UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

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

 

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2016

or

 

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

 

For the transition period from _______________ to _________________________.

 

Commission file number: 000-16084

 

CITIZENS & NORTHERN CORPORATION

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

 

PENNSYLVANIA 23-2451943
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)

 

90-92 MAIN STREET, WELLSBORO, PA 16901

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

 

570-724-3411

(Registrant's telephone number including area code)

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes x No ¨

 

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

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definition of “large accelerated filer,” accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer ¨   Accelerated filer x   Non-accelerated filer ¨   Smaller reporting company ¨

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes ¨ No x

 

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

Common Stock ($1.00 par value) 12,048,128 Shares Outstanding on May 2, 2016

 

 

 

 

CITIZENS & NORTHERN CORPORATION – FORM 10-Q

 

CITIZENS & NORTHERN CORPORATION

 

Index

 

Part I. Financial Information    
     
Item 1. Financial Statements    
     
Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) – March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015   Page 3
     
Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited) – Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 and 2015   Page 4
     
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income  (Unaudited) – Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 and 2015   Page 5
     
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) – Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 and 2015   Page 6
     
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity (Unaudited) - Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 and 2015   Page 7
     
Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements   Pages 8 – 36
     
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations   Pages 37 – 53
     
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk   Pages 54 – 56
     
Item 4. Controls and Procedures   Page 56
     
Part II. Other Information   Pages 57 – 58
     
Signatures   Page 59
     
Exhibit 31.1. Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification - Chief Executive Officer   Page 60
     
Exhibit 31.2. Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification - Chief Financial Officer   Page 61
     
Exhibit 32. Section 1350 Certifications   Page 62

 

 2 

 

 

CITIZENS & NORTHERN CORPORATION – FORM 10-Q

 

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In Thousands, Except Share and Per Share Data) (Unaudited)

 

   March 31,   December 31, 
   2016   2015 
ASSETS          
Cash and due from banks:          
Noninterest-bearing  $13,744   $14,710 
Interest-bearing   27,429    21,351 
Total cash and due from banks   41,173    36,061 
Available-for-sale securities, at fair value   413,606    420,290 
Loans held for sale   526    280 
           
Loans receivable   701,605    704,880 
Allowance for loan losses   (7,661)   (7,889)
Loans, net   693,944    696,991 
Bank-owned life insurance   19,418    20,764 
Accrued interest receivable   3,900    3,768 
Bank premises and equipment, net   15,376    15,406 
Foreclosed assets held for sale   1,584    1,260 
Deferred tax asset, net   949    3,115 
Intangible asset - Core deposit intangibles   27    30 
Intangible asset - Goodwill   11,942    11,942 
Other assets   14,099    13,510 
TOTAL ASSETS  $1,216,544   $1,223,417 
           
LIABILITIES          
Deposits:          
Noninterest-bearing  $216,679   $211,041 
Interest-bearing   739,169    724,574 
Total deposits   955,848    935,615 
Short-term borrowings   25,952    53,496 
Long-term borrowings   38,692    38,767 
Accrued interest and other liabilities   7,742    8,052 
TOTAL LIABILITIES   1,028,234    1,035,930 
           
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY          
Preferred stock, $1,000 par value; authorized 30,000 shares; $1,000 liquidation preference per share; no shares issued at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015   0    0 
Common stock, par value $1.00 per share; authorized 20,000,000 shares in 2016 and 2015; issued 12,655,171 at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015; outstanding 12,081,030 at March 31, 2016 and 12,180,623 December 31, 2015   12,655    12,655 
Paid-in capital   71,212    71,654 
Retained earnings   109,901    109,454 
Treasury stock, at cost; 574,141 shares at March 31, 2016 and 474,548 shares at December 31, 2015   (10,854)   (8,804)
Sub-total   182,914    184,959 
Accumulated other comprehensive income:          
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities   5,347    2,493 
Defined benefit plans gain   49    35 
Total accumulated other comprehensive income   5,396    2,528 
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY   188,310    187,487 
TOTAL LIABILITIES & STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY  $1,216,544   $1,223,417 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 

 3 

 

 

CITIZENS & NORTHERN CORPORATION – FORM 10-Q

 

Consolidated Statements of Income

(In Thousands Except Per Share Data) (Unaudited)

 

   3 Months Ended 
   March 31,   March 31, 
  2016   2015 
INTEREST INCOME        
Interest and fees on loans  $7,974   $7,709 
Interest on balances with depository institutions   24    26 
Interest on loans to political subdivisions   448    349 
Interest on mortgages held for sale   6    2 
Income from available-for-sale securities:          
Taxable   1,555    1,974 
Tax-exempt   896    1,016 
Dividends   34    87 
Total interest and dividend income   10,937    11,163 
INTEREST EXPENSE          
Interest on deposits   479    486 
Interest on short-term borrowings   62    1 
Interest on long-term borrowings   363    726 
Total interest expense   904    1,213 
Net interest income   10,033    9,950 
Provision for loan losses   368    3 
Net interest income after provision for loan losses   9,665    9,947 
OTHER INCOME          
Service charges on deposit accounts   1,138    1,022 
Service charges and fees   94    113 
Trust and financial management revenue   1,144    1,114 
Brokerage revenue   173    219 
Insurance commissions, fees and premiums   21    40 
Interchange revenue from debit card transactions   463    474 
Net gains from sale of loans   168    147 
(Decrease) in fair value of servicing rights   (71)   (117)
Increase in cash surrender value of life insurance   96    97 
Other operating income   464    447 
Sub-total   3,690    3,556 
Realized gains on available-for-sale securities, net   383    74 
Total other income   4,073    3,630 
OTHER EXPENSES          
Salaries and wages   3,887    3,487 
Pensions and other employee benefits   1,437    1,385 
Occupancy expense, net   609    722 
Furniture and equipment expense   427    454 
FDIC Assessments   142    151 
Pennsylvania shares tax   322    318 
Professional fees   289    156 
Automated teller machine and interchange expense   249    246 
Software subscriptions   241    197 
Other operating expense   1,469    1,417 
Total other expenses   9,072    8,533 
Income before income tax provision   4,666    5,044 
Income tax provision   1,093    1,229 
NET INCOME  $3,573   $3,815 
NET INCOME PER SHARE - BASIC  $0.29   $0.31 
NET INCOME PER SHARE - DILUTED  $0.29   $0.31 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 

 4 

 

 

CITIZENS & NORTHERN CORPORATION – FORM 10-Q

 

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

(In Thousands)

 

   3 Months Ended 
   March 31,   March 31, 
   2016   2015 
Net income  $3,573   $3,815 
           
Unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities:          
Unrealized holding gains on available-for-sale securities   4,774    3,725 
Reclassification adjustment for gains realized in income   (383)   (74)
Other comprehensive gain on available-for-sale securities   4,391    3,651 
           
Unfunded pension and postretirement obligations:          
Changes from plan amendments and actuarial gains and losses included in accumulated other comprehensive gain (loss)   26    (100)
Amortization of net transition obligation, prior service cost and net actuarial loss included in net periodic benefit cost   (5)   (3)
Other comprehensive gain (loss) on unfunded retirement obligations   21    (103)
           
Other comprehensive income before income tax   4,412    3,548 
Income tax related to other comprehensive income   (1,544)   (1,242)
           
Net other comprehensive income   2,868    2,306 
           
Comprehensive income  $6,441   $6,121 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 

 5 

 

 

CITIZENS & NORTHERN CORPORATION – FORM 10-Q

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In Thousands) (Unaudited)

 

   3 Months Ended 
   March 31,   March 31, 
   2016   2015 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:          
Net income  $3,573   $3,815 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:          
Provision for loan losses   368    3 
Realized gains on available-for-sale securities, net   (383)   (74)
Realized loss on foreclosed assets   46    13 
Depreciation expense   408    469 
Accretion and amortization on securities, net   297    383 
Accretion and amortization on loans and deposits, net   (4)   (5)
Decrease in fair value of servicing rights   71    117 
Increase in cash surrender value of life insurance   (96)   (97)
Stock-based compensation   162    150 
Amortization of core deposit intangibles   3    5 
Deferred income taxes   622    440 
Gains on sales of loans, net   (168)   (147)
Origination of loans for sale   (4,975)   (4,150)
Proceeds from sales of loans   4,861    4,052 
Increase in accrued interest receivable and other assets   (759)   (1,752)
(Decrease) increase in accrued interest payable and other liabilities   (289)   487 
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities   3,737    3,709 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:          
Proceeds from maturities of certificates of deposit   100    0 
Purchase of certificate of deposit   (100)   0 
Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities   8,695    861 
Proceeds from calls and maturities of available-for-sale securities   17,318    19,400 
Purchase of available-for-sale securities   (14,852)   (28,152)
Redemption of Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh stock   2,297    485 
Purchase of Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh stock   (901)   (546)
Net decrease in loans   2,313    1,402 
Purchase of premises and equipment   (378)   (367)
Return of principal on limited liability entity investments   49    54 
Proceeds from sale of foreclosed assets   0    191 
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities   14,541    (6,672)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:          
Net increase in deposits   20,233    8,645 
Net (decrease) increase in short-term borrowings   (27,544)   303 
Repayments of long-term borrowings   (75)   (72)
Purchase of treasury stock   (3,070)   (3,022)
Sale of treasury stock   34    279 
Tax benefit from compensation plans   45    42 
Common dividends paid   (2,789)   (2,829)
Net Cash (Used in) Provided by Financing Activities   (13,166)   3,346 
INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS   5,112    383 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF YEAR   33,313    31,619 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD  $38,425   $32,002 
           
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:          
Assets acquired through foreclosure of real estate loans  $370   $598 
Accrued redemption of bank-owned life insurance policy  $1,442   $0 
Interest paid  $905   $1,201 
Income taxes paid  $225   $175 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 

 6 

 

 

CITIZENS & NORTHERN CORPORATION – FORM 10-Q

 

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity

(In Thousands Except Share and Per Share Data)

(Unaudited)

 

                       Accumulated         
                       Other         
   Common   Treasury   Common   Paid-in   Retained   Comprehensive   Treasury     
   Shares   Shares   Stock   Capital   Earnings   Income   Stock   Total 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2016                                        
Balance, December 31, 2015   12,655,171    474,548   $12,655   $71,654   $109,454   $2,528   $(8,804)  $187,487 
Net income                       3,573              3,573 
Other comprehensive income, net                            2,868         2,868 
Cash dividends declared on common stock, $0.26 per share                       (3,165)             (3,165)
Shares issued for dividend reinvestment plan        (18,777)        24              352    376 
Treasury stock purchased        154,350                        (3,070)   (3,070)
Shares issued from treasury for exercise of stock options        (2,090)        (4)             38    34 
Restricted stock granted        (34,199)        (635)             635    0 
Forfeiture of restricted stock        309         5              (5)   0 
Stock-based compensation expense                  162                   162 
Tax benefit from dividends on restricted stock                  6                   6 
Tax benefit from employee benefit plan                       39              39 
Balance, March 31, 2016   12,655,171    574,141   $12,655   $71,212   $109,901   $5,396   $(10,854)  $188,310 
                                         
Three Months Ended March 31, 2015                                        
Balance, December 31, 2014   12,655,171    375,191   $12,655   $71,541   $105,550   $5,360   $(6,744)  $188,362 
Net income                       3,815              3,815 
Other comprehensive income, net                            2,306         2,306 
Cash dividends declared on common stock, $0.26 per share                       (3,201)             (3,201)
Shares issued for dividend reinvestment plan        (19,239)                       372    372 
Treasury stock purchased        155,800                        (3,022)   (3,022)
Shares issued from treasury for exercise of stock options        (16,908)        (28)             307    279 
Restricted stock granted        (34,800)        (627)             627    0 
Forfeiture of restricted stock        1,943         33              (33)   0 
Stock-based compensation expense                  150                   150 
Tax benefit from dividends on restricted stock                  5                   5 
Tax benefit from employee benefit plan                       37              37 
Balance, March 31, 2015   12,655,171    461,987   $12,655   $71,074   $106,201   $7,666   $(8,493)  $189,103 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 

 7 

 

 

CITIZENS & NORTHERN CORPORATION – FORM 10-Q

 

Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements

 

1. BASIS OF INTERIM PRESENTATION

 

The consolidated financial information included herein, with the exception of the consolidated balance sheet dated December 31, 2015, is unaudited. Such information reflects all adjustments (consisting solely of normal recurring adjustments) that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position, results of operations, comprehensive income, cash flows and changes in stockholders’ equity for the interim periods; however, the information does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) for a complete set of financial statements. Certain 2015 information has been reclassified for consistency with the 2016 presentation.

 

Operating results reported for the three-month ended March 31, 2016 might not be indicative of the results for the year ending December 31, 2016. The Corporation evaluates subsequent events through the date of filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

2. PER SHARE DATA

 

Net income per share is based on the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding. The following data show the amounts used in computing basic and diluted net income per share. As shown in the table that follows, diluted earnings per share is computed using weighted average common shares outstanding, plus weighted-average common shares available from the exercise of all dilutive stock options, less the number of shares that could be repurchased with the proceeds of stock option exercises based on the average share price of the Corporation's common stock during the period.

 

       Weighted-     
       Average   Earnings 
   Net   Common   Per 
   Income   Shares   Share 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2016               
Earnings per share – basic  $3,573,000    12,155,108   $0.29 
Dilutive effect of potential common stock arising from stock options:               
Exercise of outstanding stock options        198,985      
Hypothetical share repurchase at $20.05        (178,215)     
Earnings per share – diluted  $3,573,000    12,175,878   $0.29 
                
Three Months Ended March 31, 2015               
Earnings per share – basic  $3,815,000    12,268,306   $0.31 
Dilutive effect of potential common stock arising from stock options:               
Exercise of outstanding stock options        181,385      
Hypothetical share repurchase at $19.78        (160,552)     
Earnings per share – diluted  $3,815,000    12,289,139   $0.31 

 

Stock options that were anti-dilutive were excluded from net income per share calculations. Weighted-average common shares available from anti-dilutive instruments totaled 47,309 shares in the three-month period ended March 31, 2016 and 103,104 shares in the three-month period ended March 31, 2015.

 

 8 

 

 

CITIZENS & NORTHERN CORPORATION – FORM 10-Q

 

3. COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

 

Comprehensive income is the total of (1) net income, and (2) all other changes in equity from non-stockholder sources, which are referred to as other comprehensive income. The components of other comprehensive income, and the related tax effects, are as follows:

 

(In Thousands)  Before-
Tax
   Income
Tax
   Net-of-
Tax
 
   Amount   Effect   Amount 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2016               
Unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities:               
Unrealized holding gains on available-for-sale securities  $4,774   $(1,671)  $3,103 
Reclassification adjustment for (gains) realized in income   (383)   134    (249)
Other comprehensive income on available-for-sale securities   4,391    (1,537)   2,854 
                
Unfunded pension and postretirement obligations:               
Changes from plan amendments and actuarial gains and losses included in other comprehensive income   26    (9)   17 
Amortization of net transition obligation, prior service cost and net actuarial loss included in net periodic benefit cost   (5)   2    (3)
Other comprehensive income on unfunded retirement obligations   21    (7)   14 
                
Total other comprehensive income  $4,412   $(1,544)  $2,868 

 

(In Thousands)  Before-
Tax
   Income
Tax
   Net-of-
Tax
 
   Amount   Effect   Amount 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2015               
Unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities:               
Unrealized holding gains on available-for-sale securities  $3,725   $(1,304)  $2,421 
Reclassification adjustment for (gains) realized in income   (74)   26    (48)
Other comprehensive income on available-for-sale securities   3,651    (1,278)   2,373 
                
Unfunded pension and postretirement obligations:               
Changes from plan amendments and actuarial gains and losses included in other comprehensive income   (100)   35    (65)
Amortization of net transition obligation, prior service cost and net actuarial loss included in net periodic benefit cost   (3)   1    (2)
Other comprehensive loss on unfunded retirement obligations   (103)   36    (67)
                
Total other comprehensive income  $3,548   $(1,242)  $2,306 

 

Changes in the components of accumulated other comprehensive income are as follows and are presented net of tax:

 

(In Thousands)  Unrealized   Unfunded   Accumulated 
   Holding   Pension and   Other 
   Gains   Postretirement   Comprehensive 
   on Securities   Obligations   Income 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2016               
Balance, beginning of period  $2,493   $35   $2,528 
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications   3,103    17    3,120 
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income   (249)   (3)   (252)
Other comprehensive income   2,854    14    2,868 
Balance, end of period  $5,347   $49   $5,396 

 

 9 

 

 

CITIZENS & NORTHERN CORPORATION – FORM 10-Q

 

(In Thousands)  Unrealized   Unfunded   Accumulated 
   Holding   Pension and   Other 
   Gains   Postretirement   Comprehensive 
   on Securities   Obligations   Income 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2015               
Balance, beginning of period  $5,281   $79   $5,360 
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications   2,421    (65)   2,356 
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income   (48)   (2)   (50)
Other comprehensive income   2,373    (67)   2,306 
Balance, end of period  $7,654   $12   $7,666 

 

Items reclassified out of each component of other comprehensive income are as follows:

 

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2016       
(In Thousands)       
   Reclassified from    
Details about Accumulated Other  Accumulated Other   Affected Line Item in the Consolidated
Comprehensive Income Components  Comprehensive Income   Statements of Income
Unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities  $(383)  Realized gains on available-for-sale securities, net
    134   Income tax provision
    (249)  Net of tax
Amortization of defined benefit pension and postretirement items:        
Prior service cost   (8)  Pensions and other employee benefits
Actuarial loss   3   Pensions and other employee benefits
    (5)  Total before tax
    2   Income tax provision
    (3)  Net of tax
Total reclassifications for the period  $(252)   

 

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2015       
(In Thousands)       
   Reclassified from    
Details about Accumulated Other  Accumulated Other   Affected Line Item in the Consolidated
Comprehensive Income Components  Comprehensive Income   Statements of Income
Unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities  $(74)  Realized gains on available-for-sale securities, net
    26   Income tax provision
    (48)  Net of tax
Amortization of defined benefit pension and postretirement items:        
Prior service cost   (7)  Pensions and other employee benefits
Actuarial loss   4   Pensions and other employee benefits
    (3)  Total before tax
    1   Income tax provision
    (2)  Net of tax
Total reclassifications for the period  $(50)   

 

 10 

 

 

CITIZENS & NORTHERN CORPORATION – FORM 10-Q

 

4. CASH AND DUE FROM BANKS

 

Cash and due from banks at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 include the following:

 

(In thousands)  March 31,   Dec. 31, 
   2016   2015 
Cash and cash equivalents  $38,425   $33,313 
Certificates of deposit   2,748    2,748 
Total cash and due from banks  $41,173   $36,061 

 

Certificates of deposit are issues by U.S. banks with original maturities greater than three months. Each certificate of deposit is fully FDIC-insured. The Corporation maintains cash and cash equivalents with certain financial institutions in excess of the FDIC insurance limit.

