to the expansion of our main headquarters in Lowell, increased utility costs, snow removal costs, and investments in maintaining our facilities.

Technology and telecommunications expense increased $379 thousand, or 10%, primarily as a result of investments to support our strategic growth, network infrastructure and security, improve our service capabilities and enhance business continuity.

Advertising and public relations expenses increased $248 thousand, or 13%, due primarily to increased costs to support the Company's expansion and business development efforts.
  
Other non-interest expense increased $491 thousand, or 14%, due primarily to the prepayment fees ($285 thousand) associated with the redemption of the Trust Preferred Securities as noted above.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In January 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-01, "Income Statement-Extraordinary and Unusual Items (Subtopic 225-20): Simplifying Income Statement Presentation by Eliminating the Concept of Extraordinary Items." This ASU will align more closely GAAP income statement presentation guidance with International Audit Standards (IAS) 1, Presentation of Financial Statements, which prohibits the presentation and disclosure of extraordinary items. The amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's financial statements. 






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Table of Contents

Item 3 -
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
 
The Company's primary market risk is interest rate risk.  Oversight of interest rate risk management is the responsibility of ALCO.  Annually, ALCO reviews and approves the Company's asset-liability management policy, which provides management with guidelines for controlling interest rate risk, as measured through net interest income sensitivity to changes in interest rates, within certain tolerance levels.  ALCO also establishes and monitors guidelines for the Company's liquidity and capital ratios.
 
The Company's asset-liability management strategies and guidelines are reviewed on a periodic basis by management and presented and discussed with ALCO on at least a quarterly basis.  These strategies and guidelines are revised based on changes in interest rate levels, general economic conditions, competition in the marketplace, the current interest rate risk position of the Company, anticipated growth and other factors.
 
One of the principal factors in maintaining planned levels of net interest income is the ability to design effective strategies to manage the impact of interest rate changes on future net interest income.  Quarterly, management completes a net interest income sensitivity analysis, which is presented to the committee.  This analysis includes a simulation of the Company's net interest income under various interest rate scenarios.  Variations in the interest rate environment affect numerous factors, including prepayment speeds, reinvestment rates, maturities of investments (due to call provisions), and interest rates on various asset and liability accounts.
 
The Company can be subject to margin compression depending on the economic environment and the shape of the yield curve.  Under the Company's current balance sheet position, the Company's margin generally performs slightly better over time in a rising rate environment, while it generally decreases in a declining rate environment and when the yield curve is flattening or inverted.
 
Under a flattening yield curve scenario, margin compression occurs as the spread between the cost of funding and the yield on interest earning assets narrows.  Under this scenario the degree of margin compression is highly dependent on the Company's ability to fund asset growth through lower cost deposits.  However, if the curve is flattening, while short-term rates are rising, the adverse impact on margin may be somewhat delayed, as increases in the Prime Rate will initially result in the Company's asset yields re-pricing more quickly than funding costs.
 
Under an inverted yield curve situation, shorter-term rates exceed longer-term rates, and the impact on margin is similar but more adverse than the flat curve scenario.  Again, however, the extent of the impact on margin is highly dependent on the Company's balance sheet mix.
 
In a declining rate environment, margin compression will eventually occur as the yield on interest earning assets decreases more rapidly than decreases in funding costs.  The primary causes would be the impact of interest rate decreases (including decreases in the Prime Rate) on adjustable rate loans and the fact that decreases in deposit rates may be limited or lag decreases in the Prime Rate. 
 
Year-to-date net interest margin for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 has declined, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2014 due to an increase in lower yielding overnight Federal Reserve balances and other interest earning cash balances, as well as loans repricing lower and investment portfolio cash flow reinvested at lower rates due to a flattening of the yield curve. During the first nine months of 2015, the margin has been relatively stable. Additional margin compression may occur if the yield curve continues to flatten while the cost of deposits remains at the same level.

There have been no material changes in the results of the Company's net interest income sensitivity analysis as reported in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.  At September 30, 2015, management continues to consider the Company's primary interest rate risk exposure to be margin compression that may result from changes in interest rates and/or changes in the mix of the Company's balance sheet components.  This would include the mix of fixed versus variable rate loans and investments on the asset side, and higher cost versus lower cost deposits and overnight borrowings versus term borrowings and certificates of deposit on the liability side.

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Table of Contents


Item 4 -
Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
 
The Company maintains a set of disclosure controls and procedures and internal controls designed to ensure that the information required to be disclosed in reports that it files or submits to the SEC under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms.
 
The Company carried out an evaluation as of the end of the period covered by this report under the supervision and with the participation of the Company's management, including its principal executive officer and principal financial officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(b).  Based upon that evaluation, the Company's principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures are effective as of September 30, 2015.
 
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There has been no change in the Company's internal control over financial reporting that has occurred during the Company's most recent fiscal quarter (i.e., the three months ended September 30, 2015) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.





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Table of Contents

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
 
Item 1 -
Legal Proceedings

There are no material pending legal proceedings to which the Company or its subsidiaries are a party or to which any of its property is subject, other than ordinary routine litigation incidental to the business of the Company. After review with legal counsel, management does not believe resolution of any present litigation will have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial condition or results of operations of the Company.

Item 1A -
Risk Factors
 
Management believes that there have been no material changes in the Company's risk factors as reported in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.

Item 2 -
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
 
None.
 
Item 3 -
Defaults upon Senior Securities
 
Not Applicable
 
Item 4 -
Mine Safety Disclosures

Not Applicable
 
Item 5 -
Other Information

Not Applicable


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Table of Contents

Item 6 -
Exhibits
 
EXHIBIT INDEX
_____________
Exhibit No.    Description


3.1
Amended and Restated Articles of Organization of the Company, incorporated by reference to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 10, 2013.

3.2
Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company, as amended as of January 15, 2013, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 22, 2013.

4.1
Renewal Rights Agreement dated as of December 11, 2007 by and between the Company and Computershare Trust Company, N.A., as Rights Agent, including Terms of Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock, Summary of Rights to Purchase Shares of Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock, and Form of Rights Certificate attached as Exhibits A, B and C thereto, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 13, 2007.

10.1.1
Employment Agreement dated July 9, 2015 by and among the Company, the Bank and George L. Duncan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1.1 to the Company's Current Report on 8-K filed on July 9, 2015.

10.12
Employment Agreement dated July 9, 2015 by and among the Company, the Bank and Richard W. Main, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1.2 to the Company's Current Report on 8-K filed on July 9, 2015.

10.1.3
Employment Agreement dated July 9, 2015 by and among the Company, the Bank and John P. Clancy, Jr., incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1.2 to the Company's Current Report on 8-K filed on July 9, 2015.

31.1*
Certification of Principal Executive Officer under Securities Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a)

31.2*
Certification of Principal Financial Officer under Securities Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a)

32*
Certification of Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer under 18 U.S.C. § 1350 Furnished Pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(b)

101*
The following materials from Enterprise Bancorp, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2015 were formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language):
(i) Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014;
(ii) Consolidated Statements of Income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014;
(iii) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014;
(iv) Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity for the nine months ended September 30, 2015;
(v) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014; and
(vi) Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Interim Financial Statements.
____________________
*Filed herewith

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Table of Contents

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.
 
 
 
ENTERPRISE BANCORP, INC.
 
 
 
 
DATE:
November 6, 2015
By:
/s/ James A. Marcotte
 
 
 
James A. Marcotte
 
 
 
Executive Vice President,
 
 
 
Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
 
 
 
(Principal Financial Officer)

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