Document


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, 2017
 
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 1-12431
 image0a02.jpg
Unity Bancorp, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

New Jersey
22-3282551
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
 
 
64 Old Highway 22, Clinton, NJ
08809
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)
 
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (908) 730-7630
 
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, as amended, during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days:  
Yes ☒ No ☐
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes ☒ 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 (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act):
Large accelerated filer ☐       Accelerated filer ☐       Nonaccelerated filer ☐       Smaller reporting company ☒ Emerging Growth Company ☐

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

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

The number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant’s classes of common equity stock, as of April 30, 2017 common stock, no par value: 10,534,865 shares outstanding.





Table of Contents

PART I
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Page #
 
 
 
ITEM 1
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Income for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ITEM 2
 
 
 
ITEM 3
 
 
 
ITEM 4
 
 
 
PART II
 
 
 
ITEM 1
 
 
 
ITEM 1A
 
 
 
ITEM 2
 
 
 
ITEM 3
 
 
 
ITEM 4
 
 
 
ITEM 5
 
 
 
ITEM 6
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Exhibit 31.1
 
 
 
 
 
Exhibit 31.2
 
 
 
 
 
Exhibit 32.1
 

2




PART I        CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1        Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
Unity Bancorp, Inc.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Unaudited)
(In thousands)
 
March 31, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
Cash and due from banks
 
$
18,345

 
$
22,105

Federal funds sold and interest-bearing deposits
 
84,859

 
83,790

Cash and cash equivalents
 
103,204

 
105,895

Securities:
 
 
 
 
Securities available for sale
 
52,246

 
40,568

Securities held to maturity (fair value of $20,729 and $20,968 respectively)
 
20,776

 
20,979

Total securities
 
73,022

 
61,547

Loans:
 
 
 
 
SBA loans held for sale
 
12,163

 
14,773

SBA loans held for investment
 
42,403

 
42,492

SBA 504 loans
 
25,111

 
26,344

Commercial loans
 
519,338

 
509,171

Residential mortgage loans
 
305,578

 
289,093

Consumer loans
 
96,084

 
91,541

Total loans
 
1,000,677

 
973,414

Allowance for loan losses
 
(12,681
)
 
(12,579
)
Net loans
 
987,996

 
960,835

Premises and equipment, net
 
23,261

 
23,398

Bank owned life insurance ("BOLI")
 
13,847

 
13,758

Deferred tax assets
 
5,552

 
5,512

Federal Home Loan Bank ("FHLB") stock
 
5,992

 
6,037

Accrued interest receivable
 
4,483

 
4,462

Other real estate owned ("OREO")
 
1,172

 
1,050

Goodwill and other intangibles
 
1,516

 
1,516

Other assets
 
6,123

 
5,896

Total assets
 
$
1,226,168

 
$
1,189,906

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
 
 
 
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
Deposits:
 
 
 
 
Noninterest-bearing demand
 
$
220,750

 
$
215,963

Interest-bearing demand
 
146,091

 
145,654

Savings
 
389,802

 
363,462

Time, under $100,000
 
124,907

 
123,724

Time, $100,000 to $250,000
 
76,835

 
75,567

Time, $250,000 and over
 
22,318

 
21,353

Total deposits
 
980,703

 
945,723

Borrowed funds
 
120,000

 
121,000

Subordinated debentures
 
10,310

 
10,310

Accrued interest payable
 
405

 
430

Accrued expenses and other liabilities
 
5,445

 
6,152

Total liabilities
 
1,116,863

 
1,083,615

Commitments and contingencies
 


 


Shareholders' equity:
 
 
 
 
Common stock
 
85,757

 
85,383

Retained earnings
 
23,414

 
20,748

Accumulated other comprehensive income
 
134

 
160

Total shareholders' equity
 
109,305

 
106,291

Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
 
$
1,226,168

 
$
1,189,906

 
 
 
 
 
Issued and outstanding common shares
 
10,535

 
10,477


The accompanying notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.



Unity Bancorp, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Income
(Unaudited)
 
 
For the three months ended March 31,
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
 
2017
 
2016
INTEREST INCOME
 
 
 
 
Federal funds sold and interest-bearing deposits
 
$
129

 
$
44

FHLB stock
 
93

 
52

Securities:
 
 
 
 
Taxable
 
491

 
363

Tax-exempt
 
44

 
62

Total securities
 
535

 
425

Loans:
 
 
 
 
SBA loans
 
854

 
721

SBA 504 loans
 
301

 
385

Commercial loans
 
6,166

 
5,676

Residential mortgage loans
 
3,384

 
2,942

Consumer loans
 
1,132

 
931

Total loans
 
11,837

 
10,655

Total interest income
 
12,594

 
11,176

INTEREST EXPENSE
 
 
 
 
Interest-bearing demand deposits
 
153

 
137

Savings deposits
 
583

 
366

Time deposits
 
804

 
951

Borrowed funds and subordinated debentures
 
664

 
735

Total interest expense
 
2,204

 
2,189

Net interest income
 
10,390

 
8,987

Provision for loan losses
 
250

 
200

Net interest income after provision for loan losses
 
10,140

 
8,787

NONINTEREST INCOME
 
 
 
 
Branch fee income
 
331

 
333

Service and loan fee income
 
407

 
255

Gain on sale of SBA loans held for sale, net
 
485

 
308

Gain on sale of mortgage loans, net
 
637

 
715

BOLI income
 
88

 
94

Net security gains
 

 
94

Gain on repurchase of subordinated debt
 

 
2,264

Other income
 
256

 
217

Total noninterest income
 
2,204

 
4,280

NONINTEREST EXPENSE
 
 
 
 
Compensation and benefits
 
4,095

 
3,549

Occupancy
 
600

 
618

Processing and communications
 
604

 
644

Furniture and equipment
 
511

 
420

Professional services
 
226

 
255

Loan collection and OREO expenses
 
341

 
72

Other loan expenses
 
83

 
104

Deposit insurance
 
76

 
160

Advertising
 
236

 
241

Director fees
 
197

 
135

Other expenses
 
471

 
409

Total noninterest expense
 
7,440

 
6,607

Income before provision for income taxes
 
4,904

 
6,460

Provision for income taxes
 
1,712

 
2,255

Net income
 
$
3,192

 
$
4,205


 
 
 
 
Net income per common share - Basic
 
$
0.30

 
$
0.45

Net income per common share - Diluted
 
$
0.30

 
$
0.44


 
 
 
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding - Basic
 
10,509

 
9,304

Weighted average common shares outstanding - Diluted
 
10,705

 
9,550


The accompanying notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

All Share information has been adjusted for the 10% stock dividend paid September 30, 2016.


3




Unity Bancorp, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(Unaudited)
 
 
For the three months ended
 
 
March 31, 2017
 
March 31, 2016
(In thousands)
 
Before tax amount
 
Income tax expense (benefit)
 
Net of tax amount
 
Before tax amount
 
Income tax expense (benefit)
 
Net of tax amount
Net income
 
$
4,904

 
$
1,712

 
$
3,192

 
$
6,460

 
$
2,255

 
$
4,205

Other comprehensive (loss) income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment securities available for sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized holding (losses) gains on securities arising during the period
 
(144
)
 
(58
)
 
(86
)
 
152

 
55

 
97

Less: reclassification adjustment for gains on securities included in net income
 

 

 

 
94

 
33

 
61

Total unrealized (losses) gains on securities available for sale
 
(144
)
 
(58
)
 
(86
)
 
58

 
22

 
36

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Adjustments related to defined benefit plan:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amortization of prior service cost
 
21

 
9

 
12

 
20

 

 
20

Total adjustments related to defined benefit plan
 
21

 
9

 
12

 
20

 

 
20

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net unrealized gains from cash flow hedges:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized holding gains (losses) on cash flow hedges arising during the period
 
81

 
33

 
48

 
(492
)
 
(202
)
 
(290
)
Total unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges
 
81

 
33

 
48

 
(492
)
 
(202
)
 
(290
)
Total other comprehensive loss
 
(42
)
 
(16
)
 
(26
)
 
(414
)
 
(180
)
 
(234
)
Total comprehensive income
 
$
4,862

 
$
1,696

 
$
3,166

 
$
6,046

 
$
2,075

 
$
3,971


The accompanying notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

4




Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity
For the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016
(Unaudited)
 
 
Common stock
 
 
 
Accumulated other
 
Total
(In thousands)
 
Shares
 
Amount
 
Retained earnings
 
comprehensive income (loss)
 
shareholders' equity
Balance, December 31, 2016
 
10,477

 
$
85,383

 
$
20,748

 
$
160

 
$
106,291

Net income
 

 

 
3,192

 

 
3,192

Other comprehensive loss, net of tax
 

 

 

 
(26
)
 
(26
)
Dividends on common stock ($0.05 per share)
 

 
33

 
(526
)
 

 
(493
)
Common stock issued and related tax effects (1)
 
58

 
341

 

 

 
341

Balance, March 31, 2017
 
10,535

 
$
85,757

 
$
23,414

 
$
134

 
$
109,305


 
 
Common stock
 
 
 
Accumulated other
 
Total
(In thousands)
 
Shares
 
Amount
 
Retained earnings
 
comprehensive (loss)
 
shareholders' equity
Balance, December 31, 2015
 
9,279

 
$
59,371

 
$
19,566

 
$
(467
)
 
$
78,470

Net income
 

 

 
4,205

 

 
4,205

Other comprehensive loss, net of tax
 

 

 

 
(234
)
 
(234
)
Dividends on common stock ($0.04 per share)
 

 
25

 
(340
)
 

 
(315
)
Common stock issued and related tax effects (1)
 
36

 
150

 

 

 
150

Balance, March 31, 2016
 
9,315

 
$
59,546

 
$
23,431

 
$
(701
)
 
$
82,276


(1) Includes the issuance of common stock under employee benefit plans, which includes nonqualified stock options and restricted stock expense related entries, employee option exercises and the tax benefit of options exercised.

The accompanying notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

2016 share information has been adjusted for the 10% stock dividend paid September 30, 2016.
໿


5




Unity Bancorp, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)
 
 
For the three months ended March 31,
(In thousands)
 
2017
 
2016
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
$
3,192

 
$
4,205

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
 
Provision for loan losses
 
250

 
200

Net amortization of purchase premiums and discounts on securities
 
73

 
92

Depreciation and amortization
 
249

 
247

Deferred income tax (benefit) expense
 
(5
)
 
142

Net security gains
 

 
(94
)
Gain on repurchase of subordinated debentures
 

 
(2,264
)
Stock compensation expense
 
212

 
132

Loss (gain) on sale of OREO
 
253

 
(88
)
Gain on sale of mortgage loans held for sale, net
 
(454
)
 
(294
)
Gain on sale of SBA loans held for sale, net
 
(485
)
 
(308
)
Origination of mortgage loans held for sale
 
(25,654
)
 
(25,015
)
Origination of SBA loans held for sale
 
(2,451
)
 
(3,734
)
Proceeds from sale of mortgage loans held for sale, net
 
26,108

 
25,309

Proceeds from sale of SBA loans held for sale, net
 
6,511

 
3,759

BOLI income
 
(88
)
 
(94
)
Net change in other assets and liabilities
 
(905
)
 
1,710

Net cash provided by operating activities
 
6,806

 
3,905

INVESTING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
 
Purchases of securities held to maturity
 

 

Purchases of securities available for sale
 
(15,495
)
 
(2,142
)
Purchases of FHLB stock, at cost
 
(225
)
 
(1,395
)
Maturities and principal payments on securities held to maturity
 
192

 
296

Maturities and principal payments on securities available for sale
 
3,611

 
3,949

Proceeds from sales of securities available for sale
 

 
2,564

Proceeds from redemption of FHLB stock
 
270

 
1,260

Proceeds from sale of OREO
 
21

 
1,224

Net (increase) decrease in loans
 
(31,283
)
 
1,078

Purchases of premises and equipment
 
(210
)
 
(4,543
)
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities
 
(43,119
)
 
2,291

FINANCING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
 
Net increase in deposits
 
34,980

 
32,326

Proceeds from new borrowings
 
35,000

 
20,000

Repayments of borrowings
 
(36,000
)
 
(17,000
)
Repurchase of subordinated debentures
 

 
(2,891
)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
 
135

 

Dividends on common stock
 
(493
)
 
(315
)
Net cash provided by financing activities
 
33,622

 
32,120

(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
 
(2,691
)
 
38,316

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
 
105,895

 
88,157

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
 
$
103,204

 
$
126,473


6




Unity Bancorp, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Continued)
(Unaudited)
 
 
For the three months ended March 31,
(In thousands)
 
2017
 
2016
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES
 
 
 
 
Cash:
 
 
 
 
Interest paid
 
$
2,229

 
$
2,259

Income taxes paid
 
$
1,877

 
$
1,337

Noncash investing activities:
 
 
 
 
Transfer of SBA loans held for sale to held to maturity
 
$
13

 
$

Capitalization of servicing rights
 
$
176

 
$
529

Transfer of loans to OREO
 
$
396

 
$
852

 
 
 
 
 
The accompanying notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.


7




Unity Bancorp, Inc.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
March 31, 2017
 
NOTE 1.  Significant Accounting Policies

The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Unity Bancorp, Inc. (the "Parent Company") and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Unity Bank (the "Bank" or when consolidated with the Parent Company, the "Company"), and reflect all adjustments and disclosures which are generally routine and recurring in nature, and in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of interim results.  The Bank has multiple subsidiaries used to hold part of its investment and loan portfolios and OREO properties.  All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.  Certain reclassifications have been made to prior period amounts to conform to the current year presentation, with no impact on current earnings or shareholders’ equity.  The financial information has been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and has not been audited.  In preparing the financial statements, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and revenues and expenses during the reporting periods.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.  Amounts requiring the use of significant estimates include the allowance for loan losses, valuation of deferred tax and servicing assets, the carrying value of loans held for sale and other real estate owned, the valuation of securities and the determination of other-than-temporary impairment for securities and fair value disclosures.  Management believes that the allowance for loan losses is adequate.  While management uses available information to recognize losses on loans, future additions to the allowance for loan losses may be necessary based on changes in economic conditions.  The Company has evaluated subsequent events for potential recognition and/or disclosure through the date the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q were available to be issued.

The interim unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements included herein have been prepared in accordance with instructions for Form 10-Q and the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and consist of normal recurring adjustments necessary for the fair presentation of interim results.  The results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2017 are not necessarily indicative of the results which may be expected for the entire year.  As used in this Form 10-Q, “we” and “us” and “our” refer to Unity Bancorp, Inc., and its consolidated subsidiary, Unity Bank, depending on the context.  Certain information and financial disclosures required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted from interim reporting pursuant to SEC rules.  Interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.

Stock Transactions

On August 26, 2016, the Company declared a 10% stock dividend to shareholders' of record as of September 15, 2016. The 10% stock dividend was paid on September 30, 2016. All share amounts in the following tables have been restated to include the effect of the 10% stock dividend distribution.

Stock Option Plans
The Company has incentive and nonqualified option plans, which allow for the grant of options to officers, employees and members of the Board of Directors.  Transactions under the Company’s stock option plans for the three months ended March 31, 2017 are summarized in the following table:
 
 
Shares
 
Weighted average exercise price
 
Weighted average remaining contractual life in years
 
Aggregate intrinsic value
Outstanding at December 31, 2016
 
552,759

 
$
7.26

 
5.7
 
$
4,663,432

Options granted
 
47,100

 
16.37

 
 
 
 
Options exercised
 
(17,064
)
 
7.91

 
 
 
 
Options forfeited
 

 

 
 
 
 
Options expired
 
(607
)
 
11.48

 
 
 
 
Outstanding at March 31, 2017
 
582,188

 
$
7.98

 
5.9
 
$
5,224,156

Exercisable at March 31, 2017
 
410,995

 
$
6.14

 
4.5
 
$
4,442,273



8




Grants under the Company’s incentive and nonqualified option plans generally vest over 3 years and must be exercised within 10 years of the date of grant.  The exercise price of each option is the market price on the date of grant.  As of March 31, 2017, 2,112,585 shares have been reserved for issuance upon the exercise of options, 582,188 option grants are outstanding, and 1,498,025 option grants have been exercised, forfeited or expired, leaving 32,372 shares available for grant.

The fair values of the options granted during the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 were estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions:

 
For the three months ended March 31,

 
2017
 
2016
Number of options granted
 
47,100

 
97,900

Weighted average exercise price
 
$
16.37

 
$
10.06

Weighted average fair value of options
 
$
4.64

 
$
3.19

Expected life in years (1)
 
6.57

 
6.85

Expected volatility (2)
 
28.12
%
 
31.91
%
Risk-free interest rate (3)
 
2.18
%
 
1.79
%
Dividend yield (4)
 
1.15
%
 
1.44
%
(1) The expected life of the options was estimated based on historical employee behavior and represents the period of time that options granted are expected to be outstanding.
(2) The expected volatility of the Company’s stock price was based on the historical volatility over the period commensurate with the expected life of the options. 
(3) The risk-free interest rate is the U.S. Treasury rate commensurate with the expected life of the options on the date of grant.
(4) The expected dividend yield is the projected annual yield based on the grant date stock price.

Upon exercise, the Company issues shares from its authorized but unissued common stock to satisfy the options. The following table presents information about options exercised during the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016:
 
 
For the three months ended March 31,
 
 
2017
 
2016
Number of options exercised
 
17,064

 

Total intrinsic value of options exercised
 
$
147,690

 
$

Cash received from options exercised
 
$
134,955

 
$

Tax deduction realized from options
 
$
60,331

 
$


The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding and exercisable at March 31, 2017:
 
 
 
Options outstanding
 
Options exercisable
Range of exercise prices
 
Options outstanding
 
Weighted average remaining contractual life (in years)
 
Weighted average exercise price
 
Options exercisable
 
Weighted average exercise price
$
0.00 - 4.00
 
96,800

 
1.9
 
$
3.54

 
96,800

 
$
3.54

 
4.01 - 8.00
 
242,688

 
4.4
 
6.26

 
242,321

 
6.25

 
8.01 - 12.00
 
166,100

 
8.5
 
9.52

 
71,874

 
9.27

 
12.01 - 16.00
 
46,600

 
9.7
 
15.00

 

 

 
16.01 - 20.00
 
30,000

 
9.9
 
16.75

 

 

 
Total
 
582,188

 
5.9
 
$
7.98

 
410,995

 
$
6.14



9




Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification ("FASB ASC") Topic 718, “Compensation - Stock Compensation,” requires an entity to recognize the fair value of equity awards as compensation expense over the period during which an employee is required to provide service in exchange for such an award (vesting period).  Compensation expense related to stock options and the related income tax benefit for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 are detailed in the following table:

 
For the three months ended March 31,

 
2017
 
2016
Compensation expense
 
$
69,817

 
$
55,983

Income tax benefit
 
$
28,520

 
$
22,869


As of March 31, 2017, unrecognized compensation costs related to nonvested share-based compensation arrangements granted under the Company’s stock option plans totaled approximately $571 thousand.  That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.3 years. 

