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EX-31.1 - CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO RULE 13A-14(A)/15D-14(A) CERTIFICATIONS SECTION 302 OF - COMMUNITY BANCORP /VTexhibit31_1certificationk.htm
EX-23 - CONSENTS OF EXPERTS AND COUNSEL - COMMUNITY BANCORP /VTexhibit23_consent2016.htm
EX-32.2 - CERTIFICATE PURSUANT TO SECTION 18 U.S.C. PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANE - COMMUNITY BANCORP /VTexhibit32_2certificationl.htm
EX-32.1 - CERTIFICATE PURSUANT TO SECTION 18 U.S.C. PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANE - COMMUNITY BANCORP /VTexhibit32_1certificationk.htm
EX-31.2 - CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO RULE 13A-14(A)/15D-14(A) CERTIFICATIONS SECTION 302 OF - COMMUNITY BANCORP /VTexhibit31_2certificationl.htm
EX-21 - SUBSIDIARIES OF THE REGISTRANT - COMMUNITY BANCORP /VTexhibit21.htm
10-K - PRIMARY DOCUMENT - COMMUNITY BANCORP /VTcmtv_10-k2016.htm

 
 
 
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
 
 
 
 
 
 
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders
Community Bancorp. and Subsidiary
 
 
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Community Bancorp. and Subsidiary as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in shareholders' equity, and cash flows for the years then ended. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
 
We conducted our audits in accordance with standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Community Bancorp. and Subsidiary as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, and the consolidated results of their operations and their consolidated cash flows for the years then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
 
 
 
 
Portland, Maine
March 20, 2017
Vermont Registration No. 92-0000278
 
 
 
 
 
Portland, ME ● Bangor, ME ● Manchester, NH
WWW.BERRYDUNN.COM
 
 
 
1
 
 
 
Community Bancorp. and Subsidiary
 
December 31,
 
 
December 31,
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets
 
2016
 
 
2015
 
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Cash and due from banks
 $10,943,344 
 $9,479,353 
  Federal funds sold and overnight deposits
  18,670,942 
  19,372,537 
     Total cash and cash equivalents
  29,614,286 
  28,851,890 
  Securities held-to-maturity (fair value $51,035,000 at December 31, 2016
    
    
     and $44,143,000 at December 31, 2015)
  49,886,631 
  43,354,419 
  Securities available-for-sale
  33,715,051 
  26,470,400 
  Restricted equity securities, at cost
  2,755,850 
  2,441,650 
  Loans held-for-sale
  0 
  1,199,400 
  Loans
  487,249,226 
  458,119,429 
    Allowance for loan losses
  (5,278,445)
  (5,011,878)
    Deferred net loan costs
  310,130 
  316,491 
        Net loans
  482,280,911 
  453,424,042 
  Bank premises and equipment, net
  10,830,556 
  11,460,207 
  Accrued interest receivable
  1,818,510 
  1,633,213 
  Bank owned life insurance (BOLI)
  4,625,406 
  4,520,486 
  Core deposit intangible
  272,691 
  545,386 
  Goodwill
  11,574,269 
  11,574,269 
  Other real estate owned (OREO)
  394,000 
  262,000 
  Other assets
  9,885,504 
  10,397,347 
        Total assets
 $637,653,665 
 $596,134,709 
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
    
    
 Liabilities
    
    
  Deposits:
    
    
    Demand, non-interest bearing
 $104,472,268 
 $93,525,762 
    Interest-bearing transaction accounts
  118,053,360 
  130,735,094 
    Money market funds
  79,042,619 
  81,930,888 
    Savings
  86,776,856 
  81,731,290 
    Time deposits, $250,000 and over
  19,274,880 
  9,431,437 
    Other time deposits
  97,115,049 
  98,131,091 
        Total deposits
  504,735,032 
  495,485,562 
  Borrowed funds
  31,550,000 
  10,000,000 
  Repurchase agreements
  30,423,195 
  22,073,238 
  Capital lease obligations
  483,161 
  558,365 
  Junior subordinated debentures
  12,887,000 
  12,887,000 
  Accrued interest and other liabilities
  3,123,760 
  3,715,888 
        Total liabilities
  583,202,148 
  544,720,053 
 Shareholders' Equity
    
    
  Preferred stock, 1,000,000 shares authorized, 25 shares issued
    
    
    and outstanding ($100,000 liquidation value)
  2,500,000 
  2,500,000 
  Common stock - $2.50 par value; 15,000,000 shares authorized,
    
    
    5,269,053 and 5,204,517 shares issued at December 31, 2016
    
    
   and 2015, respectively (including 15,022 and 15,430 shares
    
    
    issued February 1, 2017 and 2016, respectively)
  13,172,633 
  13,011,293 
  Additional paid-in capital
  30,825,658 
  30,089,438 
  Retained earnings
  10,666,782 
  8,482,096 
  Accumulated other comprehensive loss
  (90,779)
  (45,394)
  Less: treasury stock, at cost; 210,101 shares at December 31, 2016 and 2015
  (2,622,777)
  (2,622,777)
        Total shareholders' equity
  54,451,517 
  51,414,656 
        Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
 $637,653,665 
 $596,134,709 
Book value per common share outstanding
 $10.27 
 $9.79 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
 
2
 
 
Community Bancorp. and Subsidiary
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
Consolidated Statements of Income
 
2016
 
 
2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest income
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Interest and fees on loans
 $22,293,558 
 $21,717,394 
   Interest on debt securities
    
    
     Taxable
  511,339 
  441,808 
     Tax-exempt
  1,283,021 
  1,113,250 
   Dividends
  138,362 
  116,943 
   Interest on federal funds sold and overnight deposits
  21,834 
  17,294 
        Total interest income
  24,248,114 
  23,406,689 
 
    
    
Interest expense
    
    
   Interest on deposits
  2,025,713 
  2,078,239 
   Interest on federal funds purchased and other borrowed funds
  136,987 
  88,483 
   Interest on repurchase agreements
  76,457 
  69,496 
   Interest on junior subordinated debentures
  460,142 
  409,432 
        Total interest expense
  2,699,299 
  2,645,650 
 
    
    
     Net interest income
  21,548,815 
  20,761,039 
 Provision for loan losses
  500,000 
  510,000 
     Net interest income after provision for loan losses
  21,048,815 
  20,251,039 
 
    
    
Non-interest income
    
    
   Service fees
  2,741,692 
  2,565,079 
   Income from sold loans
  891,538 
  947,325 
   Other income from loans
  839,269 
  738,454 
   Net realized gain on sale of securities available-for-sale
  0 
  17,502 
   Other income
  1,029,400 
  881,795 
        Total non-interest income
  5,501,899 
  5,150,155 
 
    
    
Non-interest expense
    
    
   Salaries and wages
  7,051,820 
  6,888,352 
   Employee benefits
  2,838,726 
  2,576,772 
   Occupancy expenses, net
  2,466,628 
  2,576,496 
   Other expenses
  6,785,350 
  6,769,353 
        Total non-interest expense
  19,142,524 
  18,810,973 
 
    
    
    Income before income taxes
  7,408,190 
  6,590,221 
 Income tax expense
  1,923,912 
  1,764,630 
        Net income
 $5,484,278 
 $4,825,591 
 
    
    
 Earnings per common share
 $1.07 
 $0.96 
 Weighted average number of common shares
    
    
  used in computing earnings per share
  5,024,270 
  4,961,972 
 Dividends declared per common share
 $0.64 
 $0.64 
 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
 
 
3
 
 
Community Bancorp. and Subsidiary
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
 
2016
 
 
2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
 $5,484,278 
 $4,825,591 
 
    
    
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax:
    
    
  Unrealized holding loss on available-for-sale securities
    
    
    arising during the period
  (68,765)
  (40,000)
  Reclassification adjustment for gain realized in income
  0 
  (17,502)
     Unrealized loss during the year
  (68,765)
  (57,502)
  Tax effect
  23,380 
  19,551 
  Other comprehensive loss, net of tax
  (45,385)
  (37,951)
          Total comprehensive income
 $5,438,893 
 $4,787,640 
 
 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
 
 
4
 
 
Community Bancorp. and Subsidiary
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity
Years Ended December 31, 2016 and 2015
 
 
 
Common stock
 
 
Preferred stock
 
 
 
Shares
 
 
Amount
 
 
Shares
 
 
Amount
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balances, December 31, 2014
  5,142,475 
 $12,856,188 
  25 
 $2,500,000 
 
    
    
    
    
Comprehensive income
    
    
    
    
Net income
  0 
  0 
  0 
  0 
Other comprehensive loss
  0 
  0 
  0 
  0 
 
    
    
    
    
Total comprehensive income
    
    
    
    
 
    
    
    
    
Cash dividends declared - common stock
  0 
  0 
  0 
  0 
Cash dividends declared - preferred stock
  0 
  0 
  0 
  0 
Issuance of common stock
  62,042 
  155,105 
  0 
  0 
 
    
    
    
    
Balances, December 31, 2015
  5,204,517 
  13,011,293 
  25 
  2,500,000 
 
    
    
    
    
Comprehensive income
    
    
    
    
Net income
  0 
  0 
  0 
  0 
Other comprehensive loss
  0 
  0 
  0 
  0 
 
    
    
    
    
Total comprehensive income
    
    
    
    
 
    
    
    
    
Cash dividends declared - common stock
  0 
  0 
  0 
  0 
Cash dividends declared - preferred stock
  0 
  0 
  0 
  0 
Issuance of common stock
  64,536 
  161,340 
  0 
  0 
 
    
    
    
    
Balances, December 31, 2016
  5,269,053 
 $13,172,633 
  25 
 $2,500,000 
 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
 
5
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accumulated
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Additional
 
 
 
 
 
other
 
 
 
 
 
Total
 
 
paid-in
 
 
Retained
 
 
comprehensive
 
 
Treasury
 
 
shareholders'
 
 
capital
 
 
earnings
 
 
loss
 
 
stock
 
 
equity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 $29,359,300 
 $6,909,934 
 $(7,443)
 $(2,622,777)
 $48,995,202 
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
  0 
  4,825,591 
  0 
  0 
  4,825,591 
  0 
  0 
  (37,951)
  0 
  (37,951)
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
  4,787,640 
    
    
    
    
    
  0 
  (3,172,179)
  0 
  0 
  (3,172,179)
  0 
  (81,250)
  0 
  0 
  (81,250)
  730,138 
  0 
  0 
  0 
  885,243 
    
    
    
    
    
  30,089,438 
  8,482,096 
  (45,394)
  (2,622,777)
  51,414,656 
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
  0 
  5,484,278 
  0 
  0 
  5,484,278 
  0 
  0 
  (45,385)
  0 
  (45,385)
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
  5,438,893 
    
    
    
    
    
  0 
  (3,212,092)
  0 
  0 
  (3,212,092)
  0 
  (87,500)
  0 
  0 
  (87,500)
  736,220 
  0 
  0 
  0 
  897,560 
    
    
    
    
    
 $30,825,658 
 $10,666,782 
 $(90,779)
 $(2,622,777)
 $54,451,517 
 
 
 
6
 
 
 
Community Bancorp. and Subsidiary
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
 
2016
 
 
2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Net income
 $5,484,278 
 $4,825,591 
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
    
    
   operating activities:
    
    
    Depreciation and amortization, bank premises and equipment
  1,041,985 
  969,661 
    Provision for loan losses
  500,000 
  510,000 
    Deferred income tax
  (172,562)
  (172,374)
    Gain on sale of securities available-for-sale
  0 
  (17,502)
    Gain on sale of loans
  (429,480)
  (424,240)
    Loss on sale of bank premises and equipment
  39,644 
  130,603 
    Loss on sale of OREO
  4,965 
  20,058 
    Income from Trust LLC
  (429,008)
  (361,044)
    Amortization of bond premium, net
  117,821 
  148,526 
    Write down of OREO
  41,000 
  75,820 
    Proceeds from sales of loans held for sale
  21,691,034 
  24,397,411 
    Originations of loans held for sale
  (20,062,154)
  (25,146,321)
    (Decrease) increase in taxes payable
  (187,908)
  54,669 
    (Increase) decrease in interest receivable
  (185,297)
  65,235 
    Decrease in mortgage servicing rights
  82,384 
  18,886 
    Decrease (increase) in other assets
  332,930 
  (309,552)
    Increase in cash surrender value of BOLI
  (104,920)
  (106,912)
    Amortization of core deposit intangible
  272,695 
  272,695 
    Amortization of limited partnerships
  909,386 
  565,335 
    Decrease (increase) in unamortized loan costs
  6,361 
  (13,097)
    Increase (decrease) in interest payable
  19,930 
  (11,038)
    Increase in accrued expenses
  142,323 
  23,407 
    Increase in other liabilities
  193,055 
  76,798 
       Net cash provided by operating activities
  9,308,462 
  5,592,615 
 
    
    
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
    
    
  Investments - held-to-maturity
    
    
    Maturities and pay downs
  44,317,216 
  40,831,786 
    Purchases
  (50,849,428)
  (42,375,260)
  Investments - available-for-sale
    
    
    Maturities, calls, pay downs and sales
  6,166,383 
  15,522,796 
    Purchases
  (13,597,620)
  (9,234,828)
  Proceeds from redemption of restricted equity securities
  1,866,400 
  890,800 
  Purchases of restricted equity securities
  (2,180,600)
  0 
  (Decrease) increase in limited partnership contributions payable
  (948,000)
  975,000 
  Investments in limited partnerships
  0 
  (975,500)
  Increase in loans, net
  (29,833,467)
  (10,903,013)
  Capital expenditures for bank premises and equipment
  (451,978)
  (1,071,523)
  Proceeds from sales of OREO
  217,143 
  966,615 
  Recoveries of loans charged off
  75,129 
  98,370 
       Net cash used in investing activities
  (45,218,822)
  (5,274,757)
 
 
 
 
7
 
 
 
 
 
2016
 
 
2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Net (decrease) increase in demand and interest-bearing transaction accounts
  (1,735,228)
  10,113,515 
  Net increase (decrease) in money market and savings accounts
  2,157,297 
  (2,187,668)
  Net increase (decrease) in time deposits
  8,827,401 
  (5,459,748)
  Net increase (decrease) in repurchase agreements
  8,349,957 
  (6,469,723)
  Net increase in short-term borrowings
  20,000,000 
  10,000,000 
  Proceeds from long-term borrowings
  1,550,000 
  0 
  Decrease in capital lease obligations
  (75,204)
  (81,179)
  Dividends paid on preferred stock
  (87,500)
  (81,250)
  Dividends paid on common stock
  (2,313,967)
  (2,262,089)
       Net cash provided by financing activities
  36,672,756 
  3,571,858 
 
    
    
       Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
  762,396 
  3,889,716 
  Cash and cash equivalents:
    
    
          Beginning
  28,851,890 
  24,962,174 
          Ending
 $29,614,286 
 $28,851,890 
 
    
    
Supplemental Schedule of Cash Paid During the Period:
    
    
  Interest
 $2,679,369 
 $2,656,688 
 
    
    
  Income taxes, net of refunds
 $1,375,000 
 $1,317,000 
 
    
    
Supplemental Schedule of Noncash Investing and Financing Activities:
    
    
  Change in unrealized loss on securities available-for-sale
 $(68,765)
 $(57,502)
 
    
    
  Loans transferred to OREO
 $395,108 
 $86,173 
 
    
    
  Investment in limited partnerships, not yet paid
 $0 
 $975,000 
 
    
    
Common Shares Dividends Paid:
    
    
  Dividends declared
 $3,212,092 
 $3,172,179 
  Increase in dividends payable attributable to dividends declared
  (565)
  (24,847)
  Dividends reinvested
  (897,560)
  (885,243)
 
 $2,313,967 
 $2,262,089 
 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
 
 
8
 
 
COMMUNITY BANCORP. AND SUBSIDIARY
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
 
Note 1.  Significant Accounting Policies
 
The accounting policies of Community Bancorp. and Subsidiary (Company) are in conformity, in all material respects, with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (US GAAP) and general practices within the banking industry. The following is a description of the Company’s significant accounting policies.
 
Basis of presentation and consolidation
 
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Community Bancorp. and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Community National Bank (Bank). All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. The Company is considered a “smaller reporting company” under applicable disclosure rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission and accordingly, has elected to provide its audited statements of income, comprehensive income, cash flows and changes in shareholders’ equity for a two year, rather than a three year, period.
 
Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 810, “Consolidation”, in part, addresses limited purpose trusts formed to issue trust preferred securities. It also establishes the criteria used to identify variable interest entities (VIE) and to determine whether or not to consolidate a VIE. In general, ASC Topic 810 provides that the enterprise with the controlling financial interest, known as the primary beneficiary, consolidates the VIE. In 2007, the Company formed CMTV Statutory Trust I for the purposes of issuing trust preferred securities to unaffiliated parties and investing the proceeds from the issuance thereof and the common securities of the trust in junior subordinated debentures issued by the Company. The Company is not the primary beneficiary of CMTV Statutory Trust I; accordingly, the trust is not consolidated with the Company for financial reporting purposes. CMTV Statutory Trust I is considered an affiliate of the Company (see Note 10).
 
In December 2011, the Company formed a limited liability company (LLC) to facilitate its purchase of federal New Markets Tax Credits (NMTC) under an investment structure designed by a local community development entity. Management has evaluated the Company’s interest in the LLC under the ASC guidance relating to VIEs in light of the overall structure and purpose of the NMTC financing transaction and has concluded that the LLC should not be consolidated in the Company’s financial statements for financial reporting purposes, as the Company is not the primary beneficiary of the NMTC structure, does not exercise control within the overall structure and is not obligated to absorb a majority of any losses of the NMTC structure (see Note 7).
 
Nature of operations
 
The Company provides a variety of deposit and lending services to individuals, municipalities, and business customers through its branches, ATMs and telephone and internet banking capabilities in northern and central Vermont, which is primarily a small business and agricultural area. The Company's primary deposit products are checking and savings accounts and certificates of deposit. Its primary lending products are commercial, real estate, municipal and consumer loans.
 
Concentration of risk
 
The Company's operations are affected by various risk factors, including interest rate risk, credit risk, and risk from geographic concentration of its deposit taking and lending activities. Management attempts to manage interest rate risk through various asset/liability management techniques designed to match maturities and repricing of assets and liabilities. Loan policies and administration are designed to provide assurance that loans will only be granted to creditworthy borrowers, although credit losses are expected to occur because of subjective factors and factors beyond the control of the Company. While the Company has a diversified loan portfolio by loan type, most of its lending activities are conducted within the geographic area where its banking offices are located. As a result, the Company and its borrowers may be especially vulnerable to the consequences of changes in the local economy in northern and central Vermont. In addition, a substantial portion of the Company's loans are secured by real estate, which is susceptible to a decline in value, especially during times of adverse economic conditions.
 
 
9
 
 
Use of estimates
 
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with US 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 financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. These estimates and assumptions involve inherent uncertainties. Accordingly, actual results could differ from those estimates and those differences could be material.
 
Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change relate to the determination of the allowance for loan losses (ALL) and the valuation of OREO. In connection with evaluating loans for impairment or assigning the carrying value of OREO, management generally obtains independent evaluations or appraisals for significant properties. While the ALL and the carrying value of OREO are determined using management's best estimate of probable loan and OREO losses, respectively, as of the balance sheet date, the ultimate collectibility of a substantial portion of the Company's loan portfolio and the recovery of a substantial portion of the fair value of OREO are susceptible to uncertainties and changes in a number of factors, especially local real estate market conditions. The amount of the change that is reasonably possible cannot be estimated.
 
While management uses available information to recognize losses on loans and OREO, future additions to the allowance or write-downs of OREO may be necessary based on changes in local economic conditions or other relevant factors. In addition, regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the Company's allowance for losses on loans and the carrying value of OREO. Such agencies may require the Company to recognize additions to the allowance or write-downs of OREO based on their judgment about information available to them at the time of their examination.
 
Mortgage servicing rights (MRSs) associated with loans originated and sold in the secondary market, where servicing is retained, are capitalized and included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheets. MSRs are amortized against non-interest income in proportion to, and over the period of, estimated future net servicing income of the underlying loans. The value of capitalized servicing rights represents the present estimated value of the future servicing fees arising from the right to service loans for third parties. The carrying value of the MSRs is periodically reviewed for impairment based on a determination of estimated fair value as compared to amortized cost, and impairment, if any, is recognized through a valuation allowance and is recorded as a write down. Critical accounting policies for MSRs relate to the initial valuation and subsequent impairment tests. The methodology used to determine the valuation of MSRs requires the development and use of estimates, including anticipated principal amortization and prepayments. Events that may significantly affect the estimates used are changes in interest rates and the payment performance of the underlying loans. Management uses a third party consultant to assist in analyzing the fair value of the Company’s MSRs.
 
Management evaluates securities for other-than-temporary impairment on at least a quarterly basis, and more frequently when economic or market conditions warrant such evaluation. Consideration is given to various factors, including the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than cost; the nature of the issuer and its financial condition and near-term prospects; and the intent and ability of the Company to retain its investment in the issuer for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value. The evaluation of these factors is a subjective process and involves estimates and assumptions about matters that are inherently uncertain. Should actual factors and conditions differ materially from those used by management, the actual realization of gains or losses on investment securities could differ materially from the amounts recorded in the financial statements.
 
Accounting for a business combination that was completed prior to 2009 requires the application of the purchase method of accounting. Under the purchase method, the Company was required to record the assets and liabilities acquired through the LyndonBank merger in 2007 at fair market value, with the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net assets recorded as goodwill and evaluated annually for impairment. Management uses various assumptions in evaluating goodwill for impairment.
 
Management utilizes numerous techniques to estimate the carrying value of various other assets held by the Company, including, but not limited to, bank premises and equipment and deferred taxes. The assumptions considered in making these estimates are based on historical experience and on various other factors that are believed by management to be reasonable under the circumstances. Management acknowledges that the use of different estimates or assumptions could produce different estimates of carrying values.
 
Presentation of cash flows
 
For purposes of presentation in the consolidated statements of cash flows, cash and cash equivalents includes cash on hand, amounts due from banks (including cash items in process of clearing), federal funds sold (generally purchased and sold for one day periods) and overnight deposits.
 
 
10
 
 
Investment securities
 
Securities the Company has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as held-to-maturity (HTM) and reported at amortized cost. Debt and equity securities not classified as HTM are classified as available-for-sale (AFS). Investments classified as AFS are carried at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses, net of tax and reclassification adjustments, reflected as a net amount in the shareholders’ equity section of the consolidated balance sheets and in the statements of changes in shareholders’ equity. Investment securities transactions are accounted for on a trade date basis. The specific identification method is used to determine realized gains and losses on sales of securities AFS. Premiums and discounts are recognized in interest income using the interest method over the period to maturity or call date. The Company does not hold any securities purchased for the purpose of selling in the near term and classified as trading.
 
Declines in the fair value of individual equity securities that are deemed to be other than temporary are reflected in earnings when identified. For individual debt securities that the Company does not intend to sell and it is not more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis, the other-than-temporary decline in the fair value of the debt security related to (1) credit loss is recognized in earnings and (2) other factors is recognized in other comprehensive income or loss. Credit loss is deemed to exist if the present value of expected future cash flows using the interest rates at acquisition is less than the amortized cost basis of the debt security. For individual debt securities where the Company intends to sell the security or more likely than not will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost, the other-than-temporary impairment is recognized in earnings equal to the entire difference between the security’s cost basis and its fair value at the balance sheet date.
 
Other investments
 
In December 2011, the Company made an equity investment in a NMTC financing structure (see Note 7). The Company’s investment in the NMTC is amortized using the effective yield method.
 
From time to time, the Company acquires partnership interests in limited partnerships for low income housing projects. New investments in limited partnerships are amortized using the proportional amortization method. All investments made before January 1, 2015 are amortized using the effective yield method.
 
The Company has a one-third ownership interest in Community Financial Services Group, LLC (CFSG), a non-depository trust company (see Note 7). The Company's investment in CFSG is accounted for under the equity method of accounting.
 
Restricted equity securities
 
Restricted equity securities comprise Federal Reserve Bank stock and Federal Home Loan Bank stock. These securities are carried at cost. As a member of the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston (FRBB), the Company is required to invest in FRBB stock in an amount equal to 6% of the Bank's capital stock and surplus.
 
As a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston (FHLBB), the Company is required to invest in $100 par value stock of the FHLBB in an amount that approximates 1% of unpaid principal balances on qualifying loans, plus an additional amount to satisfy an activity based requirement. The stock is nonmarketable and redeemable at par value, subject to the FHLBB’s right to temporarily suspend such redemptions. Members are subject to capital calls in some circumstances to ensure compliance with the FHLBB’s capital plan.
 
Loans held-for-sale
 
Loans originated and intended for sale in the secondary market are carried at the lower of cost or estimated fair value in the aggregate. Net unrealized losses, if any, are recognized through a valuation allowance by charges to income.
 
Loans
 
Loans receivable that management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity or pay-off are reported at their outstanding principal balance, adjusted for any charge-offs, the ALL, loan premiums or discounts for acquired loans and any unearned fees or costs on originated loans.
 
 
 
11
 
 
Loan interest income is accrued daily on the outstanding balances. For all loan segments, the accrual of interest is discontinued when a loan is specifically determined to be impaired or when the loan is delinquent 90 days and management believes, after considering collection efforts and other factors, that the borrower's financial condition is such that collection of interest is doubtful. Any unpaid interest previously accrued on those loans is reversed from income. Interest income is generally not recognized on specific impaired loans unless the likelihood of further loss is considered by management to be remote. Interest payments received on impaired loans are generally applied as a reduction of the loan principal balance. Loans are returned to accrual status when principal and interest payments are brought current and the customer has demonstrated the intent and ability to make future payments on a timely basis. Loans are written down or charged off when collection of principal is considered doubtful.
 
Loan origination and commitment fees and certain direct loan origination costs are deferred and the net amount is amortized as an adjustment of the related loan's yield. The Company generally amortizes these amounts over the contractual life of the loans.
 
Loan premiums and discounts on loans acquired in the merger with LyndonBank are amortized as an adjustment to yield over the life of the loans.
 
Allowance for loan losses
 
The ALL is established through a provision for loan losses charged to earnings. Loan losses are charged against the allowance when management believes the uncollectibility of a loan balance is probable. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance.
 
