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Western New England Bancorp, Inc. - Quarter Report: 2019 June (Form 10-Q)

 

 

 

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 June 30, 2019 

 

or

 

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

For the transition period from ___________ to ___________

 

Commission File Number: 001-16767

 

Western New England Bancorp, Inc. 

 

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

141 Elm Street, Westfield, Massachusetts   01086
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

 

(413) 568-1911

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

 

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

 

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

Title of each class Trading
Symbol(s)
Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share WNEB NASDAQ

 

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

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).    Yes ☒     No ☐

 

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

 

Large accelerated filer ☐ Accelerated filer ☒  
Non-accelerated filer ☐  Smaller reporting company    
  Emerging growth company ☐  

 

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

 

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

 

At August 2, 2019, the registrant had 26,653,429 shares of common stock, $0.01 par value, issued and outstanding.

 

 

 

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

      Page
       
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS   i
       
PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION    
       
Item 1. Financial Statements of Western New England Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiaries (Unaudited)    
       
  Consolidated Balance Sheets – June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018   1
       
  Consolidated Statements of Operations – Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2019 and 2018   2
       
  Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income – Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2019 and 2018   3
       
  Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity – Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2019 and 2018   4
       
  Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows – Six Months Ended June 30, 2019 and 2018   6
       
  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements   7
       
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations   33
       
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk   45
       
Item 4. Controls and Procedures   45
       
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION    
       
Item 1. Legal Proceedings   46
       
Item 1A. Risk Factors   46
       
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds   46
       
Item 3. Defaults upon Senior Securities   46
       
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures   46
       
Item 5. Other Information   46
       
Item 6. Exhibits   47

 

 

 

 

FORWARD–LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

We may, from time to time, make written or oral “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements contained in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), our reports to shareholders and in other communications by us. This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains “forward-looking statements” which may be identified by the use of such words as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “should,” “planned,” “estimated,” and “potential.” Examples of forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, estimates with respect to our financial condition, results of operations and business that are subject to various factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from these estimates. These factors include, but are not limited to:

 

changes in the interest rate environment that reduce margins;

 

the effect on our operations of governmental legislation and regulation, including changes in accounting regulation or standards, the nature and timing of the adoption and effectiveness of new requirements under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 (“Dodd-Frank Act”), Basel guidelines, capital requirements and other applicable laws and regulations;

 

the highly competitive industry and market area in which we operate;

 

general economic conditions, either nationally or regionally, resulting in, among other things, a deterioration in credit quality;

 

changes in business conditions and inflation;

 

changes in credit market conditions;

 

the inability to realize expected cost savings or achieve other anticipated benefits in connection with business combinations and other acquisitions;

 

changes in the securities markets which affect investment management revenues;

 

increases in Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation deposit insurance premiums and assessments;

 

changes in technology used in the banking business;

 

the soundness of other financial services institutions which may adversely affect our credit risk;

 

certain of our intangible assets may become impaired in the future;

 

our controls and procedures may fail or be circumvented;

 

new lines of business or new products and services, which may subject us to additional risks;

 

changes in key management personnel which may adversely impact our operations;

 

severe weather, natural disasters, acts of war or terrorism and other external events which could significantly impact our business; and

 

other factors detailed from time to time in our SEC filings.

 

Although we believe that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, actual results may differ materially from the results discussed in these forward-looking statements. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. We do not undertake any obligation to republish revised forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except to the extent required by law.

 

i 

 

 

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1: FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

WESTERN NEW ENGLAND BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - UNAUDITED

(Dollars in thousands, except share data)

 

   June 30,   December 31, 
   2019   2018 
ASSETS          
Cash and due from banks  $19,729   $20,616 
Federal funds sold   1,407    1,246 
Interest-bearing deposits and other short-term investments   4,552    4,927 
Cash and cash equivalents   25,688    26,789 
           
Securities available-for-sale, at fair value   234,999    253,748 
Marketable equity securities, at fair value   6,639    6,408 
Federal Home Loan Bank stock and other restricted stock, at cost   11,756    14,695 
Loans, net of allowance for loan losses of $12,423 and $12,053 at June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively   1,709,738    1,684,804 
Premises and equipment, net   24,265    24,624 
Accrued interest receivable   5,493    5,652 
Bank-owned life insurance   70,155    69,252 
Deferred tax asset, net   7,943    9,872 
Goodwill   12,487    12,487 
Core deposit intangible   3,500    3,688 
Other assets   14,481    6,803 
Total Assets  $2,127,144   $2,118,822 
           
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY          
LIABILITIES:          
Deposits:          
Non-interest-bearing  $375,534   $355,389 
Interest-bearing   1,269,017    1,240,604 
Total deposits   1,644,551    1,595,993 
           
Short-term borrowings   50,000    59,250 
Long-term debt   175,683    208,018 
Other liabilities   27,194    18,532 
Total liabilities   1,897,428    1,881,793 
           
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:          
Preferred stock - $0.01 par value, 5,000,000 shares authorized, none outstanding at June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018        
Common stock - $0.01 par value, 75,000,000 shares authorized, 26,703,468 shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2019; 28,393,348 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2018   267    284 
Additional paid-in capital   165,479    182,096 
Unearned compensation - ESOP   (4,873)   (5,171)
Unearned compensation - Equity Incentive Plan   (1,504)   (872)
Retained earnings   78,100    74,108 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss   (7,753)   (13,416)
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY   229,716    237,029 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY  $2,127,144   $2,118,822 

 

See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 

 1

 

 

WESTERN NEW ENGLAND BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS – UNAUDITED

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 

                 
   Three Months   Six Months 
   Ended June 30,   Ended June 30, 
   2019   2018   2019   2018 
Interest and dividend income:                    
Residential and commercial real estate loans  $15,146   $14,543   $30,117   $28,342 
Commercial and industrial loans   3,071    3,777    6,074    6,592 
Consumer loans   85    85    169    173 
Debt securities, taxable   1,571    1,770    3,201    3,518 
Debt securities, tax-exempt   17    21    37    45 
Equity securities   42    38    82    74 
Other investments   210    202    446    403 
Short-term investments   73    28    149    49 
Total interest and dividend income   20,215    20,464    40,275    39,196 
                     
Interest expense:                    
Deposits   4,367    2,718    8,336    5,073 
Long-term debt   1,051    1,130    2,190    1,985 
Short-term borrowings   596    751    1,222    1,551 
Total interest expense   6,014    4,599    11,748    8,609 
Net interest and dividend income   14,201    15,865    28,527    30,587 
                     
Provision for loan losses   350    750    400    1,250 
Net interest and dividend income after provision for loan losses   13,851    15,115    28,127    29,337 
                     
Non-interest income (loss):                    
Service charges and fees   1,850    1,693    3,483    3,276 
Income from BOLI   478    484    903    926 
Bank-owned life insurance death benefit       715        715 
Loss on available-for-sale securities, net   (96)   (49)   (61)   (250)
Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable equity securities, net   79    (41)   149    (147)
Gain on sale of other real estate owned               48 
Other income   206    131    214    131 
Total non-interest income   2,517    2,933    4,688    4,699 
                     
Non-interest expense:                    
Salaries and employees benefits   6,876    6,564    13,656    13,097 
Occupancy   998    967    2,169    2,027 
Furniture and equipment   427    382    832    749 
Data processing   702    678    1,367    1,315 
Professional fees   607    681    1,312    1,340 
FDIC insurance assessment   236    147    412    305 
Advertising   370    355    734    702 
Other expenses   1,924    1,772    3,681    3,437 
Total non-interest expense   12,140    11,546    24,163    22,972 
Income before income taxes   4,228    6,502    8,652    11,064 
Income tax provision   971    1,364    1,965    2,407 
         Net income   $3,257   $5,138   $6,687   $8,657 
                     
Earnings per common share:                    
Basic earnings per share  $0.13   $0.18   $0.25   $0.30 
Weighted average shares outstanding   26,047,187    29,035,895    26,539,618    29,259,119 
Diluted earnings per share  $0.12   $0.18   $0.25   $0.29 
Weighted average diluted shares outstanding   26,160,169    29,178,264    26,653,929    29,398,356 

 

 See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 

 2

 

 

WESTERN NEW ENGLAND BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME – UNAUDITED

(Dollars in thousands)

 

   Three Months Ended   Six Months Ended 
   June 30,   June 30, 
   2019   2018   2019   2018 
                 
Net income  $3,257   $5,138   $6,687   $8,657 
                     
Other comprehensive income (loss):                    
Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities:                    
 Unrealized holding gains (losses)   3,360    (1,545)   7,687    (6,424)
 Reclassification adjustment for net losses realized in income (1)   96    49    61    250 
 Cumulative-effect adjustment due to change in accounting principle (ASU 2017-08)           7     
  Unrealized gains (losses)   3,456    (1,496)   7,755    (6,174)
 Tax effect   (867)   259    (1,980)   1,329 
Net-of-tax amount   2,589    (1,237)   5,775    (4,845)
                     
Cash flow hedges:                    
 Change in fair value of derivatives used for cash flow hedges   (583)   240    (911)   918 
 Reclassification adjustment for loss realized in interest expense (2)   84    102    152    273 
 Reclassification adjustment for termination fee realized in interest expense (3)   266    266    530    530 
 Unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges   (233)   608    (229)   1,721 
 Tax effect   65    (171)   64    (484)
Net-of-tax amount   (168)   437    (165)   1,237 
                     
Defined benefit pension plan:                    
 Amortization of defined benefit plans actuarial loss(4)   32    57    64    114 
 Tax effect   (9)   (16)   (18)   (32)
Net-of-tax amount   23    41    46    82 
                     
Other comprehensive income (loss)   2,444    (759)   5,656    (3,526)
                     
Comprehensive income  $5,701   $4,379   $12,343   $5,131 
                     

(1) Realized losses on available-for-sale securities are recognized as a component of non-interest income. The tax effects applicable to net realized losses were $(37,000) and $(14,000) for the three months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.   The tax effects applicable to net realized losses were $(28,000) and $(70,000) for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.


(2) Loss realized in interest expense on derivative instruments is recognized as a component of interest expense on short-term debt.  Income tax effects associated with the reclassification adjustments were $24,000 and $29,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.  Income tax effects associated with the reclassification adjustments were $43,000 and $77,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

 

(3) Amortization of termination fees realized in interest expense on derivative instruments is recognized as a component of interest expense on short-term debt.  Income tax effects associated with the reclassification adjustments were $75,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.  Income tax effects associated with the reclassification adjustments were $149,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

 

(4) Amounts represent the reclassification of defined benefit plan amortization and have been recognized as a component of non-interest expense.  Income tax effects associated with the reclassification adjustments were $9,000 and $16,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.  Income tax effects associated with the reclassification adjustments were $18,000 and $32,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

 

See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.                                

 

 3

 

WESTERN NEW ENGLAND BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY - UNAUDITED

THREE AND SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2019 AND 2018

(Dollars in thousands, except share data)

 

   Common Stock                         
     Shares     Par Value   Additional Paid-in Capital   Unearned Compensation- ESOP   Unearned Compensation- Equity Incentive Plan   Retained Earnings   Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss   Total 
                                     
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2017   30,487,309   $305   $203,527   $(5,786)  $(791)  $62,578   $(12,552)  $247,281 
Comprehensive income                       3,519    (2,767)   752 
Cumulative-effect adjustment due to change in accounting principle (ASU 2016-01)                       (237)   237     
Common stock held by ESOP committed to be released (90,978 shares)           88    154                242 
Share-based compensation - equity incentive plan                   232            232 
Common stock repurchased   (451,641)   (5)   (4,798)                   (4,803)
Issuance of common stock in connection with stock option exercises   16,975    1    103                    104 
Issuance of common stock in connection with equity incentive plan   85,440    1    925        (926)            
Cash dividends declared and paid on common stock ($0.04 per share)                       (1,185)       (1,185)
BALANCE AT MARCH 31, 2018   30,138,083   $302   $199,845   $(5,632)  $(1,485)  $64,675   $(15,082)  $242,623 
Comprehensive income                       5,138    (759)   4,379 
Common stock held by ESOP committed to be released (90,978 shares)           89    154                243 
Share-based compensation - equity incentive plan                   253            253 
Common stock repurchased   (391,376)   (4)   (4,257)                   (4,261)
Cash dividends declared and paid on common stock ($0.04 per share)                       (1,164)       (1,164)
BALANCE AT JUNE 30, 2018   29,746,707   $298   $195,677   $(5,478)  $(1,232)  $68,649   $(15,841)  $242,073 

 

See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 

 4

 

 

WESTERN NEW ENGLAND BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY - UNAUDITED

THREE AND SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2019 AND 2018

(Dollars in thousands, except share data)

 

   Common Stock                         
     Shares     Par Value   Additional Paid-in Capital   Unearned Compensation- ESOP   Unearned Compensation- Equity Incentive Plan   Retained Earnings   Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss   Total 
                                 
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2018   28,393,348   $284   $182,096   $(5,171)  $(872)  $74,108   $(13,416)  $237,029 
Comprehensive income                       3,430    3,212    6,642 
Cumulative-effect adjustment due to change in accounting principle (ASU 2017-08)                            (7)   7     
Common stock held by ESOP committed to be released (88,117 shares)           60    149                209 
Share-based compensation - equity incentive plan           (45)       240            195 
Common stock repurchased   (1,555,352)   (15)   (15,432)                   (15,447)
Issuance of common stock in connection with stock option exercises   12,550        64                    64 
Issuance of common stock in connection with equity incentive plan   102,883    1    1,069        (1,070)            
Cash dividends declared and paid on common stock ($0.05 per share)                       (1,375)       (1,375)
BALANCE AT MARCH 31, 2019   26,953,429   $270   $167,812   $(5,022)  $(1,702)  $76,156   $(10,197)  $227,317 
Comprehensive income                       3,257    2,444    5,701 
Common stock held by ESOP committed to be released (88,117 shares)           61    149                210 
Share-based compensation - equity incentive plan                   198            198 
Common stock repurchased   (249,961)   (3)   (2,394)                   (2,397)
Cash dividends declared and paid on common stock ($0.05 per share)                       (1,313)       (1,313)
BALANCE AT JUNE 30, 2019   26,703,468   $267   $165,479   $(4,873)  $(1,504)  $78,100   $(7,753)  $229,716 

 

See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 

 5

 

 

WESTERN NEW ENGLAND BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - UNAUDITED

(Dollars in thousands)

 

   Six Months Ended June 30, 
   2019   2018 
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:          
Net income  $6,687   $8,657 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:          
Provision for loan losses   400    1,250 
Depreciation and amortization of premises and equipment   1,056    1,001 
Amortization (accretion) of purchase accounting adjustments, net   78    (1,124)
Amortization of core deposit intangible   188    188 
Net amortization of premiums and discounts on securities and mortgage loans   1,004    1,337 
Share-based compensation expense   393    485 
ESOP expense   419    485 
Unrealized (gains) losses on marketable equity securities, net   (149)   147 
Net loss on sales of securities   61    250 
Gain on sale of other real estate owned       (48)
Income from bank-owned life insurance   (903)   (926)
Bank-owned life insurance death benefits       (715)
Net change in:          
Accrued interest receivable   159    365 
Other assets   (7,688)   (1,078)
Other liabilities   8,717    2,659 
Net cash provided by operating activities   10,422    12,933 
           

INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

          
Securities, available for sale:          
Purchases   (24,864)   (10,681)
Proceeds from redemptions and sales   37,735    12,501 
Proceeds from calls, maturities, and principal collections   12,527    12,385 
Loan originations and principal payments, net   (25,524)   (37,479)
Redemption (purchase) of Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston stock   2,939    (31)
Proceeds from sale of other real estate owned       203 
Purchases of premises and equipment   (744)   (1,992)
Proceeds from sale of premises and equipment   27    45 
Proceeds from payout on bank-owned life insurance       2,050 
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities   2,096    (22,999)

FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

          
Net increase in deposits   48,606    45,885 
Net change in short-term borrowings   (9,250)   (78,650)
Repayment of long-term debt   (32,286)   (34,989)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt       85,000 
Cash dividends paid   (2,688)   (2,349)
Common stock repurchased   (18,065)   (9,142)
Issuance of common stock in connection with stock option exercises   64    104 
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities   (13,619)   5,859 
           
NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS:   (1,101)   (4,207)
Beginning of period   26,789    27,132 
End of period  $25,688   $22,925 
           
Supplemental cash flow information:          
Net change in cash due to broker for common stock repurchased  $(221)  $(78)
Interest paid   11,632    8,514 
Taxes paid   1,888    1,042 

 

See the accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 

 6

 

 

 

WESTERN NEW ENGLAND BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

 

JUNE 30, 2019

 

1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation. Western New England Bancorp, Inc. (“Western New England Bancorp,” “WNEB,” “Company,” “we,” or “us”) is a Massachusetts-chartered stock holding company for Westfield Bank, a federally-chartered savings bank (“Bank”).