Restricted Stock Awards

Restricted stock is issued under the stock bonus program to reward employees and directors and to retain them by distributing stock over a period of time.  The following table summarizes nonvested restricted stock activity for the three months ended March 31, 2017:
 
 
Shares
 
Average grant date fair value
Nonvested restricted stock at December 31, 2016
 
97,203

 
$
9.47

Granted
 
38,400

 
16.36

Cancelled
 

 

Vested
 
(29,016
)
 
8.80

Nonvested restricted stock at March 31, 2017
 
106,587

 
$
12.13


Restricted stock awards granted to date vest over a period of 4 years and are recognized as compensation to the recipient over the vesting period.  The awards are recorded at fair market value at the time of grant and amortized into salary expense on a straight line basis over the vesting period.  As of March 31, 2017,  518,157 shares of restricted stock were reserved for issuance, of which 111,404 shares are available for grant.

Restricted stock awards granted during the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 were as follows:

 
For the three months ended March 31,

 
2017
 
2016
Number of shares granted
 
38,400

 
33,385

Average grant date fair value
 
$
16.36

 
$
10.19


Compensation expense related to restricted stock for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 is detailed in the following table:

 
For the three months ended March 31,

 
2017
 
2016
Compensation expense
 
$
141,804

 
$
76,118

Income tax benefit
 
$
57,927

 
$
31,097


As of March 31, 2017, there was approximately $1.2 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested restricted stock awards granted under the Company’s stock incentive plans.  That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 3.2 years.


10




401(k) Savings Plan

The Bank has a 401(k) savings plan covering substantially all employees.  Under the Plan, an employee can contribute up to 80 percent of their salary on a tax deferred basis.  The Bank may also make discretionary contributions to the Plan.  The Bank contributed $119 thousand and $89 thousand to the Plan during the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Deferred Fee Plan 

The Company has a deferred fee plan for Directors and executive management.  Directors of the Company have the option to elect to defer up to 100 percent of their respective retainer and Board of Director fees, and each member of executive management has the option to elect to defer up to 100 percent of their year end cash bonuses.  Director and executive deferred fees totaled $120 thousand and $102 thousand during the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.  The interest paid on the deferred balances totaled $10 thousand and $8 thousand during the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. No fees were distributed in 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Benefit Plans
In addition to the 401(k) savings plan which covers substantially all employees, the Company established in 2015 an unfunded supplemental defined benefit plan to provide additional retirement benefits for the President and Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and certain key executives.
On June 4, 2015, the Company approved the Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (“SERP”) pursuant to which the President and CEO is entitled to receive certain supplemental nonqualified retirement benefits. On November 21, 2016 the Company approved a change in calculation of the Retirement Benefit payable under the Plan so that the Retirement Benefit shall be an amount equal to forty (40%) percent of the average of Executive's base salary for the thirty-six (36) months immediately preceding executive's separation from service after age 66, adjusted annually thereafter by two (2%). The total benefit is to be made payable in fifteen annual installments.  The future payments are estimated to total $3.4 million.  A discount rate of 4.00% was used to calculate the present value of the benefit obligation.  
The President and CEO commenced vesting to this retirement benefit on January 1, 2014, and vests an additional 3% each year until fully vested on January 1, 2024. In the event that the President and CEO’s separation from service from the company were to occur prior to full vesting, the President and CEO would be entitled to and shall be paid the vested portion of the retirement benefit calculated as of the date of separation from service.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, upon a Change in Control, and provided that within 6 months following the Change in Control the President and CEO is involuntarily terminated for reasons other than “cause” or the President and CEO resigns for “good reason,” as such is defined in the SERP, or the President and CEO voluntarily terminates his employment after being offered continued employment in a position that is not a “Comparable Position,” as such is also defined in the SERP, the President and CEO shall become 100% vested in the full retirement benefit.
No contributions or payments have been made during the three months ended March 31, 2017. The following table summarizes the components of the net periodic pension cost of the defined benefit plan recognized during the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016:
 
 
For the three months ended March 31,
(In thousands)
 
2017
 
2016
Service cost
 
$
16

 
$
15

Interest cost
 
10

 
10

Amortization of prior service cost
 
21

 
20

Net periodic benefit cost
 
$
47

 
$
45


11




The following table summarizes the changes in benefit obligations of the defined benefit plan during the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016:
 
 
For the three months ended March 31,
(In thousands)
 
2017
 
2016
Benefit obligation, beginning of year
 
$
1,023

 
$
923

Service cost
 
16

 
15

Interest cost
 
10

 
10

Actuarial gain (loss)
 

 

Benefit obligation, end of period
 
$
1,049

 
$
948

On October 22, 2015, the Company entered into an Executive Incentive Retirement Plan (the “Plan”) with certain key executive officers. The Plan has an effective date of January 1, 2015.
The Plan is an unfunded, nonqualified deferred compensation plan.  For any Plan Year, a guaranteed annual Deferral Award percentage of seven and one half percent (7.5%) of the participant’s annual base salary will be credited to each Participant’s Deferred Benefit Account.  A discretionary annual Deferral Award equal to seven and one half percent (7.5%) of the participant’s annual base salary may be credited to the Participant’s account in addition to the guaranteed Deferral Award, if the Bank exceeds the benchmarks set forth in the Annual Executive Bonus Matrix.  The total Deferral Award shall never exceed fifteen percent (15%) of the participant's base salary for any given Plan Year.  Each Participant shall be one hundred percent 100% vested in all Deferral Awards as of the date they are awarded.
As of March 31, 2017, the Company had total year to date expenses of $23 thousand related to the Plan.  The Plan is reflected on the Company’s balance sheet as accrued expenses.
Certain members of management are also enrolled in a split-dollar life insurance plan with a post retirement death benefit of $250 thousand.  Total expenses related to this plan were $1 thousand for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016.

Other-Than-Temporary Impairment

The Company has a process in place to identify securities that could potentially incur credit impairment that is other-than-temporary. This process involves monitoring late payments, pricing levels, downgrades by rating agencies, key financial ratios, financial statements, revenue forecasts and cash flow projections as indicators of credit issues.  Management evaluates securities for other-than-temporary impairment at least on a quarterly basis, and more frequently when economic or market concern warrants such evaluation.  This evaluation considers relevant facts and circumstances in evaluating whether a credit or interest rate-related impairment of a security is other-than-temporary.  Relevant facts and circumstances considered include: (1)the extent and length of time the fair value has been below cost; (2) the reasons for the decline in value; (3) the financial position and access to capital of the issuer, including the current and future impact of any specific events and (4) for fixed maturity securities, our intent to sell a security or whether it is more likely than not we will be required to sell the security before the recovery of its amortized cost which, in some cases, may extend to maturity and for equity securities, our ability and intent to hold the security for a forecasted period of time that allows for the recovery in value.

Management assesses its intent to sell or whether it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell a security before recovery of its amortized cost basis less any current-period credit losses.  For debt securities that are considered other-than-temporarily impaired with no intent to sell and no requirement to sell prior to recovery of its amortized cost basis, the amount of the impairment is separated into the amount that is credit related (credit loss component) and the amount due to all other factors.  The credit loss component is recognized in earnings and is the difference between the security’s amortized cost basis and the present value of its expected future cash flows.  The remaining difference between the security’s fair value and the present value of future expected cash flows is due to factors that are not credit related and is recognized in other comprehensive income.  For debt securities where management has the intent to sell, the amount of the impairment is reflected in earnings as realized losses.


12




The present value of expected future cash flows is determined using the best estimate cash flows discounted at the effective interest rate implicit to the security at the date of purchase or the current yield to accrete an asset-backed or floating rate security.  The methodology and assumptions for establishing the best estimate cash flows vary depending on the type of security.  The asset-backed securities cash flow estimates are based on bond specific facts and circumstances that may include collateral characteristics, expectations of delinquency and default rates, loss severity and prepayment speeds and structural support, including subordination and guarantees.  The corporate bond cash flow estimates are derived from scenario-based outcomes of expected corporate restructurings or the disposition of assets using bond specific facts and circumstances including timing, security interests and loss severity.

Transfers of Financial Assets

Transfers of financial assets are accounted for as sales, when control over the assets has been surrendered.  Control over transferred assets is deemed to be surrendered when (1) the assets have been isolated from the Company, (2) the transferee obtains the right (free of conditions that constrain it from taking advantage of that right) to pledge or exchange the transferred assets, and (3) the Company does not maintain effective control over the transferred assets through an agreement to repurchase them before their maturity.

Loans

Loans Held for Sale 
Loans held for sale represent the guaranteed portion of Small Business Administration (“SBA”) loans and are reflected at the lower of aggregate cost or market value.  The Company originates loans to customers under an SBA program that historically has provided for SBA guarantees of up to 90 percent of each loan.  The Company generally sells the guaranteed portion of its SBA loans to a third party and retains the servicing, holding the nonguaranteed portion in its portfolio.  The net amount of loan origination fees on loans sold is included in the carrying value and in the gain or loss on the sale.  When sales of SBA loans do occur, the premium received on the sale and the present value of future cash flows of the servicing assets are recognized in income.  All criteria for sale accounting must be met in order for the loan sales to occur; see details under the “Transfers of Financial Assets” heading above.

Servicing assets represent the estimated fair value of retained servicing rights, net of servicing costs, at the time loans are sold.  Servicing assets are amortized in proportion to, and over the period of, estimated net servicing revenues.  Impairment is evaluated based on stratifying the underlying financial assets by date of origination and term.  Fair value is determined using prices for similar assets with similar characteristics, when available, or based upon discounted cash flows using market-based assumptions.  Any impairment, if temporary, would be reported as a valuation allowance.

Serviced loans sold to others are not included in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.  Income and fees collected for loan servicing are credited to noninterest income when earned, net of amortization on the related servicing assets.

Loans Held to Maturity 
Loans held to maturity are stated at the unpaid principal balance, net of unearned discounts and deferred loan origination fees and costs.  In accordance with the level yield method, loan origination fees, net of direct loan origination costs, are deferred and recognized over the estimated life of the related loans as an adjustment to the loan yield.  Interest is credited to operations primarily based upon the principal balance outstanding.

Loans are reported as past due when either interest or principal is unpaid in the following circumstances: fixed payment loans when the borrower is in arrears for two or more monthly payments; open end credit for two or more billing cycles; and single payment notes if interest or principal remains unpaid for 30 days or more.

Nonperforming loans consist of loans that are not accruing interest as a result of principal or interest being in default for a period of 90 days or more or when the ability to collect principal and interest according to the contractual terms is in doubt (nonaccrual loans).  When a loan is classified as nonaccrual, interest accruals are discontinued and all past due interest previously recognized as income is reversed and charged against current period earnings.  Generally, until the loan becomes current, any payments received from the borrower are applied to outstanding principal until such time as management determines that the financial condition of the borrower and other factors merit recognition of a portion of such payments as interest income.  Loans may be returned to an accrual status when the ability to collect is reasonably assured and when the loan is brought current as to principal and interest.


13




Loans are charged off when collection is sufficiently questionable and when the Company can no longer justify maintaining the loan as an asset on the balance sheet.  Loans qualify for charge-off when, after thorough analysis, all possible sources of repayment are insufficient.  These include: 1) potential future cash flows, 2) value of collateral, and/or 3) strength of co-makers and guarantors.  All unsecured loans are charged off upon the establishment of the loan’s nonaccrual status.  Additionally, all loans classified as a loss or that portion of the loan classified as a loss is charged off.  All loan charge-offs are approved by the Board of Directors.

Troubled debt restructurings ("TDRs") occur when a creditor, for economic or legal reasons related to a debtor’s financial condition, grants a concession to the debtor that it would not otherwise consider.  These concessions typically include reductions in interest rate, extending the maturity of a loan, or a combination of both. Interest income on accruing TDRs is credited to operations primarily based upon the principal amount outstanding, as stated in the paragraphs above.

The Company evaluates its loans for impairment.  A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement.  The Company has defined impaired loans to be all TDRs and nonperforming loans individually evaluated for impairment.  Impairment is evaluated in total for smaller-balance loans of a similar nature (consumer and residential mortgage loans), and on an individual basis for all other loans.  Impairment of a loan is measured based on the present value of expected future cash flows, discounted at the loan's effective interest rate, or as a practical expedient, based on a loan’s observable market price or the fair value of collateral, net of estimated costs to sell, if the loan is collateral-dependent.  If the value of the impaired loan is less than the recorded investment in the loan, the Company establishes a valuation allowance, or adjusts existing valuation allowances, with a corresponding charge to the provision for loan losses.

For additional information on loans, see Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements and the section titled "Loan Portfolio" under Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis.

Allowance for Loan Losses and Reserve for Unfunded Loan Commitments

The allowance for loan losses is maintained at a level management considers adequate to provide for probable loan losses as of the balance sheet date.  The allowance is increased by provisions charged to expense and is reduced by net charge-offs.

The level of the allowance is based on management’s evaluation of probable losses in the loan portfolio, after consideration of prevailing economic conditions in the Company’s market area, the volume and composition of the loan portfolio, and historical loan loss experience.  The allowance for loan losses consists of specific reserves for individually impaired credits and TDRs, reserves for nonimpaired loans based on historical loss factors and reserves based on general economic factors and other qualitative risk factors such as changes in delinquency trends, industry concentrations or local/national economic trends.  This risk assessment process is performed at least quarterly, and, as adjustments become necessary, they are realized in the periods in which they become known.

Although management attempts to maintain the allowance at a level deemed adequate to provide for probable losses, future additions to the allowance may be necessary based upon certain factors including changes in market conditions and underlying collateral values.  In addition, various regulatory agencies periodically review the adequacy of the Company’s allowance for loan losses.  These agencies may require the Company to make additional provisions based on their judgments about information available to them at the time of their examination.

The Company maintains an allowance for unfunded loan commitments that is maintained at a level that management believes is adequate to absorb estimated probable losses.  Adjustments to the allowance are made through other expenses and applied to the allowance which is maintained in other liabilities.

For additional information on the allowance for loan losses and unfunded loan commitments, see Note 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements and the sections titled "Asset Quality" and "Allowance for Loan Losses and Reserve for Unfunded Loan Commitments" under Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis.


14




Income Taxes

The Company accounts for income taxes according to the asset and liability method.  Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the enacted tax rates applicable to taxable income for the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.

Valuation reserves are established against certain deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will not be realized.  Increases or decreases in the valuation reserve are charged or credited to the income tax provision.When tax returns are filed, it is highly certain that some positions taken would be sustained upon examination by the taxing authorities, while others are subject to uncertainty about the merits of the position taken or the amount of the position that ultimately would be sustained.  The benefit of a tax position is recognized in the financial statements in the period during which, based on all available evidence, management believes it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination, including the resolution of appeals or litigation processes, if any.  The evaluation of a tax position taken is considered by itself and not offset or aggregated with other positions.  Tax positions that meet the more likely than not recognition threshold are measured as the largest amount of tax benefit that is more than 50 percent likely of being realized upon settlement with the applicable taxing authority.  The portion of benefits associated with tax positions taken that exceeds the amount measured as described above is reflected as a liability for unrecognized tax benefits in the accompanying balance sheet along with any associated interest and penalties that would be payable to the taxing authorities upon examination.

Interest and penalties associated with unrecognized tax benefits would be recognized in income tax expense on the income statement.

NOTE 2.  Litigation

The Company may, in the ordinary course of business, become a party to litigation involving collection matters, contract claims and other legal proceedings relating to the conduct of its business.  In the best judgment of management, based upon consultation with counsel, the consolidated financial position and results of operations of the Company will not be affected materially by the final outcome of any pending legal proceedings or other contingent liabilities and commitments.

NOTE 3.  Net Income per Share

Basic net income per common share is calculated as net income divided by the weighted average common shares outstanding during the reporting period. 

Diluted net income per common share is computed similarly to that of basic net income per common share, except that the denominator is increased to include the number of additional common shares that would have been outstanding if all potentially dilutive common shares, principally stock options, were issued during the reporting period utilizing the Treasury stock method.

The following is a reconciliation of the calculation of basic and diluted income per share: 
 
 
For the three months ended March 31,
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
 
2017
 
2016
Net income
 
$
3,192

 
$
4,205

Weighted average common shares outstanding - Basic
 
10,509

 
9,304

Plus: Potential dilutive common stock equivalents
 
196

 
246

Weighted average common shares outstanding - Diluted
 
10,705

 
9,550

Net income per common share - Basic
 
$
0.30

 
$
0.45

Net income per common share - Diluted
 
0.30

 
0.44

Stock options and common stock excluded from the income per share calculation as their effect would have been anti-dilutive
 
56

 
203


Prior year weighted average share and per share figures shown above have been adjusted for the 10% stock dividend paid September 30, 2016.


15




NOTE 4.  Income Taxes

The Company follows FASB ASC Topic 740, “Income Taxes,” which prescribes a threshold for the financial statement recognition of income taxes and provides criteria for the measurement of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return.  ASC 740 also includes guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition of income taxes.  

For the quarter ended March 31, 2017, the Company reported income tax expense of $1.7 million for an effective tax rate of 34.9 percent, compared to an income tax expense of $2.3 million and an effective tax rate of 34.9 percent for the prior year’s quarter. The Company did not recognize or accrue any interest or penalties related to income taxes during the three months ended March 31, 2017 or 2016.  The Company did not have an accrual for uncertain tax positions as of March 31, 2017 or December 31, 2016, as deductions taken and benefits accrued are based on widely understood administrative practices and procedures and are based on clear and unambiguous tax law.  Tax returns for all years 2012 and thereafter are subject to future examination by tax authorities.

NOTE 5.  Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income

The following tables show the changes in other comprehensive income (loss) for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, net of tax:

 
 
For the three months ended March 31, 2017
(In thousands)
 
Net unrealized losses on securities
 
Adjustments related to defined benefit plan
 
Net unrealized gains from cash flow hedges
 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Balance, beginning of period
 
$
(161
)
 
$
(391
)
 
$
712

 
$
160

Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications
 
(86
)
 

 
48

 
(38
)
Less amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss
 

 
(12
)
 

 
(12
)
Period change
 
(86
)
 
12

 
48

 
(26
)
Balance, end of period
 
$
(247
)
 
$
(379
)
 
$
760

 
$
134


 
 
For the three months ended March 31, 2016
(In thousands)
 
Net unrealized (losses) gains on securities
 
Adjustments related to defined benefit plan
 
Net unrealized losses from cash flow hedges
 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Balance, beginning of period
 
$
(2
)
 
$
(448
)
 
$
(17
)
 
$
(467
)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
 
97

 

 
(290
)
 
(193
)
Less amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss
 
61

 
(20
)
 

 
41

Period change
 
36

 
20

 
(290
)
 
(234
)
Balance, end of period
 
$
34

 
$
(428
)
 
$
(307
)
 
$
(701
)




16




NOTE 6.  Fair Value

Fair Value Measurement

The Company follows FASB ASC Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurement and Disclosures,” which requires additional disclosures about the Company’s assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value.  Fair value is the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date.  In determining fair value, the Company uses various methods including market, income and cost approaches.  Based on these approaches, the Company often utilizes certain assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk and/or the risks inherent in the inputs to the valuation technique.  These inputs can be readily observable, market corroborated, or generally unobservable inputs.  The Company utilizes techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs.  The fair value hierarchy ranks the quality and reliability of the information used to determine fair values.  Financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value will be classified and disclosed as follows:

Level 1 Inputs
Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities.
Generally, this includes debt and equity securities and derivative contracts that are traded in an active exchange market (i.e. New York Stock Exchange), as well as certain U.S. Treasury, U.S. Government and sponsored entity agency mortgage-backed securities that are highly liquid and are actively traded in over-the-counter markets.