Unsecured loans, primarily consumer loans, are charged off when they become uncollectible and no later than 120 days past due. Unsecured loans to customers who subsequently file bankruptcy are charged off within 30 days of receipt of the notification of filing or by the end of the month in which the loans become 120 days past due, whichever occurs first. For secured loans, both residential and commercial, the potential loss on impaired loans is carried as a loan loss reserve specific allocation; the loss portion is charged off when collection of the full loan appears unlikely. The unsecured portion of a real estate loan is that portion of the loan exceeding the "fair value" of the collateral less the estimated cost to sell. Value of the collateral is determined in accordance with the Company’s appraisal policy. The unsecured portion of an impaired real estate secured loan is charged off by the end of the month in which the loan becomes 180 days past due.
 
As described below, the allowance consists of general, specific and unallocated components. However, the entire allowance is available to absorb losses in the loan portfolio, regardless of specific, general and unallocated components considered in determining the amount of the allowance.
 
General component
 
The general component of the ALL is based on historical loss experience, adjusted for qualitative factors and stratified by the following loan segments: commercial and industrial, commercial real estate, residential real estate first (1st) lien, residential real estate junior (Jr) lien and consumer loans. The Company does not disaggregate its portfolio segments further into classes. Loss ratios are calculated by loan segment for one year, two year, three year, four year and five year look back periods. The highest loss ratio among these look-back periods is then applied against the respective segment. Management uses an average of historical losses based on a time frame appropriate to capture relevant loss data for each loan segment. This historical loss factor is adjusted for the following qualitative factors: levels of and trends in delinquencies and non-performing loans, levels of and trends in loan risk groups, trends in volumes and terms of loans, effects of any changes in loan related policies, experience, ability and the depth of management, documentation and credit data exception levels, national and local economic trends, external factors such as competition and regulation and lastly, concentrations of credit risk in a variety of areas, including portfolio product mix, the level of loans to individual borrowers and their related interests, loans to industry segments, and the geographic distribution of commercial real estate loans. This evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires estimates that are susceptible to revision as more information becomes available.
 
The reserve methodology was modified during the quarter ended June 30, 2015 to eliminate using the higher of the 1999-2001 losses or current losses, by eliminating the use of the 1999-2001 periods. The 1999-2001 information had become dated and the Bank’s credit portfolio management had evolved since that period. The revised methodology now considers the highest annual loss rates for the most recent one to five year look back periods for each segment of the portfolio. This change in methodology resulted in a reduction to required reserves of $529,234 at June 30, 2015. However, that reduction was partially offset by adjustments made to the commercial & industrial and commercial real estate qualitative factors for the impact of the change in methodology, principally in the areas of loan growth, loan policy, and delinquency factors. As a result, the commercial & industrial and commercial real estate factors were each increased a total of 10 basis points, amounting to increases of $171,000 and $70,000, respectively at June 30, 2015.
 
 
12
 
 
The qualitative factors are determined based on the various risk characteristics of each loan segment. The Company has policies, procedures and internal controls that management believes are commensurate with the risk profile of each of these segments. Major risk characteristics relevant to each portfolio segment are as follows:
 
Commercial & Industrial – Loans in this segment include commercial and industrial loans and to a lesser extent loans to finance agricultural production. Commercial loans are made to businesses and are generally secured by assets of the business, including trade assets and equipment. While not the primary collateral, in many cases these loans may also be secured by the real estate of the business. Repayment is expected from the cash flows of the business. A weakened economy, soft consumer spending, unfavorable foreign trade conditions and the rising cost of labor or raw materials are examples of issues that can impact the credit quality in this segment.
 
Commercial Real Estate – Loans in this segment are principally made to businesses and are generally secured by either owner-occupied, or non-owner occupied commercial real estate. A relatively small portion of this segment includes farm loans secured by farm land and buildings. As with commercial and industrial loans, repayment of owner-occupied commercial real estate loans is expected from the cash flows of the business and the segment would be impacted by the same risk factors as commercial and industrial loans. The non-owner occupied commercial real estate portion includes both residential and commercial construction loans, vacant land and real estate development loans, multi-family dwelling loans and commercial rental property loans. Repayment of construction loans is expected from permanent financing takeout; the Company generally requires a commitment or eligibility for the take-out financing prior to construction loan origination. Real estate development loans are generally repaid from the sale of the subject real property as the project progresses. Construction and development lending entail additional risks, including the project exceeding budget, not being constructed according to plans, not receiving permits, or the pre-leasing or occupancy rate not meeting expectations. Repayment of multi-family loans and commercial rental property loans is expected from the cash flow generated by rental payments received from the individuals or businesses occupying the real estate. Commercial real estate loans are impacted by factors such as competitive market forces, vacancy rates, cap rates, net operating incomes, lease renewals and overall economic demand. In addition, loans in the recreational and tourism sector can be affected by weather conditions, such as unseasonably low winter snowfalls. Commercial real estate lending also carries a higher degree of environmental risk than other real estate lending.
 
Residential Real Estate - 1st Lien – All loans in this segment are collateralized by first mortgages on 1 – 4 family owner-occupied residential real estate and repayment is dependent on the credit quality of the individual borrower. The overall health of the economy, including unemployment rates and housing prices, has an impact on the credit quality of this segment.
 
Residential Real Estate – Jr Lien – All loans in this segment are collateralized by junior lien mortgages on 1 – 4 family residential real estate and repayment is primarily dependent on the credit quality of the individual borrower. The overall health of the economy, including unemployment rates and housing prices, has an impact on the credit quality of this segment.
 
Consumer – Loans in this segment are made to individuals for consumer and household purposes. This segment includes both loans secured by automobiles and other consumer goods, as well as loans that are unsecured. This segment also includes overdrafts, which are extensions of credit made to both individuals and businesses to cover temporary shortages in their deposit accounts and are generally unsecured. The Company maintains policies restricting the size and term of these extensions of credit. The overall health of the economy, including unemployment rates, has an impact on the credit quality of this segment.
 
Specific component
 
The specific component of the ALL relates to loans that are impaired. Impaired loans are loan(s) to a borrower that in the aggregate are greater than $100,000 and that are in non-accrual status or are troubled debt restructurings (TDR) regardless of amount. A specific allowance is established for an impaired loan when its estimated impaired basis is less than the carrying value of the loan. For all loan segments, except consumer loans, a loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, in management’s estimation it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect the scheduled payments of principal or interest when due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Factors considered by management in determining impairment include payment status, collateral value and probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due. Loans that experience insignificant or temporary payment delays and payment shortfalls generally are not classified as impaired. Management evaluates the significance of payment delays and payment shortfalls on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration all of the circumstances surrounding the loan and the borrower, including the length and frequency of the delay, the reasons for the delay, the borrower’s prior payment record and the amount of the shortfall in relation to the principal and interest owed. Impairment is measured on a loan by loan basis, by either the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, the loan’s obtainable market price, or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent.
 
 
13
 
 
Impaired loans also include troubled loans that are restructured. A TDR occurs when the Company, for economic or legal reasons related to the borrower’s financial difficulties, grants a concession to the borrower that would otherwise not be granted. TDRs may include the transfer of assets to the Company in partial satisfaction of a troubled loan, a modification of a loan’s terms, or a combination of the two.
 
Large groups of smaller balance homogeneous loans are collectively evaluated for impairment. Accordingly, the Company does not separately identify individual consumer loans for impairment evaluation, unless such loans are subject to a restructuring agreement.
 
Unallocated component
 
An unallocated component of the ALL is maintained to cover uncertainties that could affect management’s estimate of probable losses. The unallocated component reflects management’s estimate of the margin of imprecision inherent in the underlying assumptions used in the methodologies for estimating specific and general losses in the portfolio.
 
Bank premises and equipment
 
Bank premises and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed principally by the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. The cost of assets sold or otherwise disposed of, and the related accumulated depreciation, are eliminated from the accounts and the resulting gains or losses are reflected in the consolidated statements of income. Maintenance and repairs are charged to current expense as incurred and the cost of major renewals and betterments is capitalized.
 
Other real estate owned
 
Real estate properties acquired through or in lieu of loan foreclosure or properties no longer used for bank operations are initially recorded at fair value less estimated selling cost at the date of acquisition, foreclosure or transfer. Fair value is determined, as appropriate, either by obtaining a current appraisal or evaluation prepared by an independent, qualified appraiser, by obtaining a broker’s market value analysis, and finally, if the Company has limited exposure and limited risk of loss, by the opinion of management as supported by an inspection of the property and its most recent tax valuation. During periods of declining market values, the Company will generally obtain a new appraisal or evaluation. Any write-down based on the asset's fair value at the date of acquisition or institution of foreclosure is charged to the ALL. After acquisition through or in lieu of foreclosure, these assets are carried at the lower of their new cost basis or fair value. Costs of significant property improvements are capitalized, whereas costs relating to holding the property are expensed as incurred. Appraisals by an independent, qualified appraiser are performed periodically on properties that management deems significant, or evaluations may be performed by management or a qualified third party on properties in the portfolio that are deemed less significant or less vulnerable to market conditions. Subsequent write-downs are recorded as a charge to other expense. Gains or losses on the sale of such properties are included in income when the properties are sold.
 
Intangible assets
 
Intangible assets include the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired (goodwill) in the 2007 acquisition of LyndonBank, as well as a core deposit intangible related to the deposits acquired from LyndonBank (see Note 6). The core deposit intangible is amortized on an accelerated basis over 10 years to approximate the pattern of economic benefit to the Company. The Company evaluates the valuation and amortization of the core deposit intangible asset if events occur that could result in possible impairment. Goodwill is reviewed for impairment annually, or more frequently as events or circumstances warrant.
 
Income taxes
 
The Company recognizes income taxes under the asset and liability method. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are established for the temporary differences between the accounting bases and the tax bases of the Company's assets and liabilities at enacted tax rates expected to be in effect when the amounts related to such temporary differences are realized or settled. Adjustments to the Company's deferred tax assets are recognized as deferred income tax expense or benefit based on management's judgments relating to the realizability of such asset.
 
 
 
14
 
 
Mortgage servicing
 
Servicing assets are recognized as separate assets when rights are acquired through purchase or retained upon the sale of loans. Capitalized servicing rights are reported in other assets and initially recorded at fair value, and are amortized against non-interest income in proportion to, and over the period of, the estimated future net servicing income of the underlying loans. Servicing rights are periodically evaluated for impairment, based upon the estimated fair value of the rights as compared to amortized cost. Impairment is determined by stratifying the rights by predominant characteristics, such as interest rates and terms. Fair value is determined using prices for similar assets with similar characteristics, when available, or based upon discounted cash flows using market-based assumptions. Impairment is recognized through a valuation allowance and is recorded as amortization of other assets, to the extent that estimated fair value is less than the capitalized amount at the valuation date. Subsequent improvement, if any, in the estimated fair value of impaired MSRs is reflected in a positive valuation adjustment and is recognized in other income up to (but not in excess of) the amount of the prior impairment.
 
Pension costs
 
Pension costs are charged to salaries and employee benefits expense and accrued over the active service period.
 
Advertising costs
 
The Company expenses advertising costs as incurred.
 
Comprehensive income
 
US GAAP generally requires recognized revenue, expenses, gains and losses to be included in net income. Certain changes in assets and liabilities, such as the after-tax effect of unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities, are not reflected in the consolidated statement of income, but the cumulative effect of such items from period-to-period is reflected as a separate component of the shareholders’ equity section of the consolidated balance sheet (accumulated other comprehensive income or loss). Other comprehensive income or loss, along with net income, comprises the Company's total comprehensive income.
 
Preferred stock
 
The Company has outstanding 25 shares of fixed-to-floating rate non-cumulative perpetual preferred stock, without par value and with a liquidation preference of $100,000 per share, issued in December 2007. Under the terms of the preferred stock, the Company pays non-cumulative cash dividends quarterly, when, as and if declared by the Board of Directors. Dividends are payable at a variable dividend rate equal to the Wall Street Journal Prime Rate in effect on the first business day of each quarterly dividend period. A variable rate of 3.25% and 3.50% was in effect during 2015 and 2016, respectively. The variable rate then increased by 25 basis points for the dividend payment due in the first quarter of 2017.
 
Earnings per common share
 
Earnings per common share amounts are computed based on the weighted average number of shares of common stock issued during the period, including Dividend Reinvestment Plan (DRIP) shares issuable upon reinvestment of dividends (retroactively adjusted for stock splits and stock dividends, if any) and reduced for shares held in treasury.
 
The following table illustrates the calculation of earnings per common share for the periods presented, as adjusted for the cash dividend declared on the preferred stock:
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
2016
 
 
2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income, as reported
 $5,484,278 
 $4,825,591 
Less: dividends to preferred shareholders
  87,500 
  81,250 
Net income available to common shareholders
 $5,396,778 
 $4,744,341 
Weighted average number of common shares
    
    
   used in calculating earnings per share
  5,024,270 
  4,961,972 
Earnings per common share
 $1.07 
 $0.96 
 
 
 
 
15
 
 
Off-balance-sheet financial instruments
 
In the ordinary course of business, the Company is a party to off-balance-sheet financial instruments consisting of commitments to extend credit, commercial and municipal letters of credit, standby letters of credit, and risk-sharing commitments on residential mortgage loans sold through the FHLBB’s Mortgage Partnership Finance (MPF) program. Such financial instruments are recorded in the consolidated financial statements when they are funded.
 
Transfers of financial assets
 
Transfers of financial assets are accounted for as sales when control over the assets has been surrendered. Control over transferred assets is deemed to be surrendered when (1) the assets have been isolated from the Company, (2) the transferee obtains the right (free of conditions that constrain it from taking advantage of that right) to pledge or exchange the transferred assets, and (3) the Company does not maintain effective control over the transferred assets through an agreement to repurchase them before their maturity.
 
Impact of recently issued accounting standards
 
In January 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2016-01, Financial Instruments—Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities. This guidance changes how entities account for equity investments that do not result in consolidation and are not accounted for under the equity method of accounting. This guidance also changes certain disclosure requirements and other aspects of current US GAAP. Public businesses must use the exit price notion when measuring the fair value of financial instruments for disclosure purposes. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of ASU No. 2016-01 on its consolidated financial statements.
 
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). The ASU was issued to increase transparency and comparability among organizations by recognizing lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and disclosing key information about leasing arrangements. The ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early application of the amendments in the ASU is permitted for all entities. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of the ASU on its consolidated financial statements.
 
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. Under the new guidance, which will replace the existing incurred loss model for recognizing credit losses, banks and other lending institutions will be required to recognize the full amount of expected credit losses. The new guidance, which is referred to as the current expected credit loss model, requires that expected credit losses for financial assets held at the reporting date that are accounted for at amortized cost be measured and recognized based on historical experience and current and reasonably supportable forecasted conditions to reflect the full amount of expected credit losses. A modified version of these requirements also applies to debt securities classified as available for sale, which will require that credit losses on those securities be recorded through an allowance for credit losses rather than a write-down. The ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within such years. The Company is evaluating the impact of the adoption of the ASU on its consolidated financial statements. The ASU may have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements upon adoption as it will require a change in the Company's assessment of its ALL and allowance on unused commitments as it will transition from an incurred loss model to an expected loss model, which will likely result in an increase in the ALL upon adoption and may negatively impact the Company and Bank's regulatory capital ratios. Additionally, ASU No. 2016-13 may reduce the carrying value of the Company's HTM investment securities as it will require an allowance on the expected losses over the life of these securities to be recorded upon adoption.
 
In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. The ASU was issued to reduce the cost and complexity of the goodwill impairment test. To simplify the subsequent measurement of goodwill, step two of the goodwill impairment test was eliminated. Instead, a Company will recognize an impairment of goodwill should the carrying value of a reporting unit exceed its fair value (i.e. step one). The ASU will be effective for the Company on January 1, 2020 and will be applied prospectively.
 
The Company has goodwill from its acquisition of LyndonBank in 2007 and performs an impairment test annually or more frequently if circumstances warrant (see Note 6). The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of the ASU on its consolidated financial statements, but does not anticipate any material impact at this time.
 
 
 
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Note 2.  Investment Securities
 
Securities available-for-sale (AFS) and held-to-maturity (HTM) consist of the following:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross
 
 
Gross
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amortized
 
 
Unrealized
 
 
Unrealized
 
 
Fair
 
Securities AFS
 
Cost
 
 
Gains
 
 
Losses
 
 
Value
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Government sponsored enterprise (GSE) debt securities
 $17,365,805 
 $24,854 
 $73,331 
 $17,317,328 
Agency mortgage-backed securities (Agency MBS)
  13,265,790 
  3,896 
  115,458 
  13,154,228 
Other investments
  3,221,000 
  24,947 
  2,452 
  3,243,495 
 
 $33,852,595 
 $53,697 
 $191,241 
 $33,715,051 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross
 
 
Gross
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amortized
 
 
Unrealized
 
 
Unrealized
 
 
Fair
 
Securities AFS
 
Cost
 
 
Gains
 
 
Losses
 
 
Value
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. GSE debt securities
 $12,832,059 
 $22,523 
 $22,139 
 $12,832,443 
Agency MBS
  10,734,121 
  0 
  69,637 
  10,664,484 
Other investments
  2,973,000 
  5,046 
  4,573 
  2,973,473 
 
 $26,539,180 
 $27,569 
 $96,349 
 $26,470,400 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross
 
 
Gross
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amortized
 
 
Unrealized
 
 
Unrealized
 
 
Fair
 
Securities HTM
 
Cost
 
 
Gains
 
 
Losses
 
 
Value*
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
States and political subdivisions
 $49,886,631 
 $1,148,369 
 $0 
 $51,035,000 
 
    
    
    
    
December 31, 2015
    
    
    
    
States and political subdivisions
 $43,354,419 
 $788,581 
 $0 
 $44,143,000 
 
 
*Method used to determine fair value rounds values to nearest thousand.
 
The entire balance under “Securities HTM - States and political subdivisions" consists of securities of local municipalities which are attributable to municipal financing transactions directly with the Company. The reported fair value of these securities is an estimate based on an analysis that takes into account future maturities and scheduled future repricing. The Company anticipates no losses on these securities and expects to hold them until their maturity.
 
Securities AFS with a book value of $33,604,595 and $23,566,180 and a fair value of $33,469,254 and $23,496,927 at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, were pledged as collateral for larger dollar repurchase agreement accounts and for other purposes as required or permitted by law.
 
There were no sales of securities AFS during 2016. Proceeds from sales of securities AFS were $7,019,450 in 2015 with gains of $22,802 and losses of $5,300.
 
The carrying amount and estimated fair value of securities by contractual maturity are shown below. Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because issuers may call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties, pursuant to contractual terms. Because the actual maturities of Agency MBS usually differ from their contractual maturities due to the right of borrowers to prepay the underlying mortgage loans, usually without penalty, those securities are not presented in the table by contractual maturity date.
 
 
 
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The scheduled maturities of debt securities AFS at December 31, 2016 were as follows:
 
 
 
Amortized
 
 
Fair
 
 
 
Cost
 
 
Value
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Due in one year or less
 $2,006,027 
 $2,010,287 
Due from one to five years
  17,335,778 
  17,329,503 
Due from five to ten years
  1,245,000 
  1,221,033 
Mortgage-backed securities
  13,265,790 
  13,154,228 
 
 $33,852,595 
 $33,715,051 
 
 
The scheduled maturities of debt securities HTM at December 31, 2016 were as follows:
 
 
 
Amortized
 
 
Fair
 
 
 
Cost
 
 
Value*
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Due in one year or less
 $25,368,725 
 $25,369,000 
Due from one to five years
  4,030,900 
  4,318,000 
Due from five to ten years
  4,013,242 
  4,300,000 
Due after ten years
  16,473,764 
  17,048,000 
 
 $49,886,631 
 $51,035,000 
 
*Method used to determine fair value rounds values to nearest thousand.
 
 
Debt securities AFS with unrealized losses as of the balance sheet dates are presented in the tables below. There were no debt securities with unrealized losses of 12 months or more as of the balance sheet dates presented.
 
 
 
Less than 12 months
 
 
 
Number of
 
 
Fair
 
 
Unrealized
 
 
 
Debt Securities
 
 
Value
 
 
Loss
 
December 31, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. GSE debt securities
  4 
 $5,176,669 
 $73,331 
Agency MBS
  15 
  10,704,717 
  115,458 
Other investments
  2 
  493,548 
  2,452 
 
  21 
 $16,374,934 
 $191,241 
 
    
    
    
December 31, 2015
    
    
    
U.S. GSE debt securities
  6 
 $6,243,373 
 $22,139 
Agency MBS
  12 
  10,664,484 
  69,637 
Other investments
  6 
  1,483,427 
  4,573 
 
  24 
 $18,391,284 
 $96,349 
 
 
Management evaluates securities for other-than-temporary impairment at least on a quarterly basis, and more frequently when economic or market conditions, or adverse developments relating to the issuer, warrant such evaluation. Consideration is given to (1) the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than cost, (2) the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer and (3) the intent and ability of the Company to retain its investment in the issuer for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value. In analyzing an issuer's financial condition, management considers whether the securities are issued by the federal government or its agencies, whether downgrades by bond rating agencies have occurred, and the results of reviews of the issuer's financial condition.
 
As the Company has the ability to hold its debt securities until maturity, or for the foreseeable future if classified as AFS, and it is more likely than not that the Company will not have to sell such securities before recovery of their cost basis, no declines in such securities were deemed to be other-than-temporary at December 31, 2016 and 2015.
 
 
18
 
 
The Bank is a member of the FHLBB. The FHLBB is a cooperatively owned wholesale bank for housing and finance in the six New England States. Its mission is to support the residential mortgage and community-development lending activities of its members, which include over 450 financial institutions across New England. The Company obtains much of its wholesale funding from the FHLBB. As a requirement of membership in the FHLBB, the Bank must own a minimum required amount of FHLBB stock, calculated periodically based primarily on the Bank’s level of borrowings from the FHLBB. As a result of the Bank’s level of borrowings during 2016, the Bank was required to purchase additional FHLBB stock which in aggregate totaled $2,180,600. No purchases of additional FHLBB stock were required during 2015. As a member of the FHLBB, the Company is also subject to future capital calls by the FHLBB in order to maintain compliance with its capital plan. During 2016 and 2015, FHLBB exercised capital call options totaling $1,866,400 and $890,800, respectively, on the Company’s portfolio of FHLBB stock. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company’s investment in FHLBB stock was $2,167,700 and $1,853,500, respectively.
 
The Company periodically evaluates its investment in FHLBB stock for impairment based on, among other factors, the capital adequacy of the FHLBB and its overall financial condition. No impairment losses have been recorded through December 31, 2016.
 
The Company’s investment in FRBB Stock was $588,150 at December 31, 2016 and 2015.
 
Note 3.  Loans, Allowance for Loan Losses and Credit Quality
 
The composition of net loans as of the balance sheet dates was as follows:
 
 
 
2016
 
 
2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial & industrial
 $68,730,573 
 $65,191,124 
Commercial real estate
  201,728,280 
  178,206,542 
Residential real estate - 1st lien
  166,691,962 
  162,760,273 
Residential real estate - Junior (Jr) lien
  42,927,335 
  44,720,266 
Consumer
  7,171,076 
  7,241,224 
     Gross Loans
  487,249,226 
  458,119,429 
Deduct (add):
    
    
Allowance for loan losses
  5,278,445 
  5,011,878 
Deferred net loan costs
  (310,130)
  (316,491)
     Net Loans
 $482,280,911 
 $453,424,042 
 
 
The following is an age analysis of past due loans (including non-accrual), by portfolio segment:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
90 Days or
 
 
 
 
 
 
90 Days
 
 
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-Accrual
 
 
More and
 
December 31, 2016
 
30-89 Days
 
 
or More
 
 
Past Due
 
 
Current
 
 
Total Loans
 
 
Loans
 
 
Accruing
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial & industrial
 $328,684 
 $26,042 
 $354,726 
 $68,375,847 
 $68,730,573 
 $143,128 
 $26,042 
Commercial real estate
  824,836 
  222,738 
  1,047,574 
  200,680,706 
  201,728,280 
  765,584 
  0 
Residential real estate
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
 - 1st lien
  4,881,496 
  1,723,688 
  6,605,184 
  160,086,778 
  166,691,962 
  1,227,220 
  1,068,083 
 - Jr lien
  984,849 
  116,849 
  1,101,698 
  41,825,637 
  42,927,335 
  338,602 
  27,905 
Consumer
  53,972 
  2,176 
  56,148 
  7,114,928 
  7,171,076 
  0 
  2,176 
     Total
 $7,073,837 
 $2,091,493 
 $9,165,330 
 $478,083,896 
 $487,249,226 
 $2,474,534 
 $1,124,206 
 
 
19
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
90 Days or
 
 
 
 
 
 
90 Days
 
 
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-Accrual
 
 
More and
 
December 31, 2015
 
30-89 Days
 
 
or More
 
 
Past Due
 
 
Current
 
 
Total Loans
 
 
Loans
 
 
Accruing
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial & industrial
 $224,997 
 $168,244 
 $393,241 
 $64,797,883 
 $65,191,124 
 $441,103 
 $13,556 
Commercial real estate
  888,994 
  560,439 
  1,449,433 
  176,757,109 
  178,206,542 
  2,400,757 
  45,356 
Residential real estate
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
 - 1st lien
  2,875,768 
  1,408,551 
  4,284,319 
  158,475,954 
  162,760,273 
  2,009,079 
  801,241 
 - Jr lien
  521,373 
  63,031 
  584,404 
  44,135,862 
  44,720,266 
  386,132 
  63,031 
Consumer
  83,343 
  0 
  83,343 
  7,157,881 
  7,241,224 
  0 
  0 
     Total
 $4,594,475 
 $2,200,265 
 $6,794,740 
 $451,324,689 
 $458,119,429 
 $5,237,071 
 $923,184 
 
 
For all loan segments, loans over 30 days are considered delinquent.
 