 

The Corporation is required to maintain reserves against deposit liabilities in the form of cash and balances with the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia. The reserves are based on deposit levels, account activity, and other services provided by the Federal Reserve Bank. Required reserves were $14,562,000 at March 31, 2016 and $15,327,000 at December 31, 2015.

 

5. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS AND FAIR VALUES OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

 

The Corporation measures certain assets at fair value. Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. FASB ASC topic 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures” establishes a framework for measuring fair value that includes a hierarchy used to classify the inputs used in measuring fair value. The hierarchy prioritizes the inputs used in determining valuations into three levels. The level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement falls is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The levels of the fair value hierarchy are as follows:

 

Level 1 – Fair value is based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible to the Corporation for identical assets. These generally provide the most reliable evidence and are used to measure fair value whenever available.

 

Level 2 – Fair value is based on significant inputs, other than Level 1 inputs, that are observable either directly or indirectly for substantially the full term of the asset through corroboration with observable market data. Level 2 inputs include quoted market prices in active markets for similar assets, quoted market prices in markets that are not active for identical or similar assets and other observable inputs.

 

Level 3 – Fair value is based on significant unobservable inputs. Examples of valuation methodologies that would result in Level 3 classification include option pricing models, discounted cash flows and other similar techniques.

 

The Corporation monitors and evaluates available data relating to fair value measurements on an ongoing basis and recognizes transfers among the levels of the fair value hierarchy as of the date of an event or change in circumstances that affects the valuation method chosen. Examples of such changes may include the market for a particular asset becoming active or inactive, changes in the availability of quoted prices, or changes in the availability of other market data.

 

 11 

 

 

CITIZENS & NORTHERN CORPORATION – FORM 10-Q

 

At March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, assets measured at fair value and the valuation methods used are as follows:

 

       March 31, 2016     
   Quoted Prices   Other         
   in Active   Observable   Unobservable   Total 
   Markets   Inputs   Inputs   Fair 
(In Thousands)  (Level 1)   (Level 2)   (Level 3)   Value 
                 
Recurring fair value measurements                    
AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE SECURITIES:                    
Obligations of U.S. Government agencies  $0   $10,707   $0   $10,707 
Obligations of states and political subdivisions:                    
Tax-exempt   0    111,959    0    111,959 
Taxable   0    35,094    0    35,094 
Mortgage-backed securities   0    73,243    0    73,243 
Collateralized mortgage obligations, Issued by U.S. Government agencies   0    180,860    0    180,860 
Collateralized debt obligations   0    7    0    7 
Total debt securities   0    411,870    0    411,870 
Marketable equity securities   1,736    0    0    1,736 
Total available-for-sale securities   1,736    411,870    0    413,606 
Servicing rights   0    0    1,261    1,261 
Total recurring fair value measurements  $1,736   $411,870   $1,261   $414,867 
                     
Nonrecurring fair value measurements                    
Impaired loans with a valuation allowance  $0   $0   $1,420   $1,420 
Valuation allowance   0    0    (306)   (306)
Impaired loans, net   0    0    1,114    1,114 
Foreclosed assets held for sale   0    0    1,584    1,584 
Total nonrecurring fair value measurements  $0   $0   $2,698   $2,698 

 

 12 

 

 

CITIZENS & NORTHERN CORPORATION – FORM 10-Q

 

       December 31, 2015     
   Quoted Prices   Other         
   in Active   Observable   Unobservable   Total 
   Markets   Inputs   Inputs   Fair 
(In Thousands)  (Level 1)   (Level 2)   (Level 3)   Value 
                 
Recurring fair value measurements                    
AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE SECURITIES:                    
Obligations of U.S. Government agencies  $0   $10,483   $0   $10,483 
Obligations of states and political subdivisions:                    
Tax-exempt   0    107,757    0    107,757 
Taxable   0    34,597    0    34,597 
Mortgage-backed securities   0    73,343    0    73,343 
Collateralized mortgage obligations, Issued by U.S. Government agencies   0    191,715    0    191,715 
Collateralized debt obligations   0    9    0    9 
Total debt securities   0    417,904    0    417,904 
Marketable equity securities   2,386    0    0    2,386 
Total available-for-sale securities   2,386    417,904    0    420,290 
Servicing rights   0    0    1,296    1,296 
Total recurring fair value measurements  $2,386   $417,904   $1,296   $421,586 
                     
Nonrecurring fair value measurements                    
Impaired loans with a valuation allowance  $0   $0   $1,933   $1,933 
Valuation allowance   0    0    (820)   (820)
Impaired loans, net   0    0    1,113    1,113 
Foreclosed assets held for sale   0    0    1,260    1,260 
Total nonrecurring fair value measurements  $0   $0   $2,373   $2,373 

 

Management’s evaluation and selection of valuation techniques and the unobservable inputs used in determining the fair values of assets valued using Level 3 methodologies include sensitive assumptions. Other market participants might use substantially different assumptions, which could result in calculations of fair values that would be substantially different than the amount calculated by management.

 

At March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, quantitative information regarding significant techniques and inputs used for assets measured on a recurring basis using unobservable inputs (Level 3 methodologies) are as follows:

 

   Fair Value at              
   3/31/16   Valuation  Unobservable      Method or Value As of
Asset  (In Thousands)   Technique  Input(s)      3/31/16
Servicing rights  $1,261   Discounted cash flow  Discount rate   10.00%  Rate used through modeling period
           Loan prepayment speeds   168.00%  Weighted-average PSA
           Servicing fees   0.25%  of loan balances
               4.00%  of payments are late
               5.00%  late fees assessed
              $1.94   Miscellaneous fees per account per month
           Servicing costs  $6.00   Monthly servicing cost per account
              $24.00   Additional monthly servicing cost per loan on loans more than 30 days delinquent
               1.50%  of loans more than 30 days delinquent
               3.00%  annual increase in servicing costs

 

 13 

 

 

CITIZENS & NORTHERN CORPORATION – FORM 10-Q

 

   Fair Value at              
   12/31/15   Valuation  Unobservable      Method or Value As of
Asset  (In Thousands)   Technique  Input(s)      12/31/15
Servicing rights  $1,296   Discounted cash flow  Discount rate   10.00%  Rate used through modeling period
           Loan prepayment speeds   146.00%  Weighted-average PSA
           Servicing fees   0.25%  of loan balances
               4.00%  of payments are late
               5.00%  late fees assessed
              $1.94   Miscellaneous fees per account per month
           Servicing costs  $6.00   Monthly servicing cost per account
              $24.00   Additional monthly servicing cost per loan on loans more than 30 days delinquent
               1.50%  of loans more than 30 days delinquent
               3.00%  annual increase in servicing costs

 

The fair value of servicing rights is affected by expected future interest rates. Increases (decreases) in future expected interest rates tend to increase (decrease) the fair value of the Corporation’s servicing rights because of changes in expected prepayment behavior by the borrowers on the underlying loans.

 

Following is a reconciliation of activity for Level 3 assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis:

 

(In Thousands)  3 Months Ended 
   March 31,   March 31, 
   2016   2015 
Servicing rights balance, beginning of period  $1,296   $1,281 
Issuances of servicing rights   36    31 
Unrealized losses included in earnings   (71)   (117)
Service rights balance, end of period  $1,261   $1,195 

 

Loans are classified as impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Corporation will be unable to collect the scheduled payments of principal or interest when due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Foreclosed assets held for sale consist of real estate acquired by foreclosure. For impaired commercial loans secured by real estate and foreclosed assets held for sale, estimated fair values are determined primarily using values from third-party appraisals. Appraised values are discounted to arrive at the estimated selling price of the collateral, which is considered to be the estimated fair value. The discounts also include estimated costs to sell the property.

 

 14 

 

 

CITIZENS & NORTHERN CORPORATION – FORM 10-Q

 

At March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, quantitative information regarding significant techniques and inputs used for nonrecurring fair value measurements using unobservable inputs (Level 3 methodologies) are as follows:

 

(In Thousands, Except                    Value at 
Percentages)      Valuation             3/31/16 
   Balance at   Allowance at   Fair Value at   Valuation  Unobservable  (Weighted 
Asset  3/31/16   3/31/16   3/31/16   Technique  Inputs  Average) 
                           
Impaired loans:                          
Commercial:                          
Commercial loans secured by real estate  $311   $96   $215   Sales comparison  Discount to appraised value   47%
Commercial and industrial   599    158    441   Sales comparison  Discount to appraised value   52%
Loans secured by farmland   510    52    458   Sales comparison  Discount to appraised value   49%
Total impaired loans  $1,420   $306   $1,114            
Foreclosed assets held for sale - real estate:                          
Residential (1-4 family)  $883   $0   $883   Sales comparison  Discount to appraised value   39%
Land   701    0    701   Sales comparison  Discount to appraised value   30%
Total foreclosed assets held for sale  $1,584   $0   $1,584            

 

(In Thousands, Except                    Value at 
Percentages)      Valuation             12/31/15 
   Balance at   Allowance at   Fair Value at   Valuation  Unobservable  (Weighted 
Asset  12/31/15   12/31/15   12/31/15   Technique  Inputs  Average) 
                           
Impaired loans:                          
Residential mortgage loans - first liens  $42   $1   $41   Sales comparison  Discount to appraised value   31%
Commercial:                          
Commercial loans secured by real estate   317    97    220   Sales comparison  Discount to appraised value   46%
Commercial and industrial   75    75    0   Sales comparison  Discount to appraised value   31%
Loans secured by farmland   512    52    460   Sales comparison  Discount to appraised value   49%
Multi-family (5 or more) residential   987    595    392   Sales comparison  Discount to appraised value   41%
Total impaired loans  $1,933   $820   $1,113            
Foreclosed assets held for sale - real estate:                          
Residential (1-4 family)  $556   $0   $556   Sales comparison  Discount to appraised value   32%
Land   704    0    704   Sales comparison  Discount to appraised value   29%
Total foreclosed assets held for sale  $1,260   $0   $1,260            

 

Certain of the Corporation’s financial instruments are not measured at fair value in the consolidated financial statements. In cases where quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on estimates using present value or other valuation techniques. Those techniques are significantly affected by the assumptions used, including the discount rate and estimates of future cash flows. Accordingly, the fair value estimates may not be realized in an immediate settlement of the instrument. Certain financial instruments and all nonfinancial instruments are excluded from disclosure requirements. Therefore, the aggregate fair value amounts presented may not represent the underlying fair value of the Corporation.

 

 15 

 

 

CITIZENS & NORTHERN CORPORATION – FORM 10-Q

 

The Corporation used the following methods and assumptions in estimating fair value disclosures for financial instruments:

 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS - The carrying amounts of cash and short-term instruments approximate fair values.

 

CERTIFICATES OF DEPOSIT - Fair values for certificates of deposit, included in cash and due from banks in the consolidated balance sheet, are based on quoted market prices for certificates of similar remaining maturities.

 

SECURITIES - Fair values for securities, excluding restricted equity securities, are based on quoted market prices or other methods as described above. The carrying value of restricted equity securities approximates fair value based on applicable redemption provisions.

 

LOANS HELD FOR SALE - Fair values of loans held for sale are determined based on applicable sale prices available under the Federal Home Loan Banks’ MPF Xtra and MPF Original programs.

 

LOANS - Fair values are estimated for portfolios of loans with similar financial characteristics. Loans are segregated by type such as commercial, commercial real estate, residential mortgage and other consumer. Each loan category is further segmented into fixed and adjustable rate interest terms and by performing and nonperforming categories. The fair value of performing loans is calculated by discounting contractual cash flows, adjusted for estimated prepayments based on historical experience, using estimated market discount rates that reflect the credit and interest rate risk inherent in the loans. Fair value of nonperforming loans is based on recent appraisals or estimates prepared by the Corporation’s lending officers.

 

SERVICING RIGHTS - The fair value of servicing rights, included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheet, is determined through a discounted cash flow valuation. Significant inputs include expected net servicing income, the discount rate and the expected prepayment speeds of the underlying loans.

 

DEPOSITS - The fair value of deposits with no stated maturity, such as noninterest-bearing demand deposits, savings, money market and interest checking accounts, is (by definition) equal to the amount payable on demand at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015. The fair value of time deposits, such as certificates of deposit and Individual Retirement Accounts, is based on the discounted value of contractual cash flows. The discount rate is estimated using the rates currently offered for deposits of similar remaining maturities. The fair value estimates of deposits do not include the benefit that results from the low-cost funding provided by the deposit liabilities compared to the cost of borrowing funds in the market, commonly referred to as the core deposit intangible.

 

BORROWED FUNDS - The fair value of borrowings is estimated using discounted cash flow analyses based on rates currently available to the Corporation for similar types of borrowing arrangements.

 

ACCRUED INTEREST - The carrying amounts of accrued interest receivable and payable approximate fair values.

 

OFF-BALANCE SHEET COMMITMENTS - The Corporation has commitments to extend credit and has issued standby letters of credit. Standby letters of credit are conditional guarantees of performance by a customer to a third party. Estimates of the fair value of these off-balance sheet items were not made because of the short-term nature of these arrangements and the credit standing of the counterparties.

 

 16 

 

 

CITIZENS & NORTHERN CORPORATION – FORM 10-Q

 

The estimated fair values, and related carrying amounts, of the Corporation’s financial instruments are as follows:

 

(In Thousands)  Valuation  March 31, 2016   December 31, 2015 
   Method(s)  Carrying   Fair   Carrying   Fair 
   Used  Amount   Value   Amount   Value 
Financial assets:                       
Cash and cash equivalents  Level 1  $38,425   $38,425   $33,313   $33,313 
Certificates of deposit  Level 2   2,748    2,773    2,748    2,752 
Available-for-sale securities  See Above   413,606    413,606    420,290    420,290 
Restricted equity securities (included in Other Assets)  Level 2   3,261    3,261    4,657    4,657 
Loans held for sale  Level 2   526    526    280    280 
Loans, net  Level 3   693,944    688,359    696,991    685,552 
Accrued interest receivable  Level 2   3,900    3,900    3,768    3,768 
Servicing rights  Level 3   1,261    1,261    1,296    1,296 
                        
Financial liabilities:                       
Deposits with no stated maturity  Level 2   736,837    736,837    713,931    713,931 
Time deposits  Level 2   219,011    219,237    221,684    221,891 
Short-term borrowings  Level 2   25,952    25,841    53,496    53,398 
Long-term borrowings  Level 2   38,692    40,247    38,767    40,166 
Accrued interest payable  Level 2   69    69    70    70 

 

6. SECURITIES

 

Amortized cost and fair value of available-for-sale securities at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 are summarized as follows:

 

       March 31, 2016     
       Gross   Gross     
       Unrealized   Unrealized     
   Amortized   Holding   Holding   Fair 
(In Thousands)  Cost   Gains   Losses   Value 
                 
Obligations of U.S. Government agencies  $10,661   $46   $0   $10,707 
Obligations of states and political subdivisions:                    
Tax-exempt   107,269    4,756    (66)   111,959 
Taxable   34,249    845    0    35,094 
Mortgage-backed securities   72,210    1,060    (27)   73,243 
Collateralized mortgage obligations, Issued by U.S. Government agencies   179,731    1,665    (536)   180,860 
Collateralized debt obligations   7    0    0    7 
Total debt securities   404,127    8,372    (629)   411,870 
Marketable equity securities   1,253    483    0    1,736 
Total  $405,380   $8,855   $(629)  $413,606 

 

 17 

 

 

CITIZENS & NORTHERN CORPORATION – FORM 10-Q

 

       December 31, 2015     
       Gross   Gross     
       Unrealized   Unrealized     
   Amortized   Holding   Holding   Fair 
(In Thousands)  Cost   Gains   Losses   Value 
                 
Obligations of U.S. Government agencies  $10,663   $12   $(192)  $10,483 
Obligations of states and political subdivisions:                    
Tax-exempt   103,414    4,365    (22)   107,757 
Taxable   34,317    381    (101)   34,597 
Mortgage-backed securities   73,227    486    (370)   73,343 
Collateralized mortgage obligations, Issued by U.S. Government agencies   193,145    623    (2,053)   191,715 
Collateralized debt obligations:   9    0    0    9 
Total debt securities   414,775    5,867    (2,738)   417,904 
Marketable equity securities   1,680    706    0    2,386 
Total  $416,455   $6,573   $(2,738)  $420,290 

 

The following table presents gross unrealized losses and fair value of available-for-sale securities with unrealized loss positions that are not deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired, aggregated by length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015:

 

March 31, 2016  Less Than 12 Months   12 Months or More   Total 
(In Thousands)  Fair   Unrealized   Fair   Unrealized   Fair   Unrealized 
   Value   Losses   Value   Losses   Value   Losses 
                         
Obligations of states and political subdivisions, Tax-exempt  $10,017   $(66)  $0   $0   $10,017   $(66)
Mortgage-backed securities   5,899    (27)   0    0    5,899    (27)
Collateralized mortgage obligations, Issued by U.S. Government agencies   5,820    (105)   44,291    (431)   50,111    (536)
Total temporarily impaired available-for-sale securities  $21,736   $(198)  $44,291   $(431)  $66,027   $(629)

 

December 31, 2015  Less Than 12 Months   12 Months or More   Total 
(In Thousands)  Fair   Unrealized   Fair   Unrealized   Fair   Unrealized 
   Value   Losses   Value   Losses   Value   Losses 
                         
Obligations of U.S. Government agencies  $0   $0   $7,850   $(192)  $7,850   $(192)
Obligations of states and political subdivisions:                              
Tax-exempt   5,200    (19)   216    (3)   5,416    (22)
Taxable   10,605    (60)   2,910    (41)   13,515    (101)
Mortgage-backed securities   38,764    (295)   3,503    (75)   42,267    (370)
Collateralized mortgage obligations, Issued by U.S. Government agencies   88,355    (648)   49,273    (1,405)   137,628    (2,053)
Total temporarily impaired available-for-sale securities  $142,924   $(1,022)  $63,752   $(1,716)  $206,676   $(2,738)

 

 18 

 

 

CITIZENS & NORTHERN CORPORATION – FORM 10-Q

 

Gross realized gains and losses from available-for-sale securities were as follows:

 

(In Thousands)  3 Months Ended 
   March 31,   March 31, 
   2016   2015 
Gross realized gains from sales  $383   $74 
Gross realized losses from sales   0    0 
Net realized gains  $383   $74 

 

The amortized cost and fair value of available-for-sale debt securities by contractual maturity are shown in the following table as of March 31, 2016. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because counterparties may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.