Level 2 Inputs
Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets.
Quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in inactive markets.
Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable, either directly or indirectly, for the term of the asset or liability (i.e., interest rates, yield curves, credit risks, prepayment speeds or volatilities) or “market corroborated inputs.”
Generally, this includes U.S. Government and sponsored entity mortgage-backed securities, corporate debt securities and derivative contracts.

Level 3 Inputs
Prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both unobservable (i.e. supported by little or no market activity) and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.
These assets and liabilities include financial instruments whose value is determined using pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies, or similar techniques, as well as instruments for which the determination of fair value requires significant management judgment or estimation.

Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

The following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis:

Securities Available for Sale
The fair value of available for sale ("AFS") securities is the market value based on quoted market prices, when available, or market prices provided by recognized broker dealers (Level 1).  If listed prices or quotes are not available, fair value is based upon quoted market prices for similar or identical assets or other observable inputs (Level 2) or externally developed models that use unobservable inputs due to limited or no market activity of the instrument (Level 3).

As of March 31, 2017, the fair value of the Company's AFS securities portfolio was $52.2 million.  Approximately 63 percent of the portfolio was made up of residential mortgage-backed securities, which had a fair value of $32.8 million at March 31, 2017.  Approximately $32.1 million of the residential mortgage-backed securities are guaranteed by the Government National Mortgage Association ("GNMA"), the Federal National Mortgage Association ("FNMA") or the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation ("FHLMC").  The underlying loans for these securities are residential mortgages that are geographically dispersed throughout the United States. 

All of the Company’s AFS securities were classified as Level 2 assets at March 31, 2017.  The valuation of AFS securities using Level 2 inputs was primarily determined using the market approach, which uses quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets and all other relevant information.  It includes model pricing, defined as valuing securities based upon their relationship with other benchmark securities. 


17




There were no changes in the inputs or methodologies used to determine fair value during the period ended March 31, 2017, as compared to the periods ended December 31, 2016 and March 31, 2016.  

The tables below present the balances of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016:
 
 
March 31, 2017
(In thousands)
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
Securities available for sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Government sponsored entities
 
$

 
$
3,721

 
$

 
$
3,721

State and political subdivisions
 

 
5,863

 

 
5,863

Residential mortgage-backed securities
 

 
32,794

 

 
32,794

Corporate and other securities
 

 
9,868

 

 
9,868

Total securities available for sale
 
$

 
$
52,246

 
$

 
$
52,246

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swap agreements
 

 
1,285

 

 
1,285

Total
 
$

 
1,285

 
$

 
$
1,285

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2016
(In thousands)
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
Securities available for sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Government sponsored entities
 
$

 
$
3,716

 
$

 
$
3,716

State and political subdivisions
 

 
5,502

 

 
5,502

Residential mortgage-backed securities
 

 
21,631

 

 
21,631

Corporate and other securities
 

 
9,719

 

 
9,719

Total securities available for sale
 
$

 
$
40,568

 
$

 
$
40,568

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swap agreements
 

 
1,204

 

 
1,204

Total
 
$

 
$
1,204

 
$

 
$
1,204


Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis

Certain assets and liabilities are not measured at fair value on an ongoing basis but are subject to fair value adjustments in certain circumstances (for example, when there is evidence of impairment).  The following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for instruments measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis:

Appraisal Policy
All appraisals must be performed in accordance with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice ("USPAP").  Appraisals are certified to the Company and performed by appraisers on the Company’s approved list of appraisers.  Evaluations are completed by a person independent of Company management.  The content of the appraisal depends on the complexity of the property.  Appraisals are completed on a “retail value” and an “as is value.”

The Company requires current real estate appraisals on all loans that become OREO or in-substance foreclosure, loans that are classified substandard, doubtful or loss, or loans that are over $100,000 and nonperforming.  Prior to each balance sheet date, the Company values impaired collateral-dependent loans and OREO based upon a third party appraisal, broker's price opinion, drive by appraisal, automated valuation model, updated market evaluation, or a combination of these methods.  The amount is discounted for the decline in market real estate values (for original appraisals), for any known damage or repair costs, and for selling and closing costs.  The amount of the discount ranges from 10 to 25 percent and is dependent upon the method used to determine the original value.  The original appraisal is generally used when a loan is first determined to be impaired.  When applying the discount, the Company takes into consideration when the appraisal was performed, the collateral’s location, the type of collateral, any known damage to the property and the type of business.  Subsequent to entering impaired status and the Company determining that there is a collateral shortfall, the Company will generally, depending on the type of collateral, order a third party appraisal, broker's price opinion, automated valuation model or updated market evaluation.  After receiving the third party results, the Company will discount the value 8 to 10 percent for selling and closing costs.


18




OREO
The fair value of OREO is determined using appraisals, which may be discounted based on management’s review and changes in market conditions (Level 3 Inputs).  

Impaired Collateral-Dependent Loans
The fair value of impaired collateral-dependent loans is derived in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 310, “Receivables.”  Fair value is determined based on the loan’s observable market price or the fair value of the collateral.  Partially charged-off loans are measured for impairment based upon an appraisal for collateral-dependent loans.  When an updated appraisal is received for a nonperforming loan, the value on the appraisal is discounted in the manner discussed above.  If there is a deficiency in the value after the Company applies these discounts, management applies a specific reserve and the loan remains in nonaccrual status.  The receipt of an updated appraisal would not qualify as a reason to put a loan back into accruing status.  The Company removes loans from nonaccrual status generally when the borrower makes nine months of contractual payments and demonstrates the ability to service the debt going forward.  Charge-offs are determined based upon the loss that management believes the Company will incur after evaluating collateral for impairment based upon the valuation methods described above and the ability of the borrower to pay any deficiency.

The valuation allowance for impaired loans is included in the allowance for loan losses in the consolidated balance sheets.  At March 31, 2017, the valuation allowance for impaired loans was $296 thousand, an increase of $16 thousand from $280 thousand at December 31, 2016.

The following tables present the assets and liabilities subject to fair value adjustments (impairment) on a non-recurring basis carried on the balance sheet by caption and by level within the hierarchy (as described above):
 
 
Fair value at March 31, 2017
(In thousands)
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
Financial assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
OREO
 
$

 
$

 
$
1,172

 
$
1,172

Impaired collateral-dependent loans
 

 

 
2,619

 
2,619

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
Fair value at December 31, 2016
(In thousands)
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
Financial assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
OREO
 
$

 
$

 
$
1,050

 
$
1,050

Impaired collateral-dependent loans
 

 

 
1,767

 
1,767


Fair Value of Financial Instruments

FASB ASC Topic 825, “Financial Instruments,” requires the disclosure of the estimated fair value of certain financial instruments, including those financial instruments for which the Company did not elect the fair value option.  These estimated fair values as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 have been determined using available market information and appropriate valuation methodologies.  Considerable judgment is required to interpret market data to develop estimates of fair value.  The estimates presented are not necessarily indicative of amounts the Company could realize in a current market exchange.  The use of alternative market assumptions and estimation methodologies could have had a material effect on these estimates of fair value.  The methodology for estimating the fair value of financial assets and liabilities that are measured on a recurring or nonrecurring basis are discussed above.  The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of other financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate that value:

Cash and Cash Equivalents
For these short-term instruments, the carrying value is a reasonable estimate of fair value.

Securities
The fair value of securities is based upon quoted market prices for similar or identical assets or other observable inputs (Level 2) or externally developed models that use unobservable inputs due to limited or no market activity of the instrument (Level 3).

SBA Loans Held for Sale
The fair value of SBA loans held for sale is estimated by using a market approach that includes significant other observable inputs.

19





Loans
The fair value of loans is estimated by discounting the future cash flows using current market rates that reflect the interest rate risk inherent in the loan, except for previously discussed impaired loans.

FHLB Stock
Federal Home Loan Bank stock is carried at cost.  Carrying value approximates fair value based on the redemption provisions of the issues.

Servicing Assets
Servicing assets do not trade in an active, open market with readily observable prices.  The Company estimates the fair value of servicing assets using discounted cash flow models incorporating numerous assumptions from the perspective of a market participant including market discount rates and prepayment speeds.

Accrued Interest
The carrying amounts of accrued interest approximate fair value.

OREO
The fair value of OREO is determined using appraisals, which may be discounted based on management’s review and changes in market conditions (Level 3 Inputs).  

Deposit Liabilities
The fair value of demand deposits and savings accounts is the amount payable on demand at the reporting date (i.e. carrying value).  The fair value of fixed-maturity certificates of deposit is estimated by discounting the future cash flows using current market rates.

Borrowed Funds and Subordinated Debentures
The fair value of borrowings is estimated by discounting the projected future cash flows using current market rates.

Standby Letters of Credit
At March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Bank had standby letters of credit outstanding of $4.1 million.  The fair value of these commitments is nominal.


20




The table below presents the carrying amount and estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments presented as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016:
 
 
 
 
March 31, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
(In thousands)
 
Fair value level
 
Carrying amount
 
Estimated fair value
 
Carrying amount
 
Estimated fair value
Financial assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
Level 1
 
$
103,204

 
$
103,204

 
$
105,895

 
$
105,895

Securities (1)
 
Level 2
 
73,022

 
72,975

 
61,547

 
61,536

SBA loans held for sale
 
Level 2
 
12,163

 
13,665

 
14,773

 
16,440

Loans, net of allowance for loan losses (2)
 
Level 2
 
975,833

 
975,009

 
946,062

 
944,772

FHLB stock
 
Level 2
 
5,992

 
5,992

 
6,037

 
6,037

Servicing assets
 
Level 3
 
2,150

 
2,150

 
2,086

 
2,086

Accrued interest receivable
 
Level 2
 
4,483

 
4,483

 
4,462

 
4,462

OREO
 
Level 3
 
1,172

 
1,172

 
1,050

 
1,050

Financial liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deposits
 
Level 2
 
980,703

 
979,793

 
945,723

 
944,886

Borrowed funds and subordinated debentures
 
Level 2
 
130,310

 
129,834

 
131,310

 
130,319

Accrued interest payable
 
Level 2
 
405

 
405

 
430

 
430


(1)
Includes held to maturity (“HTM”) corporate securities that are considered Level 3.  These securities had book values of $3.8 million at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, and market values of $3.6 million at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016.
(2)
Includes collateral-dependent impaired loans that are considered Level 3 and reported separately in the tables under the “Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis” heading.  Collateral-dependent impaired loans, net of specific reserves totaled $2.6 million and $1.8 million at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.


NOTE 7. Securities

This table provides the major components of securities available for sale ("AFS") and held to maturity ("HTM") at amortized cost and estimated fair value at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016:
 
 
March 31, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
(In thousands)
 
Amortized cost
 
Gross unrealized gains
 
Gross unrealized losses
 
Estimated fair value
 
Amortized cost
 
Gross unrealized gains
 
Gross unrealized losses
 
Estimated fair value
Available for sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Government sponsored entities
 
$
3,745

 
$
2

 
$
(26
)
 
$
3,721

 
$
3,744

 
$
2

 
$
(30
)
 
$
3,716

State and political subdivisions
 
5,919

 
21

 
(77
)
 
5,863

 
5,545

 
19

 
(62
)
 
5,502

Residential mortgage-backed securities
 
32,864

 
311

 
(381
)
 
32,794

 
21,547

 
339

 
(255
)
 
21,631

Corporate and other securities
 
10,133

 
3

 
(268
)
 
9,868

 
10,003

 

 
(284
)
 
9,719

Total securities available for sale
 
$
52,661

 
$
337

 
$
(752
)
 
$
52,246

 
$
40,839

 
$
360

 
$
(631
)
 
$
40,568

Held to maturity:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Government sponsored entities
 
$
3,530

 
$

 
$
(116
)
 
$
3,414

 
$
3,530

 
$

 
$
(128
)
 
$
3,402

State and political subdivisions
 
2,304

 
175

 

 
2,479

 
2,306

 
181

 
(1
)
 
2,486

Residential mortgage-backed securities
 
4,629

 
80

 
(36
)
 
4,673

 
4,799

 
98

 
(25
)
 
4,872

Commercial mortgage-backed securities
 
3,768

 

 
(179
)
 
3,589

 
3,796

 

 
(148
)
 
3,648

Corporate and other securities
 
6,545

 
43

 
(14
)
 
6,574

 
6,548

 
12

 

 
6,560

Total securities held to maturity
 
$
20,776

 
$
298

 
$
(345
)
 
$
20,729

 
$
20,979

 
$
291

 
$
(302
)
 
$
20,968


21





This table provides the remaining contractual maturities and yields of securities within the investment portfolios.  The carrying value of securities at March 31, 2017 is distributed by contractual maturity.  Mortgage-backed securities and other securities, which may have principal prepayment provisions, are distributed based on contractual maturity.  Expected maturities will differ materially from contractual maturities as a result of early prepayments and calls.
 
 
Within one year
 
After one through five years
 
After five through ten years
 
After ten years
 
Total carrying value
(In thousands, except percentages)
 
Amount
 
Yield
 
Amount
 
Yield
 
Amount
 
Yield
 
Amount
 
Yield
 
Amount
 
Yield
Available for sale at fair value:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Government sponsored entities  
 
$

 
%
 
$
3,721

 
1.61
%
 
$

 
%
 
$

 
%
 
$
3,721

 
1.61
%
State and political subdivisions    
 

 

 
769

 
3.13

 
2,382

 
2.78

 
2,712

 
2.80

 
5,863

 
2.84

Residential mortgage-backed securities    
 
7

 
3.97

 
425

 
2.39

 
4,324

 
2.28

 
28,038

 
2.91

 
32,794

 
2.82

Corporate and other securities
 
400

 
1.89

 
64

 
1.72

 
6,640

 
2.31

 
2,764

 
4.58

 
9,868

 
2.92

Total securities available for sale
 
$
407

 
1.93
%
 
$
4,979

 
1.91
%
 
$
13,346

 
2.38
%
 
$
33,514

 
3.04
%
 
$
52,246

 
2.75
%
Held to maturity at cost:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Government sponsored entities  
 
$

 
%
 
$

 
%
 
$

 
%
 
$
3,530

 
1.97
%
 
$
3,530

 
1.97
%
State and political subdivisions    
 
213

 
0.99

 

 

 
493

 
5.07

 
1,598

 
4.65

 
2,304

 
4.40

Residential mortgage-backed securities    
 
24

 
4.26

 
34

 
5.63

 
678

 
2.83

 
3,893

 
3.47

 
4,629

 
3.40

Commercial mortgage-backed securities    
 

 

 

 

 

 

 
3,768

 
2.76

 
3,768

 
2.76

Corporate and other securities
 

 

 

 

 
4,533

 
5.72

 
2,012

 
8.80

 
6,545

 
6.67

Total securities held to maturity
 
$
237

 
1.32
%
 
$
34

 
5.63
%
 
$
5,704

 
5.32
%
 
$
14,801

 
3.78
%
 
$
20,776

 
4.18
%

The fair value of securities with unrealized losses by length of time that the individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 are as follows:
 
 
March 31, 2017
 
 
 
 
Less than 12 months
 
12 months and greater
 
Total
(In thousands, except number in a loss position)
 
Total number in a loss position
 
Estimated fair value
 
Unrealized loss
 
Estimated fair value
 
Unrealized loss
 
Estimated fair value
 
Unrealized loss
Available for sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Government sponsored entities
 
1

 
$
1,966

 
$
(26
)
 
$

 
$

 
$
1,966

 
$
(26
)
State and political subdivisions
 
4

 
3,797

 
(77
)
 

 

 
3,797

 
(77
)
Residential mortgage-backed securities
 
20

 
18,727

 
(261
)
 
2,675

 
(120
)
 
21,402

 
(381
)
Corporate and other securities
 
6

 
3,098

 
(82
)
 
1,863

 
(186
)
 
4,961

 
(268
)
Total temporarily impaired securities
 
31

 
$
27,588

 
$
(446
)
 
$
4,538

 
$
(306
)
 
$
32,126

 
$
(752
)
Held to maturity:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Government sponsored entities
 
2

 
$
3,413

 
$
(116
)
 
$

 
$

 
$
3,413

 
$
(116
)
Residential mortgage-backed securities
 
4

 
897

 
(22
)
 
426

 
(14
)
 
1,323

 
(36
)
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
 
2

 
3,589

 
(179
)
 

 

 
3,589

 
(179
)
Corporate and other securities
 
1

 
1,519

 
(14
)
 

 

 
1,519

 
(14
)
Total temporarily impaired securities
 
9

 
$
9,418

 
$
(331
)
 
$
426

 
$
(14
)
 
$
9,844

 
$
(345
)


22




 
 
December 31, 2016
 
 
 
 
Less than 12 months
 
12 months and greater
 
Total
(In thousands, except number in a loss position)
 
Total number in a loss position
 
Estimated fair value
 
Unrealized loss
 
Estimated fair value
 
Unrealized loss
 
Estimated fair value
 
Unrealized loss
Available for sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Government sponsored entities
 
1

 
$
1,962

 
$
(30
)
 
$

 
$

 
$
1,962

 
$
(30
)
State and political subdivisions
 
4

 
3,833

 
(62
)
 

 

 
3,833

 
(62
)
Residential mortgage-backed securities
 
13

 
7,813

 
(139
)
 
2,983

 
(116
)
 
10,796

 
(255
)
Corporate and other securities
 
6

 
822

 
(67
)
 
5,376

 
(217
)
 
6,198

 
(284
)
Total temporarily impaired securities
 
24

 
$
14,430

 
$
(298
)
 
$
8,359

 
$
(333
)
 
$
22,789

 
$
(631
)
Held to maturity:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Government sponsored entities
 
2

 
$
3,402

 
$
(128
)
 
$

 
$

 
$
3,402

 
$
(128
)
State and political subdivisions
 
1

 
212

 
(1
)
 

 

 
212

 
(1
)
Residential mortgage-backed securities
 
2

 
776

 
(15
)
 
441

 
(10
)
 
1,217

 
(25
)
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
 
2

 
3,648

 
(148
)
 

 

 
3,648

 
(148
)
Total temporarily impaired securities
 
7

 
$
8,038

 
$
(292
)
 
$
441

 
$
(10
)
 
$
8,479

 
$
(302
)

Unrealized Losses

The unrealized losses in each of the categories presented in the tables above are discussed in the paragraphs that follow:

U.S. government sponsored entities and state and political subdivision securities: The unrealized losses on investments in these types of securities were caused by the increase in interest rate spreads or the increase in interest rates at the long end of the Treasury curve.  The contractual terms of these investments do not permit the issuer to settle the securities at a price less than the par value of the investments.  Because the Company does not intend to sell the investments and it is not more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the investments before recovery of their amortized cost basis, which may be at maturity, the Company did not consider these investments to be other-than temporarily impaired as of March 31, 2017 or December 31, 2016.