As of the balance sheet dates presented, residential mortgage loans in process of foreclosure consisted of the following:
 
 
 
Number of loans
 
 
Current Balance
 
December 31, 2016
  8 
 $322,663 
December 31, 2015
  5 
  400,905 
 
 
The following summarizes changes in the ALL and select loan information, by portfolio segment:
 
As of or for the year ended December 31, 2016
 
 
 
Commercial
 
 
 Residential
 
Residential
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  &
 
 
Commercial
 
 
Real Estate 
 
 
 Real Estate
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Industrial
 
 
Real Estate
 
 
1st Lien
 
 
Jr Lien
 
 
Consumer
 
 
Unallocated
 
 
Total
 
Allowance for loan losses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning balance
 $712,902 
 $2,152,678 
 $1,368,028 
 $422,822 
 $75,689 
 $279,759 
 $5,011,878 
  Charge-offs
  (49,009)
  0 
  (244,149)
  0 
  (15,404)
  0 
  (308,562)
  Recoveries
  36,032 
  0 
  23,712 
  240 
  15,145 
  0 
  75,129 
  Provision (credit)
  26,923 
  343,407 
  222,166 
  (51,886)
  8,543 
  (49,153)
  500,000 
Ending balance
 $726,848 
 $2,496,085 
 $1,369,757 
 $371,176 
 $83,973 
 $230,606 
 $5,278,445 
 
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
Allowance for loan losses
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
Evaluated for impairment
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
  Individually
 $0 
 $86,400 
 $6,200 
 $114,800 
 $0 
 $0 
 $207,400 
  Collectively
  726,848 
  2,409,685 
  1,363,557 
  256,376 
  83,973 
  230,606 
  5,071,045 
     Total
 $726,848 
 $2,496,085 
 $1,369,757 
 $371,176 
 $83,973 
 $230,606 
 $5,278,445 
 
 
 
Loans evaluated for impairment
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
  Individually
 $48,385 
 $687,495 
 $946,809 
 $224,053 
 $0 
    
 $1,906,742 
  Collectively
  68,682,188 
  201,040,785 
  165,745,153 
  42,703,282 
  7,171,076 
    
  485,342,484 
     Total
 $68,730,573 
 $201,728,280 
 $166,691,962 
 $42,927,335 
 $7,171,076 
    
 $487,249,226 
 
 
 
 
20
 
 
As of or for the year ended December 31, 2015
 
 
 
Commercial 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential
 
 
Residential
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    &
 
Commercial
 
 
Real Estate
 
 
Real Estate
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Industrial
 
 
Real Estate
 
 
1st Lien
 
 
Jr Lien
 
 
Consumer
 
 
Unallocated
 
 
Total
 
Allowance for loan losses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning balance
 $646,719 
 $2,311,936 
 $1,270,766 
 $321,099 
 $118,819 
 $236,535 
 $4,905,874 
  Charge-offs
  (200,900)
  (14,783)
  (150,947)
  (66,104)
  (69,632)
  0 
  (502,366)
  Recoveries
  59,264 
  0 
  6,042 
  240 
  32,824 
  0 
  98,370 
  Provision (credit)
  207,819 
  (144,475)
  242,167 
  167,587 
  (6,322)
  43,224 
  510,000 
Ending balance
 $712,902 
 $2,152,678 
 $1,368,028 
 $422,822 
 $75,689 
 $279,759 
 $5,011,878 
 
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
Allowance for loan losses
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
Evaluated for impairment
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
  Individually
 $0 
 $0 
 $25,100 
 $114,600 
 $0 
 $0 
 $139,700 
  Collectively
  712,902 
  2,152,678 
  1,342,928 
  308,222 
  75,689 
  279,759 
  4,872,178 
     Total
 $712,902 
 $2,152,678 
 $1,368,028 
 $422,822 
 $75,689 
 $279,759 
 $5,011,878 
 
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
Loans evaluated for impairment
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
  Individually
 $286,436 
 $2,551,748 
 $1,419,808 
 $234,004 
 $0 
    
 $4,491,996 
  Collectively
  64,904,688 
  175,654,794 
  161,340,465 
  44,486,262 
  7,241,224 
    
  453,627,433 
     Total
 $65,191,124 
 $178,206,542 
 $162,760,273 
 $44,720,266 
 $7,241,224 
    
 $458,119,429 
 
 
Impaired loans by portfolio segment were as follows:
 
 
 
As of December 31, 2016
 
 
2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unpaid
 
 
 
 
 
Average
 
 
 
Recorded
 
 
Principal
 
 
Related
 
 
Recorded
 
 
 
Investment
 
 
Balance
 
 
Allowance
 
 
Investment
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
With an allowance recorded
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Commercial real estate
 $220,257 
 $232,073 
 $86,400 
 $89,664 
   Residential real estate - 1st lien
  271,962 
  275,118 
  6,200 
  350,709 
   Residential real estate - Jr lien
  224,053 
  284,342 
  114,800 
  241,965 
 
  716,272 
  791,533 
  207,400 
  682,338 
 
    
    
    
    
With no related allowance recorded
    
    
    
    
   Commercial & industrial
  48,385 
  62,498 
    
  183,925 
   Commercial real estate
  467,238 
  521,991 
    
  1,059,542 
   Residential real estate - 1st lien
  674,847 
  893,741 
    
  877,237 
   Residential real estate - Jr lien
  0 
  0 
    
  15,888 
 
  1,190,470 
  1,478,230 
    
  2,136,592 
 
    
    
    
    
     Total
 $1,906,742 
 $2,269,763 
 $207,400 
 $2,818,930 
 
 
 
21
 
 
 
 
As of December 31, 2015
 
 
2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unpaid
 
 
 
 
 
Average
 
 
 
Recorded
 
 
Principal
 
 
Related
 
 
Recorded
 
 
 
Investment
 
 
Balance
 
 
Allowance
 
 
Investment
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
With an allowance recorded
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Commercial & industrial
 $0 
 $0 
 $0 
 $37,359 
   Commercial real estate
  0 
  0 
  0 
  40,902 
   Residential real estate - 1st lien
  173,788 
  182,251 
  25,100 
  228,273 
   Residential real estate - Jr lien
  234,004 
  284,227 
  114,600 
  155,207 
 
  407,792 
  466,478 
  139,700 
  461,741 
 
    
    
    
    
With no related allowance recorded
    
    
    
    
   Commercial & industrial
  286,436 
  366,387 
    
  446,817 
   Commercial real estate
  2,551,748 
  2,776,729 
    
  2,151,713 
   Residential real estate - 1st lien
  1,246,020 
  1,460,402 
    
  973,572 
   Residential real estate - Jr lien
  0 
  0 
    
  113,964 
 
  4,084,204 
  4,603,518 
    
  3,686,066 
 
    
    
    
    
     Total
 $4,491,996 
 $5,069,996 
 $139,700 
 $4,147,807 
 
Interest income recognized on impaired loans is immaterial for all periods presented.
 
Credit Quality Grouping
 
In developing the ALL, management uses credit quality grouping to help evaluate trends in credit quality. The Company groups credit risk into Groups A, B and C. The manner the Company utilizes to assign risk grouping is driven by loan purpose. Commercial purpose loans are individually risk graded while the retail portion of the portfolio is generally grouped by delinquency pool.
 
Group A loans - Acceptable Risk – are loans that are expected to perform as agreed under their respective terms. Such loans carry a normal level of risk that does not require management attention beyond that warranted by the loan or loan relationship characteristics, such as loan size or relationship size. Group A loans include commercial purpose loans that are individually risk rated and retail loans that are rated by pool. Group A retail loans include both performing consumer and residential real estate loans. Residential real estate loans are loans to individuals secured by 1-4 family homes, including first mortgages, home equity and home improvement loans. Loan balances fully secured by deposit accounts or that are fully guaranteed by the Federal Government are considered acceptable risk.
 
Group B loans – Management Involved - are loans that require greater attention than the acceptable loans in Group A. Characteristics of such loans may include, but are not limited to, borrowers that are experiencing negative operating trends such as reduced sales or margins, borrowers that have exposure to adverse market conditions such as increased competition or regulatory burden, or borrowers that have had unexpected or adverse changes in management. These loans have a greater likelihood of migrating to an unacceptable risk level if these characteristics are left unchecked. Group B is limited to commercial purpose loans that are individually risk rated.
 
Group C loans – Unacceptable Risk – are loans that have distinct shortcomings that require a greater degree of management attention. Examples of these shortcomings include a borrower's inadequate capacity to service debt, poor operating performance, or insolvency. These loans are more likely to result in repayment through collateral liquidation. Group C loans range from those that are likely to sustain some loss if the shortcomings are not corrected, to those for which loss is imminent and non-accrual treatment is warranted. Group C loans include individually rated commercial purpose loans and retail loans adversely rated in accordance with the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council’s Uniform Retail Credit Classification Policy. Group C retail loans include 1-4 family residential real estate loans and home equity loans past due 90 days or more with loan-to-value ratios greater than 60%, home equity loans 90 days or more past due where the bank does not hold first mortgage, irrespective of loan-to-value, loans in bankruptcy where repayment is likely but not yet established, and lastly consumer loans that are 90 days or more past due.
 
 
22
 
 
Commercial purpose loan ratings are assigned by the commercial account officer; for larger and more complex commercial loans, the credit rating is a collaborative assignment by the lender and the credit analyst. The credit risk rating is based on the borrower's expected performance, i.e., the likelihood that the borrower will be able to service its obligations in accordance with the loan terms. Credit risk ratings are meant to measure risk versus simply record history. Assessment of expected future payment performance requires consideration of numerous factors. While past performance is part of the overall evaluation, expected performance is based on an analysis of the borrower's financial strength, and historical and projected factors such as size and financing alternatives, capacity and cash flow, balance sheet and income statement trends, the quality and timeliness of financial reporting, and the quality of the borrower’s management. Other factors influencing the credit risk rating to a lesser degree include collateral coverage and control, guarantor strength and commitment, documentation, structure and covenants and industry conditions. There are uncertainties inherent in this process.
 
Credit risk ratings are dynamic and require updating whenever relevant information is received. The risk ratings of larger or more complex loans, and Group B and C rated loans, are assessed at the time of their respective annual reviews, during quarterly updates, in action plans or at any other time that relevant information warrants update. Lenders are required to make immediate disclosure to the Chief Credit Officer of any known increase in loan risk, even if considered temporary in nature.
 
The risk ratings within the loan portfolio by segments as of the balance sheet dates were as follows:
 
As of December 31, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential
 
 
Residential
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
 
 
Commercial
 
 
Real Estate
 
 
Real Estate
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
& Industrial
 
 
Real Estate
 
 
1st Lien
 
 
Jr Lien
 
 
Consumer
 
 
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Group A
 $67,297,983 
 $191,755,393 
 $164,708,778 
 $42,289,062 
 $7,168,901 
 $473,220,117 
Group B
  512,329 
  2,971,364 
  0 
  169,054 
  0 
  3,652,747 
Group C
  920,261 
  7,001,523 
  1,983,184 
  469,219 
  2,175 
  10,376,362 
     Total
 $68,730,573 
 $201,728,280 
 $166,691,962 
 $42,927,335 
 $7,171,076 
 $487,249,226 
 
As of December 31, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential
 
 
Residential
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
 
 
Commercial
 
 
Real Estate
 
 
Real Estate
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
& Industrial
 
 
Real Estate
 
 
1st Lien
 
 
Jr Lien
 
 
Consumer
 
 
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Group A
 $59,764,081 
 $168,326,527 
 $158,834,849 
 $44,041,594 
 $7,241,224 
 $438,208,275 
Group B
  4,724,729 
  4,529,493 
  599,516 
  212,508 
  0 
  10,066,246 
Group C
  702,314 
  5,350,522 
  3,325,908 
  466,164 
  0 
  9,844,908 
     Total
 $65,191,124 
 $178,206,542 
 $162,760,273 
 $44,720,266 
 $7,241,224 
 $458,119,429 
 
 
Modifications of Loans and TDRs
 
A loan is classified as a TDR if, for economic or legal reasons related to a borrower’s financial difficulties, the Company grants a concession to the borrower that it would not otherwise consider.
 
The Company is deemed to have granted such a concession if it has modified a troubled loan in any of the following ways:
 
Reduced accrued interest;
Reduced the original contractual interest rate to a rate that is below the current market rate for the borrower;
Converted a variable-rate loan to a fixed-rate loan;
Extended the term of the loan beyond an insignificant delay;
Deferred or forgiven principal in an amount greater than three months of payments; or
Performed a refinancing and deferred or forgiven principal on the original loan.
 
 
 
23
 
 
An insignificant delay or insignificant shortfall in the amount of payments typically would not require the loan to be accounted for as a TDR. However, pursuant to regulatory guidance, any payment delay longer than three months is generally not considered insignificant. Management’s assessment of whether a concession has been granted also takes into account payments expected to be received from third parties, including third-party guarantors, provided that the third party has the ability to perform on the guarantee.
 
The Company’s TDRs are principally a result of extending loan repayment terms to relieve cash flow difficulties. The Company has only, on a limited basis, reduced interest rates for borrowers below the current market rate for the borrower. The Company has not forgiven principal or reduced accrued interest within the terms of original restructurings, nor has it converted variable rate terms to fixed rate terms. However, the Company evaluates each TDR situation on its own merits and does not foreclose the granting of any particular type of concession.
 
TDRs by segment for the periods presented were as follows:
 
 
 
Year ended December 31, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pre-
 
 
Post-
 
 
 
 
 
 
Modification
 
 
Modification
 
 
 
 
 
 
Outstanding
 
 
Outstanding
 
 
 
Number of
 
 
Recorded
 
 
Recorded
 
 
 
Contracts
 
 
Investment
 
 
Investment
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential real estate - 1st lien
  8 
 $572,418 
 $598,030 
Residential real estate - Jr lien
  2 
  62,819 
  64,977 
          Total
  10 
 $635,237 
 $663,007 
 
 
 
Year ended December 31, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pre-
 
 
Post-
 
 
 
 
 
 
Modification
 
 
Modification
 
 
 
 
 
 
Outstanding
 
 
Outstanding
 
 
 
Number of
 
 
Recorded
 
 
Recorded
 
 
 
Contracts
 
 
Investment
 
 
Investment
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial & industrial
  2 
 $199,134 
 $204,142 
Commercial real estate
  3 
  581,431 
  616,438 
Residential real estate - 1st lien
  12 
  1,229,100 
  1,303,228 
Residential real estate - Jr lien
  2 
  117,746 
  121,672 
          Total
  19 
 $2,127,411 
 $2,245,480 
 
 
The TDRs for which there was a payment default during the twelve month periods presented were as follows:
 
Year ended December 31, 2016
 
 
Number of
 
 
Recorded
 
 
 
Contracts
 
 
Investment
 
Residential real estate - 1st lien
  2 
 $93,230 
Residential real estate - Jr lien
  1 
  54,557 
          Total
  3 
 $147,787 
 
Year ended December 31, 2015
 
 
Number of
 
 
Recorded
 
 
 
Contracts
 
 
Investment
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial real estate
  1 
 $149,514 
Residential real estate - 1st lien
  4 
  286,803 
Residential real estate - Jr lien
  1 
  69,828 
          Total
  6 
 $506,145 
 
 
 
24
 
 
TDRs are treated as other impaired loans and carry individual specific reserves with respect to the calculation of the ALL. These loans are categorized as non-performing, may be past due, and are generally adversely risk rated. The TDRs that have defaulted under their restructured terms are generally in collection status and their reserve is typically calculated using the fair value of collateral method.
 
The specific allowances related to TDRs as of the balance sheet dates presented were as follows:
 
 
 
2016
 
 
2015
 
Specific Allowance
 $92,600 
 $25,100 
 
 
As of December 31, 2016, the Company was not contractually committed to lend additional funds to debtors with impaired or non-accrual loans. The Company is contractually committed to lend on one Small Business Administration guaranteed line of credit to a borrower whose lending relationship was previously restructured, but is no longer considered impaired for disclosure purposes.
 
Note 4.  Loan Servicing
 
Mortgage loans serviced for others are not included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The unpaid principal balances of mortgage loans serviced for others were $193,858,201 and $193,994,081 at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Net gain realized on the sale of loans was $429,480 and $424,240 for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
 
The following table summarizes changes in MSRs for the years ended December 31,
 
 
 
2016
 
 
2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at beginning of year
 $1,293,079 
 $1,311,965 
   MSRs capitalized
  176,705 
  230,818 
   MSRs amortized
  (266,603)
  (257,921)
   Change in valuation allowance
  7,514 
  8,217 
Balance at end of year
 $1,210,695 
 $1,293,079 
 
 
Note 5.  Bank Premises and Equipment
 
The major classes of bank premises and equipment and accumulated depreciation and amortization at December 31 were as follows:
 
 
 
2016
 
 
2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Buildings and improvements
 $11,213,737 
 $11,176,189 
Land and land improvements
  2,433,971 
  2,377,703 
Furniture and equipment
  9,277,592 
  8,752,908 
Leasehold improvements
  1,117,085 
  1,048,409 
Capital lease
  991,014 
  976,907 
Other prepaid assets
  125,584 
  514,476 
 
  25,158,983 
  24,846,592 
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization
  (14,328,427)
  (13,386,385)
 
 $10,830,556 
 $11,460,207 
 
 
 
 
25
 
 
The Company is obligated under non-cancelable operating leases for bank premises expiring in various years through 2026, with options to renew. Minimum future rental payments for these leases with original terms in excess of one year as of December 31, 2016 for each of the next five years and in aggregate are:
 
2017
 $230,563 
2018
  233,706 
2019
  206,470 
2020
  179,581 
2021
  97,800 
Subsequent to 2021
  330,000 
 
 $1,278,120 
 
Total rental expense amounted to $204,324 and $204,991 for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
 
Capital lease obligations
 
The following is a schedule by years of future minimum lease payments under capital leases, together with the present value of the net minimum lease payments as of December 31, 2016:
 
2017
 $136,560 
2018
  141,460 
2019
  141,460 
2020
  110,460 
2021
  39,117 
Total minimum lease payments
  569,057 
Less amount representing interest
  (85,896)
Present value of net minimum lease payments
 $483,161 
 
 
Note 6.  Goodwill and Other Intangible Asset
 
As a result of the acquisition of LyndonBank on December 31, 2007, the Company recorded goodwill amounting to $11,574,269. The goodwill is not amortizable and is not deductible for tax purposes. Management evaluated goodwill for impairment at December 31, 2016 and 2015 and concluded that no impairment existed as of such dates.
 
The Company also recorded $4,161,000 of acquired identified intangible assets representing the core deposit intangible, which is subject to amortization as a non-interest expense over a ten year period. The accumulated amortization expense was $3,888,309 and $3,615,614 as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The future amortization expense related to the remaining core deposit intangible at December 31, 2016 is $272,691 and will be fully expensed in 2017.
 
Note 7.  Other Investments
 
In 2011, the Company established a single-member LLC to facilitate the purchase of federal NMTC through an investment structure designed by a local community development entity. The LLC does not conduct any business apart from its role in the NMTC financing structure. The NMTC equity investment generated tax credits of $204,900 for each of the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, with an amortization expense of $177,938 and $161,890, respectively. The carrying value of the NMTC equity investment was $196,572 and $374,510 at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and is included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheets.
 
The Company purchases from time to time interests in various limited partnerships established to acquire, own and rent residential housing for low and moderate income Vermonters located in northeastern and central Vermont. The tax credits from these investments were $448,290 and $431,715 for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Additionally, the Company recognized a one-time rehabilitation credit on one limited partnership amounting to $273,843 for 2016. Expenses related to amortization of the investments in the limited partnerships are recognized as a component of income tax expense, and were $731,448 and $403,445 for 2016 and 2015, respectively. The carrying values of the limited partnership investments were $1,731,484 and $2,462,932 at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and are included in other assets.
 
 
 
26
 
 
The Bank has a one-third ownership interest in a non-depository trust company, CFSG, based in Newport, Vermont, which is held indirectly through Community Financial Services Partners, LLC (CFSG Partners), a Vermont LLC that owns 100% of the LLC equity interests of CFSG. The Bank accounts for its investment in CFSG Partners under the equity method of accounting. The Company's investment in CFSG Partners, included in other assets, amounted to $2,016,785 and $1,587,777 as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The Company recognized income of $429,008 and $361,044 for 2016 and 2015, respectively, through CFSG Partners from the operations of CFSG.
 
Note 8.  Deposits
 
The following is a maturity distribution of time deposits at December 31, 2016:
 
2017
 $65,384,502 
2018
  17,229,272 
2019
  14,568,044 
2020
  7,898,848 
2021
  11,309,263 
Total time certificates of deposit
 $116,389,929 
 
 
Total deposits in excess of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) insurance level amounted to $139,897,460 as of December 31, 2016.
 
Note 9.  Borrowed Funds
 
Outstanding advances for the Company as of the balance sheet dates presented were as follows:
 
 
 
2016
 
 
2015
 
Long-Term Advances(1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
FHLBB term advance, 0.00%, due February 26, 2021
 $350,000 
 $0 
FHLBB term advance, 0.00%, due September 22, 2023
  200,000 
  0 
FHLBB term advance, 0.00%, due November 22, 2021
  1,000,000 
  0 
 
  1,550,000 
  0 
 
    
    
Short-Term Advances
    
    
FHLBB term advances, 0.77% and 0.48% fixed rate, due February 08,
    
    
  2017 and February 26, 2016, respectively
  10,000,000 
  10,000,000 
FHLBB term advance 0.77% fixed rate, due February 24, 2017
  10,000,000 
  0 
FHLBB term advance 0.92% fixed rate, due June 14, 2017
  10,000,000 
  0 
 
  30,000,000 
  10,000,000 
 
    
    
     Total Advances
 $31,550,000 
 $10,000,000 
 
(1)
The Company has borrowed a total of $1,550,000 under the FHLBB’s Jobs for New England (JNE) program, a program dedicated to supporting job growth and economic development throughout New England. The FHLBB is providing a subsidy, funded by the FHLBB’s earnings, to write down interest rates to zero percent on JNE advances that finance qualifying loans to small businesses. JNE advances must support lending to small businesses in New England that create and/or retain jobs, or otherwise contribute to overall economic development activities.
 
Borrowings from the FHLBB are secured by a blanket lien on qualified collateral consisting primarily of loans with first mortgages secured by 1-4 family residential properties. Qualified collateral for these borrowings totaled $94,744,189 and $100,361,793 as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company's gross potential borrowing capacity under this arrangement was $68,163,543 and $72,091,633, respectively, before reduction for outstanding advances and collateral pledges.
 
Under a separate agreement with the FHLBB, the Company has the authority to collateralize public unit deposits, up to its available borrowing capacity, with letters of credit issued by the FHLBB. At December 31, 2016, $21,225,000 in FHLBB letters of credit was utilized as collateral for these deposits compared to $14,900,000 at December 31, 2015. Total fees paid by the Company in connection with issuance of these letters of credit were $25,967 for 2016 and $29,535 for 2015.
 
 
 
27
 
 
The Company also maintained a $500,000 IDEAL Way Line of Credit with the FHLBB at December 31, 2016 and 2015, with no outstanding advances under this line at either year-end date. Interest on these borrowings is at a rate determined daily by the FHLBB and payable monthly.
 
The Company also has a line of credit with the FRBB, which is intended to be used as a contingency funding source. For this Borrower-in-Custody arrangement, the Company pledged eligible commercial and industrial loans, commercial real estate loans and home equity loans, resulting in an available line of $77,862,708 and $72,345,479 as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Credit advances in the FRBB lending program are overnight advances with interest chargeable at the primary credit rate (generally referred to as the discount rate), which was 125 basis points as of December 31, 2016. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company had no outstanding advances against this line.
 
The Company has an unsecured line of credit with two correspondent banks with available borrowing capacity totaling $7,500,000 at December 31, 2015 and unsecured lines of credit with three correspondent banks with available borrowing capacity totaling $12,500,000 at December 31, 2016. The Company had no outstanding advances against these lines for the periods presented.
 
Note 10.  Junior Subordinated Debentures
 
As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company had outstanding $12,887,000 principal amount of Junior Subordinated Debentures due in 2037 (the Debentures). The Debentures bear a floating rate equal to the 3-month London Interbank Offered Rate plus 2.85%. During 2016, the floating rate approximated 3.51% per quarter compared to 3.13% for 2015. The Debentures mature on December 15, 2037 and are subordinated and junior in right of payment to all senior indebtedness of the Company, as defined in the Indenture dated as of October 31, 2007 between the Company and Wilmington Trust Company, as Trustee. The Debentures first became redeemable, in whole or in part, by the Company on December 15, 2012. Interest paid on the Debentures for 2016 and 2015 was $460,142 and $409,432, respectively, and is deductible for tax purposes.
 
The Debentures were issued and sold to CMTV Statutory Trust I (the Trust). The Trust is a special purpose trust funded by a capital contribution of $387,000 from the Company, in exchange for 100% of the Trust’s common equity. The Trust was formed for the purpose of issuing corporation-obligated mandatorily redeemable Capital Securities (Capital Securities) in the principal amount of $12.5 million to third-party investors and using the proceeds from the sale of such Capital Securities and the Company’s initial capital contribution to purchase the Debentures. The Debentures are the sole asset of the Trust. Distributions on the Capital Securities issued by the Trust are payable quarterly at a rate per annum equal to the interest rate being earned by the Trust on the Debentures. The Capital Securities are subject to mandatory redemption, in whole or in part, upon repayment of the Debentures. The Company has entered into an agreement which, taken collectively, fully and unconditionally guarantees the payments on the Capital Securities, subject to the terms of the guarantee.
 
The Debentures are currently includable in the Company’s Tier 1 capital up to 25% of core capital elements (see Note 20).
 
Note 11.  Repurchase Agreements
 
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase amounted to $30,423,195 and $22,073,238 as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. These agreements were collateralized by U.S. GSE securities, Agency MBS securities and certificates of deposit with a book value of $33,604,595 and a fair value of $33,469,254 at December 31, 2016 and by U.S. GSE securities and Agency MBS securities with a book value of $23,566,180 and a fair value of $23,496,927 at December 31, 2015.
 
The average daily balance of these repurchase agreements was $25,888,496 and $24,332,366 during 2016 and 2015, respectively. The maximum borrowings outstanding on these agreements at any month-end of the Company were $30,423,195 and $28,229,636 during 2016 and 2015, respectively. These repurchase agreements mature daily and carried a weighted average interest rate of 0.30% during 2016 and 0.29% during 2015.
 
Note 12.  Income Taxes
 
The Company prepares its federal income tax return on a consolidated basis. Federal income taxes are allocated to members of the consolidated group based on taxable income.
 