 

   Amortized   Fair 
(In Thousands)  Cost   Value 
         
Due in one year or less  $10,374   $10,451 
Due from one year through five years   65,791    67,520 
Due from five years through ten years   45,949    47,676 
Due after ten years   30,072    32,120 
Subtotal   152,186    157,767 
Mortgage-backed securities   72,210    73,243 
Collateralized mortgage obligations, Issued by U.S. Government agencies   179,731    180,860 
Total  $404,127   $411,870 

 

The Corporation’s mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations have stated maturities that may differ from actual maturities due to borrowers’ ability to prepay obligations. Cash flows from such investments are dependent upon the performance of the underlying mortgage loans and are generally influenced by the level of interest rates. In the table above, mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations are shown in one period.

 

Investment securities carried at $215,510,000 at March 31, 2016 and $228,616,000 at December 31, 2015 were pledged as collateral for public deposits, trusts and certain other deposits as provided by law. See Note 8 for information concerning securities pledged to secure borrowing arrangements.

 

Management evaluates securities for other-than-temporary impairment (OTTI) at least on a quarterly basis, and more frequently when economic or market conditions 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) whether the Corporation intends to sell the security or more likely than not will be required to sell the security before its anticipated recovery.

 

A summary of information management considered in evaluating debt and equity securities for OTTI at March 31, 2016 is provided below.

 

Debt Securities

 

At March 31, 2016, management performed an assessment for possible OTTI of the Corporation’s debt securities on an issue-by-issue basis, relying on information obtained from various sources, including publicly available financial data, ratings by external agencies, brokers and other sources. The extent of individual analysis applied to each security depended on the size of the Corporation’s investment, as well as management’s perception of the credit risk associated with each security. Based on the results of the assessment, management believes impairment of debt securities at March 31, 2016 to be temporary.

 

Equity Securities

 

The Corporation’s marketable equity securities at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 consisted exclusively of stocks of banking companies. At March 31, 2016, the Corporation held no stocks with an unrealized loss.

 

 19 

 

 

CITIZENS & NORTHERN CORPORATION – FORM 10-Q

 

In the first quarter 2016, the Corporation had realized gains of $249,000 from the sale of bank stocks. The Corporation had no realized gains or losses from the sale of equity securities in the first quarter of 2015.

 

C&N Bank is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh (FHLB-Pittsburgh), which is one of 11 regional Federal Home Loan Banks. As a member, C&N Bank is required to purchase and maintain stock in FHLB-Pittsburgh. There is no active market for FHLB-Pittsburgh stock, and it must ordinarily be redeemed by FHLB-Pittsburgh in order to be liquidated. C&N Bank’s investment in FHLB-Pittsburgh stock, included in Other Assets in the consolidated balance sheet, was $3,131,000 at March 31, 2016 and $4,527,000 at December 31, 2015. The Corporation evaluated its holding of FHLB-Pittsburgh stock for impairment and deemed the stock to not be impaired at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015. In making this determination, management concluded that recovery of total outstanding par value, which equals the carrying value, is expected. The decision was based on review of financial information that FHLB-Pittsburgh has made publicly available.

 

7. LOANS

 

The loans receivable portfolio is segmented into residential mortgage, commercial and consumer loans. Loans outstanding at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 are summarized by segment, and by classes within each segment, as follows:

 

Summary of Loans by Type        
(In Thousands)  Mar. 31,   Dec. 31, 
   2016   2015 
Residential mortgage:          
Residential mortgage loans - first liens  $306,753   $304,783 
Residential mortgage loans - junior liens   21,622    21,146 
Home equity lines of credit   38,627    39,040 
1-4 Family residential construction   20,010    21,121 
Total residential mortgage   387,012    386,090 
Commercial:          
Commercial loans secured by real estate   154,646    154,779 
Commercial and industrial   71,628    75,196 
Political subdivisions   38,364    40,007 
Commercial construction and land   7,445    5,122 
Loans secured by farmland   7,168    7,019 
Multi-family (5 or more) residential   8,393    9,188 
Agricultural loans   4,492    4,671 
Other commercial loans   11,387    12,152 
Total commercial   303,523    308,134 
Consumer   11,070    10,656 
Total   701,605    704,880 
Less: allowance for loan losses   (7,661)   (7,889)
Loans, net  $693,944   $696,991 

 

The Corporation grants loans to individuals as well as commercial and tax-exempt entities. Commercial, residential and personal loans are made to customers geographically concentrated in the Pennsylvania and New York counties that comprise the market serviced by Citizens & Northern Bank. Although the Corporation has a diversified loan portfolio, a significant portion of its debtors’ ability to honor their contracts is dependent on the local economic conditions within the region. There is no concentration of loans to borrowers engaged in similar businesses or activities that exceed 10% of total loans at either March 31, 2016 or December 31, 2015.

 

The Corporation maintains an allowance for loan losses that represents management’s estimate of the losses inherent in the loan portfolio as of the balance sheet date and recorded as a reduction of the investment in loans. The allowance for loan losses is maintained at a level considered adequate to provide for losses that can be reasonably anticipated. Management performs a quarterly evaluation of the adequacy of the allowance. The allowance is based on the Corporation’s past loan loss experience, known and inherent risks in the portfolio, adverse situations that may affect the borrower’s ability to repay, the estimated value of any underlying collateral, composition of the loan portfolio, current economic conditions and other relevant factors. This evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires material estimates that may be susceptible to significant revision as more information becomes available. In the process of evaluating the loan portfolio, management also considers the Corporation’s exposure to losses from unfunded loan commitments. As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, management determined that no allowance for credit losses related to unfunded loan commitments was required.

 

 20 

 

 

CITIZENS & NORTHERN CORPORATION – FORM 10-Q

 

Transactions within the allowance for loan losses, summarized by segment and class, for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 were as follows:

 

  Dec. 31,               March 31, 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2016
(In Thousands)
  2015
Balance
   Charge-offs   Recoveries   Provision
(Credit)
   2016
Balance
 
Allowance for Loan Losses:                         
Residential mortgage:                         
Residential mortgage loans - first liens  $2,645   $0   $0   $77   $2,722 
Residential mortgage loans - junior liens   219    0    0    9    228 
Home equity lines of credit   347    0    0    4    351 
1-4 Family residential construction   207    0    0    (7)   200 
Total residential mortgage   3,418    0    0    83    3,501 
Commercial:                         
Commercial loans secured by real estate   1,939    0    1    87    2,027 
Commercial and industrial   981    0    1    (6)   976 
Commercial construction and land   58    0    0    26    84 
Loans secured by farmland   106    0    0    2    108 
Multi-family (5 or more) residential   675    (595)   0    176    256 
Agricultural loans   45    0    0    (1)   44 
Other commercial loans   118    0    0    (6)   112 
Total commercial   3,922    (595)   2    278    3,607 
Consumer   122    (18)   15    7    126 
Unallocated   427    0    0    0    427 
                          
Total Allowance for Loan Losses  $7,889   $(613)  $17   $368   $7,661 

 

 21 

 

 

CITIZENS & NORTHERN CORPORATION – FORM 10-Q

 

   Dec. 31,               March 31, 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
(In Thousands)
  2014
Balance
   Charge-offs   Recoveries   Provision
(Credit)
   2015
Balance
 
Allowance for Loan Losses:                         
Residential mortgage:                         
Residential mortgage loans - first liens  $2,941   $(79)  $1   $(89)  $2,774 
Residential mortgage loans - junior liens   176    0    0    24    200 
Home equity lines of credit   322    0    0    0    322 
1-4 Family residential construction   214    0    0    (7)   207 
Total residential mortgage   3,653    (79)   1    (72)   3,503 
Commercial:                         
Commercial loans secured by real estate   1,758    (115)   0    93    1,736 
Commercial and industrial   688    (10)   1    5    684 
Commercial construction and land   283    0    0    3    286 
Loans secured by farmland   165    0    0    (6)   159 
Multi-family (5 or more) residential   87    0    0    (6)   81 
Agricultural loans   31    0    0    (2)   29 
Other commercial loans   131    0    0    (8)   123 
Total commercial   3,143    (125)   1    79    3,098 
Consumer   145    (18)   15    (3)   139 
Unallocated   395    0    0    (1)   394 
                          
Total Allowance for Loan Losses  $7,336   $(222)  $17   $3   $7,134 

 

In the evaluation of the loan portfolio, management determines two major components for the allowance for loan losses – (1) a specific component based on an assessment of certain larger relationships, mainly commercial purpose loans, on a loan-by-loan basis; and (2) a general component for the remainder of the portfolio based on a collective evaluation of pools of loans with similar risk characteristics. The general component is assigned to each pool of loans based on both historical net charge-off experience, and an evaluation of certain qualitative factors. An unallocated component is maintained to cover uncertainties that could affect management’s estimate of probable losses. The unallocated component of the allowance reflects the margin of imprecision inherent in the underlying assumptions used in the above methodologies for estimating specific and general losses in the portfolio.

 

In determining the larger loan relationships for detailed assessment under the specific allowance component, the Corporation uses an internal risk rating system. Under the risk rating system, the Corporation classifies problem or potential problem loans as “Special Mention,” “Substandard,” or “Doubtful” on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions and values. Substandard loans include those characterized by the distinct possibility that the Corporation will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected. Loans classified as Doubtful have all the weaknesses inherent in those classified as Substandard with the added characteristic that the weaknesses present make collection or liquidation in full, on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions and values, highly questionable and improbable. Loans that do not currently expose the Corporation to sufficient risk to warrant classification as Substandard or Doubtful, but possess weaknesses that deserve management’s close attention, are deemed to be Special Mention. Risk ratings are updated any time that conditions or the situation warrants. Loans not classified are included in the “Pass” column in the table below.

 

 22 

 

 

CITIZENS & NORTHERN CORPORATION – FORM 10-Q

 

The following tables summarize the aggregate credit quality classification of outstanding loans by risk rating as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015:

 

March 31, 2016                    
(In Thousands)      Special             
   Pass   Mention   Substandard   Doubtful   Total 
Residential Mortgage:                         
Residential mortgage loans - first liens  $296,394   $378   $9,915   $66   $306,753 
Residential mortgage loans - junior liens   20,920    276    426    0    21,622 
Home Equity lines of credit   37,570    492    565    0    38,627 
1-4 Family residential construction   19,994    16    0    0    20,010 
Total residential mortgage   374,878    1,162    10,906    66    387,012 
Commercial:                         
Commercial loans secured by real estate   140,985    4,444    9,217    0    154,646 
Commercial and Industrial   67,568    2,257    1,676    127    71,628 
Political subdivisions   38,364    0    0    0    38,364 
Commercial construction and land   7,282    60    103    0    7,445 
Loans secured by farmland   5,452    171    1,525    20    7,168 
Multi-family (5 or more) residential   7,751    0    642    0    8,393 
Agricultural loans   4,478    0    14    0    4,492 
Other commercial loans   11,309    0    78    0    11,387 
Total commercial   283,189    6,932    13,255    147    303,523 
Consumer   10,878    20    172    0    11,070 
Totals  $668,945   $8,114   $24,333   $213   $701,605 

 

December 31, 2015                    
(In Thousands)      Special             
   Pass   Mention   Substandard   Doubtful   Total 
Residential Mortgage:                         
Residential mortgage loans - first liens  $295,302   $407   $9,007   $67   $304,783 
Residential mortgage loans - junior liens   20,558    185    403    0    21,146 
Home equity lines of credit   38,071    543    426    0    39,040 
1-4 Family residential construction   21,104    17    0    0    21,121 
Total residential mortgage   375,035    1,152    9,836    67    386,090 
Commercial:                         
Commercial loans secured by real estate   140,381    5,862    8,536    0    154,779 
Commercial and Industrial   71,225    2,106    1,737    128    75,196 
Political subdivisions   40,007    0    0    0    40,007 
Commercial construction and land   4,957    60    105    0    5,122 
Loans secured by farmland   5,084    483    1,432    20    7,019 
Multi-family (5 or more) residential   7,943    0    1,245    0    9,188 
Agricultural loans   4,655    0    16    0    4,671 
Other commercial loans   12,073    0    79    0    12,152 
Total commercial   286,325    8,511    13,150    148    308,134 
Consumer   10,490    21    145    0    10,656 
Totals  $671,850   $9,684   $23,131   $215   $704,880 

 

 23 

 

 

CITIZENS & NORTHERN CORPORATION – FORM 10-Q

 

The general component of the allowance for loan losses covers pools of loans including commercial loans not considered individually impaired, as well as smaller balance homogeneous classes of loans, such as residential real estate, home equity lines of credit and other consumer loans. Accordingly, the Corporation generally does not separately identify individual consumer and residential loans for impairment disclosures, unless such loans are subject to a restructuring agreement. The pools of loans are evaluated for loss exposure based upon three-year average historical net charge-off rates for each loan class, adjusted for qualitative factors. Qualitative risk factors (described in the following paragraph) are evaluated for the impact on each of the three segments (residential mortgage, commercial and consumer) within the loan portfolio. Each qualitative factor is assigned a value to reflect improving, stable or declining conditions based on management’s judgment using relevant information available at the time of the evaluation. The adjustment for qualitative factors is applied as an increase or decrease to the three-year average net charge-off rate to each loan class within each segment.

 

The qualitative factors used in the general component calculations are designed to address credit risk characteristics associated with each segment. The Corporation’s credit risk associated with all of the segments is significantly impacted by these factors, which include economic conditions within its market area, the Corporation’s lending policies, changes or trends in the portfolio, risk profile, competition, regulatory requirements and other factors. Further, the residential mortgage segment is significantly affected by the values of residential real estate that provide collateral for the loans. The majority of the Corporation’s commercial segment loans (approximately 59% at March 31, 2016) is secured by real estate, and accordingly, the Corporation’s risk for the commercial segment is significantly affected by commercial real estate values. The consumer segment includes a wide mix of loans for different purposes, primarily secured loans, including loans secured by motor vehicles, manufactured housing and other types of collateral.

 

Loans are classified as impaired, when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Corporation will be unable to collect the scheduled payments of principal or interest when due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Factors considered by management in determining impairment include payment status, collateral value and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due. Loans that experience insignificant payment delays and payment shortfalls generally are not classified as impaired. Management determines the significance of payment delays and payment shortfalls on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration all of the circumstances surrounding the loan and the borrower, including the length of the delay, the reasons for the delay, the borrower’s prior payment record and the amount of shortfall in relation to the principal and interest owed. Impairment is measured on a loan-by-loan basis for commercial loans, by the fair value of the collateral (if the loan is collateral dependent), by future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective rate or by the loan’s observable market price.

 

The scope of loans evaluated individually for impairment include all loan relationships greater than $200,000 for which there is at least one extension of credit graded Special Mention, Substandard or Doubtful. Also, all loans classified as troubled debt restructurings (discussed in more detail below) and all loan relationships less than $200,000 in the aggregate, but with an estimated loss of $100,000 or more, are individually evaluated for impairment. Loans that are individually evaluated for impairment, but which are not determined to be impaired, are combined with all remaining loans that are not reviewed on a specific basis, and such loans are included within larger pools of loans based on similar risk and loss characteristics for purposes of determining the general component of the allowance. The loans that have been individually evaluated, but which have not been determined to be impaired, are included in the “Collectively Evaluated” column in the tables summarizing the allowance and associated loan balances as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015.

 

 24 

 

 

CITIZENS & NORTHERN CORPORATION – FORM 10-Q

 

The following tables present a summary of loan balances and the related allowance for loan losses summarized by portfolio segment and class for each impairment method used as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015:

 

March 31, 2016  Loans:   Allowance for Loan Losses: 
(In Thousands)                        
   Individually   Collectively       Individually   Collectively     
   Evaluated   Evaluated   Totals   Evaluated   Evaluated   Totals 
Residential mortgage:                              
Residential mortgage loans - first liens  $833   $305,920   $306,753   $0   $2,722   $2,722 
Residential mortgage loans - junior liens   72    21,550    21,622    0    228    228 
Home equity lines of credit   0    38,627    38,627    0    351    351 
1-4 Family residential construction   0    20,010    20,010    0    200    200 
Total residential mortgage   905    386,107    387,012    0    3,501    3,501 
Commercial:                              
Commercial loans secured by real estate   6,065    148,581    154,646    96    1,931    2,027 
Commercial and industrial   832    70,796    71,628    155    821    976 
Political subdivisions   0    38,364    38,364    0    0    0 
Commercial construction and land   0    7,445    7,445    0    84    84 
Loans secured by farmland   1,418    5,750    7,168    52    56    108 
Multi-family (5 or more) residential   392    8,001    8,393    0    256    256 
Agricultural loans   14    4,478    4,492    0    44    44 
Other commercial loans   0    11,387    11,387    0    112    112 
Total commercial   8,721    294,802    303,523    303    3,304    3,607 
Consumer   4    11,066    11,070    3    123    126 
Unallocated                            427 
                               
Total  $9,630   $691,975   $701,605   $306   $6,928   $7,661 

 

December 31, 2015  Loans:   Allowance for Loan Losses: 
(In Thousands)                        
   Individually   Collectively       Individually   Collectively     
   Evaluated   Evaluated   Totals   Evaluated   Evaluated   Totals 
Residential mortgage:                              
Residential mortgage loans - first liens  $884   $303,899   $304,783   $1   $2,644   $2,645 
Residential mortgage loans - junior liens   74    21,072    21,146    0    219    219 
Home equity lines of credit   0    39,040    39,040    0    347    347 
1-4 Family residential construction   0    21,121    21,121    0    207    207 
Total residential mortgage   958    385,132    386,090    1    3,417    3,418 
Commercial:                              
Commercial loans secured by real estate   6,262    148,517    154,779    97    1,842    1,939 
Commercial and industrial   324    74,872    75,196    75    906    981 
Political subdivisions   0    40,007    40,007    0    0    0 
Commercial construction and land   0    5,122    5,122    0    58    58 
Loans secured by farmland   1,427    5,592    7,019    52    54    106 
Multi-family (5 or more) residential   987    8,201    9,188    595    80    675 
Agricultural loans   16    4,655    4,671    0    45    45 
Other commercial loans   0    12,152    12,152    0    118    118 
Total commercial   9,016    299,118    308,134    819    3,103    3,922 
Consumer   0    10,656    10,656    0    122    122 
Unallocated                            427 
                               
Total  $9,974   $694,906   $704,880   $820   $6,642   $7,889 

 

 25 

 

 

CITIZENS & NORTHERN CORPORATION – FORM 10-Q

 

Summary information related to impaired loans at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 is as follows:

 