Residential and commercial mortgage-backed securities:  The unrealized losses on investments in mortgage-backed securities were caused by increases in interest rate spreads or the increase in interest rates at the long end of the Treasury curve.  The majority of contractual cash flows of these securities are guaranteed by the Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA), the Government National Mortgage Association (GNMA) and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (FHLMC).  It is expected that the securities would not be settled at a price significantly less than the par value of the investment.  Because the decline in fair value is attributable to changes in interest rates and not credit quality, and because the Company does not intend to sell the investments and it is not more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the investments before recovery of their amortized cost basis, which may be at maturity, the Company did not consider these investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired as of March 31, 2017 or December 31, 2016.

Corporate and other securities: Included in this category are corporate debt securities, Community Reinvestment Act (“CRA”) investments, asset-backed securities, and trust preferred securities.  The unrealized losses on corporate debt securities were due to widening credit spreads or the increase in interest rates at the long end of the Treasury curve and the unrealized losses on CRA investments were caused by decreases in the market value of the shares.  The Company evaluated the prospects of the issuers and forecasted a recovery period; and as a result determined it did not consider these investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired as of March 31, 2017 or December 31, 2016. The unrealized loss on the trust preferred security was caused by an inactive trading market and changes in market credit spreads.  The contractual terms do not allow the security to be settled at a price less than the par value.  Because the Company does not intend to sell the security and it is not more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis, which may be at maturity, the Company did not consider this security to be other-than-temporarily impaired as of March 31, 2017 or December 31, 2016.


23




Realized Gains and Losses

Gross realized gains on securities for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 are detailed in the table below:

 
For the three months ended March 31,
 
(In thousands)
 
2017
 
2016
 
Available for sale:
 
 
 
 
 
Realized gains
 
$

 
$
94

 
Realized losses
 

 

 
Total securities available for sale
 

 
94

 
Held to maturity:
 
 
 
 
 
Realized gains
 

 

 
Realized losses
 

 

 
Total securities held to maturity
 

 

 
Net gains on sales of securities
 
$

 
$
94

 

The net realized gains are included in noninterest income in the Consolidated Statements of Income as net security gains.  There were no gross realized gains for the three months ended March 31, 2017.  For the three months ended March 31, 2016, there was a gross realized gain of $94 thousand.

For the three months ended March 31, 2016, the net gains are attributed to the sale of three municipal securities with a total book value of $2.4 million and resulting gains of $31 thousand and the sale of one equity security totaling $40 thousand in book value, resulting in pre-tax gains of approximately $63 thousand.

Pledged Securities

Securities with a carrying value of $19.4 million and $17.7 million for March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively, were pledged to secure Government deposits, secure other borrowings and for other purposes required or permitted by law.

NOTE 8.  Loans

The following table sets forth the classification of loans by class, including unearned fees, deferred costs and excluding the allowance for loan losses as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016:
(In thousands)
 
March 31, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
SBA loans held for investment
 
$
42,403

 
$
42,492

SBA 504 loans
 
25,111

 
26,344

Commercial loans
 
 
 
 
Commercial other
 
60,381

 
58,447

Commercial real estate
 
425,581

 
422,418

Commercial real estate construction
 
33,376

 
28,306

Residential mortgage loans
 
305,578

 
289,093

Consumer loans
 
 
 
 
Home equity
 
49,295

 
47,411

Consumer other
 
46,789

 
44,130

Total loans held for investment
 
$
988,514

 
$
958,641

SBA loans held for sale
 
12,163

 
14,773

Total loans
 
$
1,000,677

 
$
973,414


24





Loans are made to individuals as well as commercial entities.  Specific loan terms vary as to interest rate, repayment, and collateral requirements based on the type of loan requested and the credit worthiness of the prospective borrower.  Credit risk tends to be geographically concentrated in that a majority of the loan customers are located in the markets serviced by the Bank.  Loan performance may be adversely affected by factors impacting the general economy or conditions specific to the real estate market such as geographic location and/or property type.  A description of the Company's different loan segments follows:

SBA Loans: SBA 7(a) loans, on which the SBA has historically provided guarantees of up to 90 percent of the principal balance, are considered a higher risk loan product for the Company than its other loan products.  The guaranteed portion of the Company’s SBA loans is generally sold in the secondary market with the nonguaranteed portion held in the portfolio as a loan held for investment.  SBA loans are for the purpose of providing working capital, financing the purchase of equipment, inventory or commercial real estate and for other business purposes.  Loans are guaranteed by the businesses' major owners.  SBA loans are made based primarily on the historical and projected cash flow of the business and secondarily on the underlying collateral provided.

SBA 504 Loans: The SBA 504 program consists of real estate backed commercial mortgages where the Company has the first mortgage and the SBA has the second mortgage on the property.  Loans will generally be guaranteed in full or for a meaningful amount by the businesses' major owners.  SBA 504 loans are made based primarily on the historical and projected cash flow of the business and secondarily on the underlying collateral provided.  Generally, the Company has a 50 percent loan to value ratio on SBA 504 program loans at origination.

Commercial Loans: Commercial credit is extended primarily to middle market and small business customers.  Commercial loans are generally made in the Company’s market place for the purpose of providing working capital, financing the purchase of equipment, inventory or commercial real estate and for other business purposes.  Loans will generally be guaranteed in full or for a meaningful amount by the businesses' major owners.  Commercial loans are made based primarily on the historical and projected cash flow of the business and secondarily on the underlying collateral provided.

Residential Mortgage and Consumer Loans: The Company originates mortgage and consumer loans including principally residential real estate and home equity lines and loans and consumer construction lines.  The Company originates qualified mortgages which are generally sold in the secondary market and nonqualified mortgages which are generally held for investment. Each loan type is evaluated on debt to income, type of collateral and loan to collateral value, credit history and Company’s relationship with the borrower.

Inherent in the lending function is credit risk, which is the possibility a borrower may not perform in accordance with the contractual terms of their loan.  A borrower’s inability to pay their obligations according to the contractual terms can create the risk of past due loans and, ultimately, credit losses, especially on collateral deficient loans.  The Company minimizes its credit risk by loan diversification and adhering to credit administration policies and procedures.  Due diligence on loans begins when we initiate contact regarding a loan with a borrower.  Documentation, including a borrower’s credit history, materials establishing the value and liquidity of potential collateral, the purpose of the loan, the source of funds for repayment of the loan, and other factors, are analyzed before a loan is submitted for approval.  The loan portfolio is then subject to on-going internal reviews for credit quality which in part is derived from ongoing collection and review of borrowers’ financial information, as well as independent credit reviews by an outside firm.

The Company's extension of credit is governed by the Credit Risk Policy which was established to control the quality of the Company's loans.  This policy and the underlying procedures are reviewed and approved by the Board of Directors on a regular basis.

Credit Ratings 

For SBA 7(a), SBA 504 and commercial loans, management uses internally assigned risk ratings as the best indicator of credit quality.  A loan’s internal risk rating is updated at least annually and more frequently if circumstances warrant a change in risk rating.  The Company uses a 1 through 10 loan grading system that follows regulatorily accepted definitions.

Pass: Risk ratings of 1 through 6 are used for loans that are performing, as they meet, and are expected to continue to meet, all of the terms and conditions set forth in the original loan documentation, and are generally current on principal and interest payments.  These performing loans are termed “Pass”.


25




Special Mention: Criticized loans are assigned a risk rating of 7 and termed “Special Mention”, as the borrowers exhibit potential credit weaknesses or downward trends deserving management’s close attention.  If not checked or corrected, these trends will weaken the Bank’s collateral and position.  While potentially weak, these borrowers are currently marginally acceptable and no loss of interest or principal is anticipated.  As a result, special mention assets do not expose an institution to sufficient risk to warrant adverse classification.  Included in “Special Mention” could be turnaround situations, such as borrowers with deteriorating trends beyond one year, borrowers in startup or deteriorating industries, or borrowers with a poor market share in an average industry.  "Special Mention" loans may include an element of asset quality, financial flexibility, or below average management.  Management and ownership may have limited depth or experience.  Regulatory agencies have agreed on a consistent definition of “Special Mention” as an asset with potential weaknesses which, if left uncorrected, may result in deterioration of the repayment prospects for the asset or in the Bank’s credit position at some future date.  This definition is intended to ensure that the “Special Mention” category is not used to identify assets that have as their sole weakness credit data exceptions or collateral documentation exceptions that are not material to the repayment of the asset.

Substandard: Classified loans are assigned a risk rating of an 8 or 9, depending upon the prospect for collection, and deemed “Substandard”.  A risk rating of 8 is used for borrowers with well-defined weaknesses that jeopardize the orderly liquidation of debt.  The loan is inadequately protected by the current paying capacity of the obligor or by the collateral pledged, if any.  Normal repayment from the borrower is in jeopardy, although no loss of principal is envisioned.  There is a distinct possibility that a partial loss of interest and/or principal will occur if the deficiencies are not corrected.  Loss potential, while existing in the aggregate amount of substandard assets, does not have to exist in individual assets classified “Substandard”.

A risk rating of 9 is used for borrowers that have all the weaknesses inherent in a loan with a risk rating of 8, with the added characteristic that the weaknesses make collection of debt in full, on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions, and values, highly questionable and improbable.  Serious problems exist to the point where partial loss of principal is likely.  The possibility of loss is extremely high, but because of certain important, reasonably specific pending factors that may work to strengthen the assets, the loans’ classification as estimated losses is deferred until a more exact status may be determined.  Pending factors include proposed merger, acquisition, or liquidation procedures; capital injection; perfecting liens on additional collateral; and refinancing plans.  Partial charge-offs are likely.

Loss: Once a borrower is deemed incapable of repayment of unsecured debt, the risk rating becomes a 10, the loan is termed a “Loss”, and charged-off immediately.  Loans to such borrowers are considered uncollectible and of such little value that continuance as active assets of the Bank is not warranted.  This classification does not mean that the loan has absolutely no recovery or salvage value, but rather it is not practical or desirable to defer writing off these basically worthless assets even though partial recovery may be affected in the future.

For residential mortgage and consumer loans, management uses performing versus nonperforming as the best indicator of credit quality.  Nonperforming loans consist of loans that are not accruing interest (nonaccrual loans) as a result of principal or interest being in default for a period of 90 days or more or when the ability to collect principal and interest according to the contractual terms is in doubt.  These credit quality indicators are updated on an ongoing basis, as a loan is placed on nonaccrual status as soon as management believes there is sufficient doubt as to the ultimate ability to collect interest on a loan.

At March 31, 2017, the Company owned $396 thousand of residential consumer properties that were included in OREO in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, compared to none at December 31, 2016.  Additionally, there were $4.9 million of residential consumer loans in the process of foreclosure at March 31, 2017, compared to $5.3 million at December 31, 2016.


26




The tables below detail the Company’s loan portfolio by class according to their credit quality indicators discussed in the paragraphs above as of March 31, 2017:
 
 
March 31, 2017
 
 
SBA, SBA 504 & Commercial loans - Internal risk ratings
(In thousands)
 
Pass
 
Special mention
 
Substandard
 
Total
SBA loans held for investment
 
$
39,549

 
$
1,458

 
$
1,396

 
$
42,403

SBA 504 loans
 
23,698

 
1,061

 
352

 
25,111

Commercial loans
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial other
 
59,115

 
293

 
973

 
60,381

Commercial real estate
 
417,916

 
6,763

 
902

 
425,581

Commercial real estate construction
 
32,626

 
750

 

 
33,376

Total commercial loans
 
509,657

 
7,806

 
1,875

 
519,338

Total SBA, SBA 504 and commercial loans
 
$
572,904

 
$
10,325

 
$
3,623

 
$
586,852

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential mortgage & Consumer loans - Performing/Nonperforming
(In thousands)
 
 
 
Performing
 
Nonperforming
 
Total
Residential mortgage loans
 
 
 
$
303,064

 
$
2,514

 
$
305,578

Consumer loans
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Home equity
 
 
 
49,001

 
294

 
49,295

Consumer other
 
 
 
44,814

 
1,975

 
46,789

Total consumer loans
 
 
 
93,815

 
2,269

 
96,084

Total residential mortgage and consumer loans
 
 
 
$
396,879

 
$
4,783

 
$
401,662


The tables below detail the Company’s loan portfolio by class according to their credit quality indicators discussed in the paragraphs above as of December 31, 2016
 
 
December 31, 2016
 
 
SBA, SBA 504 & Commercial loans - Internal risk ratings
(In thousands)
 
Pass
 
Special mention
 
Substandard
 
Total
SBA loans held for investment
 
$
38,990

 
$
2,023

 
$
1,479

 
$
42,492

SBA 504 loans
 
24,635

 
1,073

 
636

 
26,344

Commercial loans
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial other
 
57,000

 
1,422

 
25

 
58,447

Commercial real estate
 
408,288

 
13,729

 
401

 
422,418

Commercial real estate construction
 
27,556

 
750

 

 
28,306

Total commercial loans
 
492,844

 
15,901

 
426

 
509,171

Total SBA, SBA 504 and commercial loans
 
$
556,469

 
$
18,997

 
$
2,541

 
$
578,007

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential mortgage & Consumer loans - Performing/Nonperforming
(In thousands)
 
 
 
Performing
 
Nonperforming
 
Total
Residential mortgage loans
 
 
 
$
286,421

 
$
2,672

 
$
289,093

Consumer loans
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Home equity
 
 
 
46,929

 
482

 
47,411

Consumer other
 
 
 
42,154

 
1,976

 
44,130

Total consumer loans
 
 
 
89,083

 
2,458

 
91,541

Total residential mortgage and consumer loans
 
 
 
$
375,504

 
$
5,130

 
$
380,634


27





Nonperforming and Past Due Loans

Nonperforming loans consist of loans that are not accruing interest (nonaccrual loans) as a result of principal or interest being in default for a period of 90 days or more or when the ability to collect principal and interest according to the contractual terms is in doubt.  Loans past due 90 days or more and still accruing interest are not included in nonperforming loans and generally represent loans that are well collateralized and in a continuing process expected to result in repayment or restoration to current status.  The risk of loss is difficult to quantify and is subject to fluctuations in collateral values, general economic conditions and other factors.  The improved state of the economy has resulted in a substantial reduction in nonperforming loans and loan delinquencies from those experienced in prior years.  The Company values its collateral through the use of appraisals, broker price opinions, and knowledge of its local market. 

The following tables set forth an aging analysis of past due and nonaccrual loans as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016:
 
 
March 31, 2017
(In thousands)
 
30-59 days past due
 
60-89 days past due
 
90+ days and still accruing
 
Nonaccrual (1)
 
Total past due
 
Current
 
Total loans
SBA loans held for investment
 
$
281

 
$

 
$

 
$
1,239

 
$
1,520

 
$
40,883

 
$
42,403

SBA 504 loans
 

 

 

 
237

 
237

 
24,874

 
25,111

Commercial loans
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial other
 
70

 

 

 
25

 
95

 
60,286

 
60,381

Commercial real estate
 

 
2,046

 

 
1,474

 
3,520

 
422,061

 
425,581

Commercial real estate construction
 
28

 

 

 

 
28

 
33,348

 
33,376

Residential mortgage loans
 
2,161

 
1,854

 

 
2,514

 
6,529

 
299,049

 
305,578

Consumer loans
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Home equity
 
485

 

 

 
294

 
779

 
48,516

 
49,295

Consumer other
 

 

 

 
1,975

 
1,975

 
44,814

 
46,789

Total loans held for investment
 
$
3,025

 
$
3,900

 
$

 
$
7,758

 
$
14,683

 
$
973,831

 
$
988,514

SBA loans held for sale
 

 

 

 

 

 
12,163

 
12,163

Total loans
 
$
3,025

 
$
3,900

 
$

 
$
7,758

 
$
14,683

 
$
985,994

 
$
1,000,677

(1)
At March 31, 2017, nonaccrual loans included $60 thousand of loans guaranteed by the SBA. 


28




 
 
December 31, 2016
(In thousands)
 
30-59 days past due
 
60-89 days past due
 
90+ days and still accruing
 
Nonaccrual (1)
 
Total past due
 
Current
 
Total loans
SBA loans held for investment
 
$
491

 
$
397

 
$

 
$
1,168

 
$
2,056

 
$
40,436

 
$
42,492

SBA 504 loans
 

 

 

 
513

 
513

 
25,831

 
26,344

Commercial loans
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial other
 
50

 

 

 
25

 
75

 
58,372

 
58,447

Commercial real estate
 
1,108

 
574

 

 
401

 
2,083

 
420,335

 
422,418

Commercial real estate construction
 

 

 

 

 

 
28,306

 
28,306

Residential mortgage loans
 
2,932

 
263

 

 
2,672

 
5,867

 
283,226

 
289,093

Consumer loans
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Home equity
 
227

 

 

 
482

 
709

 
46,702

 
47,411

Consumer other
 

 

 

 
1,976

 
1,976

 
42,154

 
44,130

Total loans held for investment
 
$
4,808

 
$
1,234

 
$

 
$
7,237

 
$
13,279

 
$
945,362

 
$
958,641

SBA loans held for sale
 

 

 

 

 

 
14,773

 
14,773

Total loans
 
$
4,808

 
$
1,234

 
$

 
$
7,237

 
$
13,279

 
$
960,135

 
$
973,414

(1)
At December 31, 2016, nonaccrual loans included $153 thousand of TDRs and $60 thousand of loans guaranteed by the SBA. 

Impaired Loans  

The Company has defined impaired loans to be all nonperforming loans individually evaluated for impairment and TDRs.  Management considers a loan impaired when, based on current information and events, it is determined that the Company will not be able to collect all amounts due according to the loan contract.  Impairment is evaluated on an individual basis for SBA, SBA 504, and commercial loans.


29




The following table provides detail on the Company’s impaired loans that are individually evaluated for impairment with the associated allowance amount, if applicable, as of March 31, 2017

 
 
March 31, 2017
(In thousands)
 
Unpaid principal balance
 
Recorded investment
 
Specific reserves
With no related allowance:
 
 
 
 
 
 
SBA loans held for investment (1)
 
$
948

 
$
606

 
$

SBA 504 loans
 
237

 
237

 

Commercial loans
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial other
 
25

 
25

 

Commercial real estate
 
1,131

 
1,131

 

Total commercial loans
 
1,156

 
1,156

 

Total impaired loans with no related allowance
 
2,341

 
1,999

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
With an allowance:
 
 
 
 
 
 
SBA loans held for investment (1)
 
1,098

 
573

 
277

Commercial loans
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial other
 
13

 

 

Commercial real estate
 
343

 
343

 
19

Total commercial loans
 
356

 
343

 
19

Total impaired loans with a related allowance
 
1,454

 
916

 
296

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total individually evaluated impaired loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
SBA loans held for investment (1)
 
2,046

 
1,179

 
277

SBA 504 loans
 
237

 
237

 

Commercial loans
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial other
 
38

 
25

 

Commercial real estate
 
1,474

 
1,474

 
19

Total commercial loans
 
1,512

 
1,499

 
19

Total individually evaluated impaired loans
 
$
3,795

 
$
2,915

 
$
296

(1)
Balances are reduced by amount guaranteed by the SBA of $60 thousand at March 31, 2017.