 
 
28
 
 
Federal income tax expense for the years ended December 31 was as follows:
 
 
 
2016
 
 
2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Currently paid or payable
 $2,096,474 
 $1,937,004 
 Deferred tax benefit
  (172,562)
  (172,374)
 Total income tax expense
 $1,923,912 
 $1,764,630 
 
 
Total income tax expense differed from the amounts computed at the statutory federal income tax rate of 34 percent primarily due to the following for the years ended December 31:
 
 
 
2016
 
 
2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Computed expense at statutory rates
 $2,518,785 
 $2,240,669 
Tax exempt interest and BOLI
  (471,900)
  (414,855)
Disallowed interest
  13,053 
  11,523 
Partnership tax credits
  (857,359)
  (566,949)
Low income housing investment amortization expense
  482,756 
  266,280 
NMTC amortization expense
  117,439 
  106,847 
Other
  121,138 
  121,116 
 
 $1,923,912 
 $1,764,630 
 
 
The deferred income tax benefit consisted of the following items for the years ended December 31:
 
 
 
2016
 
 
2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation
 $64,758 
 $(82,902)
MSRs
  (28,011)
  (6,421)
Deferred compensation
  (58,194)
  (26,169)
Bad debts
  (90,633)
  (36,042)
Non-accrual loan interest
  0 
  13,731 
Limited partnership amortization
  7,865 
  56,890 
Investment in CFSG Partners
  13,187 
  20,182 
Core deposit intangible
  (92,716)
  (92,716)
Loan fair value
  (7,514)
  (9,951)
OREO write down
  6,460 
  (10,370)
Other
  12,236 
  1,394 
     Deferred tax benefit
 $(172,562)
 $(172,374)
 
 
Listed below are the significant components of the net deferred tax asset at December 31:
 
 
 
2016
 
 
2015
 
Components of the deferred tax asset:
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Bad debts
 $1,794,672 
 $1,704,039 
   Deferred compensation
  302,166 
  243,972 
   Contingent liability - MPF program
  45,042 
  45,042 
   OREO write down
  13,940 
  20,400 
   Capital lease
  63,228 
  69,567 
   Unrealized loss on securities available-for-sale
  46,765 
  23,385 
   Other
  22,837 
  28,733 
         Total deferred tax asset
 $2,288,650 
 $2,135,138 
 
    
    
 
 
29
 
 
 
 
2016
 
 
2015
 
Components of the deferred tax liability:
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Depreciation
  219,304 
  154,546 
   Limited partnerships
  52,109 
  44,244 
   MSRs
  411,636 
  439,647 
   Investment in CFSG Partners
  115,035 
  101,848 
   Core deposit intangible
  92,715 
  185,431 
   Fair value adjustment on acquired loans
  21,930 
  29,444 
         Total deferred tax liability
  912,729 
  955,160 
 
    
    
         Net deferred tax asset
 $1,375,921 
 $1,179,978 
 
 
US GAAP provides for the recognition and measurement of deductible temporary differences (including general valuation allowances) to the extent that it is more likely than not that the deferred tax asset will be realized.
 
The net deferred tax asset is included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheets.
 
ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes, defines the criteria that an individual tax position must satisfy for some or all of the benefits of that position to be recognized in a company's financial statements. Topic 740 prescribes a recognition threshold of more-likely-than-not, and a measurement attribute for all tax positions taken or expected to be taken on a tax return, in order for those tax positions to be recognized in the consolidated financial statements. The Company has adopted these provisions and there was no material effect on the consolidated financial statements. The Company is currently open to audit under the statute of limitations by the Internal Revenue Service for the years ended December 31, 2013 through 2016.
 
Note 13.  401(k) and Profit-Sharing Plan
 
The Company has a defined contribution plan covering all employees who meet certain age and service requirements. The pension expense was $652,078 and $610,631 for 2016 and 2015, respectively. These amounts represent discretionary matching contributions of a portion of the voluntary employee salary deferrals under the 401(k) plan and discretionary profit-sharing contributions under the plan.
 
Note 14.  Deferred Compensation and Supplemental Employee Retirement Plans
 
The Company maintains a directors’ deferred compensation plan and, prior to 2005, maintained a retirement plan for its directors. Participants are general unsecured creditors of the Company with respect to these benefits. The benefits accrued under these plans were $114,014 and $141,857 at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Expenses associated with these plans were $723 and $779 for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
 
The Company also maintains a supplemental employee retirement plan (SERP) for certain key employees of the Company. Benefits accrued under this plan were $774,713 and $575,709 at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The expense associated with this plan was $199,004 and $114,190 for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
 
Note 15.  Financial Instruments with Off-Balance-Sheet Risk
 
The Company is a party to financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its customers and to reduce its own exposure to fluctuations in interest rates. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit, standby letters of credit and financial guarantees, commitments to sell loans and risk-sharing commitments on certain sold loans. Such instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and interest rate risk in excess of the amount recognized in the balance sheet. The contract or notional amounts of those instruments reflect the maximum extent of involvement the Company has in particular classes of financial instruments.
 
The Company's maximum exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to the financial instrument for commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit and financial guarantees written is represented by the contractual notional amount of those instruments. The Company applies the same credit policies and underwriting criteria in making commitments and conditional obligations as it does for on-balance-sheet instruments.
 
 
30
 
 
The Company generally requires collateral or other security to support financial instruments with credit risk. At December 31, the following off-balance-sheet financial instruments representing credit risk were outstanding:
 
 
 
Contract or Notional Amount
 
 
 
2016
 
 
2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unused portions of home equity lines of credit
 $25,535,104 
 $25,074,972 
Residential construction lines of credit
  3,676,176 
  3,658,037 
Commercial real estate and other construction lines of credit
  25,951,345 
  15,586,595 
Commercial and industrial commitments
  36,227,213 
  46,197,882 
Other commitments to extend credit
  42,459,454 
  19,991,513 
Standby letters of credit and commercial letters of credit
  2,009,788 
  1,859,059 
Recourse on sale of credit card portfolio
  258,555 
  262,625 
MPF credit enhancement obligation, net of liability recorded
  748,239 
  1,051,601 
 
 
Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. Since many of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future funding requirements. At December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company had binding loan commitments to sell residential mortgages at fixed rates totaling $832,000 and $3,655,547, respectively (see Note 16). The recourse provision under the terms of the sale of the Company’s credit card portfolio in 2007 is based on total lines, not balances outstanding. Based on historical losses, the Company does not expect any significant losses from this commitment.
 
The Company evaluates each customer's credit-worthiness on a case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral obtained if deemed necessary by the Company upon extension of credit, or a commitment to extend credit, is based on management's credit evaluation of the counter-party. Collateral or other security held varies but may include real estate, accounts receivable, inventory, property, plant and equipment, and income-producing commercial properties.
 
Standby letters of credit and financial guarantees written are conditional commitments issued by the Company to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. Those guarantees are primarily issued to support private borrowing arrangements. The credit risk involved in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending loans to customers. The fair value of standby letters of credit has not been included in the balance sheets as the fair value is immaterial.
 
In connection with its 2007 trust preferred securities financing, the Company guaranteed the payment obligations under the $12,500,000 of capital securities of its subsidiary, the Trust. The source of funds for payments by the Trust on its capital trust securities is payments made by the Company on its debentures issued to the Trust. The Company's obligation under those debentures is fully reflected in the Company's consolidated balance sheet, in the gross amount of $12,887,000 as of the dates presented, of which $12,500,000 represents external financing through the issuance to investors of capital securities by the Trust (see Note 10).
 
Note 16.  Contingent Liability
 
The Company sells first lien 1-4 family residential mortgage loans under the MPF program with the FHLBB. Under this program the Company shares in the credit risk of each mortgage loan, while receiving fee income in return. The Company is responsible for a Credit Enhancement Obligation (CEO) based on the credit quality of these loans. FHLBB funds a First Loss Account (FLA) based on the Company's outstanding MPF mortgage balances. This creates a laddered approach to sharing in any losses. In the event of default, homeowner's equity and private mortgage insurance, if any, are the first sources of repayment; the FHLBB's FLA funds are then utilized, followed by the participant’s CEO, with the balance of losses absorbed by FHLBB. These loans must meet specific underwriting standards of the FHLBB. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company had $48,058,235 and $50,374,657, respectively, in loans sold through the MPF program and on which the Company had a CEO. As of December 31, 2016, the notional amount of the maximum CEO related to this program was $870,664 compared to $1,171,787 as of December 31, 2015. The Company had accrued a contingent liability for this CEO in the amount of $122,425 and $120,186 as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, which is calculated by management based on the methodology used in calculating the ALL, adjusted to reflect the risk sharing arrangements with the FHLBB.
 
 
 
31
 
 
Note 17.  Legal Proceedings
 
In the normal course of business, the Company is involved in various claims and legal proceedings. In the opinion of the Company's management, any liabilities resulting from such proceedings are not expected to be material to the Company's consolidated financial condition or results of operations.
 
Note 18.  Transactions with Related Parties
 
Aggregate loan transactions of the Company with directors, principal officers, their immediate families and affiliated companies in which they are principal owners (commonly referred to as related parties) as of December 31 were as follows:
 
 
 
2016
 
 
2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance, beginning of year
 $14,017,551 
 $8,593,273 
Loans - New Directors
  0 
  7,225,328 
New loans to existing Officers/Directors
  11,862,375 
  14,587,380 
Retirement/Resignation of Director
  0 
  (1,824,495)
Repayment*
  (11,758,440)
  (14,563,935)
Balance, end of year
 $14,121,486 
 $14,017,551 
 
*Includes loans sold to the secondary market.
 
Total funds of related parties on deposit with the Company were $7,938,810 and $5,713,210 at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
 
The Company leases 2,253 square feet of condominium space in the state office building on Main Street in Newport, Vermont to its trust company affiliate, CFSG, for its principal offices. CFSG also leases offices in the Company’s Barre and Lyndonville branches. The amount of rental income received from CFSG for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 was $60,660 and $59,343, respectively.
 
The Company utilizes the services of CFSG as an investment advisor for the Company’s 401(k) plan. The Human Resources committee of the Board of Directors is the Trustee of the plan, and CFSG provides investment advice for the plan. CFSG also acts as custodian of the retirement funds and makes investments on behalf of the plan and its participants. In addition, CFSG serves as investment advisor and custodian of funds under the Company’s SERP. The Company pays monthly management fees to CFSG for its services to the 401(k) plan and the SERP based on the market value of the total assets under management. The amount paid to CFSG for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 was $44,065 and $47,448, respectively, for the 401(k) plan and $2,442 and $2,065, respectively, for the SERP.
 
Note 19.  Restrictions on Cash and Due From Banks
 
In the ordinary course of business, the Company may, from time to time, maintain amounts due from correspondent banks that exceed federally insured limits. However, no losses have occurred in these accounts and the Company believes it is not exposed to any significant risk with respect to such accounts. The Company was required to maintain contracted balances with other correspondent banks of $462,500 at December 31, 2016 and 2015. Of the $462,500 balance, $262,500 was a separate agreed upon “impressed” balance to avoid monthly charges on the Company’s current federal funds liquidity line.
 
Note 20.  Regulatory Capital Requirements
 
The Company (on a consolidated basis) and the Bank are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the federal banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory - and possibly additional discretionary - actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the Company's and the Bank's financial statements. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Company and the Bank must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of their assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance-sheet items, as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. Capital amounts and classifications are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings, and other factors. Additional prompt corrective action capital requirements are applicable to banks, but not to bank holding companies.
 
 
 
32
 
 
The Company and the Bank are required to maintain minimum amounts and ratios (set forth in the table below) of Common equity tier 1, Tier 1 and Total capital (as defined in the regulations) to risk-weighted assets (as defined), and of Tier 1 capital (as defined) to average assets (as defined). The Company’s non-cumulative Series A preferred stock ($2.5 million liquidation preference) is includable without limitation in its Common equity tier 1 and Tier 1 capital. The Company is allowed to include in Common equity tier 1 and Tier 1 capital an amount of trust preferred securities equal to no more than 25% of the sum of all core capital elements, which is generally defined as shareholders’ equity, less certain intangibles, including goodwill and the core deposit intangible, net of any related deferred income tax liability, with the balance includable in Tier 2 capital. Management believes that, as of December 31, 2016, the Company and the Bank met all capital adequacy requirements to which they are currently subject.
 
Beginning in 2016, an additional capital conservation buffer has been added to the minimum requirements for capital adequacy purposes, subject to a three year phase-in period. The capital conservation buffer will be fully phased-in on January 1, 2019 at 2.5% of risk-weighted assets. A banking organization with a conservation buffer of less than 2.5% (or the required phase-in amount in years prior to 2019) will be subject to limitations on capital distributions, including dividend payments and certain discretionary bonus payments to executive officers. The Company’s and the Bank’s capital conservation buffer was 5.52% and 5.42%, respectively, at December 31, 2016. As of December 31, 2016, both the Company and the Bank exceed the required capital conservation buffer of 0.0625% and on a pro forma basis would be compliant with the fully phased-in capital conservation buffer requirement.
 
As of December 31, 2016, the Bank was considered well capitalized under the regulatory capital framework for Prompt Corrective Action and the Company exceeded applicable consolidated regulatory guidelines for capital adequacy.
 
 
 
33
 
 
The following table shows the regulatory capital ratios for the Company and the Bank as of December 31:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Minimum
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Minimum
 
 
To Be Well
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For Capital
 
 
Capitalized Under
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Adequacy
 
 
Prompt Corrective
 
 
 
Actual
 
 
Purposes:
 
 
Action Provisions(1):
 
 
 
Amount
 
 
Ratio 
 
 
Amount
 
 
Ratio
 
 
Amount
 
 
Ratio
 
 
 
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
December 31, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common equity tier 1 capital
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  (to risk-weighted assets)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Company
 $55,690 
  12.34%
 $20,304 
  4.50%
  N/A 
  N/A 
   Bank
 $55,120 
  12.23%
 $20,274 
  4.50%
 $29,285 
  6.50%
 
    
    
    
    
    
    
Tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets)
    
    
    
    
    
    
   Company
 $55,690 
  12.34%
 $27,072 
  6.00%
  N/A 
  N/A 
   Bank
 $55,120 
  12.23%
 $27,032 
  6.00%
 $36,043 
  8.00%
 
    
    
    
    
    
    
Total capital (to risk-weighted assets)
    
    
    
    
    
    
   Company
 $61,012 
  13.52%
 $36,096 
  8.00%
  N/A 
  N/A 
   Bank
 $60,443 
  13.42%
 $36,043 
  8.00%
 $45,054 
  10.00%
 
    
    
    
    
    
    
Tier 1 capital (to average assets)
    
    
    
    
    
    
   Company
 $55,690 
  9.17%
 $24,305 
  4.00%
  N/A 
  N/A 
   Bank
 $55,120 
  9.08%
 $24,281 
  4.00%
 $30,351 
  5.00%
 
    
    
    
    
    
    
December 31, 2015
    
    
    
    
    
    
 
    
    
    
    
    
    
Common equity tier 1 capital
    
    
    
    
    
    
  (to risk-weighted assets)
    
    
    
    
    
    
   Company
 $52,555 
  12.38%
 $19,100 
  4.50%
  N/A 
  N/A 
   Bank
 $52,000 
  12.27%
 $19,072 
  4.50%
 $27,549 
  6.50%
 
    
    
    
    
    
    
Tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets)
    
    
    
    
    
    
   Company
 $52,555 
  12.38%
 $25,467 
  6.00%
  N/A 
  N/A 
   Bank
 $52,000 
  12.27%
 $25,430 
  6.00%
 $33,906 
  8.00%
 
    
    
    
    
    
    
Total capital (to risk-weighted assets)
    
    
    
    
    
    
   Company
 $57,610 
  13.57%
 $33,956 
  8.00%
  N/A 
  N/A 
   Bank
 $57,056 
  13.46%
 $33,906 
  8.00%
 $42,383 
  10.00%
 
    
    
    
    
    
    
Tier 1 capital (to average assets)
    
    
    
    
    
    
   Company
 $52,555 
  9.01%
 $23,324 
  4.00%
  N/A 
  N/A 
   Bank
 $52,000 
  8.93%
 $23,301 
  4.00%
 $29,126 
  5.00%
 
 
The Company's ability to pay dividends to its shareholders is largely dependent on the Bank's ability to pay dividends to the Company. The Bank is restricted by law as to the amount of dividends that can be paid. Dividends declared by national banks that exceed net income for the current and preceding two years must be approved by the Bank’s primary banking regulator, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. Regardless of formal regulatory restrictions, the Bank may not pay dividends that would result in its capital levels being reduced below the minimum requirements shown above.
 
 
 
34
 
 
Note 21.  Fair Value
 
Certain assets and liabilities are recorded at fair value to provide additional insight into the Company’s quality of earnings. The fair values of some of these assets and liabilities are measured on a recurring basis while others are measured on a non-recurring basis, with the determination based upon applicable existing accounting pronouncements. For example, securities available-for-sale are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. Other assets, such as MSRs, loans held-for-sale, impaired loans, and OREO are recorded at fair value on a non-recurring basis using the lower of cost or market methodology to determine impairment of individual assets. The Company groups assets and liabilities which are recorded at fair value in three levels, based on the markets in which the assets and liabilities are traded and the reliability of the assumptions used to determine fair value. The level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement (with Level 1 considered highest and Level 3 considered lowest). A brief description of each level follows.
 
Level 1 
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 1 assets and liabilities include debt and equity securities and derivative contracts that are traded in an active exchange market, as well as U.S. Treasury, other U.S. Government debt securities that are highly liquid and are actively traded in over-the-counter markets.
 
Level 2 
Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices such as quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities. Level 2 assets and liabilities include debt securities with quoted prices that are traded less frequently than exchange-traded instruments and derivative contracts whose value is determined using a pricing model with inputs that are observable in the market or can be derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data. This category generally includes MSRs, impaired loans and OREO.
 
Level 3 
Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities. Level 3 assets and liabilities include financial instruments whose value is determined using pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies, or similar techniques, as well as instruments for which the determination of fair value requires significant management judgment or estimation.
 
The following methods and assumptions were used by the Company in estimating its fair value measurements and disclosures:
 
Cash and cash equivalents:  The carrying amounts reported in the balance sheet for cash and cash equivalents approximate their fair values. As such, the Company classifies these financial instruments as Level 1.
 
Securities available-for-sale and held-to-maturity:  Fair value measurement is based upon quoted prices for similar assets, if available. If quoted prices are not available, fair values are measured using matrix pricing models, or other model-based valuation techniques requiring observable inputs other than quoted prices such as yield curves, prepayment speeds and default rates. Level 1 securities would include U.S. Treasury securities that are traded by dealers or brokers in active over-the-counter markets. Level 2 securities include federal agency securities and securities of local municipalities.
 
Restricted equity securities:  Restricted equity securities are comprised of FRBB stock and FHLBB stock. These securities are carried at cost, which is believed to approximate fair value, based on the redemption provisions of the FRBB and the FHLBB. The stock is nonmarketable, and redeemable at par value, subject to certain conditions. The Company classifies these securities as Level 2.
 
Loans and loans held-for-sale:  For variable-rate loans that reprice frequently and with no significant change in credit risk, fair values are based on carrying amounts. The fair values for other loans (for example, fixed rate residential, commercial real estate, and rental property mortgage loans, and commercial and industrial loans) are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses, based on interest rates currently being offered for loans with similar terms to borrowers of similar credit quality. Loan fair value estimates include judgments regarding future expected loss experience and risk characteristics. Loan impairment is deemed to exist when full repayment of principal and interest according to the contractual terms of the loan is no longer probable. Impaired loans are reported based on one of three measures: the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate; the loan’s observable market price; or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. If the fair value is less than an impaired loan’s recorded investment, an impairment loss is recognized as part of the ALL. Accordingly, certain impaired loans may be subject to measurement at fair value on a non-recurring basis. Management has estimated the fair values of these assets using Level 2 inputs, such as the fair value of collateral based on independent third-party appraisals for collateral-dependent loans. All other loans are valued using Level 3 inputs.
 
 
35
 
 
The fair value of loans held-for-sale is based upon an actual purchase and sale agreement between the Company and an independent market participant. The sale is executed within a reasonable period following quarter end at the stated fair value.
 
MSRs:  MSRs represent the value associated with servicing residential mortgage loans. Servicing assets and servicing liabilities are reported using the amortization method and compared to fair value for impairment. In evaluating the carrying values of MSRs, the Company obtains third party valuations based on loan level data including note rate, and the type and term of the underlying loans. The Company classifies MSRs as non-recurring Level 2.
 
OREO:  Real estate acquired through or in lieu of foreclosure and bank properties no longer used as bank premises are initially recorded at fair value. The fair value of OREO is based on property appraisals and an analysis of similar properties currently available. The Company records OREO as non-recurring Level 2.
 
Deposits, federal funds purchased and borrowed funds:  The fair values disclosed for demand deposits (for example, checking accounts, savings accounts and repurchase agreements) are, by definition, equal to the amount payable on demand at the reporting date (that is, their carrying amounts). The fair values for certificates of deposit and borrowed funds are estimated using a discounted cash flow calculation that applies interest rates currently being offered on certificates and indebtedness to a schedule of aggregated contractual maturities on such time deposits and indebtedness. The Company classifies deposits, federal funds purchased and borrowed funds as Level 2.
 
Capital lease obligations:  Fair value is determined using a discounted cash flow calculation using current rates. Based on current rates, carrying value approximates fair value. The Company classifies these obligations as Level 2.
 
Junior subordinated debentures:  Fair value is estimated using current rates for debentures of similar maturity. The Company classifies these instruments as Level 2.
 
Accrued interest:  The carrying amounts of accrued interest approximate their fair values. The Company classifies accrued interest as Level 2.
 
Off-balance-sheet credit related instruments:  Commitments to extend credit are evaluated and fair value is estimated using the fees currently charged to enter into similar agreements, taking into account the remaining terms of the agreements and the present credit-worthiness of the counterparties. For fixed-rate loan commitments, fair value also considers the difference between current levels of interest rates and the committed rates.
 
FASB ASC Topic 825 “Financial Instruments”, requires disclosures of fair value information about financial instruments, whether or not recognized in the balance sheet, if the fair values can be reasonably determined. Fair value is best determined based upon quoted market prices. However, in many instances, there are no quoted market prices for the Company’s various financial instruments. In cases where quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on estimates using present value or other valuation techniques using observable inputs when available. Those techniques are significantly affected by the assumptions used, including the discount rate and estimates of future cash flows. Accordingly, the fair value estimates may not be realized in an immediate settlement of the instrument. Topic 825 excludes certain financial instruments and all nonfinancial instruments from its disclosure requirements. Accordingly, the aggregate fair value amounts presented may not necessarily represent the underlying fair value of the Company.
 
Assets Recorded at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
 
Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis and reflected in the consolidated balance sheets at the dates presented, segregated by fair value hierarchy, are summarized below:
 
December 31, 2016
 
Level 2
 
Assets: (market approach)
 
 
 
U.S. GSE debt securities
 $17,317,328 
Agency MBS
  13,154,228 
Other investments
  3,243,495 
  Total
 $33,715,051 
 
 
 
 
36
 
 
 
December 31, 2015
 
Level 2
 
Assets: (market approach)
 
 
 
   U.S. GSE debt securities
 $12,832,443 
   Agency MBS
  10,664,484 
   Other investments
  2,973,473 
 
 $26,470,400 
 
 
There were no Level 1 or Level 3 assets or liabilities measured on a recurring basis as of the balance sheet dates presented.
 
Assets Recorded at Fair Value on a Non-Recurring Basis
 
The following table includes assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis that have had a fair value adjustment since their initial recognition. Impaired loans measured at fair value only include impaired loans with a related specific ALL and are presented net of specific allowances as disclosed in Note 3.
 
Assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis and reflected in the consolidated balance sheets at the dates presented, segregated by fair value hierarchy, are summarized below:
 
December 31, 2016
 
Level 2
 
Assets: (market approach)
 
 
 
MSRs(1)
 $1,210,695 
Impaired loans, net of related allowance
  508,872 
OREO
  394,000 
 
    
December 31, 2015
    
Assets: (market approach)
    
MSRs(1)
 $1,293,079 
Impaired loans, net of related allowance
  268,092 
OREO
  262,000 
 
(1) Represents MSRs at lower of cost or fair value, including MSRs deemed to be impaired and for which a valuation allowance was established to carry at fair value at December 31, 2016 and 2015.
 
There were no Level 1 or Level 3 assets or liabilities measured on a non-recurring basis as of the balance sheet dates presented.
 