(In Thousands)  March 31, 2016   December 31, 2015 
   Unpaid           Unpaid         
   Principal   Recorded   Related   Principal   Recorded   Related 
   Balance   Investment   Allowance   Balance   Investment   Allowance 
With no related allowance recorded:                              
Residential mortgage loans - first liens  $833   $833   $0   $842   $842   $0 
Residential mortgage loans - junior liens   72    72    0    74    74    0 
Commercial loans secured by real estate   7,415    5,754    0    7,580    5,945    0 
Commercial and industrial   237    237    0    249    249    0 
Loans secured by farmland   908    908    0    915    915    0 
Multi-family (5 or more) residential   987    392    0    0    0    0 
Agricultural loans   14    14    0    16    16    0 
Total with no related allowance recorded   10,466    8,210    0    9,676    8,041    0 
                               
With a related allowance recorded:                              
Residential mortgage loans - first liens   0    0    0    42    42    1 
Commercial loans secured by real estate   311    311    96    317    317    97 
Commercial and industrial   595    595    155    75    75    75 
Loans secured by farmland   510    510    52    512    512    52 
Multi-family (5 or more) residential   0    0    0    987    987    595 
Consumer   4    4    3    0    0    0 
Total with a related allowance recorded   1,420    1,420    306    1,933    1,933    820 
Total  $11,886   $9,630   $306   $11,609   $9,974   $820 

 

The average balance of impaired loans and interest income recognized on impaired loans is as follows:

 

           Interest Income Recognized on 
   Average Investment in Impaired Loans   Impaired Loans on a Cash Basis 
(In Thousands)  3 Months Ended   3 Months Ended 
   March 31,   March 31, 
   2016   2015   2016   2015 
Residential mortgage:                    
Residential mortgage loans - first lien  $861   $3,442   $10   $14 
Residential mortgage loans - junior lien   73    48    1    1 
Total residential mortgage   934    3,490    11    15 
Commercial:                    
Commercial loans secured by real estate   6,160    6,588    110    112 
Commercial and industrial   568    603    3    7 
Commercial construction and land   0    75    0    0 
Loans secured by farmland   1,423    1,465    21    26 
Multi-family (5 or more) residential   690    519    0    25 
Agricultural loans   15    0    1    0 
Total commercial   8,856    9,250    135    170 
Consumer   12    0    0    0 
Total  $9,802   $12,740   $146   $185 

 

 26 

 

 

CITIZENS & NORTHERN CORPORATION – FORM 10-Q

 

Loans are placed on nonaccrual status for all classes of loans when, in the opinion of management, collection of interest is doubtful. Any unpaid interest previously accrued on those loans is reversed from income. Interest income is not recognized on specific impaired loans unless the likelihood of further loss is remote. Interest payments received on loans for which the risk of further loss is greater than remote are applied as a reduction of the loan principal balance. Interest income on other nonaccrual loans, including impaired loans, is recognized only to the extent of interest payments received. Generally, loans are restored to accrual status when the obligation is brought current, has performed in accordance with the contractual terms for a reasonable period of time (generally six months) and the ultimate collectability of the total contractual principal and interest is no longer in doubt. The past due status of all classes of loans receivable is determined based on contractual due dates for loan payments. Also, the amortization of deferred loan fees is discontinued when a loan is placed on nonaccrual status.

 

The breakdown by portfolio segment and class of nonaccrual loans and loans past due ninety days or more and still accruing is as follows:

 

(In Thousands)  March 31, 2016   December 31, 2015 
   Past Due       Past Due     
   90+ Days and       90+ Days and     
   Accruing   Nonaccrual   Accruing   Nonaccrual 
Residential mortgage:                    
Residential mortgage loans - first liens  $2,680   $3,080   $2,381   $3,044 
Residential mortgage loans - junior liens   140    0    79    0 
Home equity lines of credit   175    0    130    0 
Total residential mortgage   2,995    3,080    2,590    3,044 
Commercial:                    
Commercial loans secured by real estate   539    5,689    503    5,730 
Commercial and industrial   318    312    65    313 
Loans secured by farmland   102    1,418    0    1,427 
Multi-family (5 or more) residential   0    392    0    987 
Agricultural loans   0    14    0    16 
Total commercial   959    7,825    568    8,473 
Consumer   3    39    71    0 
                     
Totals  $3,957   $10,944   $3,229   $11,517 

 

The amounts shown in the table immediately above include loans classified as troubled debt restructurings (described in more detail below), if such loans are past due ninety days or more or nonaccrual.

 

 27 

 

 

CITIZENS & NORTHERN CORPORATION – FORM 10-Q

 

The table below presents a summary of the contractual aging of loans as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015:

 

   As of March 31, 2016   As of December 31, 2015 
   Current &               Current &             
(In Thousands)  Past Due   Past Due   Past Due       Past Due   Past Due   Past Due     
   Less than   30-89   90+       Less than   30-89   90+     
   30 Days   Days   Days   Total   30 Days   Days   Days   Total 
Residential mortgage:                                        
Residential mortgage loans - first liens  $295,485   $7,234   $4,034   $306,753   $294,703   $6,156   $3,924   $304,783 
Residential mortgage loans - junior liens   21,340    142    140    21,622    20,816    251    79    21,146 
Home equity lines of credit   37,977    475    175    38,627    38,581    329    130    39,040 
1-4 Family residential construction   19,867    143    0    20,010    21,121    0    0    21,121 
Total residential mortgage   374,669    7,994    4,349    387,012    375,221    6,736    4,133    386,090 
                                         
Commercial:                                        
Commercial loans secured by real estate   150,087    3,280    1,279    154,646    153,427    108    1,244    154,779 
Commercial and industrial   71,123    168    337    71,628    75,002    118    76    75,196 
Political subdivisions   38,364    0    0    38,364    40,007    0    0    40,007 
Commercial construction and land   7,311    134    0    7,445    5,018    104    0    5,122 
Loans secured by farmland   6,025    221    922    7,168    5,970    223    826    7,019 
Multi-family (5 or more) residential   7,928    73    392    8,393    8,201    0    987    9,188 
Agricultural loans   4,398    80    14    4,492    4,642    13    16    4,671 
Other commercial loans   11,387    0    0    11,387    12,152    0    0    12,152 
Total commercial   296,623    3,956    2,944    303,523    304,419    566    3,149    308,134 
Consumer   10,933    95    42    11,070    10,537    48    71    10,656 
                                         
Totals  $682,225   $12,045   $7,335   $701,605   $690,177   $7,350   $7,353   $704,880 

 

Nonaccrual loans are included in the contractual aging in the immediately preceding table. A summary of the contractual aging of nonaccrual loans at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 is as follows:

 

   Current &             
(In Thousands)  Past Due   Past Due   Past Due     
   Less than   30-89   90+     
   30 Days   Days   Days   Total 
March 31, 2016 Nonaccrual Totals  $6,894   $672   $3,378   $10,944 
December 31, 2015 Nonaccrual Totals  $7,100   $293   $4,124   $11,517 

 

Loans whose terms are modified are classified as Troubled Debt Restructurings (TDRs) if the Corporation grants such borrowers concessions, and it is deemed that those borrowers are experiencing financial difficulty. Loans classified as TDRs are designated as impaired. The outstanding balance of loans subject to TDRs, as well as contractual aging information at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 is as follows:

 

   Current &                 
(In Thousands)  Past Due   Past Due   Past Due         
   Less than   30-89   90+         
   30 Days   Days   Days   Nonaccrual   Total 
March 31, 2016 Totals  $925   $242   $86   $5,060   $6,313 
December 31, 2015 Totals  $1,186   $0   $81   $5,097   $6,364 

 

 28 

 

 

CITIZENS & NORTHERN CORPORATION – FORM 10-Q

 

TDRs that occurred during the three-month periods ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 are as follows:

 

Three Months Ended March 31, 2016      Pre-   Post- 
(Balances in Thousands)      Modification   Modification 
   Number   Outstanding   Outstanding 
   of   Recorded   Recorded 
   Contracts   Investment   Investment 
Commercial, Commercial and industrial   1   $5   $5 

 

Three Months Ended March 31, 2015      Pre-   Post- 
(Balances in Thousands)      Modification   Modification 
   Number   Outstanding   Outstanding 
   of   Recorded   Recorded 
   Contracts   Investment   Investment 
Residential mortgage:               
Residential mortgage loans - first liens   1   $56   $56 
Residential mortgage loans - junior liens   1    32    32 
Consumer   1    30    30 

 

The TDR in the three-month period ended March 31, 2016 resulted from an extension of a final maturity date. There was no allowance for loan losses on this loan at March 31, 2016 and no change in allowance for loan losses resulting from this TDR.

 

The TDRs in the three-month period ended March 31, 2015 included an extended maturity date and a reduction in interest rate on a residential mortgage – first lien, a lowered interest rate and reduced payment amount on a residential mortgage – junior lien and a lowered interest rate and reduced payment amount on the consumer loan. There was no allowance for loan losses on these loans at March 31, 2015 and no change in the allowance for loan losses resulting from these TDRs.

 

In the three-month period ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, defaults on loans for which modifications considered to be TDRs were entered into within the previous 12 months were as follows:

 

Three Months Ended March 31, 2016  Number     
(Balances in Thousands)  of   Recorded 
   Contracts   Investment 
Residential mortgage, Residential mortgage loans - first liens   1   $31 
Commercial, Commercial and industrial   1    5 

 

Three Months Ended March 31, 2015  Number     
(Balances in Thousands)  of   Recorded 
   Contracts   Investment 
Residential mortgage, Residential mortgage loans - first liens   2   $115 
Commercial:          
Commercial loans secured by real estate   1    407 
Commercial construction and land   1    25 

 

 29 

 

 

CITIZENS & NORTHERN CORPORATION – FORM 10-Q

 

In the first quarter 2016, the events of default in the table listed above resulted from a borrower’s failure to pay in a timely manner after reduced payment amounts for six months expired in the Residential mortgage – first lien and a borrower’s failure to pay off a loan after the maturity date was extended and passed on the Commercial and industrial loan. There was no allowance for loan losses recorded on these loans at March 31, 2016.

 

In the first quarter 2015, the events of default in the table listed above resulted from the borrowers’ failure to make timely payments under the following circumstances: (1) for one customer relationship included in the Residential first lien mortgage class, payment was missed after the interest rate and monthly payment amount had been reduced; (2) for the other customer relationship included in the Residential first lien class, monthly payments were missed after reducing the monthly payments to interest only payments; (3) for the Commercial loan secured by real estate, monthly payments were missed after reducing the monthly payments to interest only; and (4) for the Commercial construction and land loan, monthly payments were missed after extending the term of maturity. There were no allowances for loan losses recorded on these loans at March 31, 2015.

 

The carrying amount of foreclosed residential real estate properties held as a result of obtaining physical possession (included in Foreclosed assets held for sale in the unaudited Consolidated Balance Sheet) is as follows:

 

(In Thousands)  March 31,   Dec. 31, 
   2016   2015 
Foreclosed residential real estate  $883   $555 

 

The recorded investment of consumer mortgage loans secured by residential real properties for which formal foreclosure proceedings were in process is as follows:

 

(In Thousands)  March 31,   Dec. 31, 
   2016   2015 
Residential real estate in process of foreclosure  $931   $1,173 

 

8. BORROWED FUNDS

 

Short-term borrowings include the following:

 

(In Thousands)  March 31,   Dec. 31, 
   2016   2015 
FHLB-Pittsburgh borrowings  $18,811   $48,581 
Customer repurchase agreements   7,141    4,915 
Total short-term borrowings  $25,952   $53,496 

 

Short-term borrowings from FHLB-Pittsburgh are as follows:

 

(In Thousands)  March 31,   Dec. 31, 
   2016   2015 
Overnight borrowing  $0   $23,500 
Other short-term advances   18,811    25,081 
Total short-term FHLB-Pittsburgh borrowings  $18,811   $48,581 

 

The FHLB-Pittsburgh loan facilities are collateralized by qualifying loans secured by real estate with a book value totaling $448,336,000 at March 31, 2016 and $450,883,000 at December 31, 2015. Also, the FHLB-Pittsburgh loan facilities require the Corporation to invest in established amounts of FHLB-Pittsburgh stock. The carrying values of the Corporation’s holdings of FHLB-Pittsburgh stock (included in Other Assets) were $3,131,000 at March 31, 2016 and $4,527,000 at December 31, 2015.

 

At March 31, 2016, short-term borrowings from the FHLB-Pittsburgh include 9 advances of approximately $2,090,000 each maturing monthly throughout the remainder of the year ended December 31, 2016, with a weighted average interest rate of 0.94% and rates ranging from 0.77% to 1.052%. In the first quarter 2016, the Corporation repaid 3 advances of approximately $2,090,000 each with a weighted average rate of 0.62%.

 

 30 

 

 

CITIZENS & NORTHERN CORPORATION – FORM 10-Q

 

The Corporation engages in repurchase agreements with certain commercial customers. These agreements provide that the Corporation sells specified investment securities to the customers on an overnight basis and repurchases them on the following business day. The weighted average rate paid by the Corporation on customer repurchase agreements was 0.10% at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015. The carrying value of the underlying securities was $12,100,000 at March 31, 2016 and $12,613,000 at December 31, 2015.

 

Long-term borrowings are as follows:

 

(In Thousands)  March 31,   Dec. 31, 
   2016   2015 
FHLB-Pittsburgh borrowings  $11,692   $11,767 
Repurchase agreement   27,000    27,000 
Total long-term borrowings  $38,692   $38,767 

 

Long-term borrowings from FHLB-Pittsburgh are as follows:

 

(In Thousands)  March 31,   Dec. 31, 
   2016   2015 
Loan maturing in 2016 with a rate of 6.86%  $45   $57 
Loan maturing in 2017 with a rate of 6.83%   9    10 
Loan maturing in 2017 with a rate of 3.81%   10,000    10,000 
Loan maturing in 2020 with a rate of 4.79%   778    821 
Loan maturing in 2025 with a rate of 4.91%   860    879 
Total long-term FHLB-Pittsburgh borrowings  $11,692   $11,767 

 

The repurchase agreement included in long-term borrowings has an interest rate of 3.595% and an effective maturity date in December 2017.

 

The “Repurchase Date,” as defined in the Master Repurchase Agreement between the Corporation and the broker-dealer, occurs quarterly on or about the 20th of each March, June, September and December until the “Final Repurchase Date” (as defined) on December 20, 2017. The Corporation pays interest, and the borrowing is putable by the issuer, on each Repurchase Date. The Final Repurchase Date is the effective maturity date of the borrowings.

 

Securities sold under repurchase agreements were delivered to the broker-dealer who is the counter-party to the transactions. The broker-dealer may have sold, loaned or otherwise disposed of such securities to other parties in the normal course of their operations, and has agreed to resell to the Corporation substantially identical securities at the maturities of the agreements. The Master Repurchase Agreement provides that the Agreement constitutes a “netting contract,” as defined; however, the Corporation and the broker-dealer have no other obligations to one another and accordingly, no netting has occurred.

 

The carrying value of the underlying securities was $32,701,000 at March 31, 2016 and $33,780,000 at December 31, 2015, detailed in the following table:

 

(In Thousands)  March 31,   Dec. 31, 
   2016   2015 
Mortgage-backed securities  $15,526   $15,772 
Collateralized mortgage obligations, Issued by U.S. Government agencies   17,175    18,008 
Total  $32,701   $33,780 

 

Two of the more significant risks associated with the repurchase agreement with the broker-dealer are as follows:

·The borrowings are putable at quarterly intervals by the issuer. Accordingly, if interest rates were to rise to a sufficient level, the issuer would be expected to require the Corporation to pay off the borrowing. In this circumstance, the Corporation would be required to obtain a new borrowing at a higher interest rate than the existing repurchase agreement or utilize cash from other sources to pay off the borrowing. If sales of available-for-sale securities were used to generate cash to pay off the borrowing, the value of such securities would be expected to have fallen, which could result in the Corporation recognizing a loss.

 

 31 

 

 

 

CITIZENS & NORTHERN CORPORATION – FORM 10-Q

 

·As principal pay-downs of mortgage backed securities and CMOs occur, the Corporation must have available, unencumbered assets or purchase a sufficient amount of assets with credit quality suitable to the broker-dealer to replace the amounts being paid off. Since pre-payments of mortgages typically increase as interest rates fall, the Corporation may be required to purchase additional assets at times when market rates are lower than the rates paid on the borrowing.

 

The Corporation manages these risks by maintaining sufficient available assets of acceptable credit quality, as well as maintaining other borrowing facilities, to meet ongoing collateral maintenance requirements or pay off the borrowing if required. In particular, the Corporation had unused borrowing capacity available from the FHLB-Pittsburgh of $297,186,000 at March 31, 2016.

 

9. DEFINED BENEFIT PLANS

 

The Corporation sponsors a defined benefit health care plan that provides postretirement medical benefits and life insurance to employees who meet certain age and length of service requirements. Full-time employees no longer accrue service time toward the Corporation-subsidized portion of the medical benefits. This plan contains a cost-sharing feature, which causes participants to pay for all future increases in costs related to benefit coverage. Accordingly, actuarial assumptions related to health care cost trend rates do not significantly affect the liability balance at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, and are not expected to significantly affect the Corporation's future expenses. The Corporation uses a December 31 measurement date for the postretirement plan.

 

In an acquisition in 2007, the Corporation assumed the Citizens Trust Company Retirement Plan, a defined benefit pension plan. This plan covers certain employees who were employed by Citizens Trust Company on December 31, 2002, when the plan was amended to discontinue admittance of any future participant and to freeze benefit accruals. Information related to the Citizens Trust Company Retirement Plan has been included in the tables that follow. The Corporation uses a December 31 measurement date for this plan.

 

The components of net periodic benefit costs from these defined benefit plans are as follows:

 

Defined Benefit Plans        
(In Thousands)  Pension   Postretirement 
   Three Months Ended   Three Months Ended 
   March 31,   March 31, 
   2016   2015   2016   2015 
Service cost  $0   $0   $9   $10 
Interest cost   7    9    16    13 
Expected return on plan assets   (7)   (11)   0    0 
Amortization of prior service cost   0    0    (8)   (7)
Recognized net actuarial loss   3    4    0    0 
Net periodic benefit cost  $3   $2   $17   $16 

 

In the first three months of 2016, the Corporation funded postretirement contributions totaling $18,000, with estimated annual postretirement contributions of $68,000 expected in 2016 for the full year. Based upon the related actuarial reports, no defined benefit pension contributions are required in 2016, though the Corporation may make discretionary contributions.

 

10. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS

 

The Corporation has a Stock Incentive Plan for a selected group of officers and an Independent Directors Stock Incentive Plan. In the three-month periods ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, the Corporation issued restricted stock under each of the Plans.