 

The Bank’s deposits are insured up to the maximum Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) coverage limits. The Bank operates 22 banking offices in western Massachusetts and northern Connecticut, and its primary sources of revenue are interest income from loans as well as interest income from investment securities.

 

Wholly-owned Subsidiaries. Elm Street Securities Corporation, WFD Securities, Inc. and CSB Colts, Inc., are Massachusetts chartered securities corporations, formed for the primary purpose of holding qualified securities. WB Real Estate Holdings, LLC, is a Massachusetts-chartered limited liability company that holds real property acquired as security for debts previously contracted by the Bank.

 

Principles of Consolidation. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Western New England Bancorp, the Bank, CSB Colts, Inc., Elm Street Securities Corporation, WB Real Estate Holdings, LLC and WFD Securities, Inc. All material intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

Estimates. The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of income and expenses for each. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change in the near-term relate to the determination of the allowance for loan losses and the realizability of deferred tax assets.

 

Basis of Presentation. In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair presentation of our financial condition as of June 30, 2019, and the results of operations, changes in shareholders’ equity and cash flows for the interim periods presented. The results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019 are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations for the year ending December 31, 2019. Certain information and disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP have been omitted pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

These unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2018, included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 (the “2018 Annual Report”).

 

Reclassifications. Amounts in the prior period financial statements are reclassified when necessary to conform to the current year presentation.

 

7

 

2. EARNINGS PER SHARE

 

Basic earnings per share represents income available to common shareholders divided by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. If rights to dividends on unvested awards are non-forfeitable, these unvested awards are considered outstanding in the computation of basic earnings per share. Diluted earnings per share reflect additional common shares that would have been outstanding if dilutive potential common shares had been issued, as well as any adjustment to income that would result from the assumed issuance. Potential common shares that may be issued by us relate to stock options and employee incentive plans and are determined using the treasury stock method. Unallocated ESOP shares are not deemed outstanding for earnings per share calculations. There were no anti-dilutive shares outstanding during the three and six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018.

 

Earnings per common share for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018 have been computed based on the following:

 

   Three Months Ended   Six Months Ended 
   June 30,   June 30, 
   2019   2018   2019   2018 
   (In thousands, except per share data) 
Net income applicable to common stock  $3,257   $5,138   $6,687   $8,657 
                     
Average number of common shares issued   26,836    29,897    27,332    30,126 
Less: Average unallocated ESOP Shares   (678)   (768)   (689)   (779)
Less: Average unvested equity incentive plan shares   (111)   (93)   (104)   (88)
                     
Average number of common shares outstanding used to calculate basic earnings per common share   26,047    29,036    26,539    29,259 
                     
Effect of dilutive equity incentive plan   41    42    39    39 
Effect of dilutive stock options   72    100    75    100 
                     
Average number of common shares outstanding used to calculate diluted earnings per common share   26,160    29,178    26,653    29,398 
                     
Basic earnings per share  $0.13   $0.18   $0.25   $0.30 
Diluted earnings per share  $0.12   $0.18   $0.25   $0.29 

 

8

 

3. COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

 

Accounting principles generally require that recognized revenue, expenses, gains and losses be included in net income. Although certain changes in assets and liabilities are reported as a separate component of the equity section of the balance sheet, such items, along with net income, are components of comprehensive income (loss).

 

The components of accumulated other comprehensive loss included in shareholders’ equity are as follows:

 

  

June 30,

2019

   December 31,
2018
 
   (In thousands) 
Net unrealized losses on securities available-for-sale  $(2,129)  $(9,891)
Tax effect   511    2,491 
Net-of-tax amount   (1,618)   (7,400)
           
Fair value of derivatives used for cash flow hedges   (2,018)   (1,259)
Termination fee on cancelled cash flow hedges   (2,065)   (2,595)
Total derivatives   (4,083)   (3,854)
Tax effect   1,148    1,084 
Net-of-tax amount   (2,935)   (2,770)
           
Unrecognized actuarial loss on the defined benefit plan   (4,452)   (4,516)
Tax effect   1,252    1,270 
Net-of-tax amount   (3,200)   (3,246)
           
Accumulated other comprehensive loss  $(7,753)  $(13,416)

 

The following table presents changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss for the periods ended June 30, 2019 and 2018 by component:

 

   Securities   Derivatives   Defined Benefit
Plans
   Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
 
   (In thousands) 
Balance at December 31, 2017  $(4,042)  $(4,181)  $(4,329)  $(12,552)
Cumulative-effect adjustment due to change in accounting principle (ASU 2016-01)
   237            237 
Current-period other comprehensive (loss) income   (4,845)   1,237    82    (3,526)
Balance at June 30, 2018  $(8,650)  $(2,944)  $(4,247)  $(15,841)
                     
Balance at December 31, 2018  $(7,400)  $(2,770)  $(3,246)  $(13,416)
Cumulative-effect adjustment due to change in accounting principle (ASU 2017-08)
   7            7 
Current-period other comprehensive (loss) income   5,775    (165)   46    5,656 
Balance at June 30, 2019  $(1,618)  $(2,935)  $(3,200)  $(7,753)

 

 

9

 

4.       SECURITIES

 

Securities available-for-sale are summarized as follows:

 

   June 30, 2019 
   Amortized
Cost
   Gross
Unrealized
Gains
   Gross
Unrealized
Losses
   Fair Value 
   (In thousands) 
Available-for-sale securities:                    
Debt securities:                    
Government-sponsored enterprise obligations  $25,150   $   $(105)  $25,045 
State and municipal bonds   2,723    66        2,789 
Corporate bonds   14,470    106    (63)   14,513 
Total debt securities   42,343    172    (168)   42,347 
                     
Mortgage-backed securities:                    
Government-sponsored mortgage-backed securities   175,874    393    (2,212)   174,055 
U.S. government guaranteed mortgage-backed securities   18,911    65    (379)   18,597 
Total mortgage-backed securities   194,785    458    (2,591)   192,652 
                     
Total available-for-sale  $237,128   $630   $(2,759)  $234,999 

 

    December 31, 2018 
    Amortized
Cost
    Gross
Unrealized
Gains
    Gross
Unrealized
Losses
    Fair Value 
    (In thousands) 
Available-for-sale securities:                    
Debt securities:                    
Government-sponsored enterprise obligations  $25,150   $   $(1,203)  $23,947 
State and municipal bonds   2,976    33    (65)   2,944 
Corporate bonds   49,819        (1,651)   48,168 
Total debt securities   77,945    33    (2,919)   75,059 
                     
Mortgage-backed securities:                    
Government-sponsored mortgage-backed securities   165,605    1    (6,255)   159,351 
 U.S. government guaranteed mortgage-backed securities   20,089    1    (752)   19,338 
Total mortgage-backed securities   185,694    2    (7,007)   178,689 
                     
Total available-for-sale  $263,639   $35   $(9,926)  $253,748 

 

At June 30, 2019, government-sponsored enterprise obligations with a fair value of $6.9 million and mortgage-backed securities with a fair value $52.6 million were pledged to secure public deposits and for other purposes as required or permitted by law.

 

In 2019, the Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2017-08, Receivables – Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (Subtopic 310-20): Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities, which amends the guidance on the amortization period of premiums on certain purchased callable debt securities from maturity to the earliest call date. The cumulative-effect adjustment resulting from the adoption of this ASU was to decrease retained earnings and reduce accumulated other comprehensive loss as of January 1, 2019 by $7,000.

 

10

 

The amortized cost and fair value of available-for-sale debt securities at June 30, 2019, by final maturity, are shown below. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because certain issuers have the right to call or prepay obligations. Also, because mortgage-backed securities require periodic principal paydowns, they are not included in the maturity categories in the following maturity summary.

 

   June 30, 2019 
   Amortized Cost   Fair Value 
   (In thousands) 
Available-for-sale securities:          
Debt securities:          
Due after one year through five years  $22,877   $22,902 
Due after five years through ten years   12,730    12,699 
Due after ten years   6,736    6,746 
Total debt securities   42,343    42,347 
Mortgage-backed securities   194,785    192,652 
Total available-for-sale securities  $237,128   $234,999 

 

Gross realized gains and losses on sales of securities available-for-sale for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018 are as follows:

 

   Three Months Ended   Six Months Ended 
   June 30,   June 30, 
   2019   2018   2019   2018 
   (In thousands) 
Gross gains realized  $64   $   $99   $ 
Gross losses realized   (160)   (49)   (160)   (250)
Net loss realized  $(96)  $(49)  $(61)  $(250)

 

Proceeds from the sale of securities available-for-sale amounted to $37.8 million and $12.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

 

Information pertaining to securities with gross unrealized losses at June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous loss position are as follows:

 

   June 30, 2019 
   Less Than 12 Months   Over 12 Months 
   Gross
Unrealized
Losses
   Fair Value   Gross
Unrealized
Losses
   Fair Value 
   (In thousands) 
Available-for-sale:                    
Government-sponsored mortgage-backed securities  $48   $19,262   $2,164   $118,162 
U.S. government guaranteed mortgage-backed securities           379    14,302 
Corporate bonds           63    5,036 
Government-sponsored enterprise obligations   41    4,959    64    16,086 
Total available-for-sale  $89   $24,221   $2,670   $153,586 

 

11

 

   December 31, 2018 
   Less Than 12 Months   Over 12 Months 
   Gross
Unrealized
Losses
   Fair Value   Gross
Unrealized
Losses
   Fair Value 
   (In thousands) 
Available-for-sale:                    
Government-sponsored mortgage-backed securities  $74   $7,354   $6,181   $148,762 
U.S. government guaranteed mortgage-backed securities   15    2,829    737    14,669 
Corporate bonds   110    9,995    1,541    38,173 
State and municipal bonds           65    1,532 
Government-sponsored enterprise obligations           1,203    23,947 
Total available-for-sale  $199   $20,178   $9,727   $227,083 

 

During the six months ended June 30, 2019 and year ended December 31, 2018, the Company did not record any fair value impairment charges on its investments. Management regularly reviews the portfolio for securities with unrealized losses. At June 30, 2019, management did not consider any debt securities to have other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) and attributes the unrealized losses to increases in current market yields compared to the yields at the time the investments were purchased by the Company and not due to credit quality.

 

The process for assessing investments for OTTI may vary depending on the type of security. In assessing the Company's investments in government-sponsored mortgage-backed securities and obligations, the contractual cash flows of these investments are guaranteed by the respective government-sponsored enterprise: Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“FHLMC”), Federal National Mortgage Association (“FNMA”), Federal Farm Credit Bank (“FFCB”), or Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”). 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 debt securities 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.

 

5.        LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES

 

Major classifications of loans at the periods indicated were as follows:

 

   June 30,   December 31, 
   2019   2018 
   (In thousands) 
Commercial real estate  $802,765   $768,881 
Residential real estate:          
Residential 1-4 family   575,792    577,641 
Home equity   96,046    97,238 
Commercial and industrial   237,928    243,493 
Consumer   5,337    5,203 
Total gross loans   1,717,868    1,692,456 
Unearned premiums and deferred loan fees and costs, net   4,293    4,401 
Allowance for loan losses   (12,423)   (12,053)
Net loans  $1,709,738   $1,684,804 

 

There were no purchases of loans during the six months ended June 30, 2019 and year ended December 31, 2018.

 

12

 

Loans Serviced for Others.

 

The Company has transferred a portion of its originated commercial loans to participating lenders. The amounts transferred have been accounted for as sales and are therefore not included in our accompanying consolidated balance sheets. We continue to service the loans on behalf of the participating lenders. We share with participating lenders, on a pro-rata basis, any gains or losses that may result from a borrower’s lack of compliance with contractual terms of the loan. At June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the Company was servicing commercial loans participated out to various other institutions totaling $34.9 million and $35.4 million, respectively.

 

Residential real estate mortgages are originated by the Bank both for its portfolio and for sale into the secondary market. The Bank may sell its loans to institutional investors such as the FHLMC. Under loan sale and servicing agreements with the investor, the Bank generally continues to service the residential real estate mortgages. The Bank pays the investor an agreed upon rate on the loan, which is less than the interest rate received from the borrower. The Bank retains the difference as a fee for servicing the residential real estate mortgages. The Bank capitalizes mortgage servicing rights at their fair value upon sale of the related loans, amortizes the asset over the estimated life of the serviced loan, and periodically assesses the asset for impairment. The significant assumptions used by a third party to estimate the fair value of capitalized servicing rights at June 30, 2019, include weighted average prepayment speed for the portfolio using the Public Securities Association Standard Prepayment Model (172 PSA), weighted average internal rate of return (12.05%), weighted average servicing fee (0.25%), and net cost to service loans ($83.49 per loan). The estimated fair value of capitalized servicing rights may vary significantly in subsequent periods primarily due to changing market interest rates, and their effect on prepayment speeds and discount rates.

 

At June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the Company was servicing residential mortgage loans owned by investors totaling $53.3 million and $56.6 million, respectively. Net service fee income of $36,000 and $48,000 was recorded for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively, and is included in service charges and fees on the consolidated statements of operations.