30




The following table provides detail on the Company’s impaired loans that are individually evaluated for impairment with the associated allowance amount, if applicable, as of December 31, 2016:
 
 
December 31, 2016
(In thousands)
 
Unpaid principal balance
 
Recorded investment
 
Specific reserves
With no related allowance:
 
 
 
 
 
 
SBA loans held for investment (1)
 
$
1,235

 
$
653

 
$

SBA 504 loans
 
513

 
513

 

Commercial loans
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial other
 
25

 
25

 

Commercial real estate
 
42

 
43

 

Total commercial loans
 
67

 
68

 

Total impaired loans with no related allowance
 
1,815

 
1,234

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
With an allowance:
 
 
 
 
 
 
SBA loans held for investment (1)
 
975

 
455

 
246

Commercial loans
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial other
 
13

 

 

Commercial real estate
 
358

 
358

 
34

Total commercial loans
 
371

 
358

 
34

Total impaired loans with a related allowance
 
1,346

 
813

 
280

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total individually evaluated impaired loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
SBA loans held for investment (1)
 
2,210

 
1,108

 
246

SBA 504 loans
 
513

 
513

 

Commercial loans
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial other
 
38

 
25

 

Commercial real estate
 
400

 
401

 
34

Total commercial loans
 
438

 
426

 
34

Total individually evaluated impaired loans
 
$
3,161

 
$
2,047

 
$
280

(1)
Balances are reduced by amount guaranteed by the SBA of $60 thousand at December 31, 2016.


31




The following tables present the average recorded investments in impaired loans and the related amount of interest recognized during the time period in which the loans were impaired for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016.  The average balances are calculated based on the month-end balances of impaired loans.  When the ultimate collectability of the total principal of an impaired loan is in doubt and the loan is on nonaccrual status, all payments are applied to principal under the cost recovery method, and therefore no interest income is recognized.  The interest income recognized on impaired loans noted below represents primarily accruing TDRs and nominal amounts of income recognized on a cash basis for well-collateralized impaired loans.
 
 
For the three months ended March 31,
 
 
2017
 
2016
(In thousands)
 
Average recorded investment
 
Interest income recognized on impaired loans
 
Average recorded investment
 
Interest income recognized on impaired loans
SBA loans held for investment (1)
 
$
998

 
$
(6
)
 
$
2,004

 
$
2

SBA 504 loans
 
329

 

 
1,652

 

Commercial loans
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial other
 
25

 

 
62

 
25

Commercial real estate
 
1,133

 
22

 
2,052

 
13

Commercial real estate construction
 

 

 
238

 

Total
 
$
2,485

 
$
16

 
$
6,008

 
$
40

(1)
Balances are reduced by the average amount guaranteed by the SBA of $248 thousand and $265 thousand for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

TDRs

The Company's loan portfolio also includes certain loans that have been modified as TDRs.  TDRs occur when a creditor, for economic or legal reasons related to a debtor’s financial condition, grants a concession to the debtor that it would not otherwise consider, unless it results in a delay in payment that is insignificant.  These concessions typically include reductions in interest rate, extending the maturity of a loan, or a combination of both.  When the Company modifies a loan, management evaluates for any possible impairment using either the discounted cash flows method, where the value of the modified loan is based on the present value of expected cash flows, discounted at the contractual interest rate of the original loan agreement, or by using the fair value of the collateral less selling costs if the loan is collateral-dependent.  If management determines that the value of the modified loan is less than the recorded investment in the loan, impairment is recognized by segment or class of loan, as applicable, through an allowance estimate or charge-off to the allowance.  This process is used, regardless of loan type, and for loans modified as TDRs that subsequently default on their modified terms.

As of March 31, 2017, the Company had no TDRs. TDRs of $153 thousand are included in the impaired loan numbers as of December 31, 2016.  The decrease was due to the removal of one loan.  At December 31, 2016, there were specific reserves of $34 thousand on the nonperforming TDR.  As of December 31, 2016, the $153 thousand TDR was in nonaccrual status and none were in accrual status.

To date, the Company’s TDRs consisted of interest rate reductions and maturity extensions.  There has been no principal forgiveness.  There were no loans modified during the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 that were deemed to be TDRs. There were no loans modified as a TDR within the previous 12 months that subsequently defaulted at some point during the three months ended March 31, 2017.  In this case, the subsequent default is defined as 90 days past due or transferred to nonaccrual status.


32




NOTE 9. Allowance for Loan Losses and Reserve for Unfunded Loan Commitments

Allowance for Loan Losses

The Company has an established methodology to determine the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses that assesses the risks and losses inherent in the loan portfolio.  At a minimum, the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses is reviewed by management on a quarterly basis.  For purposes of determining the allowance for loan losses, the Company has segmented the loans in its portfolio by loan type.  Loans are segmented into the following pools: SBA 7(a), SBA 504, commercial, residential mortgages, and consumer loans.  Certain portfolio segments are further broken down into classes based on the associated risks within those segments and the type of collateral underlying each loan.  Commercial loans are divided into the following four classes: commercial real estate, commercial real estate construction, unsecured business line of credit and commercial other.  Consumer loans are divided into two classes as follows:  Home equity and other.

The standardized methodology used to assess the adequacy of the allowance includes the allocation of specific and general reserves.  The same standard methodology is used, regardless of loan type.  Specific reserves are made to individual impaired loans and TDRs (see Note 1 for additional information on this term).  The general reserve is set based upon a representative average historical net charge-off rate adjusted for the following environmental factors: delinquency and impairment trends, charge-off and recovery trends, changes in the volume of restructured loans, volume and loan term trends, changes in risk and underwriting policy trends, staffing and experience changes, national and local economic trends, industry conditions and credit concentration changes.  Within the five-year historical net charge-off rate, the Company weights the past three years more heavily as it believes it is more indicative of future charge-offs.  All of the environmental factors are ranked and assigned a basis points value based on the following scale: low, low moderate, moderate, high moderate and high risk.  Each environmental factor is evaluated separately for each class of loans and risk weighted based on its individual characteristics. 
For SBA 7(a), SBA 504 and commercial loans, the estimate of loss based on pools of loans with similar characteristics is made through the use of a standardized loan grading system that is applied on an individual loan level and updated on a continuous basis.  The loan grading system incorporates reviews of the financial performance of the borrower, including cash flow, debt-service coverage ratio, earnings power, debt level and equity position, in conjunction with an assessment of the borrower's industry and future prospects.  It also incorporates analysis of the type of collateral and the relative loan to value ratio.
For residential mortgage and consumer loans, the estimate of loss is based on pools of loans with similar characteristics.  Factors such as credit score, delinquency status and type of collateral are evaluated.  Factors are updated frequently to capture the recent behavioral characteristics of the subject portfolios, as well as any changes in loss mitigation or credit origination strategies, and adjustments to the reserve factors are made as needed.

According to the Company’s policy, a loss (“charge-off”) is to be recognized and charged to the allowance for loan losses as soon as a loan is recognized as uncollectable.  All credits which are 90 days past due must be analyzed for the Company’s ability to collect on the credit.  Once a loss is known to exist, the charge-off approval process is immediately expedited.  This charge-off policy is followed for all loan types.

The allocated allowance is the total of identified specific and general reserves by loan category.  The allocation is not necessarily indicative of the categories in which future losses may occur.  The total allowance is available to absorb losses from any segment of the portfolio.  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 methodologies for estimating allocated and general reserves in the portfolio.  The unallocated portion of the allowance decreased during the three months ended March 31, 2017, to none from $183 thousand at December 31, 2016


33




The following tables detail the activity in the allowance for loan losses by portfolio segment for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016:
 
 
For the three months ended March 31, 2017
(In thousands)
 
SBA held for investment
 
SBA 504
 
Commercial
 
Residential
 
Consumer
 
Unallocated
 
Total
Balance, beginning of period
 
$
1,576

 
$
573

 
$
6,729

 
$
2,593

 
$
925

 
$
183

 
$
12,579

Charge-offs
 
(109
)
 

 
(76
)
 

 
(66
)
 

 
(251
)
Recoveries
 
37

 

 
53

 
12

 
1

 

 
103

Net (charge-offs) recoveries
 
(72
)
 

 
(23
)
 
12

 
(65
)
 

 
(148
)
Provision for loan losses charged to expense
 
149

 
27

 
(173
)
 
264

 
166

 
(183
)
 
250

Balance, end of period
 
$
1,653

 
$
600

 
$
6,533

 
$
2,869

 
$
1,026

 
$

 
$
12,681


 
 
For the three months ended March 31, 2016
(In thousands)
 
SBA held for investment
 
SBA 504
 
Commercial
 
Residential
 
Consumer
 
Unallocated
 
Total
Balance, beginning of period
 
$
1,961

 
$
741

 
$
6,309

 
$
2,769

 
$
817

 
$
162

 
$
12,759

Charge-offs
 
(86
)
 

 
(228
)
 

 
(28
)
 

 
(342
)
Recoveries
 
11

 

 
6

 

 

 

 
17

Net (charge-offs) recoveries
 
(75
)
 

 
(222
)
 

 
(28
)
 

 
(325
)
Provision for loan losses charged to expense
 
(173
)
 
(143
)
 
224

 
123

 
47

 
122

 
200

Balance, end of period
 
$
1,713

 
$
598

 
$
6,311

 
$
2,892

 
$
836

 
$
284

 
$
12,634


The following tables present loans and their related allowance for loan losses, by portfolio segment, as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016:
 
 
March 31, 2017
(In thousands)
 
SBA held for investment
 
SBA 504
 
Commercial
 
Residential
 
Consumer
 
Unallocated
 
Total
Allowance for loan losses ending balance:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Individually evaluated for impairment
 
$
277

 
$

 
$
19

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
296

Collectively evaluated for impairment
 
1,376

 
600

 
6,514

 
2,869

 
1,026

 

 
12,385

Total
 
$
1,653

 
$
600

 
$
6,533

 
$
2,869

 
$
1,026

 
$

 
$
12,681

Loan ending balances:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Individually evaluated for impairment
 
$
1,179

 
$
237

 
$
1,499

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
2,915

Collectively evaluated for impairment
 
41,224

 
24,874

 
517,839

 
305,578

 
96,084

 

 
985,599

Total
 
$
42,403

 
$
25,111

 
$
519,338

 
$
305,578

 
$
96,084

 
$

 
$
988,514



34




 
 
December 31, 2016
(In thousands)
 
SBA held for investment
 
SBA 504
 
Commercial
 
Residential
 
Consumer
 
Unallocated
 
Total
Allowance for loan losses ending balance:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Individually evaluated for impairment
 
$
246

 
$

 
$
34

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
280

Collectively evaluated for impairment
 
1,330

 
573

 
6,695

 
2,593

 
925

 
183

 
12,299

Total
 
$
1,576

 
$
573

 
$
6,729

 
$
2,593

 
$
925

 
$
183

 
$
12,579

Loan ending balances:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Individually evaluated for impairment
 
$
1,108

 
$
513

 
$
426

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
2,047

Collectively evaluated for impairment
 
41,384

 
25,831

 
508,745

 
289,093

 
91,541

 

 
956,594

Total
 
$
42,492

 
$
26,344

 
$
509,171

 
$
289,093

 
$
91,541

 
$

 
$
958,641


Changes in Methodology:
The Company did not make any changes to its allowance for loan losses methodology in the current period.

Reserve for Unfunded Loan Commitments

In addition to the allowance for loan losses, the Company maintains a reserve for unfunded loan commitments at a level that management believes is adequate to absorb estimated probable losses.  Adjustments to the reserve are made through other expense and applied to the reserve which is classified as other liabilities.  At March 31, 2017, a $220 thousand commitment reserve was reported on the balance sheet as an “other liability”, compared to a $181 thousand commitment reserve at December 31, 2016, due to a larger loan portfolio requiring a larger general reserve.

NOTE 10.  New Accounting Pronouncements

ASU 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606).” ASU 2014-09 replaced almost all existing revenue recognition guidance in current U.S. GAAP. However, the effects of the new revenue recognition guidance on the financial statements of reporting entities in the financial institution industry will be somewhat limited because, for the most part, financial instruments and related contractual rights and obligations are excluded from its scope. As such, it is anticipated that interest income recognition and measurement, the largest source of revenue for the Company, will not be impacted by ASC 606. However, the recognition and measurement of certain non-interest income items such as gain on sale of other real estate owned and deposit-related fees, could be affected by ASC 606.

Under current U.S. GAAP, when full consideration is not expected and financing is required by the buyer to purchase the property, there are very prescriptive requirements in determining when foreclosed real estate property sold by an institution should be derecognized and a gain or loss be recognized. The new guidance that will be applied to these sales is more principles based. For example, as it pertains to the criteria for determining how a contract should be accounted for under the new guidance, judgment will need to be exercised in evaluating if: (a) a commitment on the buyer’s part exists, (b) collection is
probable in circumstances where the initial investment is minimal and (c) the buyer has obtained control of the asset, including the significant risks and rewards of the ownership. If there is no commitment on the buyer’s part, collection is not probable or the buyer has not obtained control of the asset, then a gain cannot be recognized under the new guidance. The initial investment requirement for the buyer along with the various methods for profit recognition are no longer applicable when the new guidance goes into effect. The Company will revise its current policy on the recognition and measurement of gain on sale of other real estate owned to be consistent with the new guidance, but does not expect the new guidance to have a significant impact on the consolidated financial statements of the Company when adopted.

For deposit-related fees, considering the straightforward nature of the arrangements with the Company’s deposits customers, the Company does not expect the recognition and measurement outcomes of deposit-related fees to be significant differently under the new guidance compared to current U.S. GAAP.


35




ASU 2014-09 was to be effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and was to be applied on either a modified retrospective or full retrospective basis. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14 which defers the original effective date for all entities by one year. Public business entities should apply the guidance in ASU 2015-14 to annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim reporting periods within that reporting period. Earlier application is permitted only as of annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim reporting periods within that reporting period. The Company does not expect this ASU to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements when adopted on January 1, 2018.
 
ASU 2016-01, “Financial Instruments – Overall (Subtopic 825-10) – Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities.”  ASU 2016-01 addresses certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure of financial instruments.  This eliminates the available for sale classification of accounting for equity securities and adjusts the fair value disclosures for financial instruments carried at amortized cost such that the disclosed fair values represent an exit price as opposed to an entry price.  This update requires that equity securities be carried at fair value on the balance sheet and any periodic changes in value will be adjusted through the income statement.  A practical expedient is provided for equity securities without a readily determinable fair value, such that these securities can be carried at cost less any impairment.  For public business entities, the amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the standard.
 
ASU 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842)”. ASU 2016-02 was issued in three parts: (a) Section A, “Leases: Amendments to the FASB Accounting Standards Codification®,” (b) Section B, “Conforming Amendments Related to Leases: Amendments to the FASB Accounting Standards Codification®,” and (c) Section C, “Background Information and Basis for Conclusions.” While both lessees and lessors are affected by the new guidance, the effects on lessees are much more significant.  The update states that a lessee should recognize the assets and liabilities that arise from all leases with a term greater than 12 months. The core principle requires the lessee to recognize a liability to make lease payments and a "right-of-use" asset. The accounting applied by the lessor is relatively unchanged as the majority of operating leases should remain classified as operating leases and the income from them recognized, generally, on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The standards update also requires expanded qualitative and quantitative disclosures. For public business entities, ASC 2016-02 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018. ASC 2016-02 mandates a modified retrospective transition for all entities. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of ASC 2016-02 on its consolidated financial statements.

ASU 2016-09, "Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting." ASU 2016-09 was issued as part of FASB's simplification initiative as a result of its post-implementation review of FASB Statement No. 123(R), Share-Based Payment. Areas addressed include the accounting for income taxes, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities and classification on the statement of cash flows. The ASU is aimed at reducing the cost and complexity of accounting for share-based payments but will likely result in fluctuations in net income and earnings per share. Under this guidance all excess tax benefits and deficiencies related to employee stock compensation will be recognized within income tax expense via a lower effective tax rate, versus previously being recognized in additional paid in capital. For public business entities, ASU 2016-09 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is permitted. The Company has applied this change and the impact of the adoption of ASU 2016-09 on its consolidated financial statements was immaterial.

ASU 2016-13, "Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments." ASU 2016-13 was issued to replace the incurred loss impairment methodology in current GAAP with an expected credit loss methodology and requires consideration of a broader range of information to determine credit loss estimates. Financial assets measured at amortized cost will be presented at the net amount expected to be collected by using an allowance for credit losses. Purchased credit impaired loans will receive an allowance account at the acquisition date that represents a component of the purchase price allocation. Credit losses relating to available-for-sale debt securities will be recorded through an allowance for credit losses, with such allowance limited to the amount by which fair value is below amortized cost. For public business entities, ASU 2016-13 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of ASU 2016-13 on its consolidated financial statements.


36




ASU 2016-15, "Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments." ASU 2016-15 was issued to address diversity in practice in how certain cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified in the statement of cash flows under Topic 230, Statement of Cash Flows, and other Topics. This update addresses eight specific cash flow issues with the objective of reducing the existing diversity in practice. The amendments in this update provide guidance on the following eight specific cash flow issues:
Debt Prepayment or Debt Extinguishment Costs
Settlement of Zero-Coupon Debt Instruments or Other Debt Instruments with Coupon Interest Rates That Are Insignificant in Relation to the Effective Interest Rate of the Borrowing
Contingent Consideration Payments Made after a Business Combination
Proceeds from the Settlement of Insurance Claims
Proceeds from the Settlement of Corporate-Owned Life Insurance Policies, include Bank-Owned Life Insurance Policies
Distributions Received from Equity Method Investees
Beneficial Interest in Securitization Transactions
Separately Identifiable Cash Flows and Application of the Predominance Principle
The amendments in this update are effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoptions of ASU 2016-15 on its consolidated financial statements.

ASU 2016-18, "Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash." ASU 2016-18 was issued to address divergence in the way restricted cash is classified and presented. The amendments in the update require that a statement of cash flows explain the change during a reporting period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents. The amendments in this update apply to entities that have restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents and are required to present a statement of cash flows under Topic 230. The amendment says that transfers between cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents are not part of the entity's operating, investing, and financing activities. For public business entities, ASU 2016-18 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoptions of ASU 2016-18 on its consolidated financial statements.

ASU 2017-04, "Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment." ASU 2017-04 was issued in an effort to simplify accounting in a new standard. The amendments in this update require that an entity perform its annual or interim goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. The amendment states that an entity should recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit's fair value, but the loss recognized should not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. For public business entities, ASU 2017-04 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performing on testing dates after January 1, 2017. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoptions of ASU 2017-04 on its consolidated financial statements.