 

In the first quarter 2016, the Corporation awarded a total of 34,199 shares of restricted stock under the Stock Incentive and Independent Directors Stock Incentive Plans. Restricted stock awards in the first quarter 2016 included the following: (1) a total of 17,289 shares to employees, vesting over a three-year term, with vesting contingent upon the Corporation meeting an annual return on average equity (“ROAE”) performance ratio, as defined; (2) a total of 10,304 shares to employees, vesting over a three-year term, with vesting dependent on satisfactory performance; and (3) a total of 6,606 shares under the Independent Directors Incentive Plan, vesting over a term of one year.

 

 32 

 

 

CITIZENS & NORTHERN CORPORATION – FORM 10-Q

 

In the first quarter 2015, a total of 34,800 shares of restricted stock were awarded under the Plans. Restricted stock awards in 2015 included the following: (1) a total of 20,298 shares to employees, vesting over a four-year term, with vesting contingent upon the Corporation meeting an annual ROAE performance ratio, as defined; (2) a total of 2,198 shares to employees, vesting over a four-year term, with vesting dependent on satisfactory performance; (3) an award to the Chief Executive Officer of 5,174 shares, vesting over a three-year term, with vesting dependent on satisfactory performance; and (4) a total of 7,130 shares under the Independent Directors Incentive Plan, vesting over a term of one year.

 

Compensation cost related to restricted stock is recognized based on the market price of the stock at the grant date over the vesting period. Management has estimated restricted stock expense in the first three months of 2016 based on an assumption that the ROAE target for 2016 will be met. Total stock-based compensation expense attributable to restricted stock awards amounted to $162,000 in the first quarter 2016 and $150,000 in the first quarter 2015.

 

11. INCOME TAXES

 

The net deferred tax asset at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 represents the following temporary difference components:

 

   March 31,   December 31, 
(In Thousands)  2016   2015 
Deferred tax assets:          
Net realized losses on securities  $36   $69 
Allowance for loan losses   2,623    2,761 
Other deferred tax assets   2,238    2,634 
Total deferred tax assets   4,897    5,464 
           
Deferred tax liabilities:          
Unrealized holding gains on securities   2,879    1,342 
Defined benefit plans - ASC 835   26    19 
Bank premises and equipment   926    869 
Core deposit intangibles   10    11 
Other deferred tax liabilities   107    108 
Total deferred tax liabilities   3,948    2,349 
Deferred tax asset, net  $949   $3,115 

 

The provision for income tax for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 is based on the Corporation’s estimate of the effective tax rate expected to be applicable for the full year. The effective tax rates for the Corporation are as follows:

 

   Three Months Ended 
(In thousands)  March 31, 
   2016   2015 
Income before income tax provision  $4,666   $5,044 
Income tax provision   1,093    1,229 
Effective tax rate   23.42%   24.37%

 

The effective tax rate for each period presented differs from the statutory rate of 35% principally because of the effects of tax-exempt interest income.

 

The Corporation has investments in three limited partnerships that manage affordable housing projects that have qualified for the federal low-income housing tax credit. The Corporation’s expected return from these investments is based on the receipt of tax credits and tax benefits from deductions of operating losses. The Corporation uses the effective yield method to account for these investments, with the benefits recognized as a reduction of the provision for income taxes. For two of the three limited partnership investments, the tax credits have been received in full in prior years, and the Corporation has fully realized the benefits of the credits and amortized its initial investments in the partnerships. The most recent affordable housing project was completed in 2013, and the Corporation received tax credits in 2013, 2014 and 2015 and expects to continue to receive tax credits annually through 2022. The carrying amount of the Corporation’s investment is $787,000 at March 31, 2016 and $812,000 at December 31, 2015 (included in Other Assets in the consolidated balance sheets). For the year ending December 31, 2016, the estimated amount of tax credits and other tax benefits to be received is $158,000 and the estimated amount to be recognized as a reduction of the provision for income taxes is $76,000. For the year ended December 31, 2015, tax credits and other tax benefits totaled $158,000 and the amount recognized as a reduction of the provision for income taxes for 2015 was $80,000. The total reduction in the provision for income taxes resulting from this investment is $19,000 in the first quarter 2016 and $20,000 in the first quarter 2015.

 

 33 

 

 

CITIZENS & NORTHERN CORPORATION – FORM 10-Q

 

The Corporation has no unrecognized tax benefits, nor pending examination issues related to tax positions taken in preparation of its income tax returns. With limited exceptions, the Corporation is no longer subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service for years prior to 2012.

 

12. CONTINGENCIES

 

In the normal course of business, the Corporation may be subject to pending and threatened lawsuits in which claims for monetary damages could be asserted. In management’s opinion, the Corporation’s financial position and results of operations would not be materially affected by the outcome of such pending legal proceedings.

 

13. RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

 

The FASB issues Accounting Standards Updates (ASUs) to the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (ASC). This section provides a summary description of recent ASUs that have significant implications (elected or required) within the consolidated financial statements, or that management expects may have a significant impact on financial statements issued in the near future.

 

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which provides a principles-based framework for revenue recognition that supersedes virtually all previously issued revenue recognition guidance under U.S. GAAP. Additionally, the ASU requires improved disclosures to help users of financial statements better understand the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue that is recognized. The core principle of the five-step revenue recognition framework is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. In August 2015 the FASB issued ASU 2015-14, which deferred the effective date of the revenue recognition standard by a year, making it applicable for the Corporation in the first quarter 2018 and for the annual period ending December 31, 2018. The amendments should be applied either retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented or retrospectively with the cumulative effect of initially applying the amendments recognized at the date of initial application. The Corporation is in the process of evaluating the potential impact of adopting the amendments, including determining which transition method to apply.

 

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Liabilities. This makes significant changes in U.S. GAAP related to certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of financial instruments. The changes provided for in this Update that are applicable to the Corporation are as follows: (1) require equity investments (except those accounted for under the equity method of accounting or those that result in consolidation of the investee) to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income; however, an entity may choose to measure equity investments that do not have readily determinable fair values at cost minus impairment, if any, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for the identical or a similar investment of the same issuer; (2) for equity investments without readily determinable fair values, require a qualitative assessment to identify impairment, and if a qualitative assessment indicates that impairment exists, requiring an entity to measure the investment at fair value; (3) eliminate the requirement for public business entities to disclose the method(s) and significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value that is required to be disclosed for financial instruments measured at amortized cost on the balance sheet; (4) require public business entities to use the exit price notion when measuring the fair value of financial instruments for disclosure purposes; (5) require an entity to present separately in other comprehensive income the portion of the total change in the fair value of a liability resulting from a change in the instrument-specific credit risk when the entity has elected to measure the liability at fair value in accordance with the fair value option for financial instruments (at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the Corporation has no liabilities for which the fair value measurement option has been elected); (6) require separate presentation of financial assets and financial liabilities by measurement category and form of financial asset (that is, securities or loans and receivables) on the balance sheet or the accompanying notes to the financial statements; and (7) clarify that an entity should evaluate the need for a valuation allowance on a deferred tax asset related to available-for-sale securities in combination with the entity’s other deferred tax assets. The amendments in this Update will become effective for the Corporation for annual and interim periods beginning in the first quarter 2018. With limited exceptions, early adoption of the amendments in this Update is not permitted. Amendments are to be applied by means of a cumulative-effect adjustment to the balance sheet as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. The amendments related to equity securities without readily determinable fair values should be applied prospectively.

 

 34 

 

 

CITIZENS & NORTHERN CORPORATION – FORM 10-Q

 

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). The core principle of Topic 842 is that a lessee should recognize the assets and liabilities that arise from leases. Specifically, a lessee should recognize on the balance sheet a liability to make lease payments (the lease liability) and a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying asset for the lease term. For leases with a term of 12 months or less, a lessee would be permitted to make an accounting policy election by class of underlying asset not to recognize lease assets and liabilities. Topic 842 would not significantly change the recognition, measurement and presentation of expenses and cash flows arising from a lease by a lessee from current U.S. GAAP; however, the principal change from current GAAP is that lease assets and liabilities arising from operating leases would be recognized on the balance sheet. Topic 842 provides several other changes or clarifications to existing GAAP, and will require qualitative disclosures, along with quantitative disclosures, so that financial statement users can understand more about the nature of an entity’s leasing activities. In transition, Topic 842 provides that lessees and lessors are required to recognize and measure leases at the beginning of the earliest period presented using a modified retrospective approach, including optional practical expedients. An entity that elects to apply the practical expedients will, in effect, continue to account for leases that commence before the effective date in accordance with previous GAAP unless the lease is modified, except that lessees will be required to recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for all operating leases at each reporting date based on the present value of the remaining minimum rental payments that were tracked and disclosed under previous GAAP. Topic 842 will become effective for the Corporation for annual and interim periods beginning in the first quarter 2019.

 

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-07, Investments – Equity Method and Joint Ventures. This ASU eliminates the requirement that when an investment qualifies for the equity method as a result of an increase in the level of ownership interest or influence, an investor must adjust the investment, results of operations and retained earnings retroactively as if the equity method had been in effect during all previous periods the investment had been held. The ASU requires the equity method investor to add the cost of acquiring an additional interest in the investee to the basis of the investor’s previously held interest and adopt the equity method of accounting as of the date the investment becomes qualified for the equity method. The ASU further requires that an entity that has an available-for-sale equity security that becomes qualified for the equity method recognize through earnings the unrealized gain or loss in accumulated other comprehensive income at the date the investment becomes qualified for use of the equity method. The amendments in this Update are effective for the Corporation for annual and interim periods beginning in the first quarter 2017, with earlier application permitted. The amendments should be applied prospectively upon their effective date.

 

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, Compensation – Stock Compensation. This ASU changes several aspects of accounting for share-based payment transactions, and includes some changes that apply only to nonpublic companies. This Update includes amendments that currently apply, or may apply in the future, to the Corporation related to the following: (1) accounting for the difference between the deduction for tax purposes and the amount of compensation cost recognized for financial reporting purposes; (2) classification of excess tax benefits on the statement of cash flows; (3) accounting for forfeitures; (4) accounting for awards partially settled in cash in excess of the employer’s minimum statutory tax withholding requirements; and (5) classification of employee taxes paid on the statement of cash flows when an employer withholds shares for tax-withholding purposes. The amendments in this Update are effective for the Corporation for annual and interim periods beginning in the first quarter 2017, with earlier adoption permitted. The ASU provides separate transition provisions for each of the amendments. The Corporation is in the process of evaluating the potential impact of adopting the amendments.

 

14. SUBSEQUENT EVENT

 

Effective April 21, 2016, the Corporation announced a new treasury stock repurchase program. Announcement of a new treasury stock repurchase program follows the recent completion of a common stock repurchase plan authorized by the Board of Directors in July 2014. Through March 31, 2016, 589,550 shares had been repurchased under the July 2014 program for a total cost of $11,870,000. In April 2016, the Corporation repurchased the remainder of the shares authorized under that program. In total, 622,500 shares were repurchased for a total cost of $12,140,000, at an average price of $19.50 per share.

 

Under the new program, the Corporation is authorized to repurchase up to 600,000 shares of the Corporation’s common stock, or slightly less than 5% of the Corporation’s issued and outstanding shares at April 19, 2016. As permitted by securities laws and other legal requirements and subject to market conditions and other factors, purchases under the new program may be made from time to time in the open market at prevailing prices, or through privately negotiated transactions.

 

 35 

 

 

CITIZENS & NORTHERN CORPORATION – FORM 10-Q

 

Consistent with the previous program, the Board of Directors’ April 21, 2016 authorization provides that: (1) the new treasury stock repurchase program shall be effective when publicly announced and shall continue thereafter until suspended or terminated by the Board of Directors, in its sole discretion; and (2) all shares of common stock repurchased pursuant to the new program shall be held as treasury shares and be available for use and reissuance for purposes as and when determined by the Board of Directors including, without limitation, pursuant to the Corporation’s Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan and its equity compensation program.

 

 36 

 

 

CITIZENS & NORTHERN CORPORATION – FORM 10-Q

 

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

 

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

 

·changes in monetary and fiscal policies of the Federal Reserve Board and the U. S. Government, particularly related to changes in interest rates
·changes in general economic conditions
·legislative or regulatory changes
·downturn in demand for loan, deposit and other financial services in the Corporation’s market area
·increased competition from other banks and non-bank providers of financial services
·technological changes and increased technology-related costs
·changes in accounting principles, or the application of generally accepted accounting principles.

 

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

 

EARNINGS OVERVIEW

 

Net income per basic and diluted share was $0.29 in the first quarter 2016, as compared to $0.33 per share in the fourth quarter 2015 and $0.31 per share in the first quarter 2015. The return on average assets for the first quarter 2016 was 1.18%, and the return on average equity was 7.60%.

 

Some of the more significant fluctuations in revenues and expenses between the three-month period ended March 31, 2016 and the corresponding period in 2015 were as follows:

 

·Net interest income was up $83,000 (0.8%) in the first quarter 2016 as compared to the first quarter 2015. The first quarter 2016 net interest margin of 3.81% improved by 0.07% over the first quarter 2015 due to a lower cost of borrowed funds and a more favorable mix of earning assets. The lower rate on borrowed funds resulted from prepayments in 2015 totaling $34 million of principal of a repurchase agreement with an interest rate of 4.265%. Average total loans outstanding increased $77.2 million (12.4%) in the first quarter 2016 as compared to the first quarter 2015, while average total available-for-sale securities fell $94.5 million. The average balance of earning assets fell $23.6 million, reflecting a reduction in funding available for investment, as average total deposits decreased $21.4 million (2.2%).

 

·The first quarter 2016 provision for loan losses of $368,000 was $365,000 higher than the comparative first quarter 2015 amount of $3,000. The higher provision in the first quarter 2016 resulted from an increase in the collectively determined portion of the allowance for loan losses, including the effect of an increase in the average net charge-off percentage used to calculate the allowance due to a partial charge-off of $595,000 on one commercial loan in the first quarter 2016. In comparison, the lower first quarter 2015 provision included the net effect of a decrease in qualitative factor percentages used in determining the collectively evaluated portion of the allowance for loan losses, lower loan balances and a reduction in the specific allowance on impaired loans.

 

·Noninterest revenue of $3,690,000 in the first quarter 2016 was higher by $134,000 (3.8%) than the first quarter 2015 amount. Service charges on deposit accounts were $116,000 (11.4%) higher in the first quarter 2016 than in the first quarter 2015, reflecting changes made in the fee structure of certain checking products effective in April 2015.

 

·In the first quarter 2016, realized gains from securities totaled $383,000, including gains from sales of bank stocks of $249,000. Realized gains from securities in the first quarter 2016 exceeded the first quarter 2015 amount by $309,000.

 

 37 

 

 

CITIZENS & NORTHERN CORPORATION – FORM 10-Q

 

·Noninterest expenses, excluding loss on prepayment of borrowings, of $9,072,000 in the first quarter 2016 exceeded the first quarter 2015 amount by $539,000 (6.3%). Salaries and wages expense increased $400,000 (11.5%), reflecting an increase in number of employees and the effects of a significant portion of 2016 employee annual performance evaluations and merit increases occurring in the first quarter. The average number of full-time equivalent employees was 288 in the first quarter 2016, up from 278 in the first quarter 2015, including new positions established for lending, lending support, information technology, training and marketing functions. Professional fees expense increased $133,000 in the first quarter 2016 over the first quarter 2015 amount, including increases related to employee sales and service training, information technology, marketing and outsourced commercial loan credit review.

 

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

 

TABLE I - QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA 
(In Thousands) (Unaudited)  For the Three Months Ended:         
   Mar. 31,   Dec. 31,   Sept. 30,   June 30,   Mar. 31, 
   2016   2015   2015   2015   2015 
Interest income  $10,937   $11,036   $11,134   $11,186   $11,163 
Interest expense   904    1,087    1,126    1,176    1,213 
Net interest income   10,033    9,949    10,008    10,010    9,950 
Provision for loan losses   368    319    302    221    3 
Net interest income after provision                         
for loan losses   9,665    9,630    9,706    9,789    9,947 
Other income   3,690    3,999    3,961    3,962    3,556 
Net gains on available-for-sale securities   383    1,776    79    932    74 
Loss on prepayment of borrowings   0    1,663    0    910    0 
Other expenses   9,072    8,416    8,117    7,964    8,533 
Income before income tax provision   4,666    5,326    5,629    5,809    5,044 
Income tax provision   1,093    1,261    1,395    1,452    1,229 
Net income  $3,573   $4,065   $4,234   $4,357   $3,815 
Net income per share – basic  $0.29   $0.33   $0.35   $0.36   $0.31 
Net income per share – diluted  $0.29   $0.33   $0.35   $0.36   $0.31 

 

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

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

 

A material estimate that is particularly susceptible to significant change is the determination of the allowance for loan losses. Management believes the allowance for loan losses is adequate and reasonable. Analytical information related to the Corporation’s aggregate loans and the related allowance for loan losses is summarized by loan segment and classes of loans in Note 7 to the unaudited consolidated financial statements. Additional discussion of the Corporation’s allowance for loan losses is provided in a separate section later in Management’s Discussion and Analysis. Given the very subjective nature of identifying and valuing loan losses, it is likely that well-informed individuals could make materially different assumptions, and could, therefore calculate a materially different allowance value. While management uses available information to recognize losses on loans, changes in economic conditions may necessitate revisions in future years. In addition, various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the Corporation’s allowance for loan losses. Such agencies may require the Corporation to recognize adjustments to the allowance based on their judgments of information available to them at the time of their examination.

 

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

 

 38 

 

 

CITIZENS & NORTHERN CORPORATION – FORM 10-Q

 

As described in Note 6 to the unaudited consolidated financial statements, management evaluates securities for other-than-temporary impairment (OTTI). In making that 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) whether the Corporation intends to sell the security or more likely than not will be required to sell the security before its anticipated recovery. Management’s assessments of the likelihood and potential for recovery in value of securities are subjective and based on sensitive assumptions.

 

NET INTEREST INCOME

 

The Corporation’s primary source of operating income is net interest income, which is equal to the difference between the amounts of interest income and interest expense. Tables II, III and IV include information regarding the Corporation’s net interest income for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2016 and March 31, 2015. In each of these tables, the amounts of interest income earned on tax-exempt securities and loans have been adjusted to a fully taxable-equivalent basis. Accordingly, the net interest income amounts reflected in these tables exceed the amounts presented in the consolidated financial statements. The discussion that follows is based on amounts in the related Tables.