 

A summary of the activity in the balances of mortgage servicing rights follows:

 

  

Three Months Ended

June 30,

2019

  

Six Months Ended

June 30,

2019

 
   (In thousands) 
Balance at the beginning of period:  $269   $286 
Capitalized mortgage servicing rights        
Amortization   (16)   (33)
Balance at the end of period  $253   $253 
Fair value at the end of period  $381   $381 

 

Loans are recorded at the principal amount outstanding, adjusted for charge-offs, unearned premiums and deferred loan fees and costs. Interest on loans is calculated using the effective yield method on daily balances of the principal amount outstanding and is credited to income on the accrual basis to the extent it is deemed collectable. Our general policy is to discontinue the accrual of interest when principal or interest payments are delinquent 90 days or more based on the contractual terms of the loan, or earlier if the loan is considered impaired. Any unpaid amounts previously accrued on these loans are reversed from income. Subsequent cash receipts are applied to the outstanding principal balance or to interest income if, in the judgment of management, collection of the principal balance is not in question. Loans are returned to accrual status when they become current as to both principal and interest and perform in accordance with contractual terms for a period of at least six months, reducing the concern as to the collectability of principal and interest. Loan fees and certain direct loan origination costs are deferred, and the net fee or cost is recognized as an adjustment to interest income over the estimated average lives of the related loans.

 

13

 

The allowance for loan losses is established through provisions for loan losses charged to expense. Loans are charged-off against the allowance when management believes that the collectability of the principal is unlikely. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance.

 

The allowance for loan losses is evaluated on a regular basis by management. This evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires estimates that are susceptible to significant revision as more information becomes available. The allowance consists of general, allocated, and unallocated components, as further described below.

 

General component

The general component of the allowance for loan losses is based on historical loss experience adjusted for qualitative factors stratified by the following loan segments: residential real estate (includes one-to-four family and home equity), commercial real estate, commercial and industrial, and consumer. Management uses a rolling average of historical losses based on a time frame appropriate to capture relevant loss data for each loan segment. This historical loss factor is adjusted for the following qualitative factors: trends in delinquencies and nonperforming loans; trends in volume and terms of loans; effects of changes in risk selection and underwriting standards and other changes in lending policies, procedures and practices; and national and local economic trends and industry conditions. There were no changes in our policies or methodology pertaining to the general component of the allowance for loan losses during the periods presented for disclosure.

 

The qualitative factors are determined based on the various risk characteristics of each loan segment. Risk characteristics relevant to each portfolio segment are as follows:

 

Residential real estate. We require private mortgage insurance for all loans originated with a loan-to-value ratio greater than 80% and we do not grant subprime loans. All loans in this segment are collateralized by owner-occupied residential real estate and repayment is dependent on the credit quality of the individual borrower. The overall health of the economy, including unemployment rates and housing prices, will have an effect on the credit quality in this segment. Home equity loans are secured by first or second mortgages on one-to-four family owner occupied properties.

 

Commercial real estate. Loans in this segment are primarily income-producing investment properties and owner-occupied commercial properties throughout New England. The underlying cash flows generated by the properties or operations can be adversely impacted by a downturn in the economy due to increased vacancy rates or diminished cash flows, which in turn, would have an effect on the credit quality in this segment. Management obtains financial information annually and continually monitors the cash flows of these loans.

 

Commercial and industrial loans. Loans in this segment are made to businesses and are generally secured by assets of the business. Repayment is expected from the cash flows of the business. A weakened economy, and resultant decreased consumer spending, will have an effect on the credit quality in this segment.

 

Consumer loans. Loans in this segment are secured or unsecured and repayment is dependent on the credit quality of the individual borrower.

 

Allocated component

The allocated component relates to loans that are classified as impaired. Impaired loans are identified by analysis of loan performance, internal credit ratings and watch list loans that management believes are subject to a higher risk of loss. Impairment is measured on a loan by loan basis for commercial real estate and commercial and industrial loans by either the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. An allowance is established when the discounted cash flows (or collateral value) of the impaired loan is lower than the carrying value of that loan. Large groups of smaller balance homogeneous loans are collectively evaluated for impairment. Accordingly, we do not separately identify individual consumer and residential real estate loans for impairment disclosures, unless such loans are subject to a troubled debt restructuring agreement.

 

A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that we will be unable to collect the scheduled payments of principal or interest when due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Factors considered by management in determining impairment include payment status, collateral value, and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due. Loans that experience insignificant payment delays and payment shortfalls generally are not classified as impaired. We determine the significance of payment delays and payment shortfalls on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration all of the circumstances surrounding the loan and the borrower, including the length of the delay, the reasons for the delay, the borrower’s prior payment record, and the amount of the shortfall in relation to the principal and interest owed.

 

14

 

Unallocated component

An unallocated component may be maintained to cover uncertainties that could affect management’s estimate of probable losses. The unallocated component of the allowance, if any, reflects the margin of imprecision inherent in the underlying assumptions used in the methodologies for estimating allocated and general reserves in the portfolio.

 

An analysis of changes in the allowance for loan losses by segment for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018 is as follows:

 

   Commercial
Real Estate
   Residential
Real Estate
   Commercial and Industrial   Consumer   Unallocated   Total 
   (In thousands) 
Three Months Ended    
Balance at March 31, 2018  $5,199   $3,397   $2,681   $78   $15   $11,370 
Provision (credit)   259    211    263    47    (30)   750 
Charge-offs       (80)   (25)   (49)       (154)
Recoveries       1    3    16        20 
Balance at June 30, 2018  $5,458   $3,529   $2,922   $92   $(15)  $11,986 
                               
Balance at March 31, 2019  $5,205   $3,571   $2,954   $144   $5   $11,879 
Provision (credit)   (224)   78    460    40    (4)   350 
Charge-offs   (103)   (31)   (456)   (39)       (629)
Recoveries   812    1    2    8        823 
Balance at June 30, 2019  $5,690   $3,619   $2,960   $153   $1   $12,423 
                               
Six Months Ended                              
Balance at December 31, 2017  $4,712   $3,311   $2,733   $71   $4   $10,831 
Provision (credit)   710    282    204    73    (19)   1,250 
Charge-offs       (80)   (25)   (85)       (190)
Recoveries   36    16    10    33        95 
Balance at June 30, 2018  $5,458   $3,529   $2,922   $92   $(15)  $11,986 
                               
Balance at December 31, 2018  $5,260   $3,556   $3,114   $135   $(12)  $12,053 
Provision (credit)   (200)   186    334    67    13    400 
Charge-offs   (219)   (125)   (494)   (85)       (923)
Recoveries   849    2    6    36        893 
Balance at June 30, 2019  $5,690   $3,619   $2,960   $153   $1   $12,423 

 

15

 

The following table presents information pertaining to the allowance for loan losses by segment for the dates indicated:

 

   Commercial
Real Estate
   Residential
Real Estate
   Commercial
and
Industrial
   Consumer   Unallocated   Total 
   (In thousands) 
June 30, 2019                        
                         
Amount of allowance for impaired loans  $   $   $   $   $   $ 
Amount of allowance for non-impaired loans   5,690    3,619    2,960    153    1    12,423 
Total allowance for loan losses  $5,690   $3,619   $2,960   $153   $1   $12,423 
                               
Impaired loans  $6,898   $4,142   $3,041   $46   $   $14,127 
Non-impaired loans   785,939    664,553    234,016    5,291        1,689,799 
Impaired loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality   9,928    3,143    871            13,942 
Total loans  $802,765   $671,838   $237,928   $5,337   $   $1,717,868 
                               
December 31, 2018                              
                               
Amount of allowance for impaired loans  $   $   $   $   $   $ 
Amount of allowance for non-impaired loans   5,260    3,556    3,114    135    (12)   12,053 
Total allowance for loan losses  $5,260   $3,556   $3,114   $135   $(12)  $12,053 
                               
Impaired loans  $5,237   $4,754   $2,345   $60   $   $12,396 
Non-impaired loans   752,770    666,883    240,235    5,143        1,665,031 
Impaired loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality   10,874    3,242    913            15,029 
Total loans  $768,881   $674,879   $243,493   $5,203   $   $1,692,456 

 

16

 

Past Due and Non-accrual Loans.

 

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

 

   30 – 59 Days
Past Due
   60 – 89 Days
Past Due
   90 Days or
More Past
Due
  

Total

Past Due
Loans

  

Total

Current
Loans

  

Total

Loans

   Non-Accrual
Loans
 
   (In thousands) 
June 30, 2019                            
                             
Commercial real estate  $2,863   $81   $4,805   $7,749   $795,016   $802,765   $6,339 
Residential real estate:                                   
Residential   1,977    527    2,220    4,724    571,068    575,792    5,014 
Home equity   219        233    452    95,594    96,046    384 
Commercial and industrial   737    714    289    1,740    236,188    237,928    3,137 
Consumer   47            47    5,290    5,337    46 

Total loans

 

  $5,843   $1,322   $7,547   $14,712   $1,703,156   $1,717,868   $14,920 
                                    
December 31, 2018                                   
                                    
Commercial real estate  $1,857   $   $2,865   $4,722   $764,159   $768,881   $4,701 
Residential real estate:                                   
Residential   1,798    572    1,879    4,249    573,392    577,641    5,856 
Home equity   600    5    242    847    96,391    97,238    391 
Commercial and industrial   794    1,463    305    2,562    240,931    243,493    2,476 
Consumer   93    1    21    115    5,088    5,203    60 

Total loans

  $5,142   $2,041   $5,312   $12,495   $1,679,961   $1,692,456   $13,484 

 

Impaired Loans.

 

The following is a summary of impaired loans by class:

 

           Three Months Ended   Six Months Ended 
   At June 30, 2019   June 30, 2019   June 30, 2019 
   Recorded
Investment
   Unpaid
Principal
Balance
   Average
Recorded
Investment
   Interest
Income
Recognized
   Average
Recorded
Investment
   Interest
Income
Recognized
 
   (In thousands) 
Impaired Loans(1):                              
Commercial real estate  $16,826   $20,065   $17,213   $168   $17,035   $299 
Residential real estate   6,876    8,001    6,849    20    7,020    64 
Home equity   409    485    402        409     
Commercial and industrial   3,912    9,028    4,045    37    3,882    74 
Consumer   46    58    49        53     
Total impaired loans  $28,069   $37,637   $28,558   $225   $28,399   $437 

 

17

 

   At December 31, 2018   Three Months Ended
June 30, 2018
   Six Months Ended
June 30, 2018
 
   Recorded
Investment
   Unpaid
Principal
Balance
   Average
Recorded
Investment
   Interest
Income
Recognized
   Average
Recorded
Investment
   Interest
Income
Recognized
 
   (In thousands) 
Impaired Loans(1):                              
Commercial real estate  $16,111   $19,081   $14,564   $182   $14,984   $372 
Residential real estate   7,558    8,614    6,968    9    6,773    19 
Home equity   438    468    606    1    671    2 
Commercial and industrial   3,258    7,788    4,198    28    4,094    72 
Consumer   60    70    95        101     
Total impaired loans  $27,425   $36,021   $26,431   $220   $26,623   $465 

 

(1) Includes loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality and performing troubled debt restructurings.

 

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 are individually evaluated and 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.

 

All payments received on impaired loans in non-accrual status are applied to principal. There was no interest income recognized on nonaccrual impaired loans during the three and six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018. 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. As of June 30, 2019, we have not committed to lend any additional funds for loans that are classified as impaired. Payments received on performing impaired loans are recorded in accordance with the contractual terms of the loan. Interest income recognized on impaired loans during the three and six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018 pertained to performing TDRs and purchased impaired loans.

 

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, extension of additional credit based on receipt of adequate collateral, 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. All TDR loans are classified as impaired.

 

When we modify loans in a TDR, we measure impairment similar to other impaired loans based on the present value of expected future cash flows, discounted at the contractual interest rate of the original loan agreement, or use the current fair value of the collateral, less selling costs for collateral dependent loans. If we determine that the value of the modified loan is less than the recorded investment in the loan (net of previous charge-offs, deferred loan fees or costs and unamortized premium or discount), impairment is recognized through a charge-off to the allowance. Non-performing TDRs are included in non-performing loans.

 

18

 

Nonperforming TDRs are shown as nonperforming assets. Two substandard impaired loan relationships in the aggregate amount of $2.4 million were designated as TDRs during the three and six months ended June 30, 2019. One loan relationship consisting of a commercial real estate loan and a commercial and industrial loan totaling $2.2 million was classified as a TDR during the three months ended June 30, 2019 as the Bank entered into a forbearance agreement with the customer that allows for interest-only payments for a specified term. Both loans to the customer were current as of June 30, 2019 and the loan relationship is considered to be adequately secured by real estate. The Bank will continue to monitor the loan relationship for ongoing impairment on a quarterly basis. In addition, a second loan relationship consisting of a commercial real estate loan and a commercial and industrial loan totaling $166,000 was modified as a TDR during the three months ended June 30, 2019 to allow for interest-only payments for a specified term. Both loans were in nonperforming status as of June 30, 2019, however; the loan relationship is considered to be adequately secured by real estate. The Bank will continue to be monitor the loan relationship for ongoing impairment on a quarterly basis.

 

There were no significant loans modified in TDRs during the three and six months ended June 30, 2018.

 

   Three Months Ended
June 30, 2019
   Six Months Ended
June 30, 2019
 
   Number
of
Contracts
   Pre-
Modification Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
   Post-
Modification Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
   Number
of
Contracts
   Pre-
Modification Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
   Post-
Modification Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
 
   (Dollars in thousands)   (Dollars in thousands) 
Troubled Debt Restructurings                              
Commercial Real Estate   2   $2,032   $2,032    2   $2,032   $2,032 
Commercial and Industrial   2    383    383    2    383    383 
Total   4   $2,415   $2,415    4   $2,415   $2,415 

 

During the three and six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, no TDRs defaulted (defined as 30 days or more past due) within 12 months of restructuring. As of June 30, 2019, we have not committed to lend any additional funds for loans that are classified as impaired. There were $440,000 in charge-offs on TDRs during the three and six months ended June 30, 2019. There were no charge-offs on TDRs during the three and six months ended June 30, 2018.

 

Loans Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality.

 

The following is a summary of loans acquired in the Chicopee Bancorp, Inc. (“Chicopee”) acquisition with evidence of credit deterioration as of June 30, 2019 and 2018.

 

    Contractual
Required
Payments
Receivable
   Cash Expected
To Be
Collected
   Non-
Accretable
Discount
   Accretable
Yield
   Loans
Receivable
 
    (In thousands) 
Balance at December 31, 2018   $24,793   $19,883   $4,910   $4,854   $15,029 
Collections    (1,454)   (1,366)   (88)   (322)   (1,044)
Dispositions    (108)   (108)       (65)    
Balance at June 30, 2019   $23,231   $18,409   $4,822   $4,467   $13,942 

 

    Contractual
Required
Payments
Receivable
   Cash Expected
To Be
Collected
   Non-
Accretable
Discount
   Accretable
Yield
   Loans
Receivable
 
    (In thousands) 
Balance at December 31, 2017   $29,362   $23,158   $6,204   $6,033   $17,125 
Collections    (2,783)   (1,702)   (1,081)   (345)   (1,357)
Dispositions                     
Balance at June 30, 2018   $26,579   $21,456   $5,123   $5,688   $15,768 

 

19

 

Credit Quality Information.