ASU 2017-07, "Compensation - Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost" ASU 2017-07 was issued to provide guidance on the presentation of defined benefit costs in the income statement. The amendments in this update requires that an entity report the service cost component in the same line item or items as other compensation costs arising from services rendered by the pertinent employees during the period. The amendment states that other components of net benefit cost be separate from the service cost component in the income statement. For public business entities, ASU 2017-07 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoptions of ASU 2017-07 on its consolidated financial statements.

ASU 2017-08, "Receivables - Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (Subtopic 310-20): Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities." ASU 2017-08 was issued to enhance the accounting for the amortization of premiums for purchased callable debt securities. This amendment requires that the amortization premium be shortened to the earliest call date. For public business entities, ASU 2017-08 is effective for fiscal years after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoptions of ASU 2017-08 on its consolidated financial statements.


37




NOTE 11. Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities

Derivative Financial Instruments

The Company has derivative financial instruments in the form of interest rate swap agreements, which derive their value from underlying interest rates.  These transactions involve both credit and market risk.  The notional amounts are amounts on which calculations, payments, and the value of the derivatives are based.  Notional amounts do not represent direct credit exposures.  Direct credit exposure is limited to the net difference between the calculated amounts to be received and paid, if any.  Such difference, which represents the fair value of the derivative instrument, is reflected on the Company’s balance sheet as other assets or other liabilities.

The Company is exposed to credit-related losses in the event of nonperformance by the counterparties to any derivative agreement.  The Company controls the credit risk of its financial contracts through credit approvals, limits and monitoring procedures, and does not expect any counterparties to fail their obligations.  The Company deals only with primary dealers.

Derivative instruments are generally either negotiated OTC contracts or standardized contracts executed on a recognized exchange.  Negotiated OTC derivative contracts are generally entered into between two counterparties that negotiate specific agreement terms, including the underlying instrument, amount, exercise prices and maturity.

Risk Management Policies – Hedging Instruments

The primary focus of the Company’s asset/liability management program is to monitor the sensitivity of the Company’s net portfolio value and net income under varying interest rate scenarios to take steps to control its risks.  On a quarterly basis, the Company evaluates the effectiveness of entering into any derivative agreement by measuring the cost of such an agreement in relation to the reduction in net portfolio value and net income volatility within an assumed range of interest rates.

Interest Rate Risk Management – Cash Flow Hedging Instruments

The Company has variable rate debt as a source of funds for use in the Company’s lending and investment activities and for other general business purposes.  These debt obligations expose the Company to variability in interest payments due to changes in interest rates.  If interest rates increase, interest expense increases.  Conversely, if interest rates decrease, interest expense decreases.  Management believes it is prudent to limit the variability of a portion of its interest payments and, therefore hedges its variable-rate interest payments.  To meet this objective, management enters into interest rate swap agreements whereby the Company receives variable interest rate payments and makes fixed interest rate payments during the contract period.

During the three months ended March 31, 2017, the Company received variable rate London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") payments from and paid fixed rates in accordance with its interest rate swap agreements.  A summary of the Company’s outstanding interest rate swap agreements used to hedge variable rate debt at March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively is as follows:
໿
 
 
For the three months ended March 31,
(In thousands, except percentages and years)
 
2017
 
2016
Notional amount
 
$
60,000

 
$
40,000

Weighted average pay rate
 
1.26
%

1.36
%
Weighted average receive rate
 
0.97
%

0.63
%
Weighted average maturity in years
 
3.61

 
4.29

Unrealized gain (loss) relating to interest rate swaps
 
$
81

 
$
(520
)

At March 31, 2017, the unrealized gain relating to interest rate swaps was recorded as a derivative asset.  At March 31, 2016, the unrealized loss relating to interest rate swaps was recorded as a derivative liability. Changes in the fair value of the interest rate swaps designated as hedging instruments of the variability of cash flows associated with long-term debt are reported in other comprehensive income.


38




NOTE 12. Repurchase of Subordinated Debentures

On February 26, 2016, the Company repurchased $5.2 million of its outstanding subordinated debentures, reducing its outstanding subordinated debt to $10.3 million.  The subordinated debentures were repurchased at a price of $0.5475 per dollar, resulting in a pre-tax gain of $2.3 million.  This gain is included in noninterest income on the income statement.

The subordinated debentures were previously issued by Unity (NJ) Statutory Trust III, a statutory business trust and wholly-owned subsidiary of Unity Bancorp, Inc., on December 19, 2006 and were due on December 19, 2036.   The floating interest rate was 3 month Libor plus 165 basis points and repriced quarterly.  Upon completion of the transaction, Unity (NJ) Statutory Trust III was dissolved effective March 4, 2016.

These securities qualified as Tier 1 capital under the terms of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and thus repurchasing them reduced Tier 1 capital.


39




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

The following discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the 2016 consolidated audited financial statements and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.  When necessary, reclassifications have been made to prior period data throughout the following discussion and analysis for purposes of comparability.  This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains certain “forward looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which may be identified by the use of such words as “believe”, “expect”, “anticipate”, “should”, “planned”, “estimated” and “potential”.  Examples of forward looking statements include, but are not limited to, estimates with respect to the financial condition, results of operations and business of Unity Bancorp, Inc. that are subject to various factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from these estimates.  These factors include, in addition to those items contained in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K under Item IA-Risk Factors, as updated by our subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, the following: changes in general, economic, and market conditions, legislative and regulatory conditions, or the development of an interest rate environment that adversely affects Unity Bancorp, Inc.’s interest rate spread or other income anticipated from operations and investments.

Overview

Unity Bancorp, Inc. (the “Parent Company”) is incorporated in New Jersey and is registered as a bank holding company under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended.  Its wholly-owned subsidiary, Unity Bank (the “Bank” or, when consolidated with the Parent Company, the “Company”) was granted a charter by the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance and commenced operations on September 13, 1991.  The Bank provides a full range of commercial and retail banking services through 17 branch offices located in Bergen, Hunterdon, Middlesex, Somerset, Union and Warren counties in New Jersey, and Northampton County in Pennsylvania as well as a loan production office in Bergen County, New Jersey.  These services include the acceptance of demand, savings, and time deposits and the extension of consumer, real estate, SBA and other commercial credits.  The Bank has multiple subsidiaries used to hold part of its investment and loan portfolios and OREO properties. 

The company has two other wholly-owned subsidiaries: Unity (NJ) Statutory Trust II and Unity Risk Management, Inc.  On July 24, 2006, the Trust issued $10.0 million of trust preferred securities to investors.  These floating rate securities are treated as subordinated debentures on the Company’s financial statements.  However, they qualify as Tier I Capital for regulatory capital compliance purposes, subject to certain limitations.  Unity Risk Management, Inc. is the Company's captive insurance company that insures risks to the bank not provided by the traditional commercial insurance market. The Company does not consolidate the accounts and related activity of Unity (NJ) Statutory Trust II, but it does consolidate the accounts of Unity Risk Management, Inc.

Earnings Summary

Net income totaled $3.2 million, or $0.30 per diluted share for the quarter ended March 31, 2017, compared to $4.2 million, or $0.44 per diluted share for the same period a year ago.  Return on average assets and average common equity for the quarter were 1.07% and 12.02%, respectively, compared to 1.54 % and 21.05% for the same period a year ago.  

During the first quarter of 2016, the Company repurchased $5.2 million of its outstanding subordinated debentures, resulting in a pre-tax gain of $2.3 million on the transaction.  This gain is included in noninterest income on the income statement. Net income, excluding the nonrecurring gain on the repurchased subordinated debentures, was $2.7 million, or $0.29 per diluted share, for the three months ended March 31, 2016. Return on average assets and average common equity for the three months ended March 31, 2016 would have been 1.00% and 13.68%, respectively.

First quarter highlights include:
Residential mortage, consumer and commercial loans increased 5.7%, 5.0% and 2.0%, respectively, while total loans increased 2.8% since year end 2016.
Savings and noninterest-bearing demand deposits rose 7.2% and 2.2%, respectively, while total deposits increased 3.7% since year-end 2016.
Net interest income increased 15.6% compared to the prior year’s quarter due to strong loan growth and increase in interest rate environment.
Net interest margin equaled 3.70% this quarter compared to 3.48% in the prior years' quarter.

40




The Company's quarterly performance ratios may be found in the table below. 
 
 
For the three months ended March 31,
 
 
2017
 
2016
Net income per common share - Basic (1)
 
$
0.30

 
$
0.45

Net income per common share - Diluted (2)
 
$
0.30

 
$
0.44

Return on average assets
 
1.07
%
 
1.54
%
Return on average equity (3)
 
12.02
%
 
21.05
%
Efficiency ratio (4)
 
59.08
%
 
50.16
%

The Company’s quarterly performance ratios, net of gain on the subordinated debenture repurchase, may be found in the table below. The following table is reported in a format which is not in compliance with generally accepted accounting principles (“non-GAAP”) but is beneficial to the reader and provides better comparability of the Company’s performance over both periods.
 
 
For the three months ended March 31,
 
 
2017
 
2016
Net income per common share - Basic (1)
 
$
0.30

 
$
0.29

Net income per common share - Diluted (2)
 
$
0.30

 
$
0.29

Return on average assets
 
1.07
%
 
1.00
%
Return on average equity (3)
 
12.02
%
 
13.68
%
Efficiency ratio (4)
 
59.08
%
 
60.56
%
(1)
Defined as net income divided by weighted average shares outstanding.
(2)
Defined as net income divided by the sum of the weighted average shares and the potential dilutive impact of the exercise of outstanding options.
(3)
Defined as net income divided by average shareholders' equity.
(4)
Defined as noninterest expense divided by the sum of net interest income plus noninterest income less any gains or losses on securities.

All share information has been adjusted for the 10% stock dividend paid September 30, 2016.

Net Interest Income

The primary source of the Company’s operating income is net interest income, which is the difference between interest and dividends earned on earning assets and fees earned on loans, and interest paid on interest-bearing liabilities.  Earning assets include loans to individuals and businesses, investment securities, interest-earning deposits and federal funds sold.  Interest-bearing liabilities include interest-bearing demand, savings and time deposits, FHLB advances and other borrowings.  Net interest income is determined by the difference between the yields earned on earning assets and the rates paid on interest-bearing liabilities (“net interest spread”) and the relative amounts of earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities.  The Company’s net interest spread is affected by regulatory, economic and competitive factors that influence interest rates, loan demand, deposit flows and general levels of nonperforming assets.

During the quarter ended March 31, 2017, tax-equivalent net interest income amounted to $10.4 million, an increase of $1.4 million or 15.5 percent when compared to the same period in 2016.  The net interest margin increased 22 basis points to 3.70 percent for the quarter ended March 31, 2017, compared to 3.48 percent for the same period in 2016.  The net interest spread was 3.46 percent for the first quarter of 2017, a 19 basis point increase compared to the same period in 2016.

During the quarter ended March 31, 2017, tax-equivalent interest income was $12.6 million, an increase of $1.4 million or 12.6 percent when compared to the same period in the prior year.  This increase was mainly driven by the increase in the balance of average loans:

Of the $1.4 million net increase in interest income on a tax-equivalent basis, $1.1 million of the increase was due to increased average earning assets, and $303 thousand was due to increased yields on the earning assets.
The average volume of interest-earning assets increased $100.7 million to $1.1 billion for the first quarter of 2017 compared to $1.0 billion for the same period in 2016.  This was due primarily to a $98.3 million increase in average

41




loans, primarily commercial, residential mortgage and consumer loans, along with a $1.9 million increase in average investment securities, partially offset by a $738 thousand decrease in federal funds sold and interest-bearing deposits.
The yield on total interest-earning assets increased 15 basis points to 4.48 percent for the three months ended March 31, 2017 when compared to the same period in 2016. The yield on the loan portfolio increased 4 basis points to 4.86 percent.

Total interest expense was $2.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017, an increase of $15 thousand or 0.7 percent compared to the same period in 2016.  This increase was driven by the increased rate on savings and time deposits and the increased volume of borrowed funds and subordinated debentures, partially offset by the decreased volume of time deposits and decreased rate on the borrowed funds and subordinated debentures compared to a year ago:

Of the $15 thousand increase in interest expense, $200 thousand was due to increased rates on savings and time deposits and $130 thousand was due to an increase in the volume of borrowed funds and subordinated debentures, partially offset by $218 thousand due to a reduced volume of time deposits and $201 thousand due to reduced interest rates paid on our borrowed funds and subordinated debentures.
Interest-bearing liabilities averaged $878.6 million for the first quarter of 2017, an increase of $50.6 million or 6.1 percent compared to the prior year’s quarter.  The increase in interest-bearing liabilities was primarily due to an increase in savings deposits, partially offset by a decrease in time deposits.
The average cost of total interest-bearing liabilities decreased 4 basis points to 1.02 percent. While the cost of interest-bearing deposits increased 2 basis points to 0.83 percent for the first quarter of 2017, the cost of borrowed funds and subordinated debentures decreased 68 basis points to 2.15 percent due to the modification of borrowings with the FHLB over the past year and due to the use of derivative instruments to hedge interest risk. The increase in the cost of deposits was primarily driven by a promotional savings product.

The following table reflects the components of net interest income, setting forth for the periods presented herein: (1) average assets, liabilities and shareholders’ equity, (2) interest income earned on interest-earning assets and interest expense paid on interest-bearing liabilities, (3) average yields earned on interest-earning assets and average rates paid on interest-bearing liabilities, (4) net interest spread, and (5) net interest income/margin on average earning assets.  Rates/Yields are computed on a fully tax-equivalent basis, assuming a federal income tax rate of 35 percent.


42



Consolidated Average Balance Sheets
 (Dollar amounts in thousands, interest amounts and interest rates/yields on a fully tax-equivalent basis)
 
 
For the three months ended
 
 
 
March 31, 2017
 
March 31, 2016
 
 
 
Average Balance
 
Interest
 
Rate/Yield
 
Average Balance
 
Interest
 
Rate/Yield
 
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest-earning assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Federal funds sold and interest-bearing deposits
 
$
77,943

 
$
129

 
0.67

%
$
78,681

 
$
44

 
0.22

%
FHLB stock
 
5,776

 
93

 
6.53

 
4,549

 
52

 
4.60

 
Securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Taxable
 
64,148

 
491

 
3.10

 
59,152

 
363

 
2.47

 
Tax-exempt
 
6,443

 
67

 
4.22

 
9,548

 
94

 
3.96

 
Total securities (A)
 
70,591

 
558

 
3.21

 
68,700

 
457

 
2.68

 
Loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SBA loans
 
57,960

 
854

 
5.98

 
53,942

 
721

 
5.38

 
SBA 504 loans
 
26,050

 
301

 
4.69

 
29,232

 
385

 
5.30

 
Commercial loans
 
512,543

 
6,166

 
4.88

 
463,927

 
5,676

 
4.92

 
Residential mortgage loans
 
297,203

 
3,384

 
4.62

 
264,208

 
2,942

 
4.48

 
Consumer loans  
 
94,217

 
1,132

 
4.87

 
78,328

 
931

 
4.78

 
Total loans (B)
 
987,973

 
11,837

 
4.86

 
889,637

 
10,655

 
4.82

 
Total interest-earning assets
 
$
1,142,283

 
$
12,617

 
4.48

%
$
1,041,567

 
$
11,208

 
4.33

%

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Noninterest-earning assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and due from banks
 
23,578

 
 
 
 
 
27,006

 
 
 
 
 
Allowance for loan losses
 
(12,785
)
 
 
 
 
 
(12,926
)
 
 
 
 
 
Other assets
 
55,493

 
 
 
 
 
45,486

 
 
 
 
 
Total noninterest-earning assets
 
66,286

 
 
 
 
 
59,566

 
 
 
 
 
Total assets
 
$
1,208,569

 
 
 
 
 
$
1,101,133

 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest-bearing liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total interest-bearing demand deposits
 
$
152,392

 
$
153

 
0.41

%
$
131,339

 
$
137

 
0.42

%
Total savings deposits
 
378,439

 
583

 
0.62

 
310,251

 
366

 
0.47

 
Total time deposits
 
222,307

 
804

 
1.47

 
282,110

 
951

 
1.36

 
Total interest-bearing deposits
 
753,138

 
1,540

 
0.83

 
723,700

 
1,454

 
0.81

 
Borrowed funds and subordinated debentures
 
125,499

 
664

 
2.15

 
104,350

 
735

 
2.83

 
Total interest-bearing liabilities
 
$
878,637

 
$
2,204

 
1.02

%
$
828,050

 
$
2,189

 
1.06

%

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Noninterest-bearing liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Noninterest-bearing demand deposits
 
215,405

 
 
 
 
 
187,226

 
 
 
 
 
Other liabilities
 
6,792

 
 
 
 
 
5,528

 
 
 
 
 
Total noninterest-bearing liabilities
 
222,197

 
 
 
 
 
192,754

 
 
 
 
 
Total shareholders' equity
 
107,735

 
 
 
 
 
80,329

 
 
 
 
 
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
 
$
1,208,569

 
 
 
 
 
$
1,101,133

 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net interest spread
 
 
 
$
10,413

 
3.46

%
 
 
$
9,019

 
3.27

%
Tax-equivalent basis adjustment
 
 
 
(23
)
 
 
 
 
 
(32
)
 
 
 
Net interest income
 
 
 
$
10,390

 
 
 
 
 
$
8,987

 
 
 
Net interest margin
 
 
 
 
 
3.70

%
 
 
 
 
3.48

%

(A)
Yields related to securities exempt from federal and state income taxes are stated on a fully tax-equivalent basis. They are reduced by the nondeductible portion of interest expense, assuming a federal tax rate of 35 percent, as well as all applicable state rates.
(B)
The loan averages are stated net of unearned income, and the averages include loans on which the accrual of interest has been discontinued.



43




The rate volume table below presents an analysis of the impact on interest income and expense resulting from changes in average volume and rates over the periods presented.  Changes that are not due to volume or rate variances have been allocated proportionally to both, based on their relative absolute values.  Amounts have been computed on a tax-equivalent basis, assuming a federal income tax rate of 35 percent.
໿
 
 
For the three months ended March 31, 2017 versus March 31, 2016
 
 
Increase (decrease) due to change in:
(In thousands on a tax-equivalent basis)
 
Volume
 
Rate
 
Net
Interest income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Federal funds sold and interest-bearing deposits
 
$

 
$
85

 
$
85

FHLB stock
 
16

 
25

 
41

Securities
 
(1
)
 
102

 
101

Loans
 
1,091

 
91

 
1,182

Total interest income
 
$
1,106

 
$
303

 
$
1,409

Interest expense:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Demand deposits
 
$
19

 
$
(3
)
 
$
16

Savings deposits
 
88

 
129

 
217

Time deposits
 
(218
)
 
71

 
(147
)
Total interest-bearing deposits
 
(111
)
 
197

 
86

Borrowed funds and subordinated debentures
 
130

 
(201
)
 
(71
)
Total interest expense
 
19

 
(4
)
 
15

Net interest income - fully tax-equivalent
 
$
1,087

 
$
307

 
$
1,394

Decrease in tax-equivalent adjustment
 
 
 
 
 
9

Net interest income
 
 
 
 
 
$
1,403


Provision for Loan Losses

The provision for loan losses totaled $250 thousand for the three months ended March 31, 2017, compared to $200 thousand for the three months ended March 31, 2016. Each period’s loan loss provision is the result of management’s analysis of the loan portfolio and reflects changes in the size and composition of the portfolio, the level of net charge-offs, delinquencies, current economic conditions and other internal and external factors impacting the risk within the loan portfolio.  Additional information may be found under the captions “Financial Condition - Asset Quality” and “Financial Condition - Allowance for Loan Losses and Reserve for Unfunded Loan Commitments.”  The current provision is considered appropriate under management’s assessment of the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses.