 

Fully taxable equivalent net interest income was $10,744,000 in 2016, $76,000 (0.7%) higher than in 2015. Interest income was $233,000 lower in 2016 as compared to 2015; however, interest expense was lower by $309,000 in comparing the same periods. As presented in Table III, the Net Interest Margin was 3.81% in 2016 as compared to 3.74% in 2015, and the “Interest Rate Spread” (excess of average rate of return on earning assets over average cost of funds on interest-bearing liabilities) was 3.68% in 2016 as compared to 3.57% in 2015. In the first quarter 2016, the Corporation recognized accretion (interest) income of $33,000 on an accelerated basis on three tax-exempt securities that were called during the quarter, with the call dates occurring later in the year. The fully taxable equivalent benefit of the accelerated accretion was $51,000, which increased the Margin and Spread by 0.02% each over the levels that would have been reported in the absence of the accelerated recognition. The favorable change in Margin and Spread were partially offset by the impact of a reduction in earning assets, which fell $23,562,000, reflecting a reduction in investable funds due to a lower amount of average deposits.

 

INTEREST INCOME AND EARNING ASSETS

 

Interest income totaled $11,648,000 in 2016, a decrease of 2.0% from 2015. Interest and fees on loans receivable increased $418,000, or 5.1%, while income from available-for-sale securities decreased $653,000 (18.1%). As discussed in more detail in the “Financial Condition” section of Management’s Discussion and Analysis, the average balance of gross loans receivable increased 12.4% to $701,636,000 in 2016 from $624,423,000 in 2015. The Corporation’s average rate of return on loans receivable declined to 4.96% in 2015 from 5.35% in 2015 as rates on new loans have decreased.

 

As indicated in Table III, average available-for-sale securities (at amortized cost) totaled $411,286,000 in 2016, a decrease of $94,492,000 (18.7%) from 2015. The net decrease in the Corporation’s available-for-sale securities portfolio consisted of decreases in all categories of securities. The average rate of return on available-for-sale securities of 2.89% was essentially flat in 2016 as compared to 2015 at 2.90%. Excluding the accelerated accretion from the three called securities, as described above, the average rate of return on available-for-sale securities for the first quarter 2016 would have been 2.84%.

 

INTEREST EXPENSE AND INTEREST-BEARING LIABILITIES

 

Interest expense fell $309,000, or 25.5%, to $904,000 in 2016 from $1,213,000 in 2015. The reduction in interest expense included a reduction in interest on borrowed funds of $302,000. Table III shows that the overall cost of funds on interest-bearing liabilities fell to 0.45% in 2016 from 0.59% in 2015.

 

Total average deposits (interest-bearing and noninterest-bearing) decreased 2.2%, to $944,599,000 in 2016 from $966,027,000 in 2015. Decreases in the average balances of money market, certificates of deposit, Individual Retirement Accounts, and noninterest-bearing demand deposit accounts were partially offset by increases in interest checking and savings accounts.

 

Total average borrowed funds decreased $4,629,000 to $74,408,000 in 2016 from $79,037,000 in 2015. The average rate on borrowed funds was 2.30% in 2016 compared to 3.73% in 2015, reflecting a $34,295,000 reduction in the average balance of higher-rate, long-term borrowings resulting from prepayment in the second and fourth quarters of 2015 of a long-term repurchase agreement borrowing with an interest rate of 4.265%. The average balance of short-term borrowings increased $29,666,000 in 2016 over 2015, as average overnight borrowings were higher in 2016 and the Corporation funded the pay-off of the long-term repurchase agreement with a series of short-term advances from the FHLB-Pittsburgh.

 

 39 

 

 

CITIZENS & NORTHERN CORPORATION – FORM 10-Q

 

TABLE II - ANALYSIS OF INTEREST INCOME AND EXPENSE

 

   Three Months Ended     
   March 31,   Increase/ 
(In Thousands)  2016   2015   (Decrease) 
             
INTEREST INCOME               
Available-for-sale securities:               
Taxable  $1,589   $2,061   ($472)
Tax-exempt   1,370    1,551    (181)
Total available-for-sale securities   2,959    3,612    (653)
Interest-bearing due from banks   24    26    (2)
Loans held for sale   6    2    4 
Loans receivable:               
Taxable   7,974    7,709    265 
Tax-exempt   685    532    153 
Total loans receivable   8,659    8,241    418 
Total Interest Income   11,648    11,881    (233)
                
INTEREST EXPENSE               
Interest-bearing deposits:               
Interest checking   58    55    3 
Money market   79    72    7 
Savings   32    31    1 
Certificates of deposit   202    215    (13)
Individual Retirement Accounts   108    113    (5)
Total interest-bearing deposits   479    486    (7)
Borrowed funds:               
Short-term   62    1    61 
Long-term   363    726    (363)
Total borrowed funds   425    727    (302)
Total Interest Expense   904    1,213    (309)
                
Net Interest Income  $10,744   $10,668   $76 

 

Note: Interest income from tax-exempt securities and loans has been adjusted to a fully tax-equivalent basis, using the Corporation’s marginal federal income tax rate of 35%.

 

 40 

 

 

CITIZENS & NORTHERN CORPORATION – FORM 10-Q

 

TABLE III - ANALYSIS OF AVERAGE DAILY BALANCES AND RATES

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

   3 Months       3 Months     
   Ended   Rate of   Ended   Rate of 
   3/31/2016   Return/   3/31/2015   Return/ 
   Average   Cost of   Average   Cost of 
   Balance   Funds %   Balance   Funds % 
EARNING ASSETS                    
Available-for-sale securities, at amortized cost:                    
Taxable  $305,880    2.09%  $388,104    2.15%
Tax-exempt   105,406    5.23%   117,674    5.35%
Total available-for-sale securities   411,286    2.89%   505,778    2.90%
Interest-bearing due from banks   20,348    0.47%   26,994    0.39%
Loans held for sale   452    5.34%   89    9.11%
Loans receivable:                    
Taxable   640,959    5.00%   582,498    5.37%
Tax-exempt   60,677    4.54%   41,925    5.15%
Total loans receivable   701,636    4.96%   624,423    5.35%
Total Earning Assets   1,133,722    4.13%   1,157,284    4.16%
Cash   15,588         16,127      
Unrealized gain/loss on securities   7,055         10,626      
Allowance for loan losses   (7,932)        (7,391)     
Bank premises and equipment   15,458         16,252      
Intangible Asset - Core Deposit Intangible   29         50      
Intangible Asset - Goodwill   11,942         11,942      
Other assets   38,530         37,135      
Total Assets  $1,214,392        $1,242,025      
                     
INTEREST-BEARING LIABILITIES                    
Interest-bearing deposits:                    
Interest checking  $195,142    0.12%  $191,705    0.12%
Money market   191,514    0.17%   194,834    0.15%
Savings   130,003    0.10%   127,853    0.10%
Certificates of deposit   113,411    0.72%   122,007    0.71%
Individual Retirement Accounts   105,562    0.41%   113,806    0.40%
Other time deposits   804    0.00%   803    0.00%
Total interest-bearing deposits   736,436    0.26%   751,008    0.26%
Borrowed funds:                    
Short-term   35,683    0.70%   6,017    0.07%
Long-term   38,725    3.77%   73,020    4.03%
Total borrowed funds   74,408    2.30%   79,037    3.73%
Total Interest-bearing Liabilities   810,844    0.45%   830,045    0.59%
Demand deposits   208,163         215,019      
Other liabilities   7,378         8,120      
Total Liabilities   1,026,385         1,053,184      
Stockholders' equity, excluding other comprehensive income/loss   183,376         181,944      
Other comprehensive income/loss   4,631         6,897      
Total Stockholders' Equity   188,007         188,841      
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity  $1,214,392        $1,242,025      
Interest Rate Spread        3.68%        3.57%
Net Interest Income/Earning Assets        3.81%        3.74%
                     
Total Deposits (Interest-bearing                    
and Demand)  $944,599        $966,027      

 

(1) Annualized rates of return on tax-exempt securities and loans are presented on a fully taxable-equivalent basis, using the Corporation’s marginal federal income tax rate of 35%.

(2) Nonaccrual loans have been included with loans for the purpose of analyzing net interest earnings.

(3) Rates of return on earning assets and costs of funds are presented on an annualized basis.

 

 41 

 

 

CITIZENS & NORTHERN CORPORATION – FORM 10-Q

 

TABLE IV - ANALYSIS OF VOLUME AND RATE CHANGES

 

  3 Months Ended  3/31/16 vs. 3/31/15 
   Change in   Change in   Total 
(In Thousands)  Volume   Rate   Change 
EARNING ASSETS               
Available-for-sale securities:               
Taxable  $(414)  $(58)  $(472)
Tax-exempt   (150)   (31)   (181)
Total available-for-sale securities   (564)   (89)   (653)
Interest-bearing due from banks   (7)   5    (2)
Loans held for sale   5    (1)   4 
Loans receivable:               
Taxable   787    (522)   265 
Tax-exempt   221    (68)   153 
Total loans receivable   1,008    (590)   418 
Total Interest Income   442    (675)   (233)
                
INTEREST-BEARING LIABILITIES               
Interest-bearing deposits:               
Interest checking   1    2    3 
Money market   (1)   8    7 
Savings   1    0    1 
Certificates of deposit   (14)   1    (13)
Individual Retirement Accounts   (7)   2    (5)
Total interest-bearing deposits   (20)   13    (7)
Borrowed funds:               
Short-term   22    39    61 
Long-term   (319)   (44)   (363)
Total borrowed funds   (297)   (5)   (302)
Total Interest Expense   (317)   8    (309)
                
Net Interest Income  $759   ($683)  $76 

 

(1) Changes in income on tax-exempt securities and loans are presented on a fully tax-equivalent basis, using the Corporation’s marginal federal income tax rate of 35%.

 

(2) The change in interest due to both volume and rates has been allocated to volume and rate changes in proportion to the relationship of the absolute dollar amount of the change in each.

 

 42 

 

 

CITIZENS & NORTHERN CORPORATION – FORM 10-Q

 

TABLE V - COMPARISON OF NONINTEREST INCOME

(In Thousands)

 

   3 Months Ended         
   March 31,   $   % 
   2016   2015   Change   Change 
Service charges on deposit accounts  $1,138   $1,022   $116    11.4 
Service charges and fees   94    113    (19)   (16.8)
Trust and financial management revenue   1,144    1,114    30    2.7 
Brokerage revenue   173    219    (46)   (21.0)
Insurance commissions, fees and premiums   21    40    (19)   (47.5)
Interchange revenue from debit card transactions   463    474    (11)   (2.3)
Net gains from sales of loans   168    147    21    14.3 
Decrease in fair value of servicing rights   (71)   (117)   46    (39.3)
Increase in cash surrender value of life insurance   96    97    (1)   (1.0)
Other operating income   464    447    17    3.8 
Total other operating income before realized gains    on available-for-sale securities, net  $3,690   $3,556   $134    3.8 

 

Table V excludes realized gains on available-for-sale securities, which are discussed in the “Earnings Overview” section of Management’s Discussion and Analysis. Total noninterest income shown in Table V increased $134,000 or 3.8%, in the first three months of 2016 as compared to the first three months of 2015. The most significant variances include the following:

 

·Service charges on deposit accounts increased $116,000 (11.4%) in the first quarter 2016 compared to the first quarter 2015, primarily as a result of changes made in the fee structure of certain checking products effective in April 2015.

 

·The fair value of servicing rights associated with residential mortgage loans decreased $71,000 in the first quarter 2016 as compared to a decrease of $117,000 in the first quarter 2015. The decreases in fair value resulted mainly from changes in prepayment assumptions driven by market assumptions of lower interest rates.

 

·Broker dealer revenue was $46,000 lower in the first quarter of 2016 than in the first quarter 2015 as a result of lower volume of sales transactions as well as lower fees resulting from market value decreases.

 

TABLE VI - COMPARISON OF NONINTEREST EXPENSE

(In Thousands)

 

   3 Months Ended         
   March 31,   $   % 
   2016   2015   Change   Change 
Salaries and wages  $3,887   $3,487   $400    11.5 
Pensions and other employee benefits   1,437    1,385    52    3.8 
Occupancy expense, net   609    722    (113)   (15.7)
Furniture and equipment expense   427    454    (27)   (5.9)
FDIC Assessments   142    151    (9)   (6.0)
Pennsylvania shares tax   322    318    4    1.3 
Professional fees   289    156    133    85.3 
Automated teller machine and interchange expense   249    246    3    1.2 
Software subscriptions   241    197    44    22.3 
Other operating expense   1,469    1,417    52    3.7 
Total Other Expense  $9,072   $8,533   $539    6.3 

 

 43 

 

 

CITIZENS & NORTHERN CORPORATION – FORM 10-Q

 

As shown in Table VI, total noninterest expense increased $539,000 or 6.3% in the first three months of 2016 as compared to the first three months of 2015. Significant variances include the following:

 

·Salaries and wages expense increased $400,000 (11.5%), reflecting an increase in number of employees and the effects of a significant portion of 2016 employee annual performance evaluations and merit increases occurring in the first quarter. The average number of full-time equivalent employees was 288 in the first quarter 2016, up from 278 in the first quarter 2015, including new positions established for lending, lending support, information technology, training and marketing functions.

 

·Professional fees expense increased $133,000 (85.3%) in the first quarter 2016 over the first quarter 2015 amount, including increases related to employee sales and service training, information technology, marketing and outsourced commercial loan credit review.

 

·Pensions and other employee benefits increased $52,000 (3.8%) in the first quarter 2016 over the first quarter 2015 as a result of increased healthcare claims as well as increases in other benefits related to new hires.

 

·Other operating expense increased $52,000 (3.7%) in the first quarter 2016 over the first quarter 2015, including an increase in charitable donations of $70,000.

 

·Software subscriptions and updates increased $44,000 (22.3%) in the first quarter 2016 over the first quarter 2015 as a result of enhancements and new applications initiated in 2015 and continuing into 2016.

 

·Occupancy expenses in the first quarter of 2016 were $113,000 (15.7%) under the first quarter 2015 primarily as a result of lower depreciation costs as well as lower winter related expenses such as snow removal and fuel costs.

 

FINANCIAL CONDITION

 

Gross loans outstanding (excluding mortgage loans held for sale) were $701,605,000 at March 31, 2016, down 0.5% from $704,880,000 at December 31, 2015. The total outstanding balances of residential mortgage and consumer loans were slightly higher at March 31, 2016 as compared to December 31, 2015; however, the balance of commercial loans was lower by $4,611,000, or 1.5%. In contrast, average loans outstanding in the first quarter 2016 of $701,636,000 were $77,213,000, or 12.4%, higher than the corresponding total in the first quarter 2015. The increase in loans outstanding over the last three quarters of 2015 included significant increases in tax-exempt municipal loans and in commercial participation loans. A significant portion of the 2015 growth in municipal loans stemmed from loans to two school districts located in the Corporation’s market area. Participation loans represent portions of larger commercial transactions for which other institutions are the “lead banks”. Although not the lead bank, the Corporation conducts detailed underwriting and monitoring of participation loan opportunities. Participation loans are included in the “Commercial and industrial” and “Commercial loans secured by real estate” classes in the loan tables presented in this Form 10-Q. Total participation loans outstanding amounted to $32,671,000 at March 31, 2016, down slightly from $33,059,000 at December 31, 2015. At March 31, 2016, the balance of participation loans outstanding includes $7,126,000 to a business based in the Corporation’s market area, $10,000,000 to an entity located outside of the Corporation’s market area and $11,089,000 from participations in loans originated through the Corporation’s membership in a network that originates loans throughout the U.S. The Corporation’s participation loans originated through the network consist of loans to businesses that are larger than the Corporation’s typical commercial customer base. The loans originated through the network are considered “leveraged loans,” meaning the businesses typically have minimal tangible book equity and the extent of collateral available is limited, though the businesses have demonstrated strong cash flow performance in their recent histories.

 

The balance of available-for-sale securities fell $6,684,000 to $413,606,000 at March 31, 2016 from $420,290,000 at December 31, 2015. The reduction related primarily to the use of proceeds from calls and maturities of securities to pay down short-term debt. The average balance of available-for-sale securities, at amortized cost, was $411,286,000 for the first three months of 2016, or $94.5 million (18.7%) lower than the average balance for the first three months of 2015.

 

Although average deposits were 2.2% lower in the first quarter 2016 as compared to the first quarter 2015, total deposits of $955,848,000 at March 31, 2016 were up $20,233,000, or 2.2%, from the corresponding total at December 31, 2015. In the first quarter 2016, the Corporation’s total municipal deposits increased, as the Pennsylvania state budget impasse that had delayed funding to many municipal customers and depressed total deposits outstanding as of the end of 2015 was resolved.

 

 44 

 

 

CITIZENS & NORTHERN CORPORATION – FORM 10-Q

 

Other significant changes in the average balances of the Corporation’s earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities are described in the “Net Interest Income” section of Management’s Discussion and Analysis. Other significant balance sheet items, including the allowance for loan losses and stockholders’ equity, are discussed in separate sections of Management’s Discussion and Analysis.

 

Management does not expect capital expenditures to have a material, detrimental effect on the Corporation’s financial condition in 2016.

 

Since 2009, the Corporation has originated and sold residential mortgage loans to the secondary market through the MPF Xtra program administered by the Federal Home Loan Banks of Pittsburgh and Chicago. Residential mortgages originated and sold through the MPF Xtra program consist primarily of conforming, prime loans sold to the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae), a government agency. In 2014, the Corporation began to originate and sell residential mortgage loans to the secondary market through the MPF Original program, which is also administered by the Federal Home Loan Banks of Pittsburgh and Chicago. Residential mortgages originated and sold through the MPF Original program consist primarily of conforming, prime loans sold to the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh. For loans sold under the Original program, the Corporation provides a credit enhancement whereby the Corporation would assume credit losses in excess of a defined First Loss Account (“FLA”) balance, up to specified amounts. The FLA is funded by the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh based on a percentage of the outstanding balance of loans sold. The Corporation does not provide a credit enhancement for loans sold through the Xtra program.

 

For loan sales originated under the MPF Xtra and Original programs, the Corporation provides customary representations and warranties to investors that specify, among other things, that the loans have been underwritten to the standards established by the investor. The Corporation may be required to repurchase a loan and reimburse a portion of fees received, or reimburse the investor for a credit loss incurred on a loan, if it is determined that the representations and warranties have not been met. Such repurchases or reimbursements generally result from an underwriting or documentation deficiency. At March 31, 2016, the total outstanding balance of loans the Corporation has repurchased as a result of identified instances of noncompliance amounted to $1,952,000, and the corresponding total outstanding balance repurchased at December 31, 2015 was $1,968,000.

 

At March 31, 2016, outstanding balances of loans sold and serviced through the two programs totaled $153,778,000, including loans sold through the MPF Xtra program of $123,227,000 and loans sold through the Original program of $30,551,000. At December 31, 2015, outstanding balances of loans sold and serviced through the two programs totaled $152,448,000, including loans sold through the MPF Xtra program of $125,571,000 and loans sold through the Original program of $26,877,000. Based on the fairly limited volume of required repurchases to date, and of sales through the Original program with credit enhancement, no allowance had been established for representation and warranty exposures, or for credit losses on loan sales through the Original program as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015.