 

The Company utilizes an eight-grade internal loan rating system for commercial real estate and commercial and industrial loans. Performing residential real estate, home equity and consumer loans are grouped with “Pass” rated loans. Non-performing residential real estate, home equity and consumer loans are monitored individually for impairment and risk rated as “substandard.”

 

Loans rated 1 – 4: Loans rated 1-4 represent groups of loans that are not subject to adverse criticism as defined in regulatory guidance. Loans in these groups exhibit characteristics that represent acceptable risk.

 

Loans rated 5: Loans rated 5 are considered “Special Mention” and may exhibit potential credit weaknesses or downward trends and are being monitored by management. Loans in this category are currently protected based on collateral and repayment capacity and do not constitute undesirable credit risk, but have potential weakness that may result in deterioration of the repayment process at some future date. This classification is used if a negative trend is evident in the obligor’s financial situation. Special mention loans do not sufficiently expose the Company to warrant adverse classification.

 

Loans rated 6: Loans rated 6 are considered “Substandard.” A loan is classified as substandard if the borrower exhibits a well-defined weakness and may be inadequately protected by the current net worth and cash flow capacity to pay the current debt.

 

Loans rated 7: Loans rated 7 are considered “Doubtful.” Loans classified as doubtful have all the weaknesses inherent in those classified substandard with the added characteristic that the weaknesses make collection or liquidation of the loan highly questionable and improbable. The possibility of some loss is extremely high, but because of specific pending factors that may work to the advantage and strengthening of the asset, its classification as an estimated loss is deferred until its more exact status may be determined.

 

Loans rated 8: Loans rated 8 are considered uncollectible. The loss classification does not mean that the asset has absolutely no recovery or salvage value, but rather that it is not practical or desirable to defer writing off the asset because recovery and collection time may be affected in the future.

 

On an annual basis, or more often if needed, we formally review the ratings on all commercial real estate and commercial and industrial loans. In addition, management utilizes delinquency reports, the criticized report and other loan reports to monitor credit quality. In addition, at least on an annual basis, the Company contracts with an external loan review company to review the internal credit ratings assigned to loans in the commercial loan portfolio on a pre-determined schedule, based on the type, size, rating, and overall risk of the loan. During the course of its review, the third party examines a sample of loans, including new loans, existing relationships over certain dollar amounts and classified assets.

 

The following table presents our loans by risk rating for the periods indicated:

 

   Commercial
Real Estate
   Residential
1-4 Family
   Home
Equity
   Commercial
and Industrial
   Consumer   Total 
   (In thousands) 
June 30, 2019                        
Pass (Rated 1 — 4)  $757,827   $569,471   $95,458   $202,344   $5,291   $1,630,391 
Special Mention (Rated 5)   23,236            7,901        31,137 
Substandard (Rated 6)   21,702    6,321    588    27,683    46    56,340 
   $802,765   $575,792   $96,046   $237,928   $5,337   $1,717,868 
                               
December 31, 2018                              
Pass (Rated 1 — 4)  $732,729   $570,428   $96,643   $207,663   $5,143   $1,612,606 
Special Mention (Rated 5)   17,929            12,248        30,177 
Substandard (Rated 6)   18,223    7,213    595    23,582    60    49,673 
Total  $768,881   $577,641   $97,238   $243,493   $5,203   $1,692,456 

 

20

 

6.GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES

 

At June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the Company’s goodwill was related to the acquisition of Chicopee in October 2016. There was no goodwill impairment recorded during the three and six months ended June 30, 2019 or the year ended December 31, 2018. Annually, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances warrant such evaluation, the Company evaluates its goodwill for impairment.

 

Core Deposit Intangibles.

 

In connection with the acquisition of Chicopee, the Bank recorded a core deposit intangible of $4.5 million which is amortized over twelve years using the straight-line method. Amortization expense was $94,000 and $188,000 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. At June 30, 2019, future amortization of the core deposit intangible totaled $375,000 for each of the next five years and $1.6 million thereafter.

 

7.SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION

 

Stock Options.

 

Under the terms of the Chicopee merger agreement dated October 21, 2016, each option to purchase shares of Chicopee common stock issued by Chicopee and outstanding at the effective time of the merger pursuant to the Chicopee 2007 Equity Incentive Plan fully vested and converted into an option to purchase shares of WNEB common stock on the same terms and conditions as were applicable before the merger, except (1) the number of shares of WNEB common stock subject to the new option was adjusted to be equal to the product of the number of shares of Chicopee common stock subject to the existing option and the exchange ratio (rounding fractional shares to the nearest whole share) and (2) the exercise price per share of WNEB common stock under the new option was adjusted to be equal to the exercise price per share of Chicopee common stock of the existing option divided by the exchange ratio (rounded to the nearest whole cent).

 

A summary of stock option activity for the six months ended June 30, 2019 is presented below:

 

    Shares   Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
   Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term
(in years)
   Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
(in thousands)
 
Outstanding at December 31, 2018    238,075   $6.33    3.44   $877 
Exercised    (12,550)   5.12    0.74    60 
Outstanding at June 30, 2019    225,525   $6.40    3.33   $633 
                      
Exercisable at June 30, 2019    225,525   $6.40    3.33   $633 

 

Cash received for options exercised during the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018 was $64,000 and $104,000, respectively.

 

Restricted Stock Awards.

 

In May 2014, the Company’s shareholders approved a stock-based compensation plan (the “RSA Plan”). Under the RSA Plan, up to 516,000 shares of the Company’s common stock were reserved for grants of stock awards, including stock options and restricted stock, which may be granted to any officer, key employee or non-employee director of WNEB. Any shares that are not issued because vesting requirements are not met will be available for future issuance under the RSA Plan.

 

In January 2015, there were 48,560 shares granted under the RSA Plan. These shares vest ratably over five years. The fair market value of shares awarded are based on the market price at the grant date and recorded as unearned compensation. The shares are amortized over the applicable vesting period.

 

21

 

In 2016, the Compensation Committee (the “Committee”) approved a long-term incentive program (“LTI Plan”). The 2016 LTI Plan provides a periodic award that is both performance and time-based and is designed to recognize the executive’s responsibilities, reward performance and leadership and as a retention tool. The objective of the 2016 LTI Plan is to align compensation for the named executive officers and directors over a multi-year period directly with the interests of our shareholders by motivating and rewarding creation and preservation of long-term financial strength, shareholder value and relative shareholder return.

 

The 2016 LTI Plan includes eligible participants of the Company that are nominated by the Chief Executive Officer and approved by the Compensation Committee. The 2016 LTI Plan is triggered by the Company’s achievement of satisfactory safety and soundness results from its most recent regulatory examination and additional Company performance metrics. Stock grants made under the 2016 LTI Plan consist of 50% time-based stock and 50% performance-based stock.

 

In May 2016, there were 62,740 shares granted under the 2016 LTI Plan. Of the 62,740 shares granted, 36,543 shares were time-based stock, with 10,352 vesting in one year and 26,191 vesting ratably over a three-year period. The remaining 26,197 shares granted were performance-based and are subject to the achievement of the 2016 LTI performance metrics. Under the 2016 LTI Plan, the primary performance metric was return on equity.

 

As a result of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, the return on equity performance metrics were adjusted to incorporate the impact and benefits of the corporate tax rate reductions thereunder. The original and adjusted threshold and target metrics under the 2016 LTI Plan are as follows:

 

   Return on Equity Metrics 
    Threshold    Target 
Original metrics   5.85%   6.32%
Adjusted metrics   6.38%   6.79%

 

As of December 31, 2018, the three-year performance period for the 2016 LTI Plan performance-based share grant expired. Performance-based shares were earned based on the Company achieving the 2016 LTI Plan threshold and target metrics at the end of the three-year performance period. The Company’s return on equity for the year ended December 31, 2018 was 6.82%, which resulted in the achievement of the target return on equity metric for the 2016 LTI Plan grant. In February 2019, 26,197 performance-based shares vested and were granted to eligible recipients under the Plan.

 

In May 2017, there were 89,042 shares granted under the 2017 LTI Plan. Of the 89,042 shares, 55,159 shares are time-based, with 21,276 vesting in one year and 33,883 vesting ratably over a three-year period. The remaining 33,883 shares granted were performance-based and are subject to the achievement of the 2017 LTI performance metric. Vesting is realized after a three-year period. Under the 2017 LTI Plan, the primary performance metric was return on equity. Performance-based shares will be earned based upon how the Company performs relative to threshold, target and maximum absolute goals (i.e. Company-specific, not relative to a peer index) on an annual performance period, but will be distributed at the end of the three-year period. Participants will be able to earn between 50% (for threshold performance) and 100% (for target performance) of the performance shares but will not earn additional shares if performance exceeds target performance.

 

As a result of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, the return on equity performance metrics were adjusted to incorporate the impact and benefits of the corporate tax rate reductions thereunder. The original and adjusted threshold, target and maximum metrics for 2019 under the 2017 LTI Plan are as follows:

 

  Return on Equity Metrics 
Performance Period
Ending
  

Original

Threshold

   Adjusted
Threshold
    Original
Target
    Adjusted
Target
    Original
Maximum
    Adjusted
Maximum
 
December 31, 2019   6.50%   7.09%   7.20%   7.85%   7.90%   8.61%

 

Eligible participants will be able to earn between 50% (“threshold” performance), 100% (“target” performance) and 150% (“maximum” performance).

 

22

 

In January 2018, there were 83,812 shares granted under the 2018 LTI Plan. Of the 83,812 shares, 50,852 shares were time-based, with 17,908 vesting in one year and 32,944 vesting ratably over a three-year period. The remaining 32,960 shares granted are performance-based and are subject to the achievement of the 2018 long-term incentive performance metric. Under the 2018 LTI Plan, the primary performance metric was return on equity. Performance shares will be earned based upon how the Company performs relative to threshold, target and maximum absolute goals (i.e. Company-specific, not relative to a peer index) on an annual performance period, but will be distributed at the end of the three-year period. The threshold, target and stretch metrics under the 2018 LTI Plan are as follows:

 

     Return on Equity Metrics 
 Performance Period Ending    Threshold    Target    Stretch 
 December 31, 2019    6.85%   7.35%   7.75%
 December 31, 2020    7.40%   7.90%   8.30%

 

Eligible participants will be able to earn between 50% (“threshold” performance), 100% (“target” performance) and 150% (“maximum” performance).

 

The fair market value of shares awarded is based on the market price at the grant date, recorded as unearned compensation and amortized over the applicable vesting period. Performance-based metrics are monitored on a quarterly basis in order to compare actual results to the performance metric, with any necessary adjustments being recognized through share-based compensation expense and unearned compensation.

 

In February 2019, there were 108,718 shares granted under the 2019 LTI Plan. Of the 108,718 shares, 64,496 shares were time-based, with 20,262 vesting in one year and 44,234 vesting ratably over a three-year period. The remaining 44,222 shares granted are performance-based and are subject to the achievement of the 2019 long-term incentive performance metric. Under the 2019 LTI Plan, the primary performance metric was return on equity. Performance shares will be earned based upon how the Company performs relative to threshold, target and maximum absolute goals (i.e. Company-specific, not relative to a peer index) on an annual performance period, but will be distributed at the end of the three-year period. The threshold, target and stretch metrics under the 2019 LTI Plan are as follows:

 

     Return on Equity Metrics 
 Performance Period Ending    Threshold    Target    Stretch 
 December 31, 2019    5.75%   6.13%   7.00%
 December 31, 2020    6.00%   6.75%   7.75%
 December 31, 2021    6.25%   7.00%   8.00%

 

Eligible participants will be able to earn between 50% (“threshold” performance), 100% (“target” performance) and 150% (“maximum” performance).

 

The fair market value of shares awarded is based on the market price at the grant date, recorded as unearned compensation and amortized over the applicable vesting period. Performance-based metrics are monitored on a quarterly basis in order to compare actual results to the performance metric, with any necessary adjustments being recognized through share-based compensation expense and unearned compensation. At June 30, 2019, there were an additional 127,335 shares available for future grants under the RSA Plan.

 

23

 

A summary of the status of restricted stock awards at June 30, 2019 is presented below:

 

    Shares   Weighted Average
Grant Date Fair Value
 
Balance at December 31, 2018    155,712   $9.87 
Shares granted    108,718    9.77 
Shares vested    (53,465)   8.75 
Balance at June 30, 2019    210,965   $10.10 
            
    Shares    Weighted Average
Grant Date Fair Value
 
Balance at December 31, 2017    138,833   $8.98 
Shares granted    83,812    11.05 
Shares vested    (32,476)   9.13 
Balance at June 30, 2018    190,169   $9.87 

 

We recorded total expense for restricted stock awards of $393,000 and $485,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

 

8. SHORT-TERM BORROWINGS AND LONG-TERM DEBT

 

As a member of the FHLB, the Bank has the potential capacity to borrow an amount up to the value of its discounted qualified collateral. Borrowings from the FHLB are secured by certain securities from the Company’s investment portfolio not otherwise pledged as well as certain residential real estate and commercial real estate loans.

 

FHLB advances with an original maturity of less than one year totaled $50.0 million and $59.3 million at June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively, with a weighted average rate of 2.51% and 3.28%, respectively. At June 30, 2019, based on qualifying collateral less outstanding advances, the Bank had the additional capacity to borrow up to approximately $231.6 million from the FHLB.

 

In addition, at June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the Company had an available Ideal Way line of credit with the FHLB for up to $9.5 million. Interest on this line of credit is payable at a rate determined and reset by the FHLB on a daily basis. The outstanding principal is due daily and the portion not repaid will be automatically renewed. At June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, there were no advances outstanding under this line.

 

The Bank also had a line of credit in the amount up to $15.0 million with a correspondent bank at an interest rate determined and reset on a daily basis. There were no advances outstanding under this line at June 30, 2019 and 2018. We also had a $50.0 million line of credit with another correspondent bank at an interest rate determined and reset on a daily basis.  There were no advances outstanding under the line at June 30, 2019 and 2018.

 

Long-term debt consists of FHLBB advances with an original maturity of one year or more. At June 30, 2019, we had $175.7 million in long-term debt with the FHLBB. This compares to $208.0 million in long-term debt with FHLBB advances at December 31, 2018.