 
 
37
 
 
The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the Company's financial instruments were as follows:
 
December 31, 2016
 
 
 
 
Fair
 
 
Fair
 
 
Fair
 
 
Fair
 
 
 
Carrying
 
 
Value
 
 
Value
 
 
Value
 
 
Value
 
 
 
Amount
 
 
Level 1
 
 
Level 2
 
 
Level 3
 
 
Total
 
 
 
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
Financial assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 $29,614 
 $29,614 
 $0 
 $0 
 $29,614 
Securities held-to-maturity
  49,887 
  0 
  51,035 
  0 
  51,035 
Securities available-for-sale
  33,715 
  0 
  33,715 
  0 
  33,715 
Restricted equity securities
  2,756 
  0 
  2,756 
  0 
  2,756 
Loans and loans held-for-sale
    
    
    
    
    
  Commercial & industrial
  67,972 
  0 
  48 
  68,727 
  68,775 
  Commercial real estate
  199,136 
  0 
  601 
  201,560 
  202,161 
  Residential real estate - 1st lien
  165,243 
  0 
  941 
  166,858 
  167,799 
  Residential real estate - Jr lien
  42,536 
  0 
  109 
  42,948 
  43,057 
  Consumer
  7,084 
  0 
  0 
  7,371 
  7,371 
MSRs(1)
  1,211 
  0 
  1,302 
  0 
  1,302 
Accrued interest receivable
  1,819 
  0 
  1,819 
  0 
  1,819 
 
    
    
    
    
    
Financial liabilities:
    
    
    
    
    
Deposits
    
    
    
    
    
  Other deposits
  470,002 
  0 
  469,323 
  0 
  469,323 
  Brokered deposits
  34,733 
  0 
  34,745 
  0 
  34,745 
Short-term borrowings
  30,000 
  0 
  30,000 
  0 
  30,000 
Long-term borrowings
  1,550 
  0 
  1,376 
  0 
  1,376 
Repurchase agreements
  30,423 
  0 
  30,423 
  0 
  30,423 
Capital lease obligations
  483 
  0 
  483 
  0 
  483 
Subordinated debentures
  12,887 
  0 
  12,849 
  0 
  12,849 
Accrued interest payable
  73 
  0 
  73 
  0 
  73 
 
(1) Reported fair value represents all MSRs serviced by the Company at December 31, 2016, regardless of carrying amount
 
 
38
 
 
 
December 31, 2015
 
 
 
 
Fair
 
 
Fair
 
 
Fair
 
 
Fair
 
 
 
Carrying
 
 
Value
 
 
Value
 
 
Value
 
 
Value
 
 
 
Amount
 
 
Level 1
 
 
Level 2
 
 
Level 3
 
 
Total
 
 
 
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
Financial assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 $28,852 
 $28,852 
 $0 
 $0 
 $28,852 
Securities held-to-maturity
  43,354 
  0 
  44,143 
  0 
  44,143 
Securities available-for-sale
  26,470 
  0 
  26,470 
  0 
  26,470 
Restricted equity securities
  2,442 
  0 
  2,442 
  0 
  2,442 
Loans and loans held-for-sale
    
    
    
    
    
  Commercial & industrial
  64,438 
  0 
  286 
  65,399 
  65,685 
  Commercial real estate
  175,945 
  0 
  2,552 
  178,502 
  181,054 
  Residential real estate - 1st lien
  162,492 
  0 
  1,395 
  164,959 
  166,354 
  Residential real estate - Jr lien
  44,270 
  0 
  119 
  44,939 
  45,058 
  Consumer
  7,161 
  0 
  0 
  7,482 
  7,482 
MSRs(1)
  1,293 
  0 
  1,497 
  0 
  1,497 
Accrued interest receivable
  1,633 
  0 
  1,633 
  0 
  1,633 
 
    
    
    
    
    
Financial liabilities:
    
    
    
    
    
Deposits
    
    
    
    
    
  Other deposits
  466,859 
  0 
  466,524 
  0 
  466,524 
  Brokered deposits
  28,627 
  0 
  28,630 
  0 
  28,630 
Short-term borrowings
  10,000 
  0 
  10,000 
  0 
  10,000 
Repurchase agreements
  22,073 
  0 
  22,073 
  0 
  22,073 
Capital lease obligations
  558 
  0 
  558 
  0 
  558 
Subordinated debentures
  12,887 
  0 
  12,851 
  0 
  12,851 
Accrued interest payable
  53 
  0 
  53 
  0 
  53 
 
(1) Reported fair value represents all MSRs serviced by the Company at December 31, 2015, regardless of carrying amount
 
The estimated fair values of commitments to extend credit and letters of credit were immaterial at December 31, 2016 and 2015.
 
39
 
 
Note 22.  Condensed Financial Information (Parent Company Only)
 
The following condensed financial statements are for Community Bancorp. (Parent Company Only), and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements of Community Bancorp. and Subsidiary.
 
 
Community Bancorp. (Parent Company Only)
 
December 31,
 
 
December 31,
 
Condensed Balance Sheets
 
2016
 
 
2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Cash
 $494,086 
 $508,325 
  Investment in subsidiary - Community National Bank
  66,769,241 
  63,747,517 
  Investment in Capital Trust
  387,000 
  387,000 
  Income taxes receivable
  269,335 
  239,394 
        Total assets
 $67,919,662 
 $64,882,236 
 
    
    
 
    
    
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
    
    
 
    
    
 
    
    
 Liabilities
    
    
 
    
    
  Junior subordinated debentures
 $12,887,000 
 $12,887,000 
  Dividends payable
  581,145 
  580,580 
        Total liabilities
  13,468,145 
  13,467,580 
 
    
    
 Shareholders' Equity
    
    
 
    
    
  Preferred stock, 1,000,000 shares authorized, 25 shares issued and outstanding
    
    
    ($100,000 liquidation value)
  2,500,000 
  2,500,000 
  Common stock - $2.50 par value; 15,000,000 shares authorized, and 5,269,053 and
    
    
    5,204,517 shares issued at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively (including
    
    
    15,022 and 15,430 shares issued February 1, 2017 and 2016, respectively)
  13,172,633 
  13,011,293 
  Additional paid-in capital
  30,825,658 
  30,089,438 
  Retained earnings
  10,666,782 
  8,482,096 
  Accumulated other comprehensive loss
  (90,779)
  (45,394)
  Less: treasury stock, at cost; 210,101 shares at December 31, 2016 and 2015
  (2,622,777)
  (2,622,777)
        Total shareholders' equity
  54,451,517 
  51,414,656 
 
    
    
        Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
 $67,919,662 
 $64,882,236 
 
 
The investment in the subsidiary bank is carried under the equity method of accounting. The investment and cash, which is on deposit with the Bank, have been eliminated in consolidation.
 
 
40
 
 
 
 
Community Bancorp. (Parent Company Only)
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
Condensed Statements of Income
 
2016
 
 
2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Bank subsidiary distributions
 $2,940,000 
 $2,842,000 
   Dividends on Capital Trust
  13,818 
  12,295 
      Total income
  2,953,818 
  2,854,295 
 
    
    
Expense
    
    
   Interest on junior subordinated debentures
  460,142 
  409,432 
   Administrative and other
  345,842 
  306,962 
       Total expense
  805,984 
  716,394 
 
    
    
Income before applicable income tax benefit and equity in
    
    
  undistributed net income of subsidiary
  2,147,834 
  2,137,901 
Income tax benefit
  269,335 
  239,394 
 
    
    
Income before equity in undistributed net income of subsidiary
  2,417,169 
  2,377,295 
Equity in undistributed net income of subsidiary
  3,067,109 
  2,448,296 
        Net income
 $5,484,278 
 $4,825,591 
 
 
 
 
 
41
 
 
Community Bancorp. (Parent Company Only)
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
Condensed Statements of Cash Flows
 
2016
 
 
2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Net income
 $5,484,278 
 $4,825,591 
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
    
    
    operating activities
    
    
      Equity in undistributed net income of subsidiary
  (3,067,109)
  (2,448,296)
      Increase in income taxes receivable
  (29,941)
  (5,443)
         Net cash provided by operating activities
  2,387,228 
  2,371,852 
 
    
    
 
    
    
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
    
    
      Dividends paid on preferred stock
  (87,500)
  (81,250)
      Dividends paid on common stock
  (2,313,967)
  (2,262,089)
         Net cash used in financing activities
  (2,401,467)
  (2,343,339)
         Net (decrease) increase in cash
  (14,239)
  28,513 
 
    
    
Cash
    
    
      Beginning
  508,325 
  479,812 
      Ending
 $494,086 
 $508,325 
 
    
    
Cash Received for Income Taxes
 $239,394 
 $233,952 
 
    
    
Cash Paid for Interest
 $460,142 
 $409,432 
 
    
    
Dividends paid:
    
    
      Dividends declared
 $3,212,092 
 $3,172,179 
      Increase in dividends payable attributable to dividends declared
  (565)
  (24,847)
      Dividends reinvested
  (897,560)
  (885,243)
 
 $2,313,967 
 $2,262,089 
 
 
 
42
 
 
Note 23.  Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)
 
A summary of financial data for the four quarters of 2016 and 2015 is presented below:
 
 
 
Quarters in 2016 ended
 
 
 
March 31,
 
 
June 30,
 
 
Sept. 30,
 
 
Dec. 31,
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest income
 $5,818,254 
 $5,963,378 
 $6,254,098 
 $6,212,384 
Interest expense
  663,262 
  676,995 
  691,743 
  667,299 
Provision for loan losses
  100,000 
  150,000 
  150,000 
  100,000 
Non-interest income
  1,237,851 
  1,318,699 
  1,483,520 
  1,461,829 
Non-interest expense
  4,682,291 
  4,675,180 
  4,790,503 
  4,994,550 
Net income
  1,169,494 
  1,295,199 
  1,515,900 
  1,503,685 
Earnings per common share
  0.23 
  0.25 
  0.30 
  0.29 
 
 
 
Quarters in 2015 ended
 
 
 
March 31,
 
 
June 30,
 
 
Sept. 30,
 
 
Dec. 31,
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest income
 $5,866,800 
 $5,751,184 
 $5,939,735 
 $5,848,970 
Interest expense
  727,514 
  672,304 
  632,470 
  613,362 
Provision for loan losses
  150,000 
  150,000 
  75,000 
  135,000 
Non-interest income
  1,212,787 
  1,304,481 
  1,299,995 
  1,332,892 
Non-interest expense
  4,696,729 
  4,779,840 
  4,531,874 
  4,802,530 
Net income
  1,109,841 
  1,077,704 
  1,439,822 
  1,198,224 
Earnings per common share
  0.22 
  0.21 
  0.29 
  0.24 
 
 
Note 24.  Other Income and Other Expenses
 
The components of other income and other expenses which are in excess of one percent of total revenues in either of the two years disclosed are as follows:
 
 
 
2016
 
 
2015
 
Income
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Income from investment in CFSG Partners
 $429,008 
 $361,044 
 
    
    
Expenses
    
    
   Outsourcing expense
 $509,345 
 $516,197 
   Service contracts - administration
  389,971 
  330,563 
   Marketing
  380,753 
  307,841 
   State deposit tax
  568,549 
  562,271 
   ATM fees
  382,227 
  372,609 
   Telephone
  318,059 
  312,043 
   FDIC insurance
  306,249 
  365,804 
 
 
Note 25.  Subsequent Events
 
Declaration of Cash Dividend
 
On December 14, 2016, the Company declared a cash dividend of $0.16 per share payable February 1, 2017 to shareholders of record as of January 15, 2017. On March 8, 2017, the Company declared a cash dividend of $0.17 per share payable May 1, 2017 to shareholders of record as of April 15, 2017. These dividends have been recorded as of each declaration date, including shares issuable under the DRIP.
 
For purposes of accrual or disclosure in these financial statements, the Company has evaluated subsequent events through the date of issuance of these financial statements.
 
 
43
 
 
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
For the Years Ended December 31, 2016 and 2015
 
The following discussion analyzes the consolidated financial condition of Community Bancorp. (the Company) and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Community National Bank, as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, and its consolidated results of operations for the years then ended. The Company is considered a “smaller reporting company” under applicable regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and is therefore eligible for relief from certain disclosure requirements. In accordance with such provisions, the Company has elected to provide its audited consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, cash flows and changes in shareholders’ equity for two, rather than three, years.
 
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements and related notes.
 
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
 
This Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contains certain forward-looking statements about the results of operations, financial condition and business of the Company and its subsidiary. Words used in the discussion below such as "believes," "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "estimates," "plans," "predicts," or similar expressions, indicate that management of the Company is making forward-looking statements.
 
Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. They necessarily involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Future results of the Company may differ materially from those expressed in these forward-looking statements. Examples of forward looking statements included in this discussion include, but are not limited to, estimated contingent liability related to assumptions made within the asset/liability management process, management's expectations as to the future interest rate environment and the Company's related liquidity level, credit risk expectations relating to the Company's loan portfolio and its participation in the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston (FHLBB) Mortgage Partnership Finance (MPF) program, and management's general outlook for the future performance of the Company or the local or national economy. Although forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations and estimates, many of the factors that could influence or determine actual results are unpredictable and not within the Company's control. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such statements as they speak only as of the date they are made. The Company does not undertake, and disclaims any obligation, to revise or update any forward-looking statements to reflect the occurrence or anticipated occurrence of events or circumstances after the date of this Report, except as required by applicable law. The Company claims the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements provided in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
 
Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by these forward-looking statements include, among others, the following possibilities: (1) general economic conditions, either nationally, regionally or locally deteriorate, resulting in a decline in credit quality or a diminished demand for the Company's products and services; (2) competitive pressures increase among financial service providers in the Company's northern New England market area or in the financial services industry generally, including competitive pressures from non-bank financial service providers, from increasing consolidation and integration of financial service providers, and from changes in technology and delivery systems; (3) interest rates change in such a way as to negatively affect the Company's net income, asset valuations or margins; (4) changes in laws or government rules, including the rules of the federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, or the way in which courts or government agencies interpret or implement those laws or rules, increase our costs of doing business, causing us to limit or change our product offerings or pricing, or otherwise adversely affect the Company's business; (5) changes in federal or state tax policy; (6) changes in the level of nonperforming assets and charge-offs; (7) changes in estimates of future reserve requirements based upon relevant regulatory and accounting requirements; (8) changes in consumer and business spending, borrowing and savings habits; (9) reductions in deposit levels, which necessitate increased borrowings to fund loans and investments; (10) the geographic concentration of the Company’s loan portfolio and deposit base; (11) losses due to the fraudulent or negligent conduct of third parties, including the Company’s service providers, customers and employees; (12) the effect of changes to the calculation of the Company’s regulatory capital ratios which began in 2015 under the Basel III capital framework and which, among other things, requires additional regulatory capital, and changes the framework for risk-weighting of certain assets; (13) the effect of and changes in the United States monetary and fiscal policies, including the interest rate policies of the Federal Reserve Board (FRB) and its regulation of the money supply; and (14) adverse changes in the credit rating of U.S. government debt.
 
 
 
44
 
 
NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
 
Under SEC Regulation G, public companies making disclosures containing financial measures that are not in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (US GAAP or GAAP) must also disclose, along with each non-GAAP financial measure, certain additional information, including a reconciliation of the non-GAAP financial measure to the closest comparable GAAP financial measure, as well as a statement of the company’s reasons for utilizing the non-GAAP financial measure. The SEC has exempted from the definition of non-GAAP financial measures certain commonly used financial measures that are not based on GAAP. However, three non-GAAP financial measures commonly used by financial institutions, namely tax-equivalent net interest income and tax-equivalent net interest margin (as presented in the tables in the section labeled Interest Income Versus Interest Expense (Net Interest Income)) and core earnings (as defined and discussed in the Results of Operations section), have not been specifically exempted by the SEC, and may therefore constitute non-GAAP financial measures under Regulation G. We are unable to state with certainty whether the SEC would regard those measures as subject to Regulation G.
 
Management believes that these non-GAAP financial measures are useful in evaluating the Company’s financial performance and facilitate comparisons with the performance of other financial institutions. However, that information should be considered supplemental in nature and not as a substitute for related financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP.
 
OVERVIEW
 
The Company’s consolidated assets at year-end 2016 were $637.7 million compared to $596.1 million at year-end 2015, an increase of 7.0%. Total loans increased 6.4% to $487.2 million, driven primarily by an increase in commercial loans of $27.1 million, to $270.5 million year over year, and a marginal increase in residential mortgage loans of $2.1 million to end the year at $209.6 million. The Company’s investment portfolio increased 19.7% year over year with increases of $7.2 million in the available-for-sale portfolio and $6.5 million in the held-to-maturity portfolio. Funding for these increases was provided by a $9.2 million net increase in deposits, a $20.0 million increase in short-term advances, a $1.5 million increase in long-term advances, and an $8.3 million increase in repurchase agreements. Capital grew to $54.5 million with a book value of $10.27 per common share on December 31, 2016, compared with $51.4 million in capital and a book value of $9.79 per common share on December 31, 2015.
 
The Company’s net income of $5.5 million, or $1.07 per common share, for 2016 was up 13.7%, compared with net income of just over $4.8 million, or $0.96 per common share, in 2015. The improvement is primarily due to the growth in earning assets, as the yield and margins remain under pressure in the current rate environment. Average earning assets increased $18.7 million, or 3.5%, in 2016, and tax-equivalent interest income increased by $928,883, or 3.9%, resulting in a slight increase in average yield on interest-earning assets of two basis points. Management was able to maintain the average yield on interest earning assets for 2016, with an increase of 1 basis point due to the growth in the higher yielding commercial loan portfolio. Average interest-bearing liabilities increased $5.4 million, or 1.2% during the year, and the average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities virtually remained unchanged, with an increase of 1 basis point, creating a slight increase in interest expense of $53,936. The shift of customer funds out of higher yielding certificates of deposit (CDs) to lower yielding demand and savings accounts seen in prior years slowed considerably in 2016, as the balances saw less of a decline during the year. Non-interest bearing deposit balances increased steadily throughout the year, which helped to offset the cost associated with the increased use of short term borrowings and brokered deposits needed to fund loan growth. The combined effect of these changes resulted in an increase of $875,234 in tax-equivalent net interest income, and a slight improvement in net interest margin from 3.95% to 3.98% year over year.
 
Continued improvement in asset quality and lower levels of charge-off activity during 2016 allowed the Company to reduce the provision for loan losses by $10,000 compared to 2015 despite the significant growth in the loan portfolio.
 
More locally, according to the State of Vermont Department of Labor, Vermont’s unemployment rate for December, 2016 was 3.1%, compared to 3.5% in December, 2015, and remains well below the national average of 4.7%. However, certain industries, most notably construction, have yet to recover from the last recession.  In addition, regions outside the Northwestern part of the state have not mirrored the robust growth seen in and around the Burlington area. Of the Company’s primary market areas, Orleans, Caledonia, and Essex Counties continue to have the highest unemployment rates in the state, while Washington and Franklin Counties are at or near the state average.
 
The regulatory environment continues to increase operating costs and place extensive burdens on personnel resources to comply with myriad legal requirements, including those under the Dodd-Frank Act of 2010, and the numerous rulemakings it has spawned, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the USA Patriot Act, the Bank Secrecy Act, the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act and the Truth in Lending Act, as well as the new Basel III capital framework. It is possible that these administrative costs and burdens will moderate in the future with the new presidential administration, but this remains to be seen.
 
 
 45
 
 
The Company declared dividends of $0.64 per common share in 2016 and 2015. As of December 31, 2016, the Company reported retained earnings of $10.7 million, compared to $8.5 million as of December 31, 2015 and total shareholders’ equity of $54.5 million and $51.4 million, respectively. The Company is committed to remaining a well-capitalized community bank, working to meet the needs of our customers while providing a fair return to our shareholders.
 
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
The Company’s consolidated financial statements are prepared according to US GAAP. The preparation of such financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities in the consolidated financial statements and related notes. The SEC has defined a company’s critical accounting policies as those that are most important to the portrayal of the Company’s financial condition and results of operations, and which require the Company to make its most difficult and subjective judgments, often as a result of the need to make estimates of matters that are inherently uncertain. Because of the significance of these estimates and assumptions, there is a high likelihood that materially different amounts would be reported for the Company under different conditions or using different assumptions or estimates. Management evaluates on an ongoing basis its judgment as to which policies are considered to be critical.
 
Allowance for Loan Losses - Management believes that the calculation of the allowance for loan losses (ALL) is a critical accounting policy that requires the most significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of its consolidated financial statements. In estimating the ALL, management considers historical experience as well as other qualitative factors, including the effect of current economic indicators and their probable impact on borrowers and collateral, trends in delinquent and non-performing loans, trends in criticized and classified assets, levels of exceptions, the impact of competition in the market, concentrations of credit risk in a variety of areas, including portfolio product mix, the level of loans to individual borrowers and their related interests, loans to industry segments and the geographic distribution of commercial real estate loans. Management’s estimates used in calculating the ALL may increase or decrease based on changes in these factors, which in turn will affect the amount of the Company’s provision for loan losses charged against current period income. This evaluation is inherently subjective and actual results could differ significantly from these estimates under different assumptions, judgments or conditions.
 
Other Real Estate Owned (OREO) – Real estate properties acquired through or in lieu of foreclosure or properties no longer used for bank operations, are initially recorded at fair value less estimated selling cost at the date of acquisition, foreclosure or transfer. Fair value is determined, as appropriate, either by obtaining a current appraisal or evaluation prepared by an independent, qualified appraiser, by obtaining a broker’s market value analysis, and finally, if the Company has limited exposure and limited risk of loss, by the opinion of management as supported by an inspection of the property and its most recent tax valuation. During periods of declining market values, the Company will generally obtain a new appraisal or evaluation. The amount, if any, by which the recorded amount of the loan exceeds the fair value, less estimated cost to sell, is a loss which is charged to the allowance for loan losses at the time of foreclosure or repossession. The recorded amount of the loan is the loan balance adjusted for any unamortized premium or discount and unamortized loan fees or costs, less any amount previously charged off, plus recorded accrued interest. After acquisition through or in lieu of foreclosure, these assets are carried at the lower of their new cost basis or fair value. Costs of significant property improvements are capitalized, whereas costs relating to holding the property are expensed as incurred. Appraisals by an independent, qualified appraiser are performed periodically on properties that management deems significant, or evaluations may be performed by management or a qualified third party on properties in the portfolio that are deemed less significant or less vulnerable to market conditions. Subsequent write-downs are recorded as a charge to other expense. Gains or losses on the sale of such properties are included in income when the properties are sold.
 
Investment Securities - Management performs quarterly reviews of individual debt and equity securities in the investment portfolio to determine whether a decline in the fair value of a security is other than temporary. A review of other-than-temporary impairment requires management to make certain judgments regarding the materiality of the decline and the probability, extent and timing of a valuation recovery, the Company’s intent to continue to hold the security and, in the case of debt securities, the likelihood that the Company will not have to sell the security before recovery of its cost basis. Management assesses fair value declines to determine the extent to which such changes are attributable to fundamental factors specific to the issuer, such as financial condition and business prospects, or to market-related or other external factors, such as interest rates, and in the case of debt securities, the extent to which the impairment relates to credit losses of the issuer, as compared to other factors. Declines in the fair value of securities below their cost that are deemed to be other than temporary, and declines in fair value of debt securities below their cost that are related to credit losses, are recorded in earnings as realized losses, net of tax effect. The non-credit loss portion of an other than temporary decline in the fair value of debt securities below their cost basis (generally, the difference between the fair value and the estimated net present value of expected future cash flows from the debt security) is recognized in other comprehensive income as an unrealized loss, provided that the Company does not intend to sell the security and it is more likely than not that the Company will not have to sell the security before recovery of its reduced basis.
 
46
 
 
Mortgage Servicing Rights - Mortgage servicing rights associated with loans originated and sold, where servicing is retained, are required to be capitalized and initially recorded at fair value on the acquisition date and are subsequently accounted for using the “amortization method”. Mortgage servicing rights are amortized against non-interest income in proportion to, and over the period of, estimated future net servicing income of the underlying financial assets. The value of capitalized servicing rights represents the estimated present value of the future servicing fees arising from the right to service loans for third parties. The carrying value of the mortgage servicing rights is periodically reviewed for impairment based on a determination of estimated fair value compared to amortized cost, and impairment, if any, is recognized through a valuation allowance and is recorded as a reduction of non-interest income. Subsequent improvement (if any) in the estimated fair value of impaired mortgage servicing rights is reflected in a positive valuation adjustment and is recognized in non-interest income up to (but not in excess of) the amount of the prior impairment. Critical accounting policies for mortgage servicing rights relate to the initial valuation and subsequent impairment tests. The methodology used to determine the valuation of mortgage servicing rights requires the development and use of a number of estimates, including anticipated principal amortization and prepayments. Factors that may significantly affect the estimates used are changes in interest rates and the payment performance of the underlying loans. The Company analyzes and accounts for the value of its servicing rights with the assistance of a third party consultant.
 
Goodwill - Goodwill from an acquisition accounted for under the purchase accounting method, such as the Company’s 2007 acquisition of LyndonBank, is subject to ongoing periodic impairment evaluation, which includes an analysis of the ongoing assets, liabilities and revenues from the acquisition and an estimation of the impact of business conditions. This evaluation is inherently subjective.
 
Other - Management utilizes numerous techniques to estimate the carrying value of various assets held by the Company, including, but not limited to, bank premises and equipment and deferred taxes. The assumptions considered in making these estimates are based on historical experience and on various other factors that are believed by management to be reasonable under the circumstances. The use of different estimates or assumptions could produce different estimates of carrying values and those differences could be material in some circumstances.
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
The Company’s net income increased $658,687, or 13.7%, from 2015 to 2016, resulting in earnings per common share of $1.07 for 2016 and $0.96 for 2015. Net interest income (core earnings) increased $787,776, or 3.9%, for 2016 compared to 2015. This substantial increase in core earnings reflected the combined effect of a substantial increase of $841,425, or 3.6% in interest income versus a slight increase of $53,649, or 2.0%, in interest expense, year over year.
 
Non-interest income increased $351,744, or 6.8%. The largest component of non-interest income for 2016 was service fee income, with an increase of $176,613, or 6.9%, primarily from an increase in overdraft fees attributable to an overdraft privilege program implemented in June of 2016. Other components were derived from loan activity, both from loans sold in the secondary market and loans held in portfolio. Income from sold loans decreased $55,787, or 5.9% due to a decrease in originations of residential mortgages sold.
 
Originations of residential mortgages sold in the secondary market totaled $20.1 million in 2016, a 13.0% decrease compared to originations totaling $25.1 million in 2015. Despite the lower volume, the Company reported net gains from the sales of these mortgages of $429,480 in 2016, compared to $424,240 in 2015. Mortgage rates remained historically low through the majority of 2016, but flat compared to prior periods, causing the refinancing activity to slow compared to the periods of falling rates. The volume of financing activity for home sales has not entirely filled the void created by this decrease in refinancing activity. Income from fees related to other loan activity increased $100,815, or 13.7%, due predominately to an increase in commercial loan documentation fees of $104,847, or 32.4%. This increase is directly related to the higher volume of commercial loan originations during 2016 compared to 2015.
 
 
 
47
 
 
The final category of non-interest income is made up of other ancillary revenue and saw an increase of $147,605, or 16.7%. Contributing to the increase was an increase of $67,964, or 18.8%, in trust income, an increase of $85,945, or 531.3%, in market value of the Company’s investments related to the Supplemental Employee Retirement Program (SERP), and a one-time, non-recurring liquidating membership distribution from the New England Mortgage Insurance Exchange which resulted in income of $88,646. It should also be noted that the income from the trust company affiliate reflects a one-time market value adjustment of approximately $85,000 to a fund that was recorded through current year profits, of which the Company’s portion was approximately $28,000.
 