 

PROVISION AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES

 

The Corporation maintains an allowance for loan losses that represents management’s estimate of the losses inherent in the loan portfolio as of the balance sheet date and is recorded as a reduction of the investment in loans. Note 7 to the unaudited consolidated financial statements provides an overview of the process management uses for evaluating and determining the allowance for loan losses.

 

While management uses available information to recognize losses on loans, changes in economic conditions may necessitate revisions in future years. In addition, various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the Corporation’s allowance for loan losses. Such agencies may require the Corporation to recognize adjustments to the allowance based on their judgments of information available to them at the time of their examination.

 

The allowance for loan losses was $7,661,000 at March 31, 2016, down from $7,889,000 at December 31, 2015. As shown in Table VIII, the specific allowance on impaired loans totaled $306,000 at March 31, 2016, which was $514,000 lower than the total specific allowance at December 31, 2015 primarily as a result of a $595,000 partial charge-off on one commercial loan. Table VIII also shows the collectively determined component of the allowance for commercial loans was $201,000 higher at March 31, 2016 than at December 31, 2015, reflecting a higher allocation because average net charge-offs were higher primarily as a result of the charge-off in the first quarter 2016 previously noted.

 

 45 

 

 

CITIZENS & NORTHERN CORPORATION – FORM 10-Q

 

The provision (credit) for loan losses by segment in the three-month period ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 is as follows:

 

(In Thousands)  3 Months Ended 
   March 31,   March 31, 
   2016   2015 
Residential mortgage  $83   $(72)
Commercial   278    79 
Consumer   7    (3)
Unallocated   0    (1)
           
Total  $368   $3 

 

In the first quarter 2016, the total provision for loan losses was $368,000 compared to the first quarter 2015 total of $3,000. The provision for loan losses on commercial loans in the first quarter 2016 exceeded the first quarter of 2015 by $199,000. In 2016, the provision for the commercial segment included the effects of an increase in the portion of the collectively determined allowance based on average net charge-offs (based on historical experience over the previous thirty-six months) used to estimate a portion of the collectively determined allowance. The provision for loan losses on residential mortgages in the first quarter 2016 was $83,000 compared to a credit of $72,000 in 2015. In 2016, the provision for residential mortgages included the effects of an increase as compared to year-end 2015 in the qualitative factors used to estimate a portion of the collectively determined allowance. The provision for loan losses in the first quarter 2015 includes the net effect of a decrease in qualitative factor percentages used in determining the collectively evaluated portions of the allowance for loan losses, lower loan balances and a reduction in the specific allowance on impaired loans of $69,000, which were partially offset by increases in net charge-off percentages used in determining the collectively evaluated portions of the allowance for loan losses.

 

Table IX presents information related to past due and impaired loans, and loans that have been modified under terms that are considered troubled debt restructurings (TDRs). Table IX shows total impaired loans of $9,630,000 at March 31, 2016, down $344,000 from the corresponding amount at December 31, 2015 of $9,974,000. As also shown in Table IX, loans classified as TDRs totaled $6,313,000 at March 31, 2016 down slightly from $6,364,000 at December 31, 2015, and nonaccrual loans totaled $10,944,000 at March 31, 2016 as compared to $11,517,000 at December 31, 2015.

 

The outstanding balances of impaired loans without a valuation allowance, nonaccrual loans and nonperforming TDRs at March 31, 2016, include an outstanding balance of $4,961,000 from loans to one commercial entity. In 2014, the Corporation entered into a forbearance agreement with this commercial borrower which includes a reduction in monthly payment amounts over a fifteen-month period. At the end of the fifteen-month period, the monthly payment amounts would revert to the original amounts, unless the forbearance agreement is extended or the payment requirements are otherwise modified. In July 2015, the forbearance agreement was extended for twelve months. The Corporation recorded a charge-off of $1,486,000 in the second quarter 2014 as a result of these modifications, as the payment amounts based on the forbearance agreement are not sufficient to fully amortize the contractual amount of principal outstanding on the loans.

 

As also shown in Table IX, the amount of loans past due 30-89 days and accruing interest increased $4,316,000, to $11,373,000 at March 31, 2016. The increase in the balance in the 30-89 days delinquent category included one commercial loan with an outstanding balance of $2,736,000 that was 35 days past due (and had been current prior to the first quarter 2016), and an increase of $807,000 in 1-4 family residential mortgage loans. Total loans past due 90 days or more and still accruing interest increased to $3,957,000 at March 31, 2016 from $3,229,000 at December 31, 2015. This category includes first lien residential mortgages with a total outstanding balance of $2,680,000 at March 31, 2016. The Corporation reviews the status of loans past due 90 days or more each quarter to determine if it is appropriate to continue to accrue interest, and has determined the loans included in this category are well secured and that ultimate collection of all principal and interest is probable.

 

Each period presented in Table IX includes a few large commercial relationships that have required significant monitoring and workout efforts. As a result, a limited number of relationships may significantly impact the total amount of allowance required on impaired loans, and may significantly impact the amount of total charge-offs reported in any one period.

 

Management believes it has been conservative in its decisions concerning identification of impaired loans, estimates of loss, and nonaccrual status; however, the actual losses realized from these relationships could vary materially from the allowances calculated as of March 31, 2016. Management continues to closely monitor its commercial loan relationships for possible credit losses, and will adjust its estimates of loss and decisions concerning nonaccrual status, if appropriate.

 

 46 

 

 

CITIZENS & NORTHERN CORPORATION – FORM 10-Q

 

Tables VII through X present historical data related to loans and the allowance for loan losses.

 

TABLE VII - ANALYSIS OF THE ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES

(In Thousands)

 

   3 Months Ended                     
   March 31,   March 31,   Years Ended December 31, 
   2016   2015   2015   2014   2013   2012   2011 
Balance, beginning of year  $7,889   $7,336   $7,336   $8,663   $6,857   $7,705   $9,107 
Charge-offs:                                   
Residential mortgage   0    (79)   (217)   (327)   (95)   (552)   (100)
Commercial   (595)   (125)   (251)   (1,715)   (459)   (498)   (1,189)
Consumer   (18)   (18)   (94)   (97)   (117)   (171)   (157)
Total charge-offs   (613)   (222)   (562)   (2,139)   (671)   (1,221)   (1,446)
Recoveries:                                   
Residential mortgage   0    1    1    25    24    18    3 
Commercial   2    1    214    264    348    8    255 
Consumer   15    15    55    47    58    59    71 
Total recoveries   17    17    270    336    430    85    329 
Net charge-offs   (596)   (205)   (292)   (1,803)   (241)   (1,136)   (1,117)
Provision (credit) for loan losses   368    3    845    476    2,047    288    (285)
Balance, end of period  $7,661   $7,134   $7,889   $7,336   $8,663   $6,857   $7,705 
                                    
Net charge-offs as a % of average loans   0.08%   0.03%   0.04%   0.29%   0.04%   0.16%   0.16%

 

TABLE VIII - COMPONENTS OF THE ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES

(In Thousands)

 

   Mar. 31,   As of December 31, 
   2016   2015   2014   2013   2012   2011 
ASC 310 - Impaired loans  $306   $820   $769   $2,333   $623   $1,126 
ASC 450 - Collective segments:                              
Commercial   3,304    3,103    2,732    2,583    2,594    2,811 
Residential mortgage   3,501    3,417    3,295    3,156    3,011    3,130 
Consumer   123    122    145    193    188    204 
Unallocated   427    427    395    398    441    434 
Total Allowance  $7,661   $7,889   $7,336   $8,663   $6,857   $7,705 

 

The above allocation is based on estimates and subjective judgments and is not necessarily indicative of the specific amounts or loan categories in which losses may occur.

 

 47 

 

 

CITIZENS & NORTHERN CORPORATION – FORM 10-Q

 

TABLE IX - PAST DUE AND IMPAIRED LOANS, NONPERFORMING ASSETS

AND TROUBLED DEBT RESTRUCTURINGS (TDRs)

(In Thousands)

 

   As of                     
   March 31,   As of December 31, 
   2016   2015   2014   2013   2012   2011 
Impaired loans with a valuation allowance  $1,420   $1,933   $3,241   $9,889   $2,710   $3,433 
Impaired loans without a valuation allowance   8,210    8,041    9,075    6,432    4,719    4,431 
Total impaired loans  $9,630   $9,974   $12,316   $16,321   $7,429   $7,864 
                               
Total loans past due 30-89 days and still accruing  $11,373   $7,057   $7,121   $8,305   $7,756   $7,898 
                               
Nonperforming assets:                              
Total nonaccrual loans  $10,944   $11,517   $12,610   $14,934   $7,353   $7,197 
Total loans past due 90 days or more and still accruing   3,957    3,229    2,843    3,131    2,311    1,267 
Total nonperforming loans   14,901    14,746    15,453    18,065    9,664    8,464 
Foreclosed assets held for sale (real estate)   1,584    1,260    1,189    892    879    1,235 
Total nonperforming assets  $16,485   $16,006   $16,642   $18,957   $10,543   $9,699 
                               
Loans subject to troubled debt restructurings (TDRs):                              
Performing  $1,167   $1,186   $1,807   $3,267   $906   $1,064 
Nonperforming   5,146    5,178    5,388    908    1,155    2,413 
Total TDRs  $6,313   $6,364   $7,195   $4,175   $2,061   $3,477 
                               
Total nonperforming loans as a % of loans   2.12%   2.09%   2.45%   2.80%   1.41%   1.19%
Total nonperforming assets as a % of assets   1.36%   1.31%   1.34%   1.53%   0.82%   0.73%
Allowance for loan losses as a % of total loans   1.09%   1.12%   1.16%   1.34%   1.00%   1.09%
Allowance for loan losses as a % of nonperforming loans   51.41%   53.50%   47.47%   47.95%   70.95%   91.03%

 

TABLE X - SUMMARY OF LOANS BY TYPE

Summary of Loans by Type

(In Thousands)

 

   Mar. 31,   As of December 31, 
   2016   2015   2014   2013   2012   2011 
Residential mortgage:                              
Residential mortgage loans - first liens  $306,753   $304,783   $291,882   $299,831   $311,627   $331,015 
Residential mortgage loans - junior liens   21,622    21,146    21,166    23,040    26,748    28,851 
Home equity lines of credit   38,627    39,040    36,629    34,530    33,017    30,037 
1-4 Family residential construction   20,010    21,121    16,739    13,909    12,842    9,959 
Total residential mortgage   387,012    386,090    366,416    371,310    384,234    399,862 
Commercial:                              
Commercial loans secured by real estate   154,646    154,779    145,878    147,215    158,413    156,388 
Commercial and industrial   71,628    75,196    50,157    42,387    48,442    57,191 
Political subdivisions   38,364    40,007    17,534    16,291    31,789    37,620 
Commercial construction and land   7,445    5,122    6,938    17,003    28,200    23,518 
Loans secured by farmland   7,168    7,019    7,916    10,468    11,403    10,949 
Multi-family (5 or more) residential   8,393    9,188    8,917    10,985    6,745    6,583 
Agricultural loans   4,492    4,671    3,221    3,251    3,053    2,987 
Other commercial loans   11,387    12,152    13,334    14,631    362    552 
Total commercial   303,523    308,134    253,895    262,231    288,407    295,788 
Consumer   11,070    10,656    10,234    10,762    11,269    12,665 
Total   701,605    704,880    630,545    644,303    683,910    708,315 
Less: allowance for loan losses   (7,661)   (7,889)   (7,336)   (8,663)   (6,857)   (7,705)
Loans, net  $693,944   $696,991   $623,209   $635,640   $677,053   $700,610 

 

 48 

 

 

CITIZENS & NORTHERN CORPORATION – FORM 10-Q

 

LIQUIDITY

 

Liquidity is the ability to quickly raise cash at a reasonable cost. An adequate liquidity position permits the Corporation to pay creditors, compensate for unforeseen deposit fluctuations and fund unexpected loan demand. At March 31, 2016, the Corporation maintained overnight interest-bearing deposits with the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia and other correspondent banks totaling $24,681,000.

 

The Corporation maintains overnight borrowing facilities with several correspondent banks that provide a source of day-to-day liquidity. Also, the Corporation maintains borrowing facilities with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh, secured by various mortgage loans.

 

The Corporation has a line of credit with the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia’s Discount Window. Management intends to use this line of credit as a contingency funding source. As collateral for the line, the Corporation has pledged available-for-sale securities with a carrying value of $19,021,000 at March 31, 2016.

 

The Corporation’s outstanding, available, and total credit facilities at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 are as follows:

 

   Outstanding   Available   Total Credit 
(In Thousands)  Mar. 31,   Dec. 31,   Mar. 31,   Dec. 31,   Mar. 31,   Dec. 31, 
   2016   2015   2016   2015   2016   2015 
Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh  $30,503   $60,348   $297,186   $262,361   $327,689   $322,709 
Federal Reserve Bank Discount Window   0    0    18,595    19,606    18,595    19,606 
Other correspondent banks   0    0    45,000    45,000    45,000    45,000 
Total credit facilities  $30,503   $60,348   $360,781   $326,967   $391,284   $387,315 

 

At March 31, 2016, the Corporation’s outstanding credit facilities with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh consisted of short-term borrowings of $18,811,000, and long-term borrowings with a total amount of $11,692,000. At December 31, 2015, the Corporation’s outstanding credit facilities with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh consisted of overnight borrowings of $23,500,000, short-term borrowings of $25,081,000, and long-term borrowings with a total amount of $11,767,000. Additional information regarding borrowed funds is included in Note 8 of the unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 

Additionally, the Corporation uses repurchase agreements placed with brokers to borrow funds secured by investment assets and “RepoSweep” arrangements to borrow funds from commercial banking customers on an overnight basis. If required to raise cash in an emergency situation, the Corporation could sell available-for-sale securities to meet its obligations. At March 31, 2016, the carrying value of available-for-sale securities in excess of amounts required to meet pledging or repurchase agreement obligations was $233,985,000.

 

Management believes the Corporation is well-positioned to meet its short-term and long-term obligations.

 

 49 

 

 

CITIZENS & NORTHERN CORPORATION – FORM 10-Q

 

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND CAPITAL ADEQUACY

 

The Corporation and C&N Bank are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the federal banking agencies. Details concerning capital ratios at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 are presented below. Management believes, as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, that the Corporation and C&N Bank meet all capital adequacy requirements to which they are subject and maintain capital conservation buffers (described in more detail in the “New Capital Rule” section below) that allow the Corporation and C&N Bank to avoid limitations on capital distributions, including dividend payments and certain discretionary bonus payments to executive officers.

 

(Dollars in Thousands)                      Minimum To Be Well 
           Minimum   Minimum To Maintain   Capitalized Under 
           Capital   Capital Conservation   Prompt Corrective 
   Actual   Requirement   Buffer at Reporting Date   Action Provisions 
   Amount   Ratio   Amount   Ratio   Amount   Ratio   Amount   Ratio 
March 31, 2016:                                        
Total capital to risk-weighted assets:                                        
Consolidated  $178,839    24.19%  $59,148    ³8%  $63,769    ³8.625%  $73,935    ³10%
C&N Bank   161,558    21.99%   58,788    ³8%   63,381    ³8.625%   73,485    ³10%
Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets:                                        
Consolidated   170,961    23.12%   29,574    ³6%   48,982    ³6.625%   59,148    ³8%
C&N Bank   153,897    20.94%   29,394    ³6%   48,684    ³6.625%   58,788    ³8%
Common equity tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets:                                        
Consolidated   170,961    23.12%   29,574    ³4.5%   37,892    ³5.125%   48,058    ³6.5%
C&N Bank   153,897    20.94%   29,394    ³4.5%   37,661    ³5.125%   47,765    ³6.5%
Tier 1 capital to average assets:                                        
Consolidated   170,961    14.26%   47,954    ³4%   N/A    N/A    59,943    ³5%
C&N Bank   153,897    12.98%   47,415    ³4%   N/A    N/A    59,269    ³5%
                                         
December 31, 2015:                                        
Total capital to risk-weighted assets:                                        
Consolidated  $181,216    24.40%  $59,424    ³8%   N/A    N/A   $74,281    ³10%
C&N Bank   161,187    21.83%   59,058    ³8%   N/A    N/A    73,823    ³10%
Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets:                                        
Consolidated   173,009    23.29%   29,712    ³6%   N/A    N/A    59,424    ³8%
C&N Bank   153,298    20.77%   29,529    ³6%   N/A    N/A    59,058    ³8%
Common equity tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets:                                        
Consolidated   173,009    23.29%   29,712    ³4.5%   N/A    N/A    48,282    ³6.5%
C&N Bank   153,298    20.77%   29,529    ³4.5%   N/A    N/A    47,985    ³6.5%
Tier 1 capital to average assets:                                        
Consolidated   173,009    14.31%   48,355    ³4%   N/A    N/A    60,444    ³5%
C&N Bank   153,298    12.81%   47,861    ³4%   N/A    N/A    59,826    ³5%

 

Management expects the Corporation and C&N Bank to maintain capital levels that exceed the regulatory standards for well-capitalized institutions and the applicable capital conservation buffers for the next 12 months and for the foreseeable future.

 

Future dividend payments will depend upon maintenance of a strong financial condition, future earnings and capital and regulatory requirements. As described in more detail in the section below titled “New Capital Rule," the Corporation and C&N Bank are subject to restrictions on the amount of dividends that may be paid without approval of banking regulatory authorities.

 

 50 

 

 

CITIZENS & NORTHERN CORPORATION – FORM 10-Q

 

NEW CAPITAL RULE

 

In July 2013, the federal regulatory authorities issued a new capital rule based, in part, on revisions developed by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision to the Basel capital framework (Basel III). The Corporation and C&N Bank became subject to the new rule effective January 1, 2015. Generally, the new rule implemented higher minimum capital requirements, revised the definition of regulatory capital components and related calculations, added a new common equity tier 1 capital ratio, implemented a new capital conservation buffer, increased the risk weighting for past due loans and provided a transition period for several aspects of the new rule.