 

9. PENSION BENEFITS

 

We provide a defined benefit pension plan for eligible employees (the “Plan”). Employees must work a minimum of 1,000 hours per year to be eligible for the Plan. Eligible employees become vested in the Plan after five years of service. We plan to contribute to the pension plan the amount required to meet the minimum funding standards under Section 412 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Additional contributions will be made as deemed appropriate by management in conjunction with the pension plan’s actuaries. We have not yet determined how much we expect to contribute to our pension plan in 2019. No contributions have been made to the plan for the six months ended June 30, 2019. The pension plan assets are invested in various pooled separate investment accounts offered by Principal Life Insurance Company, a division of Principal Financial Group, who is the Custodian of the Plan (the “Custodian”). The Plan is administered by an officer of Westfield Bank. On September 30, 2016, we effected a soft freeze on the Plan and therefore no new participants will be included in the Plan after such effective date.

 

24

 

The following table provides information regarding net pension benefit costs for the periods shown:

 

   Three Months Ended
June 30,
   Six Months Ended,
June 30,
 
   2019   2018   2019   2018 
   (In thousands) 
Service cost  $274   $303   $548   $606 
Interest cost   284    253    568    506 
Expected return on assets   (308)   (347)   (616)   (694)
Actuarial loss   32    57    64    114 
Net periodic pension cost  $282   $266   $564   $532 

 

10. DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES

 

Risk Management Objective of Using Derivatives.

 

The Company is exposed to certain risks arising from both our business operations and economic conditions. We principally manage our exposures to a wide variety of business and operational risks through management of our core business activities. We manage economic risks, including interest rate, liquidity, and credit risk, primarily by managing the amount, sources, and duration of our assets and liabilities and the use of derivative financial instruments. Specifically, we entered into derivative financial instruments to manage exposures that arise from business activities that result in the receipt or payment of future known and uncertain cash amounts, the value of which are determined by interest rates. Our derivative financial instruments are used to manage differences in the amount, timing, and duration of our known or expected cash receipts and our known or expected cash payments principally related to certain variable rate loan assets and variable rate borrowings.

 

Fair Values of Derivative Instruments on the Balance Sheet.

 

The table below presents the fair value of our derivative financial instruments designated as hedging instruments as well as our classification on the balance sheet as of June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018.

 

June 30, 2019  Asset Derivatives   Liability Derivatives 
   Balance Sheet       Balance Sheet     
   Location   Fair Value   Location   Fair Value 
   (In thousands) 
                 
Interest rate swaps  Other Assets  $   Other Liabilities  $2,018 

 

December 31, 2018  Asset Derivatives   Liability Derivatives 
   Balance Sheet       Balance Sheet     
   Location   Fair Value   Location   Fair Value 
   (In thousands) 
                 
Interest rate swaps  Other Assets  $   Other Liabilities  $1,259 

 

At June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, all derivatives were designated as hedging instruments.

 

Cash Flow Hedges of Interest Rate Risk.

 

The Company’s objectives in using interest rate derivatives are to add stability to interest income and expense and to manage our exposure to interest rate movements. To accomplish this objective, we entered into interest rate swaps as part of our interest rate risk management strategy. These interest rate swaps are designated as cash flow hedges and involve the receipt of variable rate amounts from a counterparty in exchange for our making fixed payments.

 

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The following table presents information about our cash flow hedges at June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018:

 

June 30, 2019  Notional   Weighted
Average
   Weighted Average Rate   Estimated Fair
   Amount   Maturity   Receive   Pay   Value
   (In thousands)   (In years)             (In thousands)
Interest rate swaps on FHLBB borrowings  $35,000    3.2    2.41%   3.54%  $ (2,018)

 

December 31, 2018  Notional   Weighted
Average
   Weighted Average Rate   Estimated Fair
   Amount   Maturity   Receive   Pay   Value
   (In thousands)   (In years)             (In thousands)
Interest rate swaps on FHLBB borrowings  $35,000    3.7    2.79%   3.54%  $ (1,259)

 

For derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, the effective portion of changes in the fair value of the derivative is initially reported in other comprehensive income (outside of earnings), net of tax, and subsequently reclassified to earnings when the hedged transaction affects earnings. The ineffective portion of changes in the fair value of the derivative is recognized directly in earnings. We assess the effectiveness of each hedging relationship by comparing the changes in cash flows of the derivative hedging instrument with the changes in cash flows of the designated hedged transactions. We did not recognize any hedge ineffectiveness in earnings for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019 or the year ended December 31, 2018.

 

We are hedging our exposure to the variability in future cash flows for forecasted transactions over a maximum period of six years (excluding forecasted payment of variable interest on existing financial instruments).

 

The table below presents the pre-tax net gains (losses) of our cash flow hedges for the periods indicated:

 

   Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in OCI on Derivative 
   Three Months Ended June 30,   Six Months Ended June 30, 
   2019   2018   2019   2018 
   (In thousands) 
Interest rate swaps  $(583)  $240   $(911)  $918 

 

Amounts reported in accumulated other comprehensive loss related to these derivatives are reclassified to interest expense as interest payments are made on our designated rate sensitive liabilities. The amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into net income for interest rate swaps and termination fees was $350,000 and $368,000 during the three months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively, and $682,000 and $803,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, no gains or losses were reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss into income for ineffectiveness on cash flow hedges.

 

Credit-risk-related Contingent Features

 

By using derivative financial instruments, we expose ourselves to credit risk. Credit risk is the risk of failure by the counterparty to perform under the terms of the derivative contract. When the fair value of a derivative contract is positive, the counterparty owes us, which creates credit risk for us. When the fair value of a derivative is negative, we owe the counterparty and, therefore, it does not possess credit risk. The credit risk in derivative instruments is mitigated by entering into transactions with highly-rated counterparties that we believe to be creditworthy and by limiting the amount of exposure to each counterparty.

 

We have agreements with our derivative counterparties that contain a provision where if we default on any of our indebtedness, including default where repayment of the indebtedness has not been accelerated by the lender, then we could also be declared in default on our derivative obligations. We also have agreements with certain of our derivative counterparties that contain a provision where if we fail to maintain our status as well capitalized, then the counterparty could terminate the derivative positions and we would be required to settle our obligations under the agreements. Certain of our agreements with our derivative counterparties contain provisions where if a formal administrative action by a federal or state regulatory agency occurs that materially changes our creditworthiness in an adverse manner, we may be required to fully collateralize our obligations under the derivative instrument.

 

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At June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, we had a net liability position of $2.0 million and $1.3 million with our counterparties, respectively. As of June 30, 2019, we had minimum collateral posting thresholds with certain of our derivative counterparties and had mortgage-backed securities with a fair value of $856,000 and $1.2 million in cash posted as collateral against our obligations under these agreements. If we had breached any of these provisions at June 30, 2019, we could have been required to settle our obligations under the agreements at the termination value.

 

11. FAIR VALUE OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

 

Determination of Fair Value.

 

We use fair value measurements to record fair value adjustments to certain assets and liabilities and to determine fair value disclosures. The fair value of a financial instrument is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Fair value is best determined based upon quoted market prices. However, in many instances, there are no quoted market prices for our various financial instruments. In cases where quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on estimates using present value or other valuation techniques. Those techniques are significantly affected by the assumptions used, including the discount rate and estimates of future cash flows. Accordingly, the fair value estimates may not be realized in an immediate settlement of the instrument.

 

Fair Value Hierarchy.

 

We group our assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value in three levels, based on the markets in which the assets are traded and the reliability of the assumptions used to determine fair value.

 

Level 1: Valuation is based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets. Level 1 assets generally include debt and equity securities that are traded in an active exchange market. Valuations are obtained from readily available pricing sources for market transactions involving identical assets.

 

Level 2: Valuation is based on observable inputs other than Level 1 prices, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.

 

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

 

Methods and assumptions for valuing our financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis are set forth below. Estimated fair values are calculated based on the value without regard to any premium or discount that may result from concentrations of ownership of a financial instrument, possible tax ramifications or estimated transaction cost.

 

Securities Available-for-sale.

 

The securities measured at fair value in Level 1 are based on quoted market prices in an active exchange market. These securities include marketable equity securities. All other securities are measured at fair value in Level 2 and are based on pricing models that consider standard input factors such as observable market data, benchmark yields, interest rate volatilities, broker/dealer quotes, credit spreads and new issue data. These securities include government-sponsored enterprise obligations, state and municipal obligations, residential mortgage-backed securities guaranteed and sponsored by the U.S. government or an agency thereof. Fair value measurements are obtained from a third-party pricing service and are not adjusted by management.

 

Interest Rate Swaps.

 

The valuation of our interest rate swaps is obtained from a third-party pricing service and is determined using a discounted cash flow analysis on the expected cash flows of each derivative. The pricing analysis is based on observable inputs for the contractual terms of the derivatives, including the period to maturity and interest rate curves. We have determined that the majority of the inputs used to value our interest rate derivatives fall within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

 

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Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized below:

 

   June 30, 2019 
   Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total 
   (In thousands) 
Assets:    
Government-sponsored mortgage-backed securities  $   $174,055   $   $174,055 
U.S. government guaranteed mortgage-backed securities       18,597        18,597 
Corporate bonds       14,513        14,513 
State and municipal bonds       2,789        2,789 
Government-sponsored enterprise obligations       25,045        25,045 
Marketable equity securities   6,639            6,639 
Total assets  $6,639   $234,999   $   $241,638 
                     
Liabilities:                    
Interest rate swaps  $   $2,018   $   $2,018 

 

   December 31, 2018 
   Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total 
   (In thousands) 
Assets:    
Government-sponsored mortgage-backed securities  $   $159,351   $   $159,351 
U.S. government guaranteed mortgage-backed securities       19,338        19,338 
Corporate bonds       48,168        48,168 
State and municipal bonds       2,944        2,944 
Government-sponsored enterprise obligations       23,947        23,947 
Marketable equity securities   6,408            6,408 
Total assets  $6,408   $253,748   $   $260,156 
                     
Liabilities:                    
Interest rate swaps  $   $1,259   $   $1,259 

 

Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Non-recurring Basis.

 

We may also be required, from time to time, to measure certain other assets at fair value on a non-recurring basis in accordance with U.S. GAAP. These adjustments to fair value usually result from application of lower-of-cost-or-market accounting or write-downs of individual assets. There were no assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis at June 30, 2019 or December 31, 2018. The following table summarizes the fair value hierarchy used to determine each adjustment and the carrying value of the related assets at June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018. Total losses represent the change in carrying value as a result of fair value adjustments related to assets still held at the periods indicated.

 

   At   Three Months Ended   Six Months Ended 
   June 30, 2019   June 30, 2019   June 30, 2019 
               Total   Total 
   Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Gains (Losses)   Gains (Losses) 
   (In thousands)         
Impaired Loans  $   $   $3,588   $(567)  $(697)
Total Assets  $   $   $3,588   $(567)  $(697)

 

   At   Three Months Ended   Six Months Ended 
   December 31, 2018   June 30, 2018   June 30, 2018 
               Total   Total 
   Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Gains (Losses)   Gains (Losses) 
   (In thousands)         
Impaired Loans  $   $   $1,676   $(80)  $(80)
Total Assets  $   $   $1,676   $(80)  $(80)

 

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The amount of impaired loans represents the carrying value, and net of the related write-down or valuation allowance of impaired loans for which adjustments are based on the estimated fair value of the underlying collateral.  The fair value of impaired loans with specific allocations of the allowance for loan losses is generally based on real estate appraisals performed by independent licensed or certified appraisers.  These appraisals may utilize a single valuation approach or a combination of approaches including comparable sales and the income approach.  Adjustments are routinely made in the appraisal process by the appraisers to adjust for differences between the comparable sales and income data available.  Management will discount appraisals as deemed necessary based on the date of the appraisal and new information deemed relevant to the valuation.  Such adjustments are typically significant and result in a Level 3 classification of the inputs for determining fair value. The resulting losses were recognized in earnings through the provision for loan losses. There were no liabilities measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis at June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018.

 

Summary of Fair Values of Financial Instruments.

 

The estimated fair values of our financial instruments are as follows:

 

   June 30, 2019 
   Carrying Value   Fair Value 
       Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total 
   (In thousands) 
Assets:                    
Cash and cash equivalents  $25,688   $25,688   $   $   $25,688 
Securities available-for-sale   234,999        234,999        234,999 
Marketable equity securities   6,639    6,639            6,639 
Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston and other restricted stock   11,756            11,756    11,756 
Loans - net   1,709,738            1,682,834    1,682,834 
Accrued interest receivable   5,493            5,493    5,493 
Mortgage servicing rights   253        381        381 
                          
Liabilities:                         
Deposits   1,644,551            1,646,144    1,646,144 
Short-term borrowings   50,000        50,012        50,012 
Long-term debt   175,683        176,079        176,079 
Accrued interest payable   646            646    646 
Derivative liabilities   2,018        2,018        2,018 

 

   December 31, 2018 
   Carrying Value  

Fair Value

 

 
       Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total 
   (In thousands) 
Assets:                    
Cash and cash equivalents  $26,789   $26,789   $   $   $26,789 
Securities available-for-sale   253,748        253,748        253,748 
Marketable equity securities   6,408    6,408            6,408 
Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston and other restricted stock   14,695            14,695    14,695 
Loans - net   1,684,804            1,631,558    1,631,558 
Accrued interest receivable   5,652            5,652    5,652 
Mortgage servicing rights   286        456        456 
                          
Liabilities:                         
Deposits   1,595,993            1,592,521    1,592,521 
Short-term borrowings   59,250        59,247        59,247 
Long-term debt   208,018        206,789        206,789 
Accrued interest payable   530            530    530 
Derivative liabilities   1,259        1,259        1,259 

 

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12.        LEASES

 

The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Effective in 2019, operating leases are included within other assets and other liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets. Right-of-use (“ROU”) assets represent our right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent our obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Operating lease ROU assets and liabilities are recognized at commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. As our leases do not provide an implicit rate, we use our incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. Our lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise that option. Lease expense for lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

 

The Company has lease agreements with lease and non-lease components, which are generally accounted for separately. We have not elected the practical expedient to account for lease and non-lease components as one lease component. Additionally, the Company has elected the practical expedient whereby expired leases, existing operating lease classifications and initial direct costs will not be reassessed at inception. The Company has operating leases for certain of our banking offices and ATMs. Our leases have remaining lease terms of one year to 19 years, some of which include options to extend the leases for additional five-year terms up to 15 years.

 

The components of lease expense were as follows:

 

   Three Months Ended   Six Months Ended 
   June 30, 2019   June 30, 2019 
   (In thousands) 
           
Amortization of right-of-use assets  $243   $485 
Interest on lease liabilities   61    124 
Operating lease cost  $304   $609 

 

Supplemental cash flow information related to leases was as follows:

 

   Six Months Ended 
   June 30, 2019 
    (In thousands) 
      
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:     
Operating cash flows from operating leases  $584 

 

Supplemental balance sheet information related to leases was as follows:

 

   June 30, 2019 
    (In thousands) 
      
Operating lease right-of-use assets  $6,744 
Operating lease liabilities  $6,778 

 

The weighted average remaining lease term for our operating leases was 11 years with a weighted average discount rate of 3.53% at June 30, 2019.