Most components of non-interest expense increased, year over year, for an aggregate increase of $331,551, or 1.8%. Salary and benefits increased $425,422, or 4.5%, compared to the prior year, including an increase in salaries of $158,648, or 2.3%, and an increase in employee benefits of $261,954, or 10.2%, due primarily to an increase in contributions to the SERP and pension expense of $126,261, or 17.4%, and an increase in the health benefit expense of $97,564, or 7.6%. Occupancy expense reported the only decrease totaling $109,868, or 4.3%, year over year due to lower heating and utility cost during a warmer than normal winter and lower cost of building maintenance and capital losses on equipment. Please refer to the non-interest income and non-interest expense section of this report for more detail.
 
Return on average assets (ROA), which is net income divided by average total assets, measures how effectively a corporation uses its assets to produce earnings. Return on average equity (ROE), which is net income divided by average shareholders' equity, measures how effectively a corporation uses its equity capital to produce earnings.
 
The following table shows these ratios, as well as other equity ratios, for each of the last three fiscal years:
 
 
 
 
December 31,
 
 
 
2016
 
 
2015
 
 
2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Return on Average Assets
  0.91%
  0.82%
  0.89%
Return on Average Equity
  10.36%
  9.60%
  10.81%
Dividend Payout Ratio (1)
  59.81%
  66.67%
  62.14%
Average Equity to Average Assets Ratio
  8.77%
  8.57%
  8.22%
 
 
(1) Dividends declared per common share divided by earnings per common share.
 
 
48
 
 
The following table summarizes the earnings performance and certain balance sheet and per share data of the Company during each of the last five fiscal years:
 
 
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As of December 31,
 
2016
 
 
2015
 
 
2014
 
 
2013
 
 
2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance Sheet Data
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net loans
 $482,280,911 
 $453,424,042 
 $443,202,475 
 $435,354,440 
 $412,232,869 
Total assets
  637,653,665 
  596,134,709 
  586,711,044 
  573,667,404 
  575,738,245 
Total deposits
  504,735,032 
  495,485,562 
  493,019,463 
  481,552,569 
  475,496,859 
Borrowed funds
  31,550,000 
  10,000,000 
  0 
  0 
  6,000,000 
Total liabilities
  583,202,148 
  544,720,053 
  537,715,842 
  527,531,427 
  532,385,670 
Total shareholders' equity
  54,451,517 
  51,414,656 
  48,995,202 
  46,135,977 
  43,352,575 
 
    
    
    
    
    
Years Ended December 31,
    
    
    
    
    
 
    
    
    
    
    
Operating Data
    
    
    
    
    
Total interest income
 $24,248,114 
 $23,406,689 
 $22,950,277 
 $22,639,782 
 $22,821,331 
Total interest expense
  2,699,299 
  2,645,650 
  3,055,744 
  3,442,134 
  4,882,319 
  Net interest income
  21,548,815 
  20,761,039 
  19,894,533 
  19,197,648 
  17,939,012 
 
    
    
    
    
    
Provision for loan losses
  500,000 
  510,000 
  540,000 
  670,000 
  1,000,000 
  Net interest income after provision for loan losses
  21,048,815 
  20,251,039 
  19,354,533 
  18,527,648 
  16,939,012 
 
    
    
    
    
    
Non-interest income
  5,501,899 
  5,150,155 
  5,141,751 
  5,982,568 
  6,188,960 
Non-interest expense
  19,142,524 
  18,810,973 
  17,585,980 
  17,818,632 
  17,691,593 
  Income before income taxes
  7,408,190 
  6,590,221 
  6,910,304 
  6,691,584 
  5,436,379 
 
    
    
    
    
    
Applicable income tax expense (1)
  1,923,912 
  1,764,630 
  1,785,396 
  1,604,929 
  1,035,689 
 
    
    
    
    
    
   Net income
 $5,484,278 
 $4,825,591 
 $5,124,908 
 $5,086,655 
 $4,400,690 
 
    
    
    
    
    
Per Share Data
    
    
    
    
    
Earnings per common share (2)
 $1.07 
 $0.96 
 $1.03 
 $1.01 
 $0.88 
Dividends declared per common share
 $0.64 
 $0.64 
 $0.64 
 $0.56 
 $0.56 
Book value per common share outstanding
 $10.27 
 $9.79 
 $9.43 
 $8.96 
 $8.49 
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding
  5,024,270 
  4,961,972 
  4,897,281 
  4,838,185 
  4,769,645 
Number of common shares outstanding, period end
  5,058,952 
  4,994,416 
  4,932,374 
  4,868,606 
  4,812,925 
 
    
    
    
    
    
 
(1) Applicable income tax expense assumes a 34% tax rate.
(2) Computed based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the periods presented.
 
 
 
49
 
 
INTEREST INCOME VERSUS INTEREST EXPENSE (NET INTEREST INCOME)
 
The largest component of the Company’s operating income is net interest income, which is the difference between interest earned on loans and investments versus the interest paid on deposits and other sources of funds (i.e. other borrowings). The Company’s level of net interest income can fluctuate over time due to changes in the level and mix of earning assets, and sources of funds (volume) and from changes in the yield earned and costs of funds (rate paid). A portion of the Company’s income from municipal investments is not subject to income taxes. Because the proportion of tax-exempt items in the Company's portfolio varies from year-to-year, to improve comparability of information across years, the non-taxable income shown in the tables below has been converted to a tax equivalent basis. Because the Company’s corporate tax rate is 34%, to equalize tax-free and taxable income in the comparison, we divide the tax-free income by 66%, with the result that every tax-free dollar is equivalent to $1.52 in taxable income.
 
Tax-exempt income is derived from municipal investments, which comprised the entire held-to-maturity portfolio of $49.9 million, $43.4 million and $41.8 million, at December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
 
The following table provides the reconciliation between net interest income presented in the consolidated statements of income and the non-GAAP tax equivalent net interest income presented in the table immediately following for each of the last three years.
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
2016
 
 
2015
 
 
2014
 
 
 
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net interest income as presented
 $21,549 
 $20,761 
 $19,895 
Effect of tax-exempt income
  661 
  573 
  555 
   Net interest income, tax equivalent
 $22,210 
 $21,334 
 $20,450 
 
 
 
 
50
 
 
The following table presents average earning assets and average interest-bearing liabilities supporting earning assets for each of the last three fiscal years. Interest income (excluding interest on non-accrual loans) and interest expense are both expressed on a tax equivalent basis, both in dollars and as a rate/yield.
 
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
 
 
 
 
2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Average
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Average
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Average
 
 
 
 Average
 
 
Income/
 
 
Rate/
 
 
 Average
 
 
Income/
 
 
Rate/
 
 
 Average
 
 
Income/
 
 
Rate/
 
 
 
Balance
 
 
Expense
 
 
Yield
 
 
Balance
 
 
Expense
 
 
Yield
 
 
Balance
 
 
Expense
 
 
Yield
 
 
 
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
Interest-Earning Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Loans (1)
 $470,229 
 $22,294 
  4.74%
 $454,793 
 $21,717 
  4.78%
 $447,133 
 $21,423 
  4.79%
 Taxable investment securities
  29,383 
  511 
  1.74%
  30,725 
  442 
  1.44%
  30,990 
  344 
  1.11%
 Tax-exempt investment securities
  51,744 
  1,944 
  3.76%
  44,516 
  1,687 
  3.79%
  42,654 
  1,635 
  3.83%
 Sweep and interest-earning accounts
  4,481 
  22 
  0.49%
  6,337 
  17 
  0.27%
  5,079 
  13 
  0.26%
 Other investments (2)
  2,690 
  138 
  5.13%
  3,495 
  117 
  3.35%
  3,819 
  91 
  2.38%
     Total
 $558,527 
 $24,909 
  4.46%
 $539,866 
 $23,980 
  4.44%
 $529,675 
 $23,506 
  4.44%
 
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
Interest-Bearing Liabilities
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
 
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
 Interest-bearing transaction accounts
 $116,081 
 $223 
  0.19%
 $117,867 
 $229 
  0.19%
 $115,209 
 $241 
  0.21%
 Money market accounts
  82,254 
  803 
  0.98%
  87,390 
  826 
  0.95%
  83,168 
  821 
  0.99%
 Savings deposits
  85,896 
  106 
  0.12%
  80,530 
  98 
  0.12%
  75,042 
  94 
  0.13%
 Time deposits
  109,347 
  894 
  0.82%
  107,100 
  925 
  0.86%
  123,209 
  1,360 
  1.10%
 Borrowed funds
  17,426 
  95 
  0.55%
  14,217 
  40 
  0.28%
  9,440 
  21 
  0.22%
 Repurchase agreements
  25,888 
  76 
  0.29%
  24,314 
  70 
  0.29%
  25,263 
  62 
  0.25%
 Capital lease obligations
  511 
  42 
  8.22%
  596 
  49 
  8.22%
  674 
  55 
  8.16%
 Junior subordinated debentures
  12,887 
  460 
  3.57%
  12,887 
  409 
  3.17%
  12,887 
  402 
  3.12%
     Total
 $450,290 
 $2,699 
  0.60%
 $444,901 
 $2,646 
  0.59%
 $444,892 
 $3,056 
  0.69%
 
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
Net interest income
    
 $22,210 
    
    
 $21,334 
    
    
 $20,450 
    
Net interest spread (3)
    
    
  3.86%
    
    
  3.85%
    
    
  3.75%
Net interest margin (4)
    
    
  3.98%
    
    
  3.95%
    
    
  3.86%
 
(1) Included in gross loans are non-accrual loans with an average balance of $3.2 million, $5.2 million and $4.9 million for the years ended
      December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Loans are stated before deduction of unearned discount and allowance for loan losses.
(2) Included in other investments is the Company’s FHLBB Stock with an average balance of $1.7 million, $2.5 million and $2.8 million,
      respectively, for 2016, 2015 and 2014 and a dividend rate of approximately 4.67%, 1.75% and 1.53%, respectively.
(3) Net interest spread is the difference between the average yield on average earning assets and the average rate paid on average interest-bearing
      liabilities.
(4) Net interest margin is net interest income divided by average earning assets.
 
 
51
 
 
The average volume of interest-earning assets for 2016 increased 3.5% compared to 2015, and for 2015 increased 1.9% compared to 2014. Similarly, the average volume of loans for 2016 increased over 2015 by 3.4%, and for 2015 increased by 1.7% compared to 2014. Average yield on interest-earning assets for 2016 increased two basis points, to 4.46%, compared to 4.44% for both 2015 and 2014, while the average yield on loans decreased four basis points from 2015 to 2016 and one basis point from 2014 to 2015. The two basis point increase in the average yield for 2016 compared to 2015 and 2014, as well as the slight increases noted below in the net interest spread and margin for the respective periods, are due primarily to the yield improvement in the taxable investment portfolio. Interest earned on the loan portfolio as a percentage of total interest income remained fairly steady, comprising approximately 89.5%, 90.6% and 91.1%, respectively, for 2016, 2015, and 2014. The average volume of the taxable investment portfolio (classified as available for sale) decreased 4.4% from 2015 to 2016 and 0.9% from 2014 to 2015 as primarily all maturities in 2016 and 2015 were used to fund loan growth. Average yields on the taxable investment portfolio increased 30 basis points from 2015 to 2016 and 33 basis points from 2014 to 2015. These increases are due primarily to the shift in the taxable investment portfolio to higher yielding mortgage-backed securities and certificates of deposit, both of which had very favorable spreads to similar term treasury and agency bonds, while exhibiting similar risk profiles. The average volume of the tax exempt portfolio (classified as held to maturity and consisting of municipal securities) increased 16.2% from 2015 to 2016, due in part to the Company’s $6.3 million participation in a local hospital bond financing, and increased 4.4% from 2014 to 2015. The average tax-equivalent yield on the tax exempt portfolio decreased by three basis points from 2015 to 2016 and four basis points from 2014 to 2015. This is reflective of the continued low rate environment as well competitive pressures for municipal investments. The average volume of sweep and interest-earning accounts, which consists primarily of an interest-bearing account at the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston (FRBB), decreased 29.3% during 2016, while an increase of 24.8% is noted from 2014 to 2015. Throughout 2016, excess cash has been used to fund loan and tax exempt securities growth.
 
In comparison, the average volume of interest-bearing liabilities for 2016 increased by 1.2% compared to 2015, while little change is noted for 2015 compared to 2014. The average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities increased by one basis point from 2015 to 2016, while a decrease of ten basis points is noted for 2014 to 2015. The average volume of interest-bearing transaction accounts decreased by 1.5% for 2016 compared to 2015, while an increase of 2.3% is noted from 2014 to 2015, and the average rate paid on these accounts remained relatively unchanged during the three year comparison periods. The average volume of money market accounts decreased during 2016 by 5.9% compared to 2015, but increased 5.1% for 2015 compared to 2014, while the average rate paid on these deposits increased three basis points during 2016 and decreased four basis points from 2014 to 2015. The decrease in money market accounts in 2016 is due primarily to the run off, as anticipated, of approximately $8,000,000 in construction-related escrow funds deposited during the fourth quarter of 2014. The average volume of savings accounts increased by 6.7% from 2015 to 2016, and 7.3% from 2014 to 2015, as customers tended to favor savings accounts to CDs, possibly anticipating higher rates in the near future. Compared to 2015, the average volume of retail time deposits decreased 4.5% during 2016, and 10.5% from 2014 to 2015, while the average volume of wholesale time deposits increased 280.9% from 2015 to 2016 but decreased 60.5% from 2014 to 2015. Wholesale time deposits, which are large dollar purchased deposits, have been an increasingly beneficial source of funding in 2016 as they have provided large blocks of funding without the need to disrupt pricing in the Company’s local markets. These funds can be obtained relatively quickly on an as-needed basis and for the desired duration, making them a valuable alternative to traditional term borrowings from the FHLBB.  The average volume of federal funds purchased and other borrowed funds increased 22.6% from 2015 to 2016 and 50.6% from 2014 to 2015, and the average rate paid on these accounts increased 27 basis points and six basis points, respectively. The increase in the average rate paid in 2016 is reflective of the increase in the federal funds rate by the Federal Reserve in December 2015. The average volume of repurchase agreements increased 6.5% from 2015 to 2016, but decreased 3.8% from 2014 to 2015, while the average rate paid on repurchase agreements remained flat from 2015 to 2016, and increased four basis points from 2014 to 2015.
 
After years of this low interest rate environment which put pressure on the Company’s net interest spread and margin due to the Company’s earning assets being both replaced with, and repricing to, lower interest rate instruments, and due to limited opportunity to reduce rates further on non-maturing interest-bearing deposits, the asset growth and changes to the mix of the balance sheet, combined with low cost of funds, is starting to have a positive effect on both the net interest spread and margin. In addition, the 25 basis point increase in the prime rate in December 2015 provided some benefit to the Company’s variable rate loan portfolio during 2016, and further benefit is expected going forward from the 25 basis point increase in December 2016. Net interest spread for 2016 was 3.86%, an increase of one basis point from 3.85% for 2015, compared to an increase of 10 basis points from 3.75% for 2014. Net interest margin was 3.98% for 2016, which increased three basis points from a net interest margin of 3.95% for 2015, compared to an increase of nine basis points from a net interest margin of 3.86% for 2014.
 
 
 
52
 
 
The following table summarizes the variances in income for the years 2016, 2015 and 2014 resulting from volume changes in assets and liabilities and fluctuations in rates earned and paid compared to the prior year.
 
 
Changes in Interest Income and Interest Expense
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2016 vs. 2015
 
 
2015 vs. 2014
 
 
 
Variance
 
 
Variance
 
 
 
 
 
Variance
 
 
Variance
 
 
 
 
 
 
Due to
 
 
Due to
 
 
Total
 
 
Due to
 
 
Due to
 
 
Total
 
 
 
Rate (1)
 
 
Volume (1)
 
 
Variance
 
 
Rate (1)
 
 
Volume (1)
 
 
Variance
 
 
 
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
Average Interest-Earning Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Loans
 $(161)
 $738 
 $577 
 $(73)
 $367 
 $294 
 Taxable investment securities
  92 
  (23)
  69 
  102 
  (4)
  98 
 Tax-exempt investment securities
  (17)
  274 
  257 
  (19)
  71 
  52 
 Sweep and interest-earning accounts
  14 
  (9)
  5 
  1 
  3 
  4 
 Other investments
  62 
  (41)
  21 
  37 
  (11)
  26 
     Total
 $(10)
 $939 
 $929 
 $48 
 $426 
 $474 
 
    
    
    
    
    
    
Average Interest-Bearing Liabilities
    
    
    
    
    
    
 Interest-bearing transaction accounts
 $(3)
 $(3)
 $(6)
 $(18)
 $6 
 $(12)
 Money market accounts
  27 
  (50)
  (23)
  (37)
  42 
  5 
 Savings deposits
  2 
  6 
  8 
  (3)
  7 
  4 
 Time deposits
  (50)
  19 
  (31)
  (296)
  (139)
  (435)
 Federal funds purchased and
    
    
    
    
    
    
  other borrowed funds
  46 
  9 
  55 
  8 
  11 
  19 
 Repurchase agreements
  1 
  5 
  6 
  11 
  (3)
  8 
 Capital lease obligations
  0 
  (7)
  (7)
  0 
  (6)
  (6)
 Junior subordinated debentures
  51 
  0 
  51 
  7 
  0 
  7 
     Total
 $74 
 $(21)
 $53 
 $(328)
 $(82)
 $(410)
 
    
    
    
    
    
    
       Changes in net interest income
 $(84)
 $960 
 $876 
 $376 
 $508 
 $884 
 
(1)
Items which have shown a year-to-year increase in volume have variances allocated as follows:
Variance due to rate = Change in rate x new volume
Variance due to volume = Change in volume x old rate
Items which have shown a year-to-year decrease in volume have variances allocated as follows:
Variance due to rate = Change in rate x old volume
Variances due to volume = Change in volume x new rate
 
 
53
 
 
NON-INTEREST INCOME AND NON-INTEREST EXPENSE
 
Non-interest Income
 
The components of non-interest income for the annual periods presented are as follows:
 
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
Change
 
 
 
2016
 
 
2015
 
 
Income
 
 
Percent
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Service fees
 $2,741,692 
 $2,565,079 
 $176,613 
  6.89%
Income from sold loans
  891,538 
  947,325 
  (55,787)
  -5.89%
Other income from loans
  839,269 
  738,454 
  100,815 
  13.65%
Net realized gain on sale of securities available-for-sale
  0 
  17,502 
  (17,502)
  -100.00%
Income from CFSG Partners
  429,008 
  361,044 
  67,964 
  18.82%
Rental income on OREO properties
  0 
  44,800 
  (44,800)
  -100.00%
Income from insurance exchange
  94,333 
  39,246 
  55,087 
  140.36%
SERP fair value adjustment
  69,768 
  (16,177)
  85,945 
  -531.28%
Other income
  436,291 
  452,882 
  (16,591)
  -3.66%
     Total non-interest income
 $5,501,899 
 $5,150,155 
 $351,744 
  6.83%
 
Total non-interest income increased by $351,744 for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to the same period 2015, with significant changes noted in the following:
 
Service fees increased $176,613, or 6.9%, year over year, due primarily to an increase in overdraft charges driven by a courtesy overdraft program put into place in the second quarter of 2016.
 
Income from sold loans decreased $55,787, or 5.9%. An increase in mortgage rates in 2016 resulted in a decrease in refinance activity and a related decrease in volume of loans originated and sold in the secondary market drove the decrease in income.
 
Other income from loans increased $100,815, or 13.7%, year over year due primarily to an increase in commercial loan documentation fees. These fees increased $104,848, or 32.4%, due to the increase in originations of commercial loans.
 
Unlike prior years, the Company sold none of its available-for-sale investments, resulting in no realized gain or loss during 2016.
 
Income from the Company’s trust and investment management affiliate, Community Financial Services Group, LLC (CFSG), increased $67,964, or 18.8%, for the year. Approximately $28,000 of this increase was due to the effect of a one-time mark-to-market adjustment to CFSG’s investment portfolio resulting from its adoption of an accounting principle to eliminate the income statement impact of future changes to market values of its nonqualified tax deferred accounts to their income statement.
 
The Company sold an OREO property in 2015 that had generated rental income, accounting for the absence of this revenue during 2016.
 
The Company received a liquidity membership distribution from an insurance exchange resulting in one-time income of $88,646 in the fourth quarter of 2016.
 
The SERP fair value adjustment increased $85,945 during 2016 due to changes in the equity markets.
 
 
 
54
 
 
Non-interest Expense
 
The components of non-interest expense for the annual periods presented are as follows:
 
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
Change
 
 
 
2016
 
 
2015
 
 
Expense
 
 
Percent
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Salaries and wages
 $7,051,820 
 $6,888,352 
 $163,468 
  2.37%
Employee benefits
  2,838,726 
  2,576,772 
  261,954 
  10.17%
Occupancy expenses, net
  2,466,628 
  2,576,496 
  (109,868)
  -4.26%
Other expenses
    
    
    
    
  Computer outsourcing
  509,345 
  516,197 
  (6,852)
  -1.33%
  Service contracts - administrative
  389,971 
  330,563 
  59,408 
  17.97%
  Telephone expense
  318,059 
  312,043 
  6,016 
  1.93%
  Collection & non-accruing loan expense
  122,176 
  74,716 
  47,460 
  63.52%
  OREO expense
  60,965 
  188,584 
  (127,619)
  -67.67%
  ATM fees
  382,227 
  372,609 
  9,618 
  2.58%
  State deposit tax
  568,549 
  562,271 
  6,278 
  1.12%
  Other miscellaneous expenses
  4,434,058 
  4,412,370 
  21,688 
  0.49%
     Total non-interest expense
 $19,142,524 
 $18,810,973 
 $331,551 
  1.76%
 
Total non-interest expense increased $331,551 for the full year 2016 compared to the same period in 2015, with significant changes noted in the following:
 
Salaries and wages increased $163,468, or 2.4%, due to normal salary increases.
 
The increase in employee benefits of $261,954, or 10.2%, is due primarily to an increase of $126,261, or 17.4%, in SERP contributions and pension expense, and an increase of $97,564, or 7.6%, in health insurance premiums.
 
Occupancy expenses decreased $109,868, or 4.3%, year over year. Lower heating and maintenance costs due to a milder than usual winter season, as well as lower operating costs due to the closing of two branches during the third quarter of 2015 are the primary reasons for this decrease. The closing of the branches also contributed to a higher level of capital losses on equipment in 2015 compared to 2016 in the amount of $90,959.
 
Service contracts – administrative increased $59,408, or 18.0%, year over year. A new service contract for our upgraded phone system is the primary reason for this increase.
 
Collections & non-accruing loan expense increased $47,460, or 63.5%, year over year mostly due to the increased length of time that properties are staying in the foreclosure process, particularly those involving bankruptcy, resulting in increased maintenance costs associated with properties in foreclosure.
 
OREO expense decreased $127,619, or 67.7%, year over year, due in part to reimbursed condo fees associated with a property the Company sold in December of 2015 as well as lower costs associated with the properties remaining in OREO.
 
APPLICABLE INCOME TAXES
 
The provision for income taxes increased $159,282, or 9.0%, from $1,764,630 in 2015 to $1,923,912 in 2016. Income before taxes increased $817,969, or 12.4% for 2016 compared to 2015. Tax credits from affordable housing investments increased $290,410, or 67.3% from $431,715 in 2015 to $722,125 in 2016, while New Market Tax Credits (NMTC) of $135,234 were the same for both 2015 and 2016.
 
Amortization expense related to limited partnership investments, is included as a component of tax expense and amounted to $731,448 and $403,445 for 2016 and 2015, respectively. These investments provide tax benefits, including tax credits, and are designed to provide an effective yield between 8% and 10%. The Company entered into a new limited partnership investment in 2015 that began amortizing during 2016 and had significant rehabilitation tax credits, accounting for the increase in amortization expense as well as the increase in tax credits.
 
 
55
 
 
The increase in income before taxes, partially offset by the overall increase in tax credits, accounts for the increase in income tax expense in 2016.
 
CHANGES IN FINANCIAL CONDITION
 
The following discussion refers to the volume of average assets, liabilities and shareholders’ equity in the table labeled “Distribution of Assets, Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity” on the following page.
 
Average assets increased $9.5 million, or 1.7%, from the year ended December 31, 2014 to the year ended December 31, 2015, and $17.0 million, or 2.9%, from 2015 to 2016. The average volume of loans increased $7.9 million, or 1.8%, from 2014 to 2015 and $15.3 million, or 3.4%, from 2015 to 2016, due in part to strong commercial loan demand. The Company used maturities, sales and calls within the taxable investment portfolio and short-term borrowings to help fund loan growth during 2014 through 2016, accounting for the combined decrease of $1.6 million in the average volume of taxable investments from 2014 through 2016. The average volume of the tax-exempt portfolio increased $1.9 million, or 4.4%, from 2014 to 2015 and $7.2 million, or 16.2%, from 2015 to 2016 and is made up of local municipal obligations.
 
Average liabilities increased $6.6 million, or 1.3%, from the year ended December 31, 2014 to the year ended December 31, 2015 and $14.3 million, or 2.7%, from 2015 to 2016. The average volume of demand deposits increased $6.4 million, or 7.8%, from 2014 to 2015 and $8.4 million, or 9.5%, from 2015 to 2016. These increases reflected average volume increases of $4.1 million increase in business checking accounts and a $1.8 million increase in personal checking accounts during 2015, and average volume increases of $5.4 million in business checking accounts and $3.4 million in consumer accounts during 2016. The average volume of interest-bearing transaction accounts increased $2.7 million, or 2.3%, from 2014 to 2015 but decreased $1.8 million, or 1.5%, from 2015 to 2016. The average volume of money market accounts followed a similar pattern as the interest-bearing transaction accounts, increasing $4.2 million, or 5.1%, from 2014 to 2015 and then decreasing $5.1 million, or 5.9%, from 2015 to 2016. The insured cash sweep account (ICS) offered through Promontory Interfinancial Network, has worked very well as a means of attracting new customers and retaining current customers who are looking for alternatives to time deposits and to maximize FDIC insurance coverage. In 2015, the Company began offering an ICS interest-bearing demand deposit product which was well received with an average volume in 2015 of $4.6 million, which increased 26.2% to an average volume of $5.8 million in 2016. The average volume of the ICS money market accounts decreased from $17.7 million in 2014 to $13.4 million in 2015 and $11.9 million in 2016. The average volume of savings accounts increased $5.5 million, or 7.3%, from 2014 to 2015 and $5.4 million, or 6.7%, from 2015 to 2016 due in part to a continued shift from time deposits. The average volume of total retail time deposits decreased $12.3 million, or 10.5%, from 2014 to 2015, and decreased $4.7 million, or 4.5% from 2015 to 2016 which largely reflects a continued shift to savings or money market accounts, or customer rate shopping at other financial institutions. The Company strives to keep its core deposit customers but is not placing much emphasis on attracting rate shoppers as it has sufficient liquidity to meet reasonably foreseeable loan demand and other requirements. The trend away from retail time deposits slowed in 2016 as rates have stayed at the bottom through a full maturity cycle and are not resetting to a lower base, indicating that most customers that did not leave CD funds in the previous maturity are not as rate sensitive and are more likely to stay in the product. The Company has used wholesale time deposits to offset the decrease in retail deposits as needed. Average wholesale time deposits decreased by $3.8 million, or 60.4%, from 2014 to 2015 and increased by $6.9 million, or 281.4% from 2015 to 2016. The average volume of federal funds purchased and other borrowed funds increased $4.8 million, or 50.6%, from 2014 to 2015 and $3.2 million, or 22.6%, from 2015 to 2016, which was attributable to the growth in loans outpacing deposit growth. The Company continues to utilize overnight funds, wholesale deposits and other short-term borrowings to meet cash needs during the seasonal outflows of municipal deposits and to fund loan growth.
 