 

The current (new) capital rule provides that, in order to avoid limitations on capital distributions, including dividend payments and certain discretionary bonus payments to executive officers, a banking organization must hold a capital conservation buffer composed of common equity tier 1 capital above its minimum risk-based capital requirements. The buffer is measured relative to risk-weighted assets. Phase-in of the capital conservation buffer requirements began January 1, 2016. The transition schedule for new ratios, including the capital conservation buffer, is as follows:

 

   As of January 1:             
   2015   2016   2017   2018   2019 
Minimum common equity tier 1 capital ratio   4.5%   4.5%   4.5%   4.5%   4.5%
Common equity tier 1 capital conservation buffer   N/A    0.625%   1.25%   1.875%   2.5%
Minimum common equity tier 1 capital ratio plus capital conservation buffer   4.5%   5.125%   5.75%   6.375%   7.0%
Phase-in of most deductions from common equity tier 1 capital   40%   60%   80%   100%   100%
Minimum tier 1 capital ratio   6.0%   6.0%   6.0%   6.0%   6.0%
Minimum tier 1 capital ratio plus capital conservation buffer    N/A    6.625%   7.25%   7.875%   8.5%
Minimum total capital ratio   8.0%   8.0%   8.0%   8.0%   8.0%
Minimum total capital ratio plus capital conservation buffer    N/A    8.625%   9.25%   9.875%   10.5%

 

As fully phased in, a banking organization with a buffer greater than 2.5% would not be subject to additional limits on dividend payments or discretionary bonus payments; however, a banking organization with a buffer less than 2.5% would be subject to increasingly stringent limitations as the buffer approaches zero. The new rule also prohibits a banking organization from making dividend payments or discretionary bonus payments if its eligible retained income is negative in that quarter and its capital conservation buffer ratio was less than 2.5% as of the beginning of that quarter. Eligible net income is defined as net income for the four calendar quarters preceding the current calendar quarter, net of any distributions and associated tax effects not already reflected in net income. A summary of payout restrictions based on the capital conservation buffer is as follows:

 

Capital Conservation Buffer  Maximum Payout 
(as a % of risk-weighted assets)  (as a % of eligible retained income) 
Greater than 2.5%   No payout limitation applies 
≤2.5% and >1.875%   60%
≤1.875% and >1.25%   40%
≤1.25% and >0.625%   20%
≤0.625%   0%

 

The Corporation’s total stockholders’ equity is affected by fluctuations in the fair values of available-for-sale securities. The difference between amortized cost and fair value of available-for-sale securities, net of deferred income tax, is included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income within stockholders’ equity. The balance in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income related to unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities, net of deferred income tax, amounted to $5,347,000 at March 31, 2016 and $2,493,000 at December 31, 2015. Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income are excluded from earnings and directly increase or decrease stockholders’ equity. If available-for-sale securities are deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired, unrealized losses are recorded as a charge against earnings, and amortized cost for the affected securities is reduced. Note 6 to the unaudited consolidated financial statements provides additional information concerning management’s evaluation of available-for-sale securities for other-than-temporary impairment at March 31, 2016.

 

 51 

 

 

CITIZENS & NORTHERN CORPORATION – FORM 10-Q

 

Stockholders’ equity is also affected by the underfunded or overfunded status of defined benefit pension and postretirement plans. The balance in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income related to defined benefit plans, net of deferred income tax, was $49,000 at March 31, 2016 and $35,000 at December 31, 2015.

 

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

 

Comprehensive Income is the total of (1) net income, and (2) all other changes in equity from non-stockholder sources, which are referred to as Other Comprehensive Income. Changes in the components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) are included in Other Comprehensive Income, and for the Corporation, consist of changes in unrealized gains or losses on available-for-sale securities and changes in underfunded or overfunded defined benefit plans.

 

Fluctuations in interest rates significantly affect fair values of available-for-sale securities, and accordingly have an effect on Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) in each period. Comprehensive Income totaled $6,441,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2016 as compared to $6,121,000 in the first quarter 2015. For the three months ended March 31, 2016, Comprehensive Income included: (1) Net Income of $3,573,000, which was $242,000 lower than in the first quarter 2015; (2) Other Comprehensive Income from an increase in net unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities of $2,854,000 as compared to Other Comprehensive Gain of $2,373,000 from an increase in net unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities in the first quarter 2015; and (3) Other Comprehensive Gain from defined benefit plans of $14,000, as compared to Other Comprehensive Loss of $67,000 from defined benefit plans in the first quarter 2015.

 

INCOME TAXES

 

The effective income tax rate was 23.4% of pre-tax income for the first quarter 2016 and 24.4% for the first quarter 2015. The provision for income tax for interim periods is based on the Corporation’s estimate of the effective tax rate expected to be applicable for the full year. The Corporation’s effective tax rates differ from the statutory rate of 35% principally because of the effects of tax-exempt interest income.

 

The Corporation recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities based on differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax basis of assets and liabilities. At March 31, 2016, the net deferred tax asset was $949,000, down from $3,115,000 at December 31, 2015. The most significant change in temporary difference components was an increase of $1,537,000 in the deferred tax liability associated with unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities.

 

The Corporation regularly reviews deferred tax assets for recoverability based on history of earnings, expectations for future earnings and expected timing of reversals of temporary differences. Realization of deferred tax assets ultimately depends on the existence of sufficient taxable income, including taxable income in prior carryback years, as well as future taxable income. Management believes the recorded net deferred tax asset at March 31, 2016 is fully realizable; however, if management determines the Corporation will be unable to realize all or part of the net deferred tax asset, the Corporation would adjust the deferred tax asset, which would negatively impact earnings.

 

Additional information related to income taxes is presented in Note 11 to the unaudited, consolidated financial statements.

 

INFLATION

 

The Corporation is significantly affected by the Federal Reserve Board’s efforts to control inflation through changes in short-term interest rates. Beginning in September 2007, in response to concerns about weakness in the U.S. economy, the Federal Reserve lowered the fed funds target rate numerous times; in December 2008, it established a target range of 0% to 0.25%, which it maintained through mid-December 2015. On December 16, 2015, the Federal Reserve raised their target for the federal funds rate to 0.25% to 0.50%. This decision was based on data available that suggested economic activity had been expanding at a moderate pace. This included an increase in household spending, business fixed investments increasing, and an improvement in labor market conditions. Also, throughout this period, the Federal Reserve has injected massive amounts of liquidity into the nation’s monetary system through a variety of programs. The Federal Reserve has purchased large amounts of securities in an effort to keep interest rates low and stimulate economic growth. Beginning in late 2013, the Federal Reserve began reducing the amount of securities purchased under its asset purchase program and then ended the program in October 2014, though still reinvesting principal payments from its holdings of agency debt and agency mortgage-backed securities in agency mortgage-backed securities and continued to roll over maturing Treasury securities at auction. The Federal Reserve maintained their commitment to this policy in their March 16, 2016 statement and anticipates doing so until normalization of the level of the federal funds rate is well under way.

 

 52 

 

 

CITIZENS & NORTHERN CORPORATION – FORM 10-Q

 

Despite the current low short-term rate environment, inflation statistics indicate that the overall rate of inflation is unlikely to significantly affect the Corporation’s operations within the near future. Although management cannot predict future changes in the rates of inflation, management monitors the impact of economic trends, including any indicators of inflationary pressures, in managing interest rate and other financial risks.

 

 53 

 

 

CITIZENS & NORTHERN CORPORATION – FORM 10-Q

 

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

MARKET RISK

 

Market risk is the risk of loss arising from adverse changes in market rates and prices of the Corporation’s financial instruments. In addition to the effects of interest rates, the market prices of the Corporation’s debt securities within the available-for-sale securities portfolio are affected by fluctuations in the risk premiums (amounts of spread over risk-free rates) demanded by investors. Management attempts to limit the risk that economic conditions would force the Corporation to sell securities for realized losses by maintaining a strong capital position (discussed in the “Stockholders’ Equity and Capital Adequacy” section of Management’s Discussion and Analysis) and ample sources of liquidity (discussed in the “Liquidity” section of Management’s Discussion and Analysis).

 

The Corporation’s two major categories of market risk are interest rate risk and equity securities risk, which are discussed in the following sections.

 

INTEREST RATE RISK

 

Business risk arising from changes in interest rates is an inherent factor in operating a bank. The Corporation’s assets are predominantly long-term, fixed-rate loans and debt securities. Funding for these assets comes principally from shorter-term deposits and borrowed funds. Accordingly, there is an inherent risk of lower future earnings or decline in fair value of the Corporation’s financial instruments when interest rates change.

 

The Corporation uses a simulation model to calculate the potential effects of interest rate fluctuations on net interest income and the market value of portfolio equity. For purposes of these calculations, the market value of portfolio equity includes the fair values of financial instruments, such as securities, loans, deposits and borrowed funds, and the book values of nonfinancial assets and liabilities, such as premises and equipment and accrued expenses. The model measures and projects the amount of potential changes in net interest income, and calculates the discounted present value of anticipated cash flows of financial instruments, assuming an immediate increase or decrease in interest rates. Management ordinarily runs a variety of scenarios within a range of plus or minus 100-400 basis points of current rates.

 

The model makes estimates, at each level of interest rate change, regarding cash flows from principal repayments on loans and mortgage-backed securities and call activity on other investment securities. Actual results could vary significantly from these estimates, which could result in significant differences in the calculations of projected changes in net interest income and market value of portfolio equity. Also, the model does not make estimates related to changes in the composition of the deposit portfolio that could occur due to rate competition, and the table does not necessarily reflect changes that management would make to realign the portfolio as a result of changes in interest rates.

 

The Corporation’s Board of Directors has established policy guidelines for acceptable levels of interest rate risk, based on an immediate increase or decrease in interest rates. The policy limits acceptable fluctuations in net interest income from the baseline (flat rates) one-year scenario and variances in the market value of portfolio equity from the baseline values based on current rates.

 

Table XI, which follows this discussion, is based on the results of calculations performed using the simulation model as of January 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015. The table shows that as of the respective dates, the changes in net interest income and changes in market value were within the policy limits in all scenarios.

 

 54 

 

 

CITIZENS & NORTHERN CORPORATION – FORM 10-Q

 

TABLE XI - THE EFFECT OF HYPOTHETICAL CHANGES IN INTEREST RATES

 

January 31, 2016 Data                    
(In Thousands)      Period Ending January 31, 2017         
                     
Basis Point  Interest   Interest   Net Interest   NII   NII 
Change in Rates  Income   Expense   Income (NII)   % Change   Risk Limit 
+400  $51,937   $22,130   $29,807    -20.0%   25.0%
+300   49,274    17,351    31,923    -14.3%   20.0%
+200   46,592    12,661    33,931    -8.9%   15.0%
+100   43,824    8,146    35,678    -4.3%   10.0%
0   40,967    3,705    37,262    0.0%   0.0%
-100   38,268    3,182    35,086    -5.8%   10.0%
-200   36,868    3,179    33,689    -9.6%   15.0%
-300   36,351    3,179    33,172    -11.0%   20.0%
-400   36,208    3,179    33,029    -11.4%   25.0%
                          

 

   Market Value of Portfolio Equity at January 31, 2016 
             
   Present   Present   Present 
Basis Point  Value   Value   Value 
Change in Rates  Equity   % Change   Risk Limit 
+400  $166,868    -24.3%   50.0%
+300   178,584    -19.0%   45.0%
+200   192,086    -12.8%   35.0%
+100   205,639    -6.7%   25.0%
0   220,406    0.0%   0.0%
-100   219,868    -0.2%   25.0%
-200   226,004    2.5%   35.0%
-300   258,154    17.1%   45.0%
-400   292,212    32.6%   50.0%

 

December 31, 2015 Data                
(In Thousands)          Period Ending December 31, 2016           
                     
Basis Point  Interest   Interest   Net Interest   NII   NII 
Change in Rates  Income   Expense   Income (NII)   % Change   Risk Limit 
+400  $52,181   $21,985   $30,196    -20.8%   25.0%
+300   49,687    17,282    32,405    -15.0%   20.0%
+200   47,136    12,659    34,477    -9.6%   15.0%
+100   44,546    8,109    36,437    -4.4%   10.0%
0   41,835    3,715    38,120    0.0%   0.0%
-100   39,116    3,171    35,945    -5.7%   10.0%
-200   37,417    3,168    34,249    -10.2%   15.0%
-300   36,838    3,168    33,670    -11.7%   20.0%
-400   36,689    3,168    33,521    -12.1%   25.0%

 

   Market Value of Portfolio Equity at December 31, 2016 
             
   Present   Present   Present 
Basis Point  Value   Value   Value 
Change in Rates  Equity   % Change   Risk Limit 
+400  $167,741    -24.4%   50.0%
+300   179,772    -18.9%   45.0%
+200   193,823    -12.6%   35.0%
+100   207,803    -6.3%   25.0%
0   221,750    0.0%   0.0%
-100   223,517    0.8%   25.0%
-200   225,185    1.5%   35.0%
-300   250,353    12.9%   45.0%
-400   286,210    29.1%   50.0%

 

 55 

 

 

CITIZENS & NORTHERN CORPORATION – FORM 10-Q

 

EQUITY SECURITIES RISK

 

The Corporation’s equity securities portfolio consists of investments in stocks of banks and bank holding companies. Investments in bank stocks are subject to risk factors that affect the banking industry in general, including credit risk, competition from non-bank entities, interest rate risk and other factors, which could result in a decline in market prices. Also, losses could occur in individual stocks held by the Corporation because of specific circumstances related to each bank.

 

Equity securities held as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 are presented in Table XII. Table XII presents quantitative data concerning the effects of a decline in fair value of the Corporation’s equity securities of 10% or 20%. The data in Table XII does not reflect the effects of any appreciation in value that may occur, nor does it present the Corporation’s maximum exposure to loss on equity securities, which would be 100% of their fair value as of March 31, 2016.

 

TABLE XII - EQUITY SECURITIES RISK

(In Thousands)

 

   March 31,   Dec. 31, 
   2016   2015 
Cost  $1,253   $1,680 
Fair Value   1,736    2,386 
Hypothetical 10% Decline In Market Value   (174)   (239)
Hypothetical 20% Decline In Market Value   (347)   (477)

 

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

The Corporation’s management, under the supervision of and with the participation of the Corporation’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has carried out an evaluation of the design and effectiveness of the Corporation’s disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and Rule 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the end of such period, the Corporation’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that all material information required to be disclosed in reports the Corporation files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms.

 

There were no significant changes in the Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by this report that have materially affected, or that are reasonably likely to affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

 56 

 

 

CITIZENS & NORTHERN CORPORATION – FORM 10-Q

 

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1.Legal Proceedings

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

 

Item 1A.Risk Factors

There have been no material changes from the risk factors previously disclosed in Item 1A of the Corporation’s Form 10-K filed February 18, 2016.

 

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

 

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

 

Effective July 17, 2014, the Corporation terminated its existing treasury stock repurchase programs and approved a new treasury stock repurchase program. Under the new program, the Corporation is authorized to repurchase up to 622,500 shares of the Corporation’s common stock, or approximately 5% of the Corporation’s issued and outstanding shares at July 16, 2014. As permitted by securities laws and other legal requirements and subject to market conditions and other factors, purchases under the new program may be made from time to time in the open market at prevailing prices, or through privately negotiated transactions.

 

Consistent with previous programs, the Board of Directors’ July 17, 2014 authorization provides that: (1) the new treasury stock repurchase program shall be effective when publicly announced and shall continue thereafter until suspended or terminated by the Board of Directors, in its sole discretion; and (2) all shares of common stock repurchased pursuant to the new program shall be held as treasury shares and be available for use and reissuance for purposes as and when determined by the Board of Directors including, without limitation, pursuant to the Corporation’s Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan and its equity compensation program.

 

The following table sets forth a summary of the purchases by the Corporation, on the open market, of its equity securities during the first quarter 2016:

 

Period  Total Number
of Shares
Purchased
   Average
Price Paid
per Share
   Total Number of
Shares Purchased
as Part of Publicly
Announced Plans
or Programs
   Maximum Number of
Shares that May Yet
be Purchased Under
the Plans or
Programs
 
January 1 - 31, 2016   35,300   $19.83    470,500    152,000 
February 1 - 29, 2016   75,550   $19.86    546,050    76,450 
March 1 - 31, 2016   43,500   $19.98    589,550    32,950 

 

Through March 31, 2016, 589,550 shares had been repurchased for a total cost of $11,870,000. In April 2016, the Corporation repurchased the remainder of the shares authorized under the program. In total, 622,500 shares were repurchased for a total cost of $12,140,000, at an average price of $19.50 per share.

 

Effective April 21, 2016, the Corporation’s Board of Directors approved a new treasury stock repurchase program. Under the newly approved stock repurchase program, the Corporation is authorized to repurchase up to 600,000 shares of the Corporation's common stock or slightly less than 5% of the Corporation's issued and outstanding shares at April 19, 2016. Consistent with the previous program, the Board of Directors’ April 21, 2016 authorization provides that: (1) the new treasury stock repurchase program shall be effective when publicly announced and shall continue thereafter until suspended or terminated by the Board of Directors, in its sole discretion; and (2) all shares of common stock repurchased pursuant to the new program shall be held as treasury shares and be available for use and reissuance for purposes as and when determined by the Board of Directors including, without limitation, pursuant to the Corporation’s Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan and its equity compensation program.

 

 

 57 

 

 

CITIZENS & NORTHERN CORPORATION – FORM 10-Q

 

Item 3.Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None

 

Item 4.Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable

 

Item 5.Other Information

None

 

Item 6.Exhibits

 

2. Plan of acquisition, reorganization, arrangement, liquidation or succession   Not applicable
     
3. (i) Articles of Incorporation   Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Corporation's Form 8-K filed September 21, 2009
     
3. (ii) By-laws   Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Corporation's Form 8-K filed April 19, 2013
     
4. Instruments defining the rights of Security holders, including indentures   Not applicable
     
10. Material contracts   Not applicable
     
11. Statement re: computation of per share earnings   Information concerning the computation of earnings per share is provided in Note 2 to the unaudited consolidated financial statements, which is included in Part I, Item 1 of Form 10-Q
     
15. Letter re: unaudited interim information   Not applicable
     
18. Letter re: change in accounting principles   Not applicable
     
19. Report furnished to security holders   Not applicable
     
22. Published report regarding matters submitted to vote of security holders   Not applicable
     
23. Consents of experts and counsel   Not applicable
     
24. Power of attorney   Not applicable
     
31. Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) certifications:    
31.1 Certification of Chief Executive Officer   Filed herewith
31.2 Certification of Chief Financial Officer   Filed herewith
     
32. Section 1350 certifications   Filed herewith
     
99. Additional exhibits   Not applicable
     
100. XBRL-related documents   Not applicable
     
101. Interactive data file   Filed herewith

 

 58 

 

 

CITIZENS & NORTHERN CORPORATION – FORM 10-Q

 

SIGNATURES

 

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

 

  CITIZENS & NORTHERN CORPORATION
   
May 5, 2016 By: /s/ J. Bradley Scovill
Date President and Chief Executive Officer
   
May 5, 2016 By: /s/ Mark A. Hughes
Date Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer

 

 59