 

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Maturities of the Company’s operating lease liabilities were as follows (in thousands):

 

Years Ending December 31,     
2019   $544 
2020    995 
2021    917 
2022    887 
2023    703 
Thereafter    4,333 
Total lease payments    8,379 
Less imputed interest    (1,601)
Total   $6,778 

 

13. RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

 

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), which supersedes the requirements in Topic 840, Leases. The objective of Topic 842 is to establish the principles that lessees and lessors shall apply to report useful information to users of financial statements about the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows arising from a lease. The core principle of Topic 842 is that a lessee should recognize the assets and liabilities that arise from leases. The amendments in this ASU are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company adopted this ASU on January 1, 2019 and recorded an increase in assets of $7.2 million and an increase in liabilities of $7.2 million on the consolidated balance sheet as a result of recognizing the right-of-use assets and lease liabilities.

 

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326), which requires entities to measure all expected credit losses for financial assets held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. The ASU also requires enhanced disclosures to help financial statement users better understand significant estimates and judgments used in estimating credit losses, as well as the credit quality and underwriting standards of an entity’s portfolio. These disclosures include qualitative and quantitative requirements that provide additional information about the amounts recorded in the financial statements. This ASU is effective for the first interim period in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. The Company is in the process of implementing the standard.  We have put together a project team that has begun to identify appropriate loan segments along with related historical losses for each segment and potential models that would be most appropriate for each individual segment.  We have not quantified the effects of any models, but do expect the standard to significantly change the approach to calculating our allowance for loan losses.

 

In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-08, Receivables—Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (Subtopic 310-20): Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities. This ASU amends guidance on the amortization period of premiums on certain purchased callable debt securities. Specifically, the amendments shorten the amortization period of premiums on certain purchased callable debt securities to the earliest call date. The amendments affect all entities that hold investments in callable debt securities that have an amortized cost basis in excess of the amount that is repayable by the issuer (that is, at a premium). The Company adopted this ASU on January 1, 2019, which reduced premiums on callable debt securities and resulted in a cumulative-effect adjustment directly to retained earnings, net of tax, of $7,000.

 

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In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities. The amendments in this ASU refine and expand hedge accounting for both financial (e.g., interest rate) and commodity risks. Its provisions create more transparency around how economic results are presented, both on the face of the financial statements and in the footnotes. It also makes certain targeted improvements to simplify the application of hedge accounting guidance. The ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2020. Early adoption, including adoption in the interim period, is permitted. Management does not expect the adoption of this ASU to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

 

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework – Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement. This ASU removes and modifies the previously required disclosures relating to fair value measurements. Specifically, the ASU removes the required disclosure of amounts and reasons for transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, the policy for timing of transfers between levels, the valuation process for Level 3 fair value measurements and the changes in unrealized gains and losses for the period included in earnings for recurring Level 3 fair value measurements held at the end of a reporting period. It also modifies the required roll forward of Level 3 fair value measurements to a disclosure of any transfers into and out of Level 3, increases disclosure for investments in entities that calculate net asset value, and clarifies the measurement of uncertainty disclosure. The ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. As this standard relates to disclosures, Management does not expect adoption to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

 

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ITEM 2:     MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.

 

Overview.

 

We strive to remain a leader in meeting the financial service needs of our local community, and to provide quality service to the individuals and businesses in the market areas that we have served since 1853. Historically, we have been a community-oriented provider of traditional banking products and services to business organizations and individuals, including products such as residential and commercial loans, consumer loans and a variety of deposit products. We meet the needs of our local community through a community-based and service-oriented approach to banking.

 

We have adopted a growth-oriented strategy that has focused on increasing commercial lending. Our strategy also calls for increasing deposit relationships and broadening our product lines and services. We believe that this business strategy is best for our long-term success and viability, and complements our existing commitment to high-quality customer service.

 

In connection with our overall growth strategy, we seek to:

 

grow the Company’s commercial loan portfolio and related commercial deposits by targeting businesses in our primary market area and northern Connecticut to increase the net interest margin and loan income;

 

supplement the commercial portfolio by growing the residential real estate portfolio to diversify the loan portfolio and deepen customer relationships;

 

focus on expanding our retail banking deposit franchise and increase the number of households served within our designated market area;

 

invest in people, systems and technology to grow revenue, improve efficiency and enhance the overall customer experience;

 

grow revenues, increase tangible book value, continue to pay competitive dividends to shareholders and utilize the Company’s stock repurchase plan to leverage our capital and enhance franchise value; and

 

consider growth through acquisitions. We may pursue expansion opportunities in existing or adjacent strategic locations with companies that add complementary products to our existing business and at terms that add value to our existing shareholders.

 

You should read the following financial results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019 in the context of this strategy.

 

Net income was $3.3 million, or $0.12 per diluted share, for the three months ended June 30, 2019, compared to $5.1 million, or $0.18 per diluted share, for the same period in 2018. For the six months ended June 30, 2019, net income was $6.7 million, or $0.25 per diluted share, as compared to net income of $8.7 million, or $0.29 per diluted share, for the same period in 2018.

 

The provision for loan losses was $350,000 and $750,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively, and $400,000 and $1.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

 

Net interest income was $14.2 million and $15.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The net interest margin was 2.89% for the three months ended June 30, 2019, compared to 3.24% for the same period in 2018. The net interest margin, on a tax-equivalent basis, was 2.92% for the three months ended June 30, 2019, compared to 3.27% for the same period in 2018. Net interest income was $28.5 million and $30.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The net interest margin was 2.92% and 3.17% for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The net interest margin, on a tax-equivalent basis, was 2.95% and 3.19% for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

 

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CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES.

 

Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP and practices within the banking industry. Application of these principles requires management to make estimates, assumptions, and judgments that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. These estimates, assumptions, and judgments are based on information available as of the date of the financial statements; accordingly, as this information changes, the financial statements could reflect different estimates, assumptions, and judgments. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

Critical accounting estimates are necessary in the application of certain accounting policies and procedures, and are particularly susceptible to significant change. Critical accounting policies are defined as those that are reflective of significant judgments and uncertainties, and could potentially result in materially different results under different assumptions and conditions. There have been no material changes to our critical accounting policies during the six months ended June 30, 2019. For additional information on our critical accounting policies, please refer to the information contained in Note 1 of the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements and Note 1 of the consolidated financial statements included in our 2018 Annual Report.

 

COMPARISON OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AT JUNE 30, 2019 AND DECEMBER 31, 2018

 

At June 30, 2019, total assets were $2.1 billion, an increase of $8.3 million, or 0.4%, from December 31, 2018. During the same period, total loans increased $25.4 million, or 1.5%, securities available-for-sale decreased $18.7 million, or 7.4%, and cash and cash equivalents decreased $1.1 million, or 4.1%.

 

Total loans increased $25.4 million, or 1.5%, primarily due to an increase in commercial real estate loans of $33.9 million, or 4.4%, partially offset by a decrease in residential real estate loans, which include home equity loans, of $3.0 million, or 0.4%, and a decrease in commercial and industrial loans of $5.7 million, or 2.3%.

 

All loans where the payments are 90 days or more in arrears as of the closing date of each month are placed on nonaccrual status. Nonperforming loans were $14.9 million at June 30, 2019 and $13.5 million at December 31, 2018. If all nonaccrual loans had been performing in accordance with their terms, we would have earned additional interest income of $651,000 and $393,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. At June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, our nonperforming loans to total loans was 0.87% and 0.79%, while our nonperforming assets to total assets was 0.70% and 0.64%, respectively. A summary of our nonaccrual and past due loans by class are listed in Note 5 of the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 

At June 30, 2019, total deposits were $1.6 billion, an increase of $48.6 million, or 3.0%, from December 31, 2018. Core deposits, which the Company defines as all deposits except time deposits, increased $30.8 million, or 3.3%, from $935.9 million, or 58.6% of total deposits, at December 31, 2018, to $966.7 million, or 58.8% of total deposits, at June 30, 2019. Non-interest-bearing deposits increased $20.1 million, or 5.7%, to $375.5, interest-bearing checking accounts increased $6.3 million, or 9.9%, to $69.9 million, and savings accounts increased $5.8 million, or 4.9%, to $124.3 million, while money market accounts decreased $1.4 million, or 0.3%, to $397.0 million. Time deposits increased $17.8 million, or 2.7%, from $660.0 million at December 31, 2018 to $677.8 million at June 30, 2019. Brokered deposits, which are included within time deposits, increased $4.3 million, or 18.1% to $28.1 million at June 30, 2019, from $23.8 million at December 31, 2018.

 

FHLB advances decreased $41.6 million, or 15.6%, from $267.3 million at December 31, 2018, to $225.7 million at June 30, 2019. Short-term FHLB borrowings decreased $9.3 million, or 15.6%, to $50.0 million at June 30, 2019, from $59.3 million at December 31, 2018. Long-term debt decreased $32.3 million, or 15.5%, to $175.7 million at June 30, 2019, from $208.0 million at December 31, 2018. The Company utilized the increase in deposit balances during the year to pay down FHLB borrowings. Additional information regarding short-term borrowings and long-term debt is included in Note 8 of the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 

34

 

At June 30, 2019, shareholders’ equity was $229.7 million, or 10.8% of total assets, compared to $237.0 million, or 11.2% of total assets, at December 31, 2018. The decrease in shareholders’ equity reflects $17.8 million for the repurchase of the Company’s shares and the payment of regular cash dividends of $2.7 million, both partially offset by net income of $6.7 million and a decrease in accumulated other comprehensive loss of $5.7 million.

 

COMPARISON OF OPERATING RESULTS FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2019 AND JUNE 30, 2018

 

General.

 

Net income was $3.3 million, or $0.12 per diluted share, for the three months ended June 30, 2019, compared to $5.1 million, or $0.18 per diluted share, for the same period in 2018. Net interest income was $14.2 million and $15.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

 

35

 

Net Interest and Dividend Income.

 

The following tables set forth the information relating to our average balance and net interest income for the three months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, and reflect the average yield on interest-earning assets and average cost of interest-bearing liabilities for the periods indicated. Yields and costs are derived by dividing interest income by the average balance of interest-earning assets and interest expense by the average balance of interest-bearing liabilities for the periods shown. The interest rate spread is the difference between the total average yield on interest-earning assets and the cost of interest-bearing liabilities. Net interest margin represents tax-equivalent net interest and dividend income as a percentage of average interest-earning assets. Average balances are derived from actual daily balances over the periods indicated. Interest income includes fees earned when the real estate loans are prepaid or refinanced. For analytical purposes, the interest earned on tax-exempt assets is adjusted to a tax-equivalent basis to recognize the income tax savings which facilitates comparison between taxable and tax-exempt assets.

 

   Three Months Ended June 30, 
   2019   2018 
   Average       Average
Yield/
   Average       Average
Yield/
 
   Balance   Interest   Cost   Balance   Interest   Cost 
   (Dollars in thousands) 
ASSETS:                        
Interest-earning assets                              
Loans(1)(2)  $1,688,553   $18,434    4.38%  $1,664,903   $18,531    4.46%
Securities(2)   249,110    1,635    2.63    272,809    1,835    2.70 
Other investments - at cost   15,131    210    5.57    17,601    202    4.60 
Short-term investments(3)   15,134    73    1.93    8,386    28    1.34 
Total interest-earning assets   1,967,928    20,352    4.15    1,963,699    20,596    4.21 
Total non-interest-earning assets   137,749              132,467           
Total assets  $2,105,677             $2,096,166           
                               
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY:                              
Interest-bearing liabilities                              
Interest-bearing checking accounts  $70,619   $94    0.53%  $98,493   $87    0.35%
Savings accounts   126,855    42    0.13    142,991    48    0.13 
Money market accounts   396,555    601    0.61    419,604    476    0.46 
Time deposit accounts   679,909    3,630    2.14    578,860    2,107    1.46 
Total interest-bearing deposits   1,273,938    4,367    1.37    1,239,948    2,718    0.88 
Short-term borrowings and long-term debt   218,419    1,647    3.02    288,054    1,881    2.62 
Interest-bearing liabilities   1,492,357    6,014    1.62    1,528,002    4,599    1.21 
Non-interest-bearing deposits   363,329              312,754           
Other non-interest-bearing liabilities   23,210              16,566           
Total non-interest-bearing liabilities   386,539              329,320           
                               
Total liabilities   1,878,896              1,857,322           
Total equity   226,781              238,844           
Total liabilities and equity  $2,105,677             $2,096,166           
Less: Tax-equivalent adjustment(2)        (137)             (132)     
Net interest and dividend income       $14,201             $15,865      
Net interest rate spread             2.50%             2.97%
Net interest rate spread, on a tax equivalent basis(4)             2.53%             3.00%
Net interest margin             2.89%             3.24%
Net interest margin, on a tax equivalent basis(5)             2.92%             3.27%
Ratio of average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities             131.87%             128.51%

 

 

 

(1)Loans, including non-accrual loans, are net of deferred loan origination costs, unadvanced funds and the allowance for loan losses.

(2)Securities income, loan income and net interest income are presented on a tax-equivalent basis using a tax rate of 21%. The tax-equivalent adjustment is deducted from tax-equivalent net interest and dividend income to agree to the amount reported in the consolidated statements of operations.

(3)Short-term investments include federal funds sold.

(4)Net interest rate spread, on a tax-equivalent basis, represents the difference between the weighted average yield on interest-earning assets and the weighted average cost of interest-bearing liabilities. See “Explanation of Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measurements”.

(5)Net interest margin, on a tax-equivalent basis, represents tax-equivalent net interest and dividend income as a percentage of average interest-earning assets. See “Explanation of Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measurements”.

 

36

 

Rate/Volume Analysis.

 

The following table shows how changes in interest rates and changes in the volume of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities have affected our interest and dividend income and interest expense during the periods indicated. Information is provided in each category with respect to: (1) interest income changes attributable to changes in volume (changes in volume multiplied by prior rate); (2) interest income changes attributable to changes in rate (changes in rate multiplied by prior volume); and (3) the net change.

 

The changes attributable to the combined impact of volume and rate have been allocated proportionately to the changes due to volume and the changes due to rate.

 

   Three Months Ended June 30, 2019 compared to Three Months Ended
June 30, 2018
 
   Increase (Decrease) Due to     
   Volume   Rate   Net 
Interest-earning assets  (In thousands) 
Loans (1)  $263   $(360)  $(97)
Securities (1)   (159)   (41)   (200)
Other investments - at cost   (28)   36    8 
Short-term investments   23    22    45 
Total interest-earning assets   99    (343)   (244)
                
Interest-bearing liabilities               
Interest-bearing checking accounts   (25)   32    7 
Savings accounts   (5)   (1)   (6)
Money market accounts   (26)   151    125 
Time deposit accounts   368    1,155    1,523 
Short-term borrowing and long-time debt   (455)   221    (234)
Total interest-bearing liabilities   (143)   1,558    1,415 
Change in net interest and dividend income (1)  $242   $(1,901)  $(1,659)

 

 

 

(1)Securities, loan income and change in net interest and dividend income are presented on a tax-equivalent basis using a tax rate of 21%. The tax-equivalent adjustment is deducted from tax-equivalent net interest income.