 
 
56
 
 
The following table provides a visual comparison of the breakdown of average assets and average liabilities as well as average shareholders' equity for the comparison periods.
 
 
Distribution of Assets, Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
 
2016
 
 
2015
 
 
2014
 
 
 
Balance
 
 
 %
 
 
Balance
 
 
 %
 
 
Balance
 
 
 %
 
 
 
 (Dollars in Thousands)
 
Average Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and due from banks
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Non-interest bearing
 $9,514 
  1.58%
 $9,868 
  1.68%
 $9,934 
  1.72%
 Federal funds sold and overnight deposits
  4,481 
  0.74%
  6,337 
  1.08%
  5,079 
  0.88%
Taxable investment securities
  29,383 
  4.87%
  30,725 
  5.24%
  30,990 
  5.37%
Tax-exempt investment securities
  51,744 
  8.58%
  44,516 
  7.59%
  42,654 
  7.40%
Other securities
  2,303 
  0.38%
  3,108 
  0.53%
  3,432 
  0.60%
  Total investment securities
  83,430 
  13.83%
  78,349 
  13.36%
  77,076 
  13.37%
Gross loans
  470,856 
  78.06%
  455,571 
  77.71%
  447,716 
  77.63%
Reserve for loan losses and deferred costs
  (4,831)
  -0.80%
  (4,737)
  -0.81%
  (4,609)
  -0.80%
Premises and equipment
  11,082 
  1.84%
  11,622 
  1.98%
  11,635 
  2.02%
Other real estate owned
  417 
  0.07%
  1,127 
  0.19%
  979 
  0.17%
Investment in Capital Trust
  387 
  0.06%
  387 
  0.07%
  387 
  0.07%
Bank owned life insurance
  4,569 
  0.76%
  4,463 
  0.76%
  4,354 
  0.75%
Core deposit intangible
  401 
  0.06%
  675 
  0.12%
  948 
  0.16%
Goodwill
  11,574 
  1.92%
  11,574 
  1.98%
  11,574 
  2.01%
Other assets
  11,343 
  1.88%
  11,013 
  1.88%
  11,664 
  2.02%
     Total average assets
 $603,223 
  100%
 $586,249 
  100%
 $576,737 
  100%
 
    
    
    
    
    
    
Average Liabilities
    
    
    
    
    
    
Demand deposits
 $96,618 
  16.02%
 $88,225 
  15.05%
 $81,847 
  14.19%
Interest-bearing transaction accounts
  116,081 
  19.24%
  117,867 
  20.11%
  115,209 
  19.98%
Money market funds
  82,254 
  13.64%
  87,390 
  14.91%
  83,168 
  14.42%
Savings accounts
  85,896 
  14.24%
  80,530 
  13.73%
  75,042 
  13.01%
Time deposits
  109,347 
  18.13%
  107,100 
  18.27%
  123,209 
  21.36%
     Total average deposits
  490,196 
  81.27%
  481,112 
  82.07%
  478,475 
  82.96%
 
    
    
    
    
    
    
Other borrowed funds
  17,426 
  2.89%
  14,217 
  2.42%
  9,440 
  1.64%
Repurchase agreements
  25,888 
  4.29%
  24,314 
  4.15%
  25,263 
  4.38%
Junior subordinated debentures
  12,887 
  2.14%
  12,887 
  2.20%
  12,887 
  2.23%
Other liabilities
  3,878 
  0.64%
  3,449 
  0.59%
  3,273 
  0.57%
     Total average liabilities
  550,275 
  91.23%
  535,979 
  91.43%
  529,338 
  91.78%
 
 
 
Average Shareholders' Equity
    
    
    
    
    
    
Preferred stock
  2,500 
  0.41%
  2,500 
  0.42%
  2,500 
  0.43%
Common stock
  13,074 
  2.17%
  12,943 
  2.21%
  12,715 
  2.20%
Additional paid-in capital
  30,361 
  5.03%
  29,608 
  5.05%
  28,853 
  5.00%
Retained earnings
  9,502 
  1.57%
  7,787 
  1.33%
  5,963 
  1.03%
Less: Treasury stock
  (2,623)
  -0.43%
  (2,623)
  -0.45%
  (2,623)
  -0.45%
Accumulated other comprehensive income(loss)
  134 
  0.02%
  55 
  0.01%
  (9)
  0.00%
     Total average shareholders' equity
  52,948 
  8.77%
  50,270 
  8.57%
  47,399 
  8.22%
     Total average liabilities and shareholders' equity
 $603,223 
  100%
 $586,249 
  100%
 $576,737 
  100%
 
 
 
 
57
 
 
CERTAIN TIME DEPOSITS
 
Increments of maturity of time certificates of deposit of $100,000 or more outstanding on December 31, 2016 are summarized as follows:
 
3 months or less
 $6,686,327 
Over 3 through 6 months
  12,946,304 
Over 6 through 12 months
  15,235,572 
Over 12 months
  24,126,833 
    Total
 $58,995,036 
 
 
RISK MANAGEMENT
 
Interest Rate Risk and Asset and Liability Management - Management actively monitors and manages the Company’s interest rate risk exposure and attempts to structure the balance sheet to maximize net interest income while controlling its exposure to interest rate risk. The Company's Asset/Liability Management Committee (ALCO) is made up of the Executive Officers and certain Vice Presidents of the Bank representing major business lines. The ALCO formulates strategies to manage interest rate risk by evaluating the impact on earnings and capital of such factors as current interest rate forecasts and economic indicators, potential changes in such forecasts and indicators, liquidity and various business strategies. The ALCO meets at least quarterly to review financial statements, liquidity levels, yields and spreads to better understand, measure, monitor and control the Company’s interest rate risk. In the ALCO process, the committee members apply policy limits set forth in the Asset Liability, Liquidity and Investment policies approved and periodically reviewed by the Company’s Board of Directors. The ALCO's methods for evaluating interest rate risk include an analysis of the effects of interest rate changes on net interest income and an analysis of the Company's interest rate sensitivity "gap", which provides a static analysis of the maturity and repricing characteristics of the entire balance sheet. The ALCO Policy also includes a contingency funding plan to help management prepare for unforeseen liquidity restrictions, including hypothetical severe liquidity crises.
 
Interest rate risk represents the sensitivity of earnings to changes in market interest rates. As interest rates change, the interest income and expense streams associated with the Company’s financial instruments also change, thereby impacting net interest income (NII), the primary component of the Company’s earnings. Fluctuations in interest rates can also have an impact on liquidity. The ALCO uses an outside consultant to perform rate shock simulations to the Company's net interest income, as well as a variety of other analyses. It is the ALCO’s function to provide the assumptions used in the modeling process. Assumptions used in prior period simulation models are regularly tested by comparing projected NII with actual NII. The ALCO utilizes the results of the simulation model to quantify the estimated exposure of NII and liquidity to sustained interest rate changes. The simulation model captures the impact of changing interest rates on the interest income received and interest expense paid on all interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities reflected on the Company’s balance sheet. The model also simulates the balance sheet’s sensitivity to a prolonged flat rate environment. All rate scenarios are simulated assuming a parallel shift of the yield curve; however further simulations are performed utilizing non-parallel changes in the yield curve. The results of this sensitivity analysis are compared to the ALCO policy limits which specify a maximum tolerance level for NII exposure over a 1-year horizon, assuming no balance sheet growth, given a 200 basis point (bp) shift upward and a 100 bp shift downward in interest rates.
 
Under the Company’s interest rate sensitivity modeling, with the continued asset sensitive balance sheet, in a rising rate environment NII is expected to trend upward as the short-term asset base (cash and adjustable rate loans) quickly cycle upward while the retail funding base (deposits) lags the market. If rates paid on deposits have to be increased more and/or more quickly than projected, the expected benefit to rising rates would be reduced. In a falling rate environment, NII is expected to trend slightly downward compared with the current rate environment scenario for the first year of the simulation as asset yield erosion is not fully offset by decreasing funding costs. Thereafter, net interest income is projected to experience sustained downward pressure as funding costs reach their assumed floors and asset yields continue to reprice into the lower rate environment. The recent increase in the federal funds rate, the second in the past two years, will generate a positive impact to the Company’s NII in 2017 as variable rate loans reprice in the first quarter of the year. This, coupled with the steepening of the yield curve in the fourth quarter of 2016, should help to maintain asset yields in the face of increased competition for quality loans.
 
 
58
 
The following table summarizes the estimated impact on the Company's NII over a twelve month period, assuming a gradual parallel shift of the yield curve beginning December 31, 2016:
 
 
One Year Horizon
 
 
Two Year Horizon
 
Rate Change       
 
Percent Change in NII
 
Rate Change     
 
Percent Change in NII
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Down 100 basis points
  -2.40%  
    Down 100 basis points
  -6.70%
Up 200 basis points
  4.50%
    Up 200 basis points
  12.60%
 
 
The amounts shown in the table are well within the ALCO Policy limits. However, those amounts do not represent a forecast and should not be relied upon as indicative of future results. While assumptions used in the ALCO process, including the interest rate simulation analyses, are developed based upon current economic and local market conditions, and expected future conditions, the Company cannot provide any assurances as to the predictive nature of these assumptions, including how customer preferences or competitor influences might change.
 
Credit Risk - As a financial institution, one of the primary risks the Company manages is credit risk, the risk of loss stemming from borrowers’ failure to repay loans or inability to meet other contractual obligations. The Company’s Board of Directors prescribes policies for managing credit risk, including Loan, Appraisal and Environmental policies. These policies are supplemented by comprehensive underwriting standards and procedures. The Company maintains a Credit Administration department whose function includes credit analysis and monitoring of and reporting on the status of the loan portfolio, including delinquent and non-performing loan trends. The Company also monitors concentration of credit risk in a variety of areas, including portfolio mix, the level of loans to individual borrowers and their related interest, loans to industry segments, and the geographic distribution of commercial real estate loans. Loans are reviewed periodically by an independent loan review firm to help ensure accuracy of the Company's internal risk ratings and compliance with various internal policies, procedures and regulatory guidance.
 
Residential mortgages represent approximately half of the Company’s loan balances; that level has been on a gradual decline in recent years, with a strategic shift to commercial lending. The Company originates traditional mortgage products and does not offer higher risk loans such as option adjustable rate mortgage products, high loan-to-value products, interest only mortgages, subprime loans and products with deeply discounted teaser rates. The Company has comprehensive origination, underwriting and servicing guidelines to support compliance with the various mortgage rules, and to enable sound underwriting decisions. Residential mortgages with loan-to-values exceeding 80% are generally covered by private mortgage insurance (PMI). A 90% loan-to-value residential mortgage product without PMI is only available to borrowers with excellent credit and low debt-to-income ratios and has not been widely originated. Junior lien home equity products make up approximately 21% of the residential mortgage portfolio with maximum loan-to-value ratios (including prior liens) of 80%.
 
The Company’s strategy is to continue growing the commercial and commercial real estate portfolios. Consistent with the strategic focus on commercial lending, both segments saw solid growth during 2016, particularly in commercial real estate loans. The commercial real estate growth included several large relationships that converted from construction financing to permanent financing. Residential mortgage loan demand, which had fallen off sharply during 2014 in response to an increase in interest rates late in 2013, picked up during 2015 and continued through 2016, with increased purchase activity causing the portfolio’s sharp decline to taper off. During the last quarter of 2016, the Company held most originations in portfolio, resulting in an increase in the 1st lien residential mortgage portfolio.
 
 
 
59
 
 
The following table reflects the composition of the Company's loan portfolio as of December 31,
 
 
Composition of Loan Portfolio
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2016
 
 
2015
 
 
2014
 
 
2013
 
 
2012
 
 
 
Total
 
 
 % of
 
 
Total
 
 
 % of
 
 
Total
 
 
 % of
 
 
Total
 
 
 % of
 
 
Total
 
 
 % of
 
 
 
Loans
 
 
Total
 
 
Loans
 
 
Total
 
 
Loans
 
 
Total
 
 
Loans
 
 
Total
 
 
Loans
 
 
Total
 
 
 
 (Dollars in Thousands)
 
Real estate loans
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Construction & land
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   development
 $14,991 
  3.08%
 $21,445 
  4.68%
 $12,574 
  2.81%
 $19,098 
  4.34%
 $12,751 
  3.06%
 Farm land
  13,011 
  2.67%
  12,570 
  2.74%
  13,105 
  2.93%
  10,453 
  2.38%
  9,321 
  2.24%
 1-4 Family residential -
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    1st lien
  166,692 
  34.21%
  162,760 
  35.53%
  163,966 
  36.62%
  172,847 
  39.29%
  169,613 
  40.74%
    Jr lien
  42,927 
  8.81%
  44,720 
  9.76%
  44,801 
  10.00%
  45,687 
  10.39%
  47,029 
  11.29%
 Commercial real estate
  173,727 
  35.66%
  144,192 
  31.48%
  140,934 
  31.47%
  127,385 
  28.96%
  117,736 
  28.28%
Loans to finance
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
  agricultural production
  996 
  0.20%
  2,508 
  0.55%
  2,017 
  0.45%
  1,720 
  0.39%
  2,590 
  0.62%
Commercial & industrial
  67,734 
  13.90%
  62,683 
  13.68%
  62,373 
  13.93%
  53,900 
  12.25%
  46,694 
  11.21%
Consumer
  7,171 
  1.47%
  7,241 
  1.58%
  8,035 
  1.79%
  8,819 
  2.00%
  10,642 
  2.56%
     Gross loans
  487,249 
  100%
  458,119 
  100%
  447,805 
  100%
  439,909 
  100%
  416,376 
  100%
 
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
Less:
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
 Allowance for loan losses
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
   and deferred net loan costs
  (4,968)
    
  (4,695)
    
  (4,602)
    
  (4,554)
    
  (4,143)
    
     Net loans
 $482,281 
    
 $453,424 
    
 $443,203 
    
 $435,355 
    
 $412,233 
    
 
 
The following table shows the estimated maturity of the Company's commercial loan portfolio as of December 31, 2016.
 
 
Fixed Rate Loans
Variable Rate Loans
 
Within
2 - 5
After
 
Within
2 - 5
After
 
 
1 Year
Years
5 Years
Total
1 Year
Years
5 Years
Total
 
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
Real estate
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Construction & land development
 $1,411 
 $227 
 $2,164 
 $3,802 
 $4,145 
 $171 
 $6,873 
 $11,189 
  Secured by farm land
  6 
  0 
  381 
  387 
  397 
  219 
  12,008 
  12,624 
  Commercial real estate
  830 
  1,440 
  12,136 
  14,406 
  4,626 
  4,102 
  150,593 
  159,321 
Loans to finance agricultural production
  14 
  337 
  0 
  351 
  100 
  545 
  0 
  645 
Commercial & industrial
  438 
  12,417 
  3,080 
  15,935 
  21,819 
  15,857 
  14,123 
  51,799 
     Total
 $2,699 
 $14,421 
 $17,761 
 $34,881 
 $31,087 
 $20,894 
 $183,597 
 $235,578 
 
 
Risk in the Company’s commercial and commercial real estate loan portfolios is mitigated in part by government guarantees issued by federal agencies such as the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and USDA Rural Development. At December 31, 2016, the Company had $23.9 million in guaranteed loans with guaranteed balances of $18.1 million, compared to $21.8 million in guaranteed loans with guaranteed balances of $16.9 million at December 31, 2015.
 
60
 
 
The Company works actively with customers early in the delinquency process to help them to avoid default and foreclosure. Commercial and commercial real estate loans are generally placed on non-accrual status when there is deterioration in the financial position of the borrower, payment in full of principal and interest is not expected, and/or principal or interest has been in default for 90 days or more. However, such a loan need not be placed on non-accrual status if it is both well secured and in the process of collection. Residential mortgages and home equity loans are considered for non-accrual status at 90 days past due and are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. The Company obtains current property appraisals or market value analyses and considers the cost to sell collateral in order to assess the level of specific allocations required. Consumer loans are generally not placed in non-accrual but are charged off by the time they reach 120 days past due. When a loan is placed in non-accrual status, the Company's policy is to reverse the accrued interest against current period income and to discontinue the accrual of interest until the borrower clearly demonstrates the ability and intention to resume normal payments, typically demonstrated by regular timely payments for a period of not less than six months. Interest payments received on non-accrual or impaired loans are generally applied as a reduction of the loan principal balance.
 
The level of non-performing assets remained comparatively stable from 2012 through 2015, with a substantial decrease in 2016 in large part due to the restoration to accrual status of one large commercial real estate relationship and another commercial relationship secured by multiple residential properties. Other reductions occurred through the foreclosure process or through borrower initiated payments and payoffs.
 
Non-performing assets at the end of each of the last five fiscal years consisted of the following:
 
 
Non-Performing Assets
 
December 31,
 
2016
 
 
2015
 
 
2014
 
 
2013
 
 
2012
 
 
 
 (Dollars in Thousands)
 
Accruing loans past due 90 days or more:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Commercial & industrial
 $26 
 $14 
 $24 
 $22 
 $0 
  Commercial real estate
  0 
  45 
  5 
  5 
  54 
  Residential real estate - 1st lien
  1,068 
  801 
  980 
  817 
  282 
  Residential real estate - Jr lien
  28 
  63 
  116 
  56 
  42 
  Consumer
  2 
  0 
  0 
  8 
  1 
     Total past due 90 days or more
  1,124 
  923 
  1,125 
  908 
  379 
 
    
    
    
    
    
Non-accrual loans:
    
    
    
    
    
  Commercial & industrial
  143 
  441 
  553 
  527 
  597 
  Commercial real estate
  766 
  2,401 
  1,934 
  1,404 
  1,892 
  Residential real estate - 1st lien
  1,227 
  2,009 
  1,263 
  2,203 
  1,928 
  Residential real estate - Jr lien
  339 
  386 
  404 
  593 
  338 
     Total non-accrual loans
  2,475 
  5,237 
  4,154 
  4,727 
  4,755 
 
    
    
    
    
    
Total non-accrual and past due loans
  3,599 
  6,160 
  5,279 
  5,635 
  5,134 
Other real estate owned
  394 
  262 
  1,238 
  1,106 
  1,075 
   Total non-performing assets
 $3,993 
 $6,422 
 $6,517 
 $6,741 
 $6,209 
 
    
    
    
    
    
Percent of gross loans
  0.82%
  1.40%
  1.46%
  1.53%
  1.49%
Reserve coverage of non-performing assets
  132.18%
  78.04%
  75.28%
  72.03%
  69.45%
 
    
    
    
    
    
Yearly (decrease) increase in non-performing assets
 $(2,429)
 $(95)
 $(224)
 $532 
    
Percent of change in non-performing assets
  -37.83%
  -1.45%
  -3.31%
  8.56%
    
 
 
Non-performing loans as of December 31, 2016 consisted of, by dollar volume, approximately 49% residential first mortgages, 14% junior lien home equity loans, 31% commercial real estate and 6% in commercial loans not secured by real estate, compared to 38%, 7%, 46%, and 9%, respectively, at December 31, 2015.
 
As of the balance sheet dates, the Company was not contractually committed to lend additional funds to debtors with impaired, non-accrual or modified loans. The Company is contractually committed to lend on one SBA guaranteed line of credit to a borrower whose lending relationship was previously restructured, but is no longer considered impaired for disclosure purposes.
 
 
 
61
 
 
The Company’s troubled debt restructurings (TDR) are principally a result of extending loan repayment terms to relieve cash flow difficulties. The Company has only infrequently reduced interest rates for borrowers below the current market rates. The Company has not forgiven principal or reduced accrued interest within the terms of original restructurings. Management evaluates each TDR situation on its own merits and does not foreclose the granting of any particular type of concession.
 
The Non-Performing Assets in the table above include the following TDRs that were past due 90 days or more or in non-accrual status as of the dates presented:
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2016
 
 
December 31, 2015
 
 
 
Number of
 
 
Principal
 
 
Number of
 
 
Principal
 
 
 
Loans
 
 
Balance
 
 
Loans
 
 
Balance
 
Commercial
  2 
 $143,127 
  4 
 $298,115 
Commercial real estate
  2 
  354,811 
  5 
  1,414,380 
Residential real estate - 1st lien
  9 
  516,886 
  11 
  967,324 
Residential real estate - Jr lien
  2 
  117,158 
  1 
  55,633 
          Total
  15 
 $1,131,982 
  21 
 $2,735,452 
 
 
The remainder of the Company’s TDRs were performing in accordance with their modified terms as of the date presented and consisted of the following:
 
 
 
December 31, 2016
 
 
December 31, 2015
 
 
 
Number of
 
 
Principal
 
 
Number of
 
 
Principal
 
 
 
Loans
 
 
Balance
 
 
Loans
 
 
Balance
 
Commercial real estate
  5 
 $1,350,480 
  2 
 $429,170 
Residential real estate - 1st lien
  28 
  2,722,973 
  21 
  1,958,699 
Residential real estate - Jr lien
  2 
  63,971 
  1 
  69,828 
          Total
  35 
 $4,137,424 
  24 
 $2,457,697 
 
 
The Company’s OREO portfolio at December 31, 2015 consisted of one commercial and one residential property acquired through the normal foreclosure process. During 2016, the Company moved two additional properties into OREO totaling $395,108, and sold one of those properties and one of the properties held at December 31, 2015. With total sales, net of closing costs, of $217,143 during 2016, and subsequent write-downs totaling $41,000 on two properties, 2016 ended with an OREO balance of $394,000, representing two residential properties.
 
Allowance for loan losses and provisions - The Company maintains an allowance for loan losses (allowance) at a level that management believes is appropriate to absorb losses inherent in the loan portfolio as of the measurement date (See Critical Accounting Policies). Although the Company, in establishing the allowance, considers the inherent losses in individual loans and pools of loans, the allowance is a general reserve available to absorb all credit losses in the loan portfolio. No part of the allowance is segregated to absorb losses from any particular loan or segment of loans.
 
When establishing the allowance each quarter, the Company applies a combination of historical loss factors and qualitative factors to loan segments, including residential first and junior lien mortgages, commercial real estate, commercial & industrial, and consumer loan portfolios. No changes were made to the allowance methodology during 2016. The Company will shorten or lengthen its look back period for determining average portfolio historical loss rates as the economy either contracts or expands; during a period of economic contraction, a shortening of the look back period may more conservatively reflect the current economic climate. The highest loss rates experienced for the look back period are applied to the various segments in establishing the allowance.
 
The Company applies numerous qualitative factors to each segment of the loan portfolio. Those factors include the levels of and trends in delinquencies and non-accrual loans, criticized and classified assets, volumes and terms of loans, and the impact of any loan policy changes. Experience, ability and depth of lending personnel, levels of policy and documentation exceptions, national and local economic trends, the competitive environment, and concentrations of credit are also factors considered.
 
 
 
62
 
 
The adequacy of the allowance is reviewed quarterly by the risk management committee of the Board of Directors and then presented to the full Board of Directors for approval.
 
The following table summarizes the Company's loan loss experience for each of the last five years.
 
As of or Years Ended December 31,
 
2016
 
 
2015
 
 
2014
 
 
2013
 
 
2012
 
 
 
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loans outstanding, end of year
 $487,249 
 $458,119 
 $447,805 
 $439,909 
 $416,376 
Average loans outstanding during year
 $470,229 
 $454,793 
 $447,133 
 $425,482 
 $402,023 
Non-accruing loans, end of year
 $2,475 
 $5,237 
 $4,154 
 $4,727 
 $4,755 
Non-accruing loans, net of government guarantees
 $2,328 
 $4,551 
 $3,378 
 $4,368 
 $3,537 
 
    
    
    
    
    
Allowance, beginning of year
 $5,012 
 $4,906 
 $4,855 
 $4,312 
 $3,887 
Loans charged off:
    
    
    
    
    
  Commercial & industrial
  (49)
  (201)
  (153)
  (83)
  (159)
  Commercial real estate
  0 
  (15)
  (168)
  (125)
  (58)
  Residential real estate - 1st lien
  (244)
  (151)
  (59)
  (56)
  (246)
  Residential real estate - Jr lien
  0 
  (66)
  (52)
  (57)
  (136)
  Consumer
  (16)
  (69)
  (112)
  (67)
  (97)
          Total
  (309)
  (502)
  (544)
  (388)
  (696)
Recoveries:
    
    
    
    
    
  Commercial & industrial
  25 
  59 
  6 
  3 
  29 
  Commercial real estate
  0 
  0 
  0 
  186 
  52 
  Residential real estate - 1st lien
  24 
  6 
  15 
  16 
  6 
  Residential real estate - Jr lien
  0 
  0 
  0 
  21 
  2 
  Consumer
  26 
  33 
  34 
  35 
  32 
          Total
  75 
  98 
  55 
  261 
  121 
 
    
    
    
    
    
Net loans charged off
  (234)
  (404)
  (489)
  (127)
  (575)
Provision charged to income
  500 
  510 
  540 
  670 
  1,000 
Allowance, end of year
 $5,278 
 $5,012 
 $4,906 
 $4,855 
 $4,312 
 
    
    
    
    
    
Net charge offs to average loans outstanding
  0.05%
  0.09%
  0.11%
  0.03%
  0.14%
Provision charged to income as a percent of average loans
  0.11%
  0.11%
  0.12%
  0.16%
  0.25%
Allowance to average loans outstanding
  1.12%
  1.10%
  1.10%
  1.14%
  1.07%
Allowance to non-accruing loans
  213.25%
  95.70%
  118.10%
  102.71%
  90.68%
Allowance to non-accruing loans net of government guarantees
  226.72%
  110.13%
  145.23%
  111.15%
  121.91%
 
 
Improving loan portfolio trends throughout 2012 and 2013, and several recoveries resulted in a $330,000, or 33.0%, decrease to the provision for loan losses for 2013; with a total 2013 provision of $670,000, compared to a provision of $1 million for 2012. While the Company’s allowance coverage of non-accruing loans increased during 2013, the coverage of non-accruing loans net of government guarantees decreased. The decrease was the result of new non-accruing loans that were not guaranteed, replacing one large government guaranteed loan that was fully liquidated during the second quarter of 2013. Both the increase in the reserve balance and lower levels of non-accruing loans during 2014 led to the strengthened reserve coverage of non-accruing loans at year-end 2014, including the coverage of non-accruing loans net of government guarantees. Despite lower net losses in 2015 than in 2014, the 2015 provision was maintained at a level consistent with portfolio growth and higher levels of non-performing loans. Similarly, despite lower net losses during 2016 and sharply lower non-performing loans, the 2016 provision held steady at $500,000 to support the strong loan growth, particularly in the commercial real estate portfolio. The Company has an experienced collections department that continues to work actively with borrowers to resolve problem loans and manage the OREO portfolio, and management continues to monitor the loan portfolio closely.
 