Noninterest Income

The following table shows the components of noninterest income for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016:
 
 
For the three months ended March 31,
(In thousands)
 
2017
 
2016
Branch fee income
 
$
331

 
$
333

Service and loan fee income
 
407

 
255

Gain on sale of SBA loans held for sale, net
 
485

 
308

Gain on sale of mortgage loans, net
 
637

 
715

BOLI income
 
88

 
94

Net security gains
 

 
94

Gain on repurchase of subordinated debt
 

 
2,264

Other income
 
256

 
217

Total noninterest income
 
$
2,204

 
$
4,280




44




For the three months ended March 31, 2017, noninterest income decreased $2.1 million to $2.2 million, compared to the same period last year. Quarterly noninterest income decreased primarily due to a nonrecurring gain on the repurchase of subordinated debentures during the same period last year. Excluding the nonrecurring gain, noninterest income increased $188 thousand primarily due to higher service and loan fee income and gains on the sale of SBA loans.

Changes in our noninterest income for the three months ended March 31, 2017 vs. 2016 reflect:

Branch fee income remained relatively flat for the three months ended March 31, 2017 when compared to the same period in the prior year.
Service and loan fee income increased due to higher loan processing fees, prepayment and payoff fees.
SBA loans sales during the first quarter of 2017 totaled $6.0 million with a net gain of $485 thousand, compared to $3.5 million in sales and a net gain of $308 thousand in the prior year's quarter. The increase is due to a higher volume of loan sales this quarter compared with the prior year's quarter.
During the quarter, $25.7 million in residential mortgage loans were sold at a gain of $637 thousand, compared to $25.0 million in loans sold at a gain of $715 thousand during the prior year's quarter. Residential mortgage loans are sold as a tool to manage liquidity needs within the bank.
There were no gains on the sale of securities for the quarter, compared to net security gains of $94 thousand during the quarter ended March 31, 2016.
The Company repurchased $5.0 million of its outstanding debentures on February 26, 2016. The subordinated debentures were repurchased at a price of $0.5475 per dollar, resulting in a pre-tax gain of $2.3 million on the transaction.
Other income increased in the quarterly period primarily due to increased service charges on visa check cards and rental income.

Noninterest Expense 
The following table presents a breakdown of noninterest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016
 
 
For the three months ended March 31,
(In thousands)
 
2017
 
2016
Compensation and benefits
 
$
4,095

 
$
3,549

Occupancy
 
600

 
618

Processing and communications
 
604

 
644

Furniture and equipment
 
511

 
420

Professional services
 
226

 
255

Loan collection and OREO expenses
 
341

 
72

Other loan expenses
 
83

 
104

Deposit insurance
 
76

 
160

Advertising
 
236

 
241

Director fees
 
197

 
135

Other expenses
 
471

 
409

Total noninterest expense
 
$
7,440

 
$
6,607


Noninterest expense increased $833 thousand to $7.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017.
Changes in noninterest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2017 versus 2016 reflect:
Compensation and benefits expense, the largest component of noninterest expense, increased $546 thousand for the three months ended March 31, 2017, as we added two new retail branches, as well as additional lending and support staff. This additional headcount has resulted in higher salary, commission and benefit expenses such as medical insurance, retirement and 401(k) plan benefits.
Occupancy expense decreased $18 thousand for the three months ended March 31, 2017, primarily due to a decreased rental expense compared to the same period last year.
Processing and communications expenses decreased $40 thousand for the three months ended March 31, 2017, due to decreases in telephone expenses.

45




Furniture and equipment expense increased $91 during the first quarter of 2017, primarily due to investment in our technology infrastructure through network and software upgrades that will improve our efficiency and keep our data secure.
Professional service fees decreased $29 thousand for the three months ended March 30, 2017, primarily due to lower legal expense.
Loan collection and OREO costs increased $269 thousand compared to the prior year's quarter due to a loss of $253 thousand on the sale of an OREO property.
Other loan expenses decreased $21 thousand for the three months ended March 31, 2017, compared to the prior year's quarter.
Deposit insurance expense decreased $84 thousand for the three months ended March 31, 2017, due to a lower quarterly assessment resulting from additional equity from a capital raise.
Advertising expense remained relatively flat for the first quarter when compared to the same period last year.
Director fees increased $62 thousand for the three months ended March 31, 2017.
Other expenses increased $62 thousand for the three months ended March 31, 2017, primarily due to higher officer and employee training expenses.

Income Tax Expense

For the quarter ended March 31, 2017, the Company reported income tax expense of $1.7 million for an effective tax rate of 34.9 percent, compared to an income tax expense of $2.3 million and an effective tax rate of 34.9 percent for the prior year’s quarter. For additional information on income taxes, see Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Financial Condition at March 31, 2017

Total assets increased $36.3 million or 3.0 percent, to $1.2 billion at March 31, 2017, when compared to year end 2016.  This increase was primarily due to an increase of $27.3 million in net loans and $11.5 million in securities, partially offset by a decrease of $2.7 million in cash and cash equivalents.

Total deposits increased $35.0 million, due to increases of $26.3 million in savings deposits, $4.8 million in noninterest-bearing demand deposits, $3.4 million in time deposits and $437 thousand in interest-bearing demand deposits. Borrowed funds decreased $1.0 million due to a reduction in overnight borrowings.

Total shareholders’ equity increased $3.0 million over year end 2016, primarily due to earnings offset by dividends paid during the three months ended March 31, 2017.  

These fluctuations are discussed in further detail in the paragraphs that follows. 

Securities Portfolio

The Company’s securities portfolio consists of AFS and HTM investments.  Management determines the appropriate security classification of AFS and HTM at the time of purchase. The investment securities portfolio is maintained for asset-liability management purposes, as well as for liquidity and earnings purposes.

AFS securities are investments carried at fair value that may be sold in response to changing market and interest rate conditions or for other business purposes. Activity in this portfolio is undertaken primarily to manage liquidity and interest rate risk, to take advantage of market conditions that create economically attractive returns and as an additional source of earnings. AFS securities consist primarily of obligations of U.S. Government sponsored entities, obligations of state and political subdivisions, mortgage-backed securities, and corporate and other securities. 

AFS securities totaled $52.2 million at March 31, 2017, an increase of $11.6 million or 28.8 percent, compared to $40.6 million at December 31, 2016.  This net increase was the result of:
$15.5 million from the purchase of six mortgage backed securities, one corporate bond and one municipal security, partially offset by
$3.6 million in principal payments and maturities,
$144 thousand of depreciation in the market value of the portfolio. At March 31, 2017, the portfolio had a net unrealized loss of $415 thousand compared a net unrealized loss of $271 thousand at December 31, 2016. These net unrealized losses are reflected net of tax in shareholders’ equity as accumulated other comprehensive income, and
$61 thousand in net amortization of premiums.

The weighted average life of AFS securities, adjusted for prepayments, amounted to 5.9 years and 5.5 years at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.


46




HTM securities, which are carried at amortized cost, are investments for which there is the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity.  The portfolio is comprised primarily of U.S. Government sponsored entities, obligations of state and political subdivisions, mortgage-backed securities, and corporate and other securities.

HTM securities were $20.8 million at March 31, 2017, a decrease of $204 thousand or 1.0 percent, from year end 2016.  This decrease was the result of:
$191 thousand in principal payments and maturities and
$12 thousand in net amortization of premiums.

The weighted average life of HTM securities, adjusted for prepayments, amounted to 5.8 years and 6.9 years at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.  As of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the fair value of HTM securities was $20.7 million and $21.0 million, respectively.

The average balance of taxable securities amounted to $64.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017, compared to $59.2 million for the same period in 2016.  The average yield earned on taxable securities increased 63 basis points, to 3.10 percent for the three months ended March 31, 2017, from 2.47 percent for the same period in the prior year.  The average balance of tax-exempt securities amounted to $6.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017, compared to $9.5 million for the same period in 2016.  The average yield earned on tax-exempt securities increased 26 basis points, to 4.22 percent for the three months ended March 31, 2017, from 3.96 percent for the same period in 2016.

Securities with a carrying value of $19.4 million and $17.7 million at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively, were pledged to secure Government deposits, secure other borrowings and for other purposes required or permitted by law.

Approximately 85 percent of the total investment portfolio had a fixed rate of interest at March 31, 2017.

See Note 7 to the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements for more information regarding Securities.

Loan Portfolio

The loan portfolio, which represents the Company’s largest asset group, is a significant source of both interest and fee income.  The portfolio consists of SBA, SBA 504, commercial, residential mortgage and consumer loans.  Each of these segments is subject to differing levels of credit and interest rate risk.

Total loans increased $27.3 million or 2.8 percent to $1.0 billion at March 31, 2017, compared to $973.4 million at year end 2016.  Residential mortgage, commercial and consumer loans increased $16.5 million, $10.2 million, and $4.5 million, respectively, partially offset by a decrease of $2.7 million and $1.2 million in SBA and SBA 504 loans, respectively.

The following table sets forth the classification of loans by major category, including unearned fees and deferred costs and excluding the allowance for loan losses as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016:
 
 
March 31, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
(In thousands, except percentages)
 
Amount
 
% of total
 
Amount
 
% of total
SBA loans held for investment
 
$
42,403

 
4.2
%
 
$
42,492

 
4.4
%
SBA 504 loans
 
25,111

 
2.5

 
26,344

 
2.7

Commercial loans
 
519,338

 
52.0

 
509,171

 
52.3

Residential mortgage loans
 
305,578

 
30.5

 
289,093

 
29.7

Consumer loans
 
96,084

 
9.6

 
91,541

 
9.4

Total loans held for investment
 
988,514

 
98.8

 
958,641

 
98.5

SBA loans held for sale
 
12,163

 
1.2

 
14,773

 
1.5

Total loans
 
$
1,000,677

 
100.0
%
 
$
973,414

 
100.0
%

Average loans increased $98.3 million or 11.1 percent to $988.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 from $889.6 million for the same period in 2016.  The increase in average loans was due to increases in commercial, residential mortgages, consumer, and SBA 7(a) loans, partially offset by a decline in SBA 504 loans.  The yield on the overall loan portfolio increased 4 basis points to 4.86 percent for the three months ended March 31, 2017 when compared to the same period in the prior year.


47




SBA 7(a) loans, on which the SBA historically has provided guarantees of up to 90 percent of the principal balance, are considered a higher risk loan product for the Company than its other loan products.  These loans are made for the purposes of providing working capital or financing the purchase of equipment, inventory or commercial real estate.  Generally, an SBA 7(a) loan has a deficiency in its credit profile that would not allow the borrower to qualify for a traditional commercial loan, which is why the SBA provides the guarantee.  The deficiency may be a higher loan to value (“LTV”) ratio, lower debt service coverage (“DSC”) ratio or weak personal financial guarantees.  In addition, many SBA 7(a) loans are for start up businesses where there is no history or financial information.  Finally, many SBA borrowers do not have an ongoing and continuous banking relationship with the Bank, but merely work with the Bank on a single transaction.  The guaranteed portion of the Company’s SBA loans are generally sold in the secondary market with the nonguaranteed portion held in the portfolio as a loan held for investment.

SBA 7(a) loans held for sale, carried at the lower of cost or market, amounted to $12.2 million at March 31, 2017, a decrease of $2.6 million from $14.8 million at December 31, 2016.   SBA 7(a) loans held to maturity amounted to $42.4 million at March 31, 2017, a decrease of $89 thousand from $42.5 million at December 31, 2016.   The yield on SBA loans, which are generally floating and adjust quarterly to the Prime rate, was 5.98 percent for the three months ended March 31, 2017, compared to 5.38 percent in the prior year. 

The guarantee rates on SBA 7(a) loans range from 50 percent to 90 percent, with the majority of the portfolio having a guarantee rate of 75 percent at origination.  The guarantee rates are determined by the SBA and can vary from year to year depending on government funding and the goals of the SBA program.  The carrying value of SBA loans held for sale represents the guaranteed portion to be sold into the secondary market.  The carrying value of SBA loans held to maturity represents the unguaranteed portion, which is the Company's portion of SBA loans originated, reduced by the guaranteed portion that is sold into the secondary market.  Approximately $96.8 million and $92.6 million in SBA loans were sold but serviced by the Company at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively, and are not included on the Company’s balance sheet.  There is no relationship or correlation between the guarantee percentages and the level of charge-offs and recoveries on the Company’s SBA 7(a) loans.  Charge-offs taken on SBA 7(a) loans effect the unguaranteed portion of the loan.  SBA loans are underwritten to the same credit standards irrespective of the guarantee percentage.

The SBA 504 program consists of real estate backed commercial mortgages where the Company has the first mortgage and the SBA has the second mortgage on the property.  Generally, the Company has a 50 percent LTV ratio on SBA 504 program loans at origination.  At March 31, 2017, SBA 504 loans totaled $25.1 million, a decrease of $1.2 million from $26.3 million at December 31, 2016.  The yield on SBA 504 loans decreased 61 basis points to 4.69 percent for the three months ended March 31, 2017, from 5.30 percent for the same period in 2016 due to the decrease in the number of high yielding SBA 504 loans. 

Commercial loans are generally made in the Company’s marketplace for the purpose of providing working capital, financing the purchase of equipment, inventory or commercial real estate and for other business purposes.  These loans amounted to $519.3 million at March 31, 2017, an increase of $10.2 million from year end 2016.  The yield on commercial loans was 4.88 percent for the three months ended March 31, 2017, compared to 4.92 percent for the same period in 2016

Residential mortgage loans consist of loans secured by 1 to 4 family residential properties.  These loans amounted to $305.6 million at March 31, 2017, an increase of $16.5 million from year end 2016.  Sales of mortgage loans totaled $25.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017.  Approximately $3.4 million of the loans sold were from portfolio, with the remainder consisting of new production.  The yield on residential mortgages was 4.62 percent for the three months ended March 31, 2017, compared to 4.48 percent in the 2016 period.  Residential mortgage loans maintained in portfolio are generally to individuals that do not qualify for conventional financing.  In extending credit to this category of borrowers, the Bank considers other mitigating factors such as credit history, equity and liquid reserves of the borrower.  As a result, the residential mortgage loan portfolio of the Bank includes adjustable rate mortgages with rates that exceed the rates on conventional fixed-rate mortgage loan products but which are not considered high priced mortgages. 

Consumer loans consist of home equity loans, construction loans and loans for the purpose of financing the purchase of consumer goods, home improvements, and other personal needs, and are generally secured by the personal property being purchased.  These loans amounted to $96.1 million, an increase of $4.5 million from year end 2016 primarily related to consumer construction loans.  The yield on consumer loans was 4.87 percent for the three months ended March 31, 2017, compared to 4.78 percent for the same period in 2016

There are no concentrations of loans to any borrowers or group of borrowers exceeding 10 percent of the total loan portfolio and no foreign loans in the portfolio.


48




In the normal course of business, the Company may originate loan products whose terms could give rise to additional credit risk.  Interest-only loans, loans with high LTV or debt service ratios, construction loans with payments made from interest reserves and multiple loans supported by the same collateral (e.g. home equity loans) are examples of such products.  However, these products are not material to the Company’s financial position and are closely managed via credit controls that mitigate their additional inherent risk.  Management does not believe that these products create a concentration of credit risk in the Company’s loan portfolio.  The Company does not have any option adjustable rate mortgage loans. 

The majority of the Company’s loans are secured by real estate.  Declines in the market values of real estate in the Company’s trade area impact the value of the collateral securing its loans.  This could lead to greater losses in the event of defaults on loans secured by real estate.  At March 31, 2017 approximately 95 percent of the Company’s loan portfolio was secured by real estate compared to 96 percent at December 31, 2016.  

TDRs

TDRs occur when a creditor, for economic or legal reasons related to a debtor’s financial condition, grants a concession to the debtor that it would not otherwise consider.  These concessions typically include reductions in interest rate, extending the maturity of a loan, or a combination of both.  When the Company modifies a loan, management evaluates for any possible impairment using either the discounted cash flows method, where the value of the modified loan is based on the present value of expected cash flows, discounted at the contractual interest rate of the original loan agreement, or by using the fair value of the collateral less selling costs.  If management determines that the value of the modified loan is less than the recorded investment in the loan, impairment is recognized by segment or class of loan, as applicable, through an allowance estimate or charge-off to the allowance.  This process is used, regardless of loan type, and for loans modified as TDRs that subsequently default on their modified terms.

At March 31, 2017, the Company had no loans that were classified as TDRs and deemed impaired, compared to one such loan totaling $153 thousand at December 31, 2016.  At December 31, 2016, the TDR was a nonperforming SBA held for investment loan which was previously modified back to original terms.  Restructured loans that are placed in nonaccrual status may be removed after six months of contractual payments and the borrower showing the ability to service the debt going forward. 

Asset Quality

Inherent in the lending function is credit risk, which is the possibility a borrower may not perform in accordance with the contractual terms of their loan.  A borrower’s inability to pay their obligations according to the contractual terms can create the risk of past due loans and, ultimately, credit losses, especially on collateral deficient loans.  The Company minimizes its credit risk by loan diversification and adhering to strict credit administration policies and procedures.  Due diligence on loans begins when we initiate contact regarding a loan with a borrower.  Documentation, including a borrower’s credit history, materials establishing the value and liquidity of potential collateral, the purpose of the loan, the source of funds for repayment of the loan, and other factors, are analyzed before a loan is submitted for approval.  The loan portfolio is then subject to on-going internal reviews for credit quality, as well as independent credit reviews by an outside firm.

The risk of loss is difficult to quantify and is subject to fluctuations in collateral values, general economic conditions and other factors.  In some cases, these factors have also resulted in significant impairment to the value of loan collateral.  The Company values its collateral through the use of appraisals, broker price opinions, and knowledge of its local market.

Nonperforming assets consist of nonperforming loans and OREO.  Nonperforming loans consist of loans that are not accruing interest (nonaccrual loans) as a result of principal or interest being in default for a period of 90 days or more or when the ability to collect principal and interest according to the contractual terms is in doubt.  When a loan is classified as nonaccrual, interest accruals discontinue and all past due interest previously recognized as income is reversed and charged against current period income.  Generally, until the loan becomes current, any payments received from the borrower are applied to outstanding principal, until such time as management determines that the financial condition of the borrower and other factors merit recognition of a portion of such payments as interest income.  Loans past due 90 days or more and still accruing interest are not included in nonperforming loans.  Loans past due 90 days or more and still accruing generally represent loans that are well collateralized and in a continuing process that are expected to result in repayment or restoration to current status.