 

Net interest income decreased $1.7 million, or 10.5%, to $14.2 million, for the three months ended June 30, 2019, from $15.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018. The decrease in net interest income was due to an increase in interest expense of $1.4 million, or 30.8%, and a decrease in interest and dividend income of $249,000, or 1.2%. The increase in interest expense was primarily due to a $1.6 million, or 60.7%, increase in interest expense on deposits, partially offset by a decrease of $234,000, or 12.4%, in interest expense on FHLB borrowings.

 

Net interest income for the three months ended June 30, 2018 included $909,000 in favorable purchase accounting adjustments and a prepayment penalty of $269,000, compared to $79,000 in negative purchase accounting adjustments and $21,000 in prepayment penalties reported during the three months ended June 30, 2019. Excluding these adjustments, net interest income decreased $428,000, or 2.9%, from $14.7 million during the three months ended June 30, 2018, compared to $14.3 million during the three months ended June 30, 2019. Interest and dividend income increased $887,000, or 4.6%, for the three months ended June 30, 2019, offset by an increase in interest expense of $1.3 million, or 27.8%.

 

The net interest margin was 2.89% for the three months ended June 30, 2019, compared to 3.24% for the three months ended June 30, 2018. The net interest margin, on a tax-equivalent basis, was 2.92% for the three months ended June 30, 2019, compared to 3.27% for the three months ended June 30, 2018.

 

37

 

The decrease in the net interest margin was largely due to a decrease of $988,000 in purchase accounting adjustments from a favorable adjustment of $909,000 recorded during the three months ended June 30, 2018, compared to a negative adjustment of $79,000 recorded during the three months ended June 30, 2019. The decrease in purchase accounting adjustments reduced the net interest margin by 21 basis points. Prepayment penalties decreased $248,000 during the three months ended June 30, 2019, which further decreased the net interest margin by six basis points. After these adjustments, the adjusted net interest margin decreased from 3.00% during the three months ended June 30, 2018 to 2.91% during the three months ended June 30, 2019.

 

The average yield on interest-earning assets decreased six basis points from 4.21% for the three months ended June 30, 2018 to 4.15% for the three months ended June 30, 2019. Excluding the purchase accounting adjustments and the prepayment penalties mentioned above, the average yield on interest-earning assets increased 18 basis points from 3.99% for the three months ended June 30, 2018 to 4.17% for the three months ended June 30, 2019, respectively. During the three months ended June 30, 2019, the average cost of funds increased 41 basis points from 1.21% for the three months ended June 30, 2018 to 1.62% for the three months ended June 30, 2019. The average cost of core deposits, which include non-interest bearing demand accounts, increased six basis points from 0.25% for the three months ended June 30, 2018 to 0.31% for the three months ended June 30, 2019. The average cost of time deposits increased 68 basis points from 1.46% for the three months ended June 30, 2018 to 2.14% for the three months ended June 30, 2019. The average cost of FHLB borrowings increased 40 basis points during the same period. For the three months ended June 30, 2019, average demand deposits, an interest-free source of funds, increased $50.6 million, or 16.2%, to $363.3 million, or 22.2% of total average deposits, from $312.8 million, or 20.2% of total average deposits for the three months ended June 30, 2018.

 

During the three months ended June 30, 2019, average interest-earning assets increased $4.2 million, or 0.2%, to $2.0 billion compared to the three months ended June 30, 2018. The increase in average interest-earning assets was due to an increase in average loans of $23.7 million, or 1.4%, and an increase in short-term investments of $6.7 million, or 80.5%, both of which were partially offset by a decrease in average securities of $23.7 million, or 8.7%.

 

Provision for Loan Losses.

 

The provision for loan losses is reviewed by management based upon our evaluation of then-existing economic and business conditions affecting our key lending areas and other conditions, such as new loan products, credit quality trends (including trends in nonperforming loans expected to result from existing conditions), collateral values, loan volumes and concentrations, specific industry conditions within portfolio segments that existed as of the balance sheet date and the impact that such conditions were believed to have had on the collectability of the loan portfolio.

 

The amount of the provision for loan losses during the three months ended June 30, 2019 was based upon the changes that occurred in the loan portfolio during that same period. The changes in the loan portfolio, described in the comparison of financial condition, include an increase in commercial real estate loans. After evaluating these factors, we recorded a provision for loan losses of $350,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2019, compared to $750,000 for the same period in 2018.

 

The Company recorded net recoveries of $194,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2019, as compared to net charge-offs of $134,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2018. During the three months ended June 30, 2019, the Company recorded charge-offs of $629,000, primarily due to an existing substandard commercial loan relationship, partially offset by recoveries of $823,000. The recovery was partially due to a previously charged-off loan from 2010. During the three months ended June 30, 2018, the Company recorded net charge-offs of $134,000, comprised of charge-offs of $154,000, partially offset by recoveries of $20,000.

 

The allowance for loan losses was $12.4 million and $12.1 million and 0.72% and 0.71% of total loans at June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively.

 

Although we believe that we have established and maintained the allowance for loan losses at adequate levels, future adjustments may be necessary if economic, real estate and other conditions differ substantially from the current operating environment.

 

38

 

Non-interest Income.

 

Non-interest income decreased $416,000, or 14.2%, to $2.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2019, from $2.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018. During the three months ended June 30, 2018, non-interest income included $715,000 in gains on bank-owned life insurance (“BOLI”). Excluding the gains on BOLI, non-interest income increased $299,000, or 13.5%, for the three months ended June 30, 2019 primarily due to an increase in service charges and fees of $157,000, or 9.3%, an increase in other non-interest income of $75,000, or 57.3%, primarily related to swap fee income, and $79,000 in unrealized gains on marketable equity securities for the three months ended June 30, 2019, as compared to $41,000 in unrealized losses on marketable equity securities for the three months ended June 30, 2018, partially offset by a $47,000 increase in realized losses on securities. During the three months ended June 30, 2019, service charges and fees included $110,000 in non-recurring interchange fee income.

 

Non-interest Expense.

 

For the three months ended June 30, 2019, non-interest expense increased $594,000, or 5.1%, to $12.1 million, or 2.31% of average assets, from $11.5 million, or 2.21% of average assets, for the three months ended June 30, 2018. The increase in non-interest expense was primarily due to an increase in salaries and benefits of $312,000, or 4.8%, an increase in other expense of $152,000, or 8.6%, an increase in FDIC insurance expense of $89,000, or 60.5%, an increase in furniture and equipment of $45,000, or 11.8%, an increase in data processing of $24,000, or 3.5%, an increase in advertising expense of $15,000, or 4.2%, and an increase in occupancy expense of $31,000, or 3.2%. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in professional fees of $74,000, or 10.9%. For the three months ended June 30, 2019, the efficiency ratio was 72.5%, compared to 63.5% for the three months ended June 30, 2018.

 

Income Taxes.

 

The Company’s effective tax rate increased from 21.0% for the three months ended June 30, 2018 to 23.0% for the three months ended June 30, 2019. The lower tax rate for the three months ended June 30, 2018 was primarily due to a gain on BOLI recognized during the period.

 

COMPARISON OF OPERATING RESULTS FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2019 AND JUNE 30, 2018

 

General.

 

Net income was $6.7 million, or $0.25 per diluted share, for the six months ended June 30, 2019, compared to $8.7 million, or $0.29 per diluted share, for the same period in 2018. Net interest income was $28.5 million and $30.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

 

39

 

Net Interest and Dividend Income.

 

The following tables set forth the information relating to our average balance and net interest income for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, and reflect the average yield on interest-earning assets and average cost of interest-bearing liabilities for the periods indicated. Yields and costs are derived by dividing interest income by the average balance of interest-earning assets and interest expense by the average balance of interest-bearing liabilities for the periods shown. The interest rate spread is the difference between the total average yield on interest-earning assets and the cost of interest-bearing liabilities. Net interest margin represents tax-equivalent net interest and dividend income as a percentage of average interest-earning assets. Average balances are derived from actual daily balances over the periods indicated. Interest income includes fees earned when the real estate loans are prepaid or refinanced. For analytical purposes, the interest earned on tax-exempt assets is adjusted to a tax-equivalent basis to recognize the income tax savings which facilitates comparison between taxable and tax-exempt assets.

 

   Six Months Ended June 30, 
   2019   2018 
   Average       Average Yield/   Average       Average Yield/ 
   Balance   Interest   Cost   Balance   Interest   Cost 
   (Dollars in thousands) 
ASSETS:                        
Interest-earning assets                              
Loans(1)(2)  $1,686,336   $36,613    4.38%  $1,645,926   $35,358    4.33%
Securities(2)   254,116    3,330    2.64    277,656    3,649    2.65 
Other investments - at cost   15,535    446    5.79    17,357    403    4.68 
Short-term investments(3)   15,123    149    1.99    7,173    49    1.38 
Total interest-earning assets   1,971,110    40,538    4.15    1,948,112    39,459    4.08 
Total non-interest-earning assets   135,820              134,729           
Total assets  $2,106,930             $2,082,841           
                               
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY:                              
Interest-bearing liabilities                              
Interest-bearing checking accounts  $71,770    175    0.49   $95,820    167    0.35 
Savings accounts   124,743    75    0.12    142,941    89    0.13 
Money market accounts   395,889    1,157    0.59    418,897    894    0.43 
Time deposit accounts   676,898    6,929    2.06    570,032    3,923    1.39 
Total interest-bearing deposits   1,269,300    8,336    1.32    1,227,690    5,073    0.83 
Short-term borrowings and long-term debt   233,615    3,412    2.95    285,397    3,536    2.50 
Interest-bearing liabilities   1,502,915    11,748    1.58    1,513,087    8,609    1.15 
Non-interest-bearing deposits   353,854              311,480           
Other non-interest-bearing liabilities   21,798              16,228           
Total non-interest-bearing liabilities   375,652              327,708           
                               
Total liabilities   1,878,567              1,840,795           
Total equity   228,363              242,046           
Total liabilities and equity  $2,106,930             $2,082,841           
Less: Tax-equivalent adjustment(2)        (263)             (263)     
Net interest and dividend income       $28,527             $30,587      
Net interest rate spread             2.54%             2.91%
Net interest rate spread, on a tax equivalent basis(4)             2.57%             2.93%
Net interest margin             2.92%             3.17%
Net interest margin, on a tax equivalent basis(5)             2.95%             3.19%
Ratio of average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities             131.15%             128.75%

 

 

 

(1)Loans, including non-accrual loans, are net of deferred loan origination costs, unadvanced funds and the allowance for loan losses.

(2)Securities income, loan income and net interest income are presented on a tax-equivalent basis using a tax rate of 21%. The tax-equivalent adjustment is deducted from tax-equivalent net interest and dividend income to agree to the amount reported in the consolidated statements of operations.

(3)Short-term investments include federal funds sold.

(4)Net interest rate spread, on a tax-equivalent basis, represents the difference between the weighted average yield on interest-earning assets and the weighted average cost of interest-bearing liabilities. See “Explanation of Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measurements”.

(5)Net interest margin, on a tax-equivalent basis, represents tax-equivalent net interest and dividend income as a percentage of average interest-earning assets. See “Explanation of Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measurements”.

 

40

 

Rate/Volume Analysis.

 

The following table shows how changes in interest rates and changes in the volume of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities have affected our interest and dividend income and interest expense during the periods indicated. Information is provided in each category with respect to: (1) interest income changes attributable to changes in volume (changes in volume multiplied by prior rate); (2) interest income changes attributable to changes in rate (changes in rate multiplied by prior volume); and (3) the net change.

 

The changes attributable to the combined impact of volume and rate have been allocated proportionately to the changes due to volume and the changes due to rate.

 

  

Six Months Ended June 30, 2019 compared to

Six Months Ended June 30, 2018

 
   Increase (Decrease) Due to     
   Volume   Rate   Net 
Interest-earning assets  (In thousands) 
Loans (1)  $868   $387   $1,255 
Securities (1)   (309)   (10)   (319)
Other investments - at cost   (42)   85    43 
Short-term investments   54    46    100 
Total interest-earning assets   571    508    1,079 
                
Interest-bearing liabilities               
Interest-bearing checking accounts   (42)   50    8 
Savings accounts   (11)   (3)   (14)
Money market accounts   (49)   312    263 
Time deposit accounts   735    2,271    3,006 
Short-term borrowing and long-term debt   (642)   518    (124)
Total interest-bearing liabilities   (9)   3,148    3,139 
Change in net interest and dividend income  $580   $(2,640)  $(2,060)

 

 

 

(1)Securities, loan income and change in net interest and dividend income are presented on a tax-equivalent basis using a tax rate of 21%. The tax-equivalent adjustment is deducted from tax-equivalent net interest income.

 

Net interest income decreased $2.1 million, or 6.7%, to $28.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2019, compared to $30.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018. The decrease in net interest income was due to a $3.1 million, or 36.5%, increase in interest expense, partially offset by a $1.1 million, or 2.8%, increase in interest and dividend income. The increase in interest expense was primarily due to a $3.3 million, or 64.3%, increase in interest expense on deposits, primarily time deposits, while interest expense on FHLB borrowings decreased $124,000, or 3.5%. Net interest income for the six months ended June 30, 2018 included $1.1 million in favorable purchase accounting adjustments primarily due to the full payoff of a purchase credit impaired loan from Chicopee, compared to $58,000 in negative purchase accounting adjustments for the six months ended June 30, 2019. During the six months ended June 30, 2018, the Company also reported a prepayment penalty of $269,000, compared to $23,000 during the six months ended June 30, 2019. Excluding these adjustments, interest and dividend income increased $2.3 million, or 6.1%, offset by a $2.9 million, or 33.1%, increase in interest expense.

 

The net interest margin for the six months ended June 30, 2019 was 2.92%, compared to 3.17% during the six months ended June 30, 2018. The net interest margin, on a tax-equivalent basis, was 2.95% for the six months ended June 30, 2019, compared to 3.19% for the six months ended June 30, 2018.

 

The decrease in net interest margin was largely due to a decrease in purchase accounting adjustments from a favorable adjustment of $1.1 million during the six months ended June 30, 2018, compared to a negative adjustment of $58,000 during the six months ended June 30, 2019. The result was a decrease of 12 basis points on the net interest margin. Prepayment penalties decreased $246,000, from $269,000 during the six months ended June 30, 2018 to $23,000 during the six months ended June 30, 2019, which further decreased the net interest margin by three basis points. After these adjustments, the adjusted net interest margin decreased from 3.05% during the three months ended June 30, 2018 to 2.92% during the six months ended June 30, 2019.