 
63
 
 
Specific allocations to the allowance are made for certain impaired loans. Impaired loans include loans to a borrower that in aggregate are greater than $100,000 and that are in non-accrual status or are troubled debt restructurings. A loan is considered impaired when it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due, including interest and principal, according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. The Company will review all the facts and circumstances surrounding non-accrual loans and on a case-by-case basis may consider loans below the threshold as impaired when such treatment is material to the financial statements. See Note 3 to the accompanying audited consolidated financial statements for information on the recorded investment in impaired loans and their related allocations.
 
The portion of the allowance termed "unallocated" is established to absorb inherent losses that exist as of the valuation date although not specifically identified through management's process for estimating credit losses. While the allowance is described as consisting of separate allocated portions, the entire allowance is available to support loan losses, regardless of category.
 
The following table shows the allocation of the allowance for loan losses, as well as the percent of each loan category to the total loan portfolio for each of the last five years:
 
 
Allocation of Allowance for Loan Losses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31,
 
2016
 
 
%
 
 
2015
 
 
%
 
 
2014
 
 
%
 
 
2013
 
 
%
 
 
2012
 
 
%
 
 
 
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
Domestic
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Commercial & industrial
 $726 
  14%
 $713 
  14%
 $647 
  14%
 $516 
  12%
 $428 
  12%
 Commercial real estate
  2,496 
  41%
  2,152 
  39%
  2,312 
  37%
  2,144 
  36%
  1,537 
  33%
 Residential real estate -
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
   1st lien
  1,370 
  35%
  1,368 
  35%
  1,271 
  37%
  1,453 
  39%
  1,563 
  41%
    Jr lien
  371 
  9%
  423 
  10%
  321 
  10%
  366 
  11%
  333 
  11%
 Consumer
  84 
  1%
  76 
  2%
  119 
  2%
  105 
  2%
  139 
  3%
Unallocated
  231 
  0%
  280 
  0%
  236 
  0%
  271 
  0%
  312 
  0%
          Total
 $5,278 
  100%
 $5,012 
  100%
 $4,906 
  100%
 $4,855 
  100%
 $4,312 
  100%
 
 
Market Risk - In addition to credit risk in the Company’s loan portfolio and liquidity risk in its loan and deposit-taking operations, the Company’s business activities also generate market risk. Market risk is the risk of loss in a financial instrument arising from adverse changes in market prices and rates, foreign currency exchange rates, commodity prices and equity prices. Declining capital markets can result in fair value adjustments necessary to record decreases in the value of the investment portfolio for other-than-temporary-impairment. The Company does not have any market risk sensitive instruments acquired for trading purposes. The Company’s market risk arises primarily from interest rate risk inherent in its lending and deposit taking activities. During recessionary periods, a declining housing market can result in an increase in loan loss reserves or ultimately an increase in foreclosures. Interest rate risk is directly related to the different maturities and repricing characteristics of interest-bearing assets and liabilities, as well as to loan prepayment risks, early withdrawal of time deposits, and the fact that the speed and magnitude of responses to interest rate changes vary by product. The prolonged weak economy and disruption in the financial markets in recent years may heighten the Company’s market risk. As discussed above under "Interest Rate Risk and Asset and Liability Management", the Company actively monitors and manages its interest rate risk through the ALCO process.
 
INVESTMENT SECURITIES
 
The Company maintains an investment portfolio of various securities to diversify its revenue sources, as well as to provide interest rate risk and credit risk diversification and to provide for its liquidity and funding needs. The Company’s portfolio of available-for-sale securities increased $7.2 million, or 27.4%, in 2016, from $26.5 million at December 31, 2015 to $33.7 million at December 31, 2016. The Company’s held-to-maturity portfolio consisted entirely of tax-exempt obligations of state and political subdivisions with a book value of $49.9 million as of December 31, 2016 compared to $43.4 million at December 31, 2015. The increase in the held-to-maturity investment portfolio is due to a $4.9 million increase in municipal term obligations compared with the prior year, while non-arbitrage and tax anticipation lending declined $2.2 million, or 9.5%, and $1.2 million, or 32.7%, respectively, from December 31, 2015. The non-arbitrage and tax anticipation loans to municipalities are issued annually on a competitive bid basis; as a result the portfolio can fluctuate considerably from year to year based on changes in competitive pressures.
 
 
64
 
 
Accounting standards require banks to recognize all appreciation or depreciation of investments classified as either trading securities or available-for-sale, either through the income statement or on the balance sheet even though a gain or loss has not been realized. Securities classified as trading securities are marked to market with any gain or loss net of tax effect, charged to income. The Company's investment policy does not permit the holding of trading securities. Securities classified as held-to-maturity are recorded at book value, subject to adjustment for other-than-temporary impairment. Securities classified as available-for-sale are marked to market with any gain or loss after taxes charged to shareholders’ equity in the consolidated balance sheets. These adjustments in the available-for-sale portfolio resulted in an accumulated unrealized loss net of taxes of $90,779 at December 31, 2016, compared to an unrealized loss net of taxes of $45,394 at December 31, 2015. The fluctuations in unrealized gains and losses are due solely to market interest rate changes, and are not based on any deterioration in credit quality of the underlying issuers. The Company added FNMA and FHLMC issued mortgage-backed securities (Agency MBS) as an approved asset class in 2014 in order to realize a more favorable yield in the portfolio and diversify the holdings. This strategy has performed well with the continued flattening of the yield curve. Although classified as available-for-sale, these securities are short term and we anticipate keeping them until maturity. The unrealized loss positions within the investment portfolio as of the balance sheet dates presented are considered by management to be temporary.
 
The restricted equity securities comprise the Company’s membership stock in the FRBB and FHLBB. On December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company held $588,150 in FRBB stock and $2.2 million and $1.9 million, respectively, in FHLBB stock. Membership in the FRBB and FHLBB requires the purchase of their stock in specified amounts. The stock is typically held for an extended period of time and can only be sold back to the issuer, or in the case of FHLBB, a member institution. Restricted equity stock is sold and redeemed at par. Due to the unique nature of the restricted equity stock, including the non-investment purpose for owning it, the ownership structure and restrictions and the absence of a trading market for the stock, these securities are not marked to market, but carried at par.
 
Some of the Company’s investment securities have a call feature, meaning that the issuer may call in the investment before maturity, at predetermined call dates and prices. In 2016, there was one call feature exercised by the issuer, compared to no calls exercised during 2015.
 
The Company's investment portfolios as of December 31 in each of the last three fiscal years were as follows:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross
 
 
Gross
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amortized
 
 
Unrealized
 
 
Unrealized
 
 
Fair
 
 
 
Cost
 
 
Gains
 
 
Losses
 
 
Value
 
 
 
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
December 31, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Available-for-Sale
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   U.S. GSE debt securities
 $17,366 
 $24 
 $73 
 $17,317 
   Agency MBS
  13,266 
  4 
  116 
  13,154 
   Other investments
  3,221 
  25 
  2 
  3,244 
 
 $33,853 
 $53 
 $191 
 $33,715 
 
    
    
    
    
Held-to-Maturity
    
    
    
    
   States and political subdivisions
 $49,887 
 $1,148 
 $0 
 $51,035 
 
    
    
    
    
Restricted Equity Securities (1)
 $2,756 
 $0 
 $0 
 $2,756 
 
    
    
    
    
         Total
 $86,495 
 $267 
 $191 
 $86,571 
 
 
 
65
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross
 
 
Gross
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amortized
 
 
Unrealized
 
 
Unrealized
 
 
Fair
 
 
 
Cost
 
 
Gains
 
 
Losses
 
 
Value
 
 
 
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
December 31, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Available-for-Sale
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   U.S. GSE debt securities
 $12,832 
 $22 
 $22 
 $12,832 
   Agency MBS
  10,734 
  0 
  70 
  10,664 
   Other investments
  2,973 
  5 
  4 
  2,974 
 
 $26,539 
 $27 
 $96 
 $26,470 
 
    
    
    
    
Held-to-Maturity
    
    
    
    
   States and political subdivisions
 $43,354 
 $789 
 $0 
 $44,143 
 
    
    
    
    
Restricted Equity Securities (1)
 $2,442 
 $0 
 $0 
 $2,442 
 
    
    
    
    
         Total
 $72,335 
 $816 
 $96 
 $73,055 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross
 
 
Gross
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amortized
 
 
Unrealized
 
 
Unrealized
 
 
Fair
 
 
 
Cost
 
 
Gains
 
 
Losses
 
 
Value
 
 
 
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
December 31, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Available-for-Sale
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   U.S. GSE debt securities
 $19,929 
 $50 
 $72 
 $19,907 
   U.S. Government securities
  3,997 
  4 
  0 
  4,001 
   Agency MBS
  9,032 
  19 
  12 
  9,039 
 
 $32,958 
 $73 
 $84 
 $32,947 
 
    
    
    
    
Held-to-Maturity
    
    
    
    
   States and political subdivisions
 $41,811 
 $423 
 $0 
 $42,234 
 
    
    
    
    
Restricted Equity Securities (1)
 $3,332 
 $0 
 $0 
 $3,332 
 
    
    
    
    
         Total
 $78,101 
 $496 
 $84 
 $78,513 
 
 
 (1) Required equity purchases for membership in the Federal Reserve System and Federal Home Loan Bank System.
 
The Company did not have investments totaling more than 10% of Shareholders’ equity in any one issuer during any of the periods presented.
 
In 2016, there were no sales from the investment portfolio, accounting for the absence of realized gains or losses, compared to realized gains of $14,779 from the sale of investments in U.S. Government securities and realized gains of $8,023 and realized losses of $5,300 from the sale of investments in U.S. GSE debt securities in 2015, and realized gains of $27,838 from the sale of investments in U.S. GSE debt securities in 2014.
 
66
 
 
 
The following is an analysis of the maturities and yields of the debt securities in the Company's investment portfolio for each of the last three fiscal years:
 
 
Maturities and Yields of Investment Portfolio
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31,
 
2016
 
 
2015
 
 
2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted
 
 
 
Fair
 
 
Average
 
 
Fair
 
 
Average
 
 
Fair
 
 
Average
 
 
 
Value(1)
 
 
Yield(2)
 
 
Value(1)
 
 
Yield(2)
 
 
Value(1)
 
 
Yield(2)
 
 
 
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
Available-for-Sale
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury & Agency Obligations
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Due in one year or less
 $2,010 
  1.17%
 $3,086 
  1.19%
 $5,034 
  0.59%
   Due from one to five years
  14,331 
  1.44%
  9,746 
  1.32%
  18,874 
  1.09%
   Due from five to ten years
  976 
  2.60%
  0 
  0.00%
  0 
  0.00%
      Total
 $17,317 
  1.47%
 $12,832 
  1.29%
 $23,908 
  0.99%
 
    
    
    
    
    
    
Other Investments
    
    
    
    
    
    
   Due from one to five years
 $2,998 
  2.12%
 $2,728 
  2.13%
 $0 
  0.00%
   Due from five to ten years
  245 
  2.50%
  245 
  2.50%
  0 
  0.00%
      Total
 $3,243 
  2.15%
 $2,973 
  2.16%
 $0 
  0.00%
 
    
    
    
    
    
    
Agency MBS (3)
 $13,154 
  2.01%
 $10,664 
  1.69%
 $9,039 
  2.13%
 
    
    
    
    
    
    
FRBB Stock (4)
 $588 
  6.00%
 $588 
  6.00%
 $588 
  6.00%
 
    
    
    
    
    
    
FHLBB Stock (4)
 $2,168 
  3.70%
 $1,854 
  3.74%
 $2,744 
  1.58%
 
    
    
    
    
    
    
Held-to-Maturity
    
    
    
    
    
    
Obligations of State & Political Subdivisions
    
    
    
    
    
    
   Due in one year or less
 $25,369 
  3.67%
 $27,731 
  3.41%
 $28,159 
  3.70%
   Due from one to five years
  4,031 
  2.97%
  4,016 
  2.81%
  4,638 
  2.98%
   Due from five to ten years
  4,013 
  4.36%
  3,022 
  4.34%
  2,305 
  4.83%
   Due after ten years
  16,474 
  3.79%
  8,585 
  4.57%
  6,709 
  4.14%
      Total
 $49,887 
  3.72%
 $43,354 
  3.65%
 $41,811 
  3.75%
 
 
(1) Investments classified as available-for-sale are presented at fair value, and investments classified as held-to-maturity
      are presented at book value.
(2) The yield on obligations of state and political subdivisions is calculated on a tax equivalent basis assuming a 34
      percent tax rate.
(3) Because the actual maturities of Agency MBS usually differ from their contractual maturities due to the right of
      borrowers to prepay the underlying mortgage loans, usually without penalty, those securities are not presented by
      contractual maturity date.
(4) Required equity purchases for membership in the Federal Reserve System and Federal Home Loan Bank System.
 
 
 
 
67
 
 
COMMITMENTS, CONTINGENCIES AND OFF-BALANCE-SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
 
The Company is a party to financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its customers. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit, standby letters of credit and risk-sharing commitments on certain sold loans. Such instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and interest rate risk in excess of the amount recognized in the balance sheet. The contract or notional amounts of those instruments reflect the extent of involvement the Company has in particular classes of financial instruments. During 2016, the Company did not engage in any activity that created any additional types of off-balance-sheet risk.
 
The Company generally requires collateral or other security to support financial instruments with credit risk. The Company's financial instruments whose contract amount represents credit risk are disclosed in Note 15 to the consolidated financial statements.
 
EFFECTS OF INFLATION
 
Rates of inflation affect the reported financial condition and results of operations of all industries, including the banking industry. The effect of monetary inflation is generally magnified in bank financial and operating statements because most of a bank's assets and liabilities are monetary in nature and, as costs and prices rise, cash and credit demands of individuals and businesses increase, while the purchasing power of net monetary assets declines. During the economic downturn that began in 2008, the capital and credit markets experienced significant volatility and disruption, with the federal government taking unprecedented steps to deal with the economic situation. These measures have included significant deficit spending as well as quantitative easing of the money supply by the FRB, which could result in inflation in future periods.
 
The impact of inflation on the Company's financial results is affected by management's ability to react to changes in interest rates in order to reduce inflationary effect on performance. Interest rates do not necessarily move in conjunction with changes in the prices of other goods and services. As discussed above, management seeks to manage the relationship between interest-sensitive assets and liabilities in order to protect against significant interest rate fluctuations, including those resulting from inflation. Inflation remains below the Federal Reserve’s implied target of 2% and is not believed to present any challenge in the near term. An inflationary environment could develop with the large spending packages presented to improve the country’s aging infrastructure.
 
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
 
Managing liquidity risk is essential to maintaining both depositor confidence and stability in earnings. Liquidity management refers to the ability of the Company to adequately cover fluctuations in assets and liabilities. Meeting loan demand (assets) and covering the withdrawal of deposit funds (liabilities) are two key components of the liquidity management process. The Company’s principal sources of funds are deposits, amortization and prepayment of loans and securities, maturities of investment securities, sales of loans available-for-sale, and earnings and funds provided from operations. Maintaining a relatively stable funding base, which is achieved by diversifying funding sources, competitively pricing deposit products, and extending the contractual maturity of liabilities, reduces the Company’s exposure to roll over risk on deposits and limits reliance on volatile short-term borrowed funds. Short-term funding needs arise from declines in deposits or other funding sources and funding requirements for loan commitments. The Company’s strategy is to fund assets to the maximum extent possible with core deposits that provide a sizable source of relatively stable and low-cost funds.
 
The Company recognizes that, at times, when loan demand exceeds deposit growth it may be desirable to utilize alternative sources of deposit funding to augment retail deposits and borrowings. One-way deposits purchased through the Certificate of Deposit Account Registry Service (CDARS), maintained by the Promontory Interfinancial Network provide an alternative funding source when needed. Such deposits are generally considered a form of brokered deposits. The Company had no one-way deposits at December 31, 2016 compared to $4.2 million at December 31, 2015. In addition, two-way CDARS deposits allow the Company to provide FDIC deposit insurance to its customers in excess of account coverage limits by exchanging deposits with other CDARS members. At December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company reported $3.1 million and $2.8 million, respectively, in CDARS deposits representing exchanged deposits with other CDARS participating banks.
 
 
 
68
 
 
During 2016 the Company also increased its use of brokered deposits outside of the CDARS program, establishing a relationship with a prominent broker of public and institutional funds from across the country. These are typically short term certificates of deposit with maturity less than one year. This relationship has provided another avenue for short term funding that is easily accessible without any detrimental effect on the pricing of the core deposit base. The company had $14.0 million and $1.0 million of these brokered CDs outstanding at December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively.
 
At December 31, 2016 and 2015, gross borrowing capacity of approximately $68.2 million and $72.1 million, respectively, was available through the FHLBB secured by the Company's qualifying loan portfolio (generally, residential mortgages), reduced by outstanding advances and collateral pledges. The Company also has an unsecured Federal Funds line with the FHLBB with an available balance of $500,000 and no advances against it at December 31, 2016 and 2015. Interest is chargeable at a rate determined daily approximately 25 basis points higher than the rate paid on federal funds sold.
 
Under a separate agreement with the FHLBB, the Company has the authority to collateralize public unit deposits up to its FHLBB borrowing capacity ($68.2 million and $72.1 million at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, less outstanding advances and collateral pledges) with letters of credit issued by the FHLBB. The Company offers a Government Agency Account to its municipal customers collateralized with these FHLBB letters of credit. At December 31, 2016 and 2015, approximately $21.2 million and $14.9 million, respectively, of qualifying residential real estate loans were pledged as collateral to the FHLBB for these collateralized governmental unit deposits, which reduced dollar-for-dollar the available borrowing capacity under the FHLBB line of credit. Total fees paid by the Company to the FHLBB in connection with these letters of credit were $25,967 for 2016 and $29,535 for 2015.
 
The Company has a Borrower-in-Custody arrangement with the FRBB secured by eligible commercial loans, commercial real estate loans and home equity loans, resulting in an available line of $77.9 million and $72.3 million, respectively, at December 31, 2016 and 2015. Credit advances in the FRBB lending program are overnight advances with interest chargeable at the primary credit rate (generally referred to as the discount rate), which was 125 basis points at December 31, 2016. At December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company had no outstanding advances against this line.
 
The Company has unsecured lines of credit with two correspondent banks with available borrowing capacity totaling $7.5 million at December 31, 2015 and unsecured lines of credit with three correspondent banks with available borrowing capacity totaling $12.5 million at December 31, 2016. The Company had no outstanding advances against these lines for the periods presented.
 
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase amounted to $30.4 million, $22.1 million and $28.5 million as of December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The average daily balance of these repurchase agreements was $25.9 million, $24.3 million and $25.3 million during 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively. The maximum borrowings outstanding on these agreements at any month-end reporting period of the Company were $30.4 million, $28.2 million and $28.5 million during 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. These repurchase agreements mature daily and carried a weighted average interest rate of 0.30% during 2016, 0.29% during 2015 and 0.25% during 2014.
 
The following table illustrates the changes in shareholders' equity from December 31, 2015 to December 31, 2016:
 
Balance at December 31, 2015 (book value $9.79 per common share)
 $51,414,656 
    Net income
  5,484,278 
    Issuance of stock through the Dividend Reinvestment Plan
  897,560 
    Dividends declared on common stock
  (3,212,092)
    Dividends declared on preferred stock
  (87,500)
    Change in unrealized loss on available-for-sale securities, net of tax
  (45,385)
Balance at December 31, 2016 (book value $10.27 per common share)
 $54,451,517 
 
 
In December, 2016, the Company declared a $0.16 per common share cash dividend, payable February 1, 2017 to shareholders of record as of January 15, 2017, requiring the Company to accrue a liability of $581,145 for this dividend in the fourth quarter of 2016. In March, 2017, the Board of Directors of the Company approved a cash dividend of $0.17 per common share, payable on May 1, 2017 to shareholders of record as of April 15, 2017. This dividend represented an increase of $0.01 per common share from the cash dividend paid during recent quarterly periods. The declaration of this dividend required the Company to accrue a liability of $638,026 in the first quarter of 2017.
 
 
 
69
 
 
The Company (on a consolidated basis) and the Bank are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the federal banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory - and possibly additional discretionary - actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the Company's and the Bank's financial statements. Under capital adequacy guidelines, the Company and the Bank must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of their assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance-sheet items, as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. Capital amounts and classifications are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings, and other factors. Additional Prompt Corrective Action capital requirements are applicable to banks, but not bank holding companies.
 
Beginning in 2016, an additional capital conservation buffer has been added to the minimum requirements for capital adequacy purposes, subject to a three year phase-in period. The capital conservation buffer will be fully phased-in on January 1, 2019 at 2.5 percent. A banking organization with a conservation buffer of less than 2.5 percent (or the required phase-in amount in years prior to 2019) will be subject to limitations on capital distributions, including dividend payments and certain discretionary bonus payments to executive officers. The Company’s and the Bank’s capital conservation buffer was 5.52% and 5.42%, respectively, at December 31, 2016. As of December 31, 2016, both the Company and the Bank exceed the required capital conservation buffer of 0.625% and, on a pro forma basis, would be compliant with the fully phased-in capital conservation buffer requirement.
 
On December 31, 2016, the Company’s tier 1 leverage ratio was 9.17%, common equity tier 1 and tier 1 risk-based capital ratios were both 12.34%, and total risk-based capital ratio was 13.52% and exceeded all applicable regulatory capital adequacy requirements as of such date. Similarly, on December 31, 2016, the Bank’s tier 1 leverage ratio was 9.08%, common equity tier 1 and tier 1 risk-based capital ratios were both 12.23%, and total risk-based capital ratio was 13.42%, and exceeded all applicable regulatory capital adequacy guidelines as of such date. In addition, as of December 31, 2016, the Bank was considered well capitalized under the regulatory capital framework for Prompt Corrective Action, the highest regulatory capital category. (See Note 20 to the consolidated financial statements.)
 
Common Stock Performance by Quarter*
 
 
 
2016
 
 
2015
 
Trade Price
 
First
 
 
Second
 
 
Third
 
 
Fourth
 
 
First
 
 
Second
 
 
Third
 
 
Fourth
 
High
 $14.40 
 $14.50 
 $14.50 
 $16.00 
 $14.50 
 $14.50 
 $14.75 
 $14.75 
Low
 $13.15 
 $13.75 
 $13.77 
 $14.00 
 $14.00 
 $14.00 
 $14.15 
 $13.60 
 
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
 
  2016 
  2015 
Bid Price
 
First
 
 
Second
 
 
Third
 
 
Fourth
 
 
First
 
 
Second
 
 
Third
 
 
Fourth
 
High
 $14.25 
 $14.25 
 $14.30 
 $15.75 
 $14.40 
 $14.40 
 $14.50 
 $14.25 
Low
 $13.30 
 $13.76 
 $13.77 
 $13.86 
 $14.00 
 $14.00 
 $14.15 
 $14.00 
 
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
Cash Dividends Declared
 $0.16 
 $0.16 
 $0.16 
 $0.16 
 $0.16 
 $0.16 
 $0.16 
 $0.16 
 
*The Company's common stock is not traded on any exchange. However, the Company’s common stock is included in the OTCQX® marketplace tier maintained by the OTC Markets Group Inc. Trade and bid information for the stock appears in the OTC’s interdealer quotation system, OTC Link ATS®. The trade price and bid information in the table above is based on information reported by participating FINRA-registered brokers in the OTC Link ATS® system and may not represent all trades or high and low bids during the relevant periods. Such price quotations reflect inter-dealer prices without retail mark-up, mark-down or commission and bid prices do not necessarily represent actual transactions. The OTC trading symbol for the Company’s common stock is CMTV.
 
 
 
70
 
 
As of February 1, 2017, there were 5,057,954 shares of the Corporation's common stock ($2.50 par value) outstanding, owned by 845 shareholders of record.
 
Form 10-K
A copy of the Form 10-K Report filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission may be obtained without charge upon written request to:
Kathryn M. Austin, President & CEO
Community Bancorp.
4811 US Route 5
Newport, Vermont 05855
 
Shareholder Services
For shareholder services or information contact:
Melissa Tinker, Assistant Corporate Secretary
Community Bancorp.
4811 US Route 5
Newport, Vermont 05855
(802) 334-7915
 
Transfer Agent:
Computershare Investor Services
PO Box 43078
Providence, RI 02940-3078
www.computershare.com
 
Annual Shareholders' Meeting
The 2017 Annual Shareholders' Meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m., May 16, 2017, at the Elks Club in Derby. We hope to see many of our shareholders there.
 
 
71