 

41

 

The average yield on interest-earning assets increased seven basis points from 4.08% for the six months ended June 30, 2018 to 4.15% for the six months ended June 30, 2019. Excluding the purchase accounting adjustments and the prepayment penalties mentioned above, the average yield on interest-earning assets increased 19 basis points from 3.97% for the six months ended June 30, 2018 to 4.16% for the six months ended June 30, 2019, respectively. During the six months ended June 30, 2019, the average cost of funds increased 43 basis points from 1.15% for the six months ended June 30, 2018 to 1.58%. The average cost of core deposits, including noninterest-bearing demand deposits, increased six basis points from 0.24% for the six months ended June 30, 2018 to 0.30% for the six months ended June 30, 2019, while the average cost of time deposits increased 67 basis points from 1.39% for the six months ended June 30, 2018 to 2.06% during the same period in 2019. The average cost of borrowings increased 45 basis points from 2.50% for the six months ended June 30, 2018 to 2.95% for the six months ended June 20, 2019. For the six months ended June 30, 2019, average demand deposits, an interest-free source of funds, increased $42.4 million, or 13.6%, from $311.5 million, or 20.2% of total average deposits, for the six months ended June 30, 2018 to $353.9 million, or 21.8% of total average deposits, for the six months ended June 30, 2019. During the six months ended June 30, 2019, average interest-earning assets increased $23.0 million, or 1.2%, to $2.0 billion. The increase in average interest-earning assets was due to an increase in average loans of $40.4 million, or 2.5%, partially offset by a decrease in average securities of $23.5 million, or 8.5%.

 

Provision for Loan Losses.

 

The amount that we provided for loan losses during the six months ended June 30, 2019 was based upon the changes that occurred in the loan portfolio during that same period. The changes in the loan portfolio for the six months ended June 30, 2019, described in the comparison of financial condition, include an increase in commercial real estate loans. After evaluating these factors, we recorded a provision of $400,000 for loan losses for the six months ended June 30, 2019, compared to $1.3 million for the same period in 2018.

 

The Company recorded net charge-offs of $30,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2019, as compared to net charge-offs of $95,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2018. During the six months ended June 30, 2019, the Company recorded charge-offs of $923,000, compared to $190,000 during the same period in 2018. The charge-offs recorded during the six months ended June 30, 2019 were primarily due to a partial charge-off of $440,000 related to one commercial and industrial loan relationship that was previously reported as substandard. During the six months ended June 30, 2019, the Company also recorded recoveries of $893,000, primarily due to a partial recovery of $812,000 related to a single commercial real estate loan previously charged-off in 2010.

 

During the six months ended June 30, 2018, the Company recorded net charge-offs of $95,000 comprised of charge-offs of $190,000, partially offset by recoveries of $95,000.

 

The allowance for loan losses was $12.4 million at June 30, 2019 and $12.1 million at December 31, 2018. The allowance for loan losses was 0.72% and 0.71% of total loans at June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively.

 

Although we believe that we have established and maintained the allowance for loan losses at adequate levels, future adjustments may be necessary if economic, real estate and other conditions differ substantially from the current operating environment.

 

Non-interest Income.

 

For the six months ended June 30, 2019, non-interest income of $4.7 million decreased $11,000, or 0.2%, compared to $4.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018. Service charges and fees increased $207,000, or 6.3%, and other income increased $83,000, or 63.4%. During the six months ended June 30, 2019, service charges and fees included $110,000 in non-recurring interchange fee income. During the six months ended June 30, 2019, the Company reported unrealized gains on marketable equity securities of $149,000, compared to unrealized losses of $147,000 during the six months ended June 30, 2018, as well as a decrease in realized losses on securities of $189,000, or 75.6%, during the same period. During the six months ended June 30, 2018, the Company reported a $48,000 gain on the sale of other real estate owned and a $715,000 net gain on BOLI. Excluding the net gain on BOLI and the realized and unrealized security losses discussed above, non-interest income increased $267,000, or 6.2%, for the six months ended June 30, 2019 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2018.

 

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Non-interest Expense.

 

For the six months ended June 30, 2019, non-interest expense increased $1.2 million, or 5.2%, to $24.2 million, or 2.31% of average assets, compared to $23.0 million, or 2.22% of average assets for the six months ended June 30, 2018. The increase in non-interest expense was primarily due to the increase in salaries and benefits of $559,000, or 4.3%, an increase in other non-interest expenses of $244,000, or 7.1%, an increase in occupancy expense of $142,000, or 7.0%, an increase in FDIC insurance expense of $107,000, or 35.1%, an increase in furniture and equipment of $83,000, or 11.1%, an increase of data processing of $52,000, or 4.0%, an increase in advertising expense of $32,000, or 4.6%, and a decrease in professional fees of $28,000, or 2.1%. For the six months ended June 30, 2019, the efficiency ratio was 72.9%, compared to 65.8% for the six months ended June 30, 2018. The adjusted efficiency ratio, excluding purchase account adjustments and prepayment penalties, was 72.9% for the six months ended June 30, 2019, compared to 68.7% for the six months ended June 30, 2018.

 

Income Taxes.

 

The Company’s effective tax rate for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and June 30, 2018 was 22.7% and 21.8%, respectively.

 

Explanation of Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measurements.

 

We believe that it is common practice in the banking industry to present interest income and related yield information on tax-exempt loans and securities on a tax-equivalent basis and that such information is useful to investors because it facilitates comparisons among financial institutions. However, the adjustment of interest income and yields on tax-exempt loans and securities to a tax-equivalent amount includes financial information that is not in compliance with GAAP. A reconciliation from GAAP to non-GAAP is provided below.

 

   Three Months Ended June 30,   Six Months Ended June 30, 
   2019   2018   2019   2018 
   (Dollars in thousands)   (Dollars in thousands) 
         
   Interest   Average Yield   Interest   Average Yield   Interest   Average Yield   Interest   Average Yield 
Loans (no tax adjustment)  $18,302    4.35%  $18,405    4.43%  $36,360    4.35%  $35,107    4.30%
Tax-equivalent adjustment (1)   132         126         253         251      
Loans (tax-equivalent basis)  $18,434    4.38%  $18,531    4.46%  $36,613    4.38%  $35,358    4.33%
                                         
Securities (no tax adjustment)  $1,630    2.62%  $1,829    2.69%  $3,320    2.63%  $3,637    2.64%
Tax-equivalent adjustment (1)   5         6         10         12      
Securities (tax-equivalent basis)  $1,635    2.63%  $1,835    2.70%  $3,330    2.64%  $3,649    2.65%
                                         
Net interest income (no tax adjustment)  $14,201        $15,865        $28,527        $30,587      
Tax-equivalent adjustment (1)   137         132         263         263      
Net interest income (tax-equivalent basis)  $14,338        $15,997        $28,790        $30,850      
                                         
Interest rate spread (no tax adjustment)        2.50%        2.97%        2.54%        2.91%
Net interest margin (no tax adjustment)        2.89%        3.24%        2.92%        3.17%

 

 

(1)The tax equivalent adjustment is based upon a 21% tax rate.

 

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Liquidity and Capital Resources.

 

The term “liquidity” refers to our ability to generate adequate amounts of cash to fund loan originations, loan purchases, deposit withdrawals and operating expenses. Our primary sources of liquidity are deposits, scheduled amortization and prepayments of loan principal and mortgage-backed securities, maturities and calls of investment securities and funds provided by our operations. We also can borrow funds from the FHLB based on eligible collateral of loans and securities.

 

At June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, outstanding borrowings from the FHLB were $225.7 million and $267.3 million, respectively. At June 30, 2019, we had $231.6 million in available borrowing capacity with the FHLB. We have the ability to increase our borrowing capacity with the FHLB by pledging investment securities or additional loans. In addition, we have available lines of credit of $15.0 million and $50.0 million with other correspondent banks. Interest rates on these lines are determined and reset on a daily basis by each respective bank. At June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, we did not have an outstanding balance under these lines. In addition, we may enter into reverse repurchase agreements with approved broker-dealers. Reverse repurchase agreements are agreements that allow us to borrow money using our securities as collateral.

 

We also have outstanding at any time, a significant number of commitments to extend credit and provide financial guarantees to third parties. These arrangements are subject to strict credit control assessments. Guarantees specify limits to our obligations. Because many commitments and almost all guarantees expire without being funded in whole or in part, the contract amounts are not estimates of future cash flows. We are also obligated under agreements with the FHLB to repay borrowed funds.

 

At June 30, 2019, we exceeded each of the applicable regulatory capital requirements. As of June 30, 2019, the most recent notification from the Office of Comptroller of the Currency categorized the Bank as “well-capitalized” under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. To be categorized as “well-capitalized,” the Bank must maintain minimum total risk-based, Tier 1 risk-based, Common Equity Tier 1 risk-based, and Tier 1 leverage ratios as set forth in the following table. There are no conditions or events since that notification that management believes would change our category.

 

   Actual   Minimum For Capital
Adequacy Purpose
   Minimum To Be Well
Capitalized
 
   Amount   Ratio   Amount   Ratio   Amount   Ratio 
   (Dollars in thousands) 
June 30, 2019                        
Total Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets):                              
Consolidated  $234,889    14.05%  $133,754    8.00%    N/A      N/A  
Bank   222,504    13.33    133,577    8.00   $166,971    10.00%
Tier 1 Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets):                              
Consolidated   222,466    13.31    100,316    6.00     N/A      N/A  
Bank   210,081    12.58    100,183    6.00    133,577    8.00 
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets)                              
Consolidated   222,466    13.31    75,237    4.50     N/A      N/A  
Bank   210,081    12.58    75,137    4.50    108,531    6.50 
Tier 1 Leverage Ratio (to Adjusted Average Assets):                              
Consolidated   222,466    10.62    83,824    4.00     N/A      N/A  
Bank   210,081    10.03    83,753    4.00    104,691    5.00 
                               
December 31, 2018                              
Total Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets):                              
Consolidated  $247,361    14.87%  $133,089    8.00%    N/A      N/A  
Bank   235,569    14.18    132,892    8.00   $166,115    10.00%
Tier 1 Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets):                              
Consolidated   235,308    14.14    99,817    6.00     N/A      N/A  
Bank   223,516    13.46    99,669    6.00    132,892    8.00 
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets)                              
Consolidated   235,308    14.14    74,862    4.50     N/A      N/A  
Bank   223,516    13.46    74,752    4.50    107,974    6.50 
Tier 1 Leverage Ratio (to Adjusted Average Assets):                              
Consolidated   235,308    11.14    84,497    4.00     N/A      N/A  
Bank   223,516    10.59    84,465    4.00    105,581    5.00 

 

44

 

We also have outstanding, at any time, a significant number of commitments to extend credit and provide financial guarantees to third parties. These arrangements are subject to strict credit control assessments. Guarantees specify limits to our obligations. Because many commitments and almost all guarantees expire without being funded in whole or in part, the contract amounts are not estimates of future cash flows. The following table summarizes the contractual obligations and credit commitments at June 30, 2019:

 

   Amounts
Due Within
1 Year
   Amounts
Due After 1
Year
But Within 3
Years
   Amounts
Due After 3
Year
But Within 5
Years
   Amounts
Due After
5 Years
   Total 
   (In thousands) 
Borrowings                         
Federal Home Loan Bank  $143,850   $79,685   $1,570   $578   $225,683 
                          
Credit Commitments:                         
Available lines of credit   182,365            76,781    259,146 
Other loan commitments   93,551    23,526    1,630    68    118,775 
Letters of credit   7,553    99    301    693    8,646 
Total credit commitments   283,469    23,625    1,931    77,542    386,567 
                          
Other Obligations                         
Vendor Contracts   3,356    6,712    6,712    2,234    19,014 
                          
Total Obligations  $430,675   $110,022   $10,213   $80,354   $631,264 

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements.

 

We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources that is material to investors.

 

ITEM 3: QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

There have been no material changes in our assessment of our sensitivity to market risk since its presentation in our 2018 Annual Report. Please refer to Item 7A of the 2018 Annual Report for additional information.

 

ITEM 4: CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

Disclosure Controls and Procedures.

 

Management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)), as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon the evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures were effective, to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports we file and submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is (i) recorded, processed, summarized and reported as and when required and (ii) accumulated and communicated to our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely discussion regarding required disclosure.

 

45

 

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting.

 

There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation that occurred during our last fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or that are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1.LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.

 

We are subject to claims and legal actions in the ordinary course of business. We believe that all such claims and actions currently pending against us, if any, are either adequately covered by insurance or would not have a material adverse effect on us if decided in a manner unfavorable to us.

 

ITEM 1A.RISK FACTORS.

 

For a summary of risk factors relevant to our operations, see Part 1, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” in our 2018 Annual Report. There are no material changes in the risk factors relevant to our operations.

 

ITEM 2.UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS.

 

The following table sets forth information with respect to purchases made by us of our common stock during the three months ended June 30, 2019.

 

Period   Total Number of
Shares
Purchased
   Average Price
Paid per
Share ($)
   Total Number of
Shares Purchased
as Part of
Publicly
Announced
Programs
   Maximum
Number of Shares
that May Yet Be
Purchased Under
the Program (1)
 
 April 1 - 30, 2019                1,518,553 
 May 1 - 31, 2019    249,961    9.59    249,961    1,268,592 
 June 1 – 30, 2019                1,268,592 
 Total    249,961    9.59    249,961    1,268,592 

 

(1)On January 29, 2019, the Board of Directors authorized an additional stock repurchase program under which the Company may purchase up to 2,814,200 shares, or 10%, of its outstanding common stock (the “2019 Plan”). As of June 30, 2019, the Company has repurchased 1,545,608 shares under the 2019 Plan.

 

There were no sales by us of unregistered securities during the three months ended June 30, 2019.

 

ITEM 3.DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES.

 

None.

 

ITEM 4.MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE.

 

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 5.OTHER INFORMATION.

 

None.

 

46

 

ITEM 6.EXHIBITS.

 

Exhibit

Number

 

Description

2.1   Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of April 4, 2016, by and between Western New England Bancorp, Inc. (f/k/a Westfield Financial, Inc.) and Chicopee Bancorp, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 of the Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on April 7, 2016).
     
3.2   Restated Articles of Organization of Western New England Bancorp, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Form 8-K filed with the SEC on October 26, 2016).
     
3.3   Amended and Restated Bylaws of Western New England Bancorp, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Form 8-K filed with the SEC on February 2, 2017).
     
4.1   Form of Stock Certificate of Western New England Bancorp, Inc. (f/k/a Westfield Financial, Inc.) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Registration Statement No. 333-137024 on Form S-1 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 31, 2006).
     
31.1*   Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
31.2*   Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
32.1*   Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
32.2*   Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
101**   Financial statements from the quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Western New England Bancorp, Inc. for the quarter ended June 30, 2019, formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) the Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Operations, (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity, (v) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and (vi) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

______________________________

 

*Filed herewith.

 

**Pursuant to Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, the Interactive Data Files on Exhibit 101 hereto are deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, are deemed not filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and otherwise are not subject to liability under those sections.

 

47

 

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 on August 7, 2019.

 

  Western New England Bancorp, Inc.
     
  By: /s/ James C. Hagan
    James C. Hagan
    President and Chief Executive Officer
     
  By: /s/ Guida R. Sajdak
    Guida R. Sajdak
    Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

48