49




The following table sets forth information concerning nonperforming assets and loans past due 90 days or more and still accruing interest at each of the periods presented:

(In thousands, except percentages)
 
March 31, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
 
March 31, 2016
Nonperforming by category:
 
 
 
 
 
 
SBA loans held for investment (1)
 
$
1,239

 
$
1,168

 
$
1,861

SBA 504 loans
 
237

 
513

 
513

Commercial loans
 
1,499

 
426

 
936

Residential mortgage loans
 
2,514

 
2,672

 
3,149

Consumer loans
 
2,269

 
2,458

 
428

Total nonperforming loans (2)
 
$
7,758

 
$
7,237

 
$
6,887

OREO
 
1,172

 
1,050

 
1,417

Total nonperforming assets
 
$
8,930

 
$
8,287

 
$
8,304

Nonperforming loans to total loans
 
0.78
%
 
0.74
%
 
0.78
%
Nonperforming loans and TDRs to total loans (3)
 
0.78

 
0.74

 
0.87

Nonperforming assets to total loans and OREO
 
0.89

 
0.85

 
0.93

Nonperforming assets to total assets
 
0.73

 
0.70

 
0.74

(1) Guaranteed SBA loans included above
 
$
60

 
$
60

 
$
243

(2) Nonperforming TDRs included above
 

 
153

 
293

(3) Performing TDRs
 

 

 
844


Nonperforming loans were $7.8 million at March 31, 2017, a $521 thousand increase from $7.2 million at year end 2016 and a $871 thousand increase from $6.9 million at March 31, 2016.  Since year end 2016, nonperforming loans in the commercial and SBA loan segments increased, partially offset by a decrease in the SBA 504, consumer and residential mortgage loan segment.  Included in nonperforming loans at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 are approximately $60 thousand of loans guaranteed by the SBA, compared to $243 thousand at March 31, 2016.  In addition, there were no loans past due 90 days or more and still accruing interest at March 31, 2017, December 31, 2016 or March 31, 2016.

OREO properties totaled $1.2 million at March 31, 2017, an increase of $122 thousand from $1.1 million at year end 2016 and a $245 thousand decrease from $1.4 million at March 31, 2016.  During the three months ended March 31, 2017, the Company took title to one new property valued at $396 thousand that resulted in a charge to the allowance of $66 thousand.  One OREO property was sold, resulting in net loss on sale of $253 thousand.

The Company also monitors potential problem loans.  Potential problem loans are those loans where information about possible credit problems of borrowers causes management to have doubts as to the ability of such borrowers to comply with loan repayment terms.  These loans are not included in nonperforming loans as they continue to perform.  Potential problem loans totaled $4.2 million at March 31, 2017, an increase of $3.1 million from $1.1 million at December 31, 2016.  The increase is due to the addition of five loans totaling $3.9 million, offset by the deletion of six loans totaling $716 thousand, as well as the payoff of one loan totaling $11 thousand.

See Note 8 to the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements for more information regarding Asset Quality.

Allowance for Loan Losses and Reserve for Unfunded Loan Commitments

Management reviews the level of the allowance for loan losses on a quarterly basis.  The standardized methodology used to assess the adequacy of the allowance includes the allocation of specific and general reserves.  Specific reserves are made to individual impaired loans, which have been defined to include all nonperforming loans and TDRs.  The general reserve is set based upon a representative average historical net charge-off rate adjusted for certain environmental factors such as: delinquency and impairment trends, charge-off and recovery trends, volume and loan term trends, risk and underwriting policy trends, staffing and experience changes, national and local economic trends, industry conditions and credit concentration changes.


50




When calculating the five-year historical net charge-off rate, the Company weights the past three years more heavily.  The Company believes using this approach is more indicative of future charge-offs.  All of the environmental factors are ranked and assigned a basis points value based on the following scale: low, low moderate, moderate, high moderate, and high risk.  The factors are evaluated separately for each type of loan.  For example, commercial loans are broken down further into commercial and industrial loans, commercial mortgages, construction loans, etc.  Each type of loan is risk weighted for each environmental factor based on its individual characteristics.

According to the Company’s policy, a loss (“charge-off”) is to be recognized and charged to the allowance for loan losses as soon as a loan is recognized as uncollectable.  All credits which are 90 days past due must be analyzed for the Company's ability to collect on the credit.  Once a loss is known to exist, the charge-off approval process is immediately expedited.

The allowance for loan losses totaled $12.7 million at March 31, 2017 compared to and $12.6 million at December 31, 2016 and March 31, 2016, with resulting allowance to total loan ratios of 1.27 percent, 1.29 percent, and 1.42 percent, respectively.  Net charge-offs amounted to $148 thousand for the three months ended March 31, 2017, compared to $325 thousand for the same period in 2016. Net charge-offs to average loan ratios are shown in the table below for each major loan category.
 
 
For the three months ended March 31,
(In thousands, except percentages)
 
2017
 
2016
Balance, beginning of period
 
$
12,579

 
$
12,759

Provision for loan losses charged to expense
 
250

 
200

Less: Chargeoffs
 
 
 
 
SBA loans held for investment
 
109

 
86

Commercial loans
 
76

 
228

Consumer loans
 
66

 
28

Total chargeoffs
 
251

 
342

Add: Recoveries
 
 
 
 
SBA loans held for investment
 
37

 
11

Commercial loans
 
53

 
6

Residential mortgage loans
 
12

 

Consumer loans
 
1

 

Total recoveries
 
103

 
17

Net chargeoffs (recoveries)
 
148

 
325

Balance, end of period
 
$
12,681

 
$
12,634

Selected loan quality ratios:
 
 
 
 
Net chargeoffs (recoveries) to average loans:
 
 
 
 
SBA loans held for investment
 
0.50
%
 
0.56
%
Commercial loans
 
0.02

 
0.19

Residential mortgage loans
 
(0.02
)
 

Consumer loans
 
0.28

 
0.14

Total loans
 
0.06

 
0.15

Allowance to total loans
 
1.27

 
1.42

Allowance to nonperforming loans
 
163.46
%
 
183.45
%

In addition to the allowance for loan losses, the Company maintains a reserve for unfunded loan commitments that is maintained at a level that management believes is adequate to absorb estimated probable losses.  Adjustments to the reserve are made through other expense and applied to the reserve which is maintained in other liabilities.  At March 31, 2017, a $220 thousand commitment reserve was reported on the balance sheet as an “other liability”, compared to a $181 thousand commitment reserve at December 31, 2016.

See Note 9 to the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements for more information regarding the Allowance for Loan Losses and Reserve for Unfunded Loan Commitments.


51




Deposits

Deposits, which include noninterest-bearing demand deposits, interest-bearing demand deposits, savings deposits and time deposits, are the primary source of the Company’s funds.  The Company offers a variety of products designed to attract and retain customers, with primary focus on building and expanding relationships.  The Company continues to focus on establishing a comprehensive relationship with business borrowers, seeking deposits as well as lending relationships.

Total deposits increased $35.0 million to $980.7 million at March 31, 2017, from $945.7 million at December 31, 2016.  This increase in deposits was due to increases of $26.3 million in savings deposits, $4.8 million in noninterest-bearing demand deposits, $3.4 million in time deposits and $437 thousand in interest-bearing demand deposits. The increase in savings was primarily due to new savings promotions. The increase in noninterest-bearing demand deposits is attributable to growth in commercial customer relationships. The increase in time deposits was due to additional branch openings in Somerville and Emerson, New Jersey.

The Company’s deposit composition at March 31, 2017, consisted of 39.8 percent savings deposits, 22.8 percent time deposits, 22.5 percent noninterest-bearing demand deposits and 14.9 percent interest-bearing demand deposits. 

Borrowed Funds and Subordinated Debentures

Borrowed funds consist primarily of fixed and adjustable rate advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York and repurchase agreements.  These borrowings are used as a source of liquidity or to fund asset growth not supported by deposit generation.  Residential mortgages and commercial loans collateralize the borrowings from the FHLB, while investment securities are pledged against the repurchase agreements.

Borrowed funds and subordinated debentures totaled $130.3 million and $131.3 million at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively, and are broken down in the following table:

(In thousands)
 
March 31, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
FHLB borrowings:
 
 
 
 
Fixed rate advances
 
$
50,000

 
$
50,000

Adjustable rate advances
 
50,000

 
50,000

Overnight advances
 
5,000

 
6,000

Other repurchase agreements
 
15,000

 
15,000

Subordinated debentures
 
10,310

 
10,310

Total borrowed funds and subordinated debentures
 
$
130,310

 
$
131,310


The $1.0 million decrease in total borrowed funds and subordinated debentures was due to a $1.0 million decrease in FHLB overnight borrowings. The following transactions impacted borrowed funds and subordinated debentures:

The Bank had a $20.0 million ARC FHLB borrowing with a rate of 1.148% that matured on January 5, 2017. This $20.0 million FHLB advance was renewed an additional six months at a rate of LIBOR minus 0.09%. A SWAP instrument was implemented which modified the borrowing to a 5 year fixed rate borrowing at 1.048%.
The Bank had a $10.0 million ARC FHLB borrowing with a rate of 1.053% that matured on February 16, 2017. This $10.0 million FHLB advance was renewed an additional six months at a rate of LIBOR minus 0.16%. A SWAP instrument was implemented which modified the borrowing to a 5 year fixed rate borrowing at 1.103%.

In March 2017, the FHLB issued a $10.0 million municipal deposit letter of credit in the name of Unity Bank naming the NJ Department of Banking and Insurance as beneficiary.  The letter of credit took the place of securities previously pledged to the state as collateral for the Bank’s municipal deposits.

At March 31, 2017, the Company had $241.8 million of additional credit available at the FHLB.  Pledging additional collateral in the form of 1 to 4 family residential mortgages, commercial loans and investment securities can increase the line with the FHLB.


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Interest Rate Sensitivity

The principal objectives of the asset and liability management function are to establish prudent risk management guidelines, evaluate and control the level of interest-rate risk in balance sheet accounts, determine the level of appropriate risk given the business focus, operating environment, capital, and liquidity requirements, and actively manage risk within the Board approved guidelines.  The Company seeks to reduce the vulnerability of the operations to changes in interest rates, and actions in this regard are taken under the guidance of the Asset/Liability Management Committee (“ALCO”) of the Board of Directors.  The ALCO reviews the maturities and re-pricing of loans, investments, deposits and borrowings, cash flow needs, current market conditions, and interest rate levels. 

The Company utilizes Modified Duration of Equity and Economic Value of Portfolio Equity (“EVPE”) models to measure the impact of longer-term asset and liability mismatches beyond two years.  The modified duration of equity measures the potential price risk of equity to changes in interest rates.  A longer modified duration of equity indicates a greater degree of risk to rising interest rates.  Because of balance sheet optionality, an EVPE analysis is also used to dynamically model the present value of asset and liability cash flows with rate shocks of 200 basis points.  The economic value of equity is likely to be different as interest rates change.  Results falling outside prescribed ranges require action by the ALCO.  The Company’s variance in the economic value of equity, as a percentage of assets with rate shocks of 200 basis points at March 31, 2017, is a decline of 0.46 percent in a rising-rate environment and a decrease of 0.73 percent in a falling-rate environment.  The variances in the EVPE at March 31, 2017 are within the Board-approved guidelines of +/- 3.00 percent.  In a falling rate environment with rate shock of 200 basis points, benchmark interest rates are assumed to have floors of 0.00%. At December 31, 2016, the economic value of equity as a percentage of assets with rate shocks of 200 basis points was a decline of 0.23 percent in a rising-rate environment and a decrease of 0.91 percent in a falling-rate environment. 

Liquidity

Consolidated Bank Liquidity
Liquidity measures the ability to satisfy current and future cash flow needs as they become due.  A bank’s liquidity reflects its ability to meet loan demand, to accommodate possible outflows in deposits and to take advantage of interest rate opportunities in the marketplace.  Our liquidity is monitored by management and the Board of Directors through a Risk Management Committee, which reviews historical funding requirements, our current liquidity position, sources and stability of funding, marketability of assets, options for attracting additional funds, and anticipated future funding needs, including the level of unfunded commitments.  Our goal is to maintain sufficient asset-based liquidity to cover potential funding requirements in order to minimize our dependence on volatile and potentially unstable funding markets.

The principal sources of funds at the Bank are deposits, scheduled amortization and prepayments of investment and loan principal, sales and maturities of investment securities and funds provided by operations.  While scheduled loan payments and maturing investments are relatively predictable sources of funds, deposit inflows and outflows and loan prepayments are greatly influenced by general interest rates, economic conditions and competition.  The Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows provides detail on the Company’s sources and uses of cash, as well as an indication of the Company’s ability to maintain an adequate level of liquidity.  At March 31, 2017, the balance of cash and cash equivalents was $103.2 million, a decrease of $2.7 million from December 31, 2016.  A discussion of the cash provided by and used in operating, investing and financing activities follows.

Operating activities provided $6.8 million and $3.9 million in net cash for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.  The primary sources of funds were net income from operations and adjustments to net income, such as the proceeds from the sale of mortgage and SBA loans held for sale, partially offset by originations of mortgage and SBA loans held for sale.


53




Investing activities used $43.1 million and provided $2.3 million in net cash for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.  Cash was primarily used to fund new loans and purchase securities available for sale, partially offset by maturities and principal payments on securities available for sale. 

Securities.  The Consolidated Bank’s available for sale investment portfolio amounted to $52.2 million and $40.6 million at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.  This excludes the Parent Company’s securities discussed under the heading “Parent Company Liquidity” below.  Projected cash flows from securities over the next twelve months are $10.1 million.
Loans.  The SBA loans held for sale portfolio amounted to $12.2 million and $14.8 million at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.  Sales of these loans provide an additional source of liquidity for the Company. 
Outstanding Commitments.  The Company was committed to advance approximately $219.8 million to its borrowers as of March 31, 2017, compared to $181.1 million at December 31, 2016.  At March 31, 2017, $130.3 million of these commitments expire within one year, compared to $86.4 million at December 31, 2016.  The Company had $4.1 million in standby letters of credit at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, which are included in the commitments amount noted above.  The estimated fair value of these guarantees is not significant.  The Company believes it has the necessary liquidity to honor all commitments.  Many of these commitments will expire and never be funded. 

Financing activities provided $33.6 million in net cash for the three months ended March 31, 2017, compared to $32.1 million for the same period in the prior year, primarily due to proceeds from new borrowings and an increase in the Company’s deposits partially offset by repayments of borrowings.

Deposits.  As of March 31, 2017, deposits included $82.2 million of Government deposits, as compared to $87.0 million at year end 2016.   These deposits are generally short in duration and are very sensitive to price competition.  The Company believes that the current level of these types of deposits is appropriate.  Included in the portfolio were $77.6 million of deposits from twelve municipalities with account balances in excess of $1.5 million.  The withdrawal of these deposits, in whole or in part, would not create a liquidity shortfall for the Company.
Borrowed Funds.  Total FHLB borrowings amounted to $105.0 million and $106.0 million as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.  Third party repurchase agreements totaled $15.0 million as of both March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016.  As a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York, the Company can borrow additional funds based on the market value of collateral pledged.  At March 31, 2017, pledging provided an additional $241.8 million in borrowing potential from the FHLB.  In addition, the Company can pledge additional collateral in the form of 1 to 4 family residential mortgages, commercial loans or investment securities to increase this line with the FHLB.  

Parent Company Liquidity
The Parent Company’s cash needs are funded by dividends and rental payments on corporate headquarters paid by the Bank.  Other than its investment in the Bank, Unity Risk Management, Inc. and Unity Statutory Trust II, the Parent Company does not actively engage in other transactions or business.  Only expenses specifically for the benefit of the Parent Company are paid using its cash, which typically includes the payment of operating expenses, cash dividends on common stock and payments on trust preferred debt.

At March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Parent Company had $1.6 million in cash and cash equivalents and $1 thousand in investment securities valued at fair market value.  

Regulatory Capital

A significant measure of the strength of a financial institution is its capital base. Federal regulators have classified and defined capital into the following components: (1) Tier 1 capital, which includes tangible shareholders’ equity for common stock, qualifying preferred stock and certain qualifying hybrid instruments, and (2) Tier 2 capital, which includes a portion of the allowance for loan losses, subject to limitations, certain qualifying long-term debt, preferred stock and hybrid instruments, which do not qualify for Tier 1 capital. The Parent Company and its subsidiary Bank are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by banking regulators. Quantitative measures of capital adequacy include the leverage ratio (Tier 1 capital as a percentage of tangible assets), Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio (Tier 1 capital as a percent of risk-weighted assets), total risk-based capital ratio (total risk-based capital as a percent of total risk-weighted assets), and common equity Tier 1 capital ratio.


54




Minimum capital levels are regulated by risk-based capital adequacy guidelines, which require the Company and the Bank to maintain certain capital as a percentage of assets and certain off-balance sheet items adjusted for predefined credit risk factors (risk-weighted assets).  Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory and possibly discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the Company’s financial statements.  Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action applicable to banks, the Company and the Bank must meet specific capital guidelines.  Prompt corrective action provisions are not applicable to bank holding companies.

In September 2010, the Group of Governors and Heads of Supervision, the oversight body of the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision, adopted Basel III, which constitutes a set of capital reform measures designed to strengthen the regulation, supervision and risk management of banking organizations worldwide.  In order to implement Basel III and certain additional capital changes required by the Dodd-Frank Act, the FDIC approved for state non-member banks, as an interim final rule in July 2014, regulatory capital requirements substantially similar to final rules issued by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (“Federal Reserve”) for U.S. state member banks and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency for national banks.    

The interim final rule includes  a new capital conservation buffer that will be phased-in from 2015 to 2019 for most state nonmember banks.  The rule includes a new common equity Tier 1 capital (“CET1”) to risk-weighted assets ratio of 4.5% and a common equity Tier 1 capital conservation buffer of 2.5% of risk-weighted assets, when fully phased in, which is in addition to the Tier 1 and total risk-based capital requirements. The interim final rule also raises the minimum ratio of Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets from 4.0% to 6.0% and requires a minimum leverage ratio of 4.0%. The required minimum ratio of total capital to risk-weighted assets will remain 8.0%. The new risk-based capital requirements (except for the fully phased in capital conservation buffer) became effective for the Company and the Bank on January 1, 2015.

The new rules also include a one-time opportunity to opt-out of the changes to treatment of accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) components.  By making the election to opt-out, the institution may continue treating AOCI items in a manner consistent with risk-based capital rules in place prior to January 2015.  The Bank and the Company have made the election to opt out of the treatment of AOCI on the appropriate March 31, 2015 filings.

In addition to the risk-based guidelines, regulators require that a bank or holding company, which meets the regulator’s highest performance and operation standards, maintain a minimum leverage ratio of 4.0%.  For those institutions with higher levels of risk or that are experiencing or anticipating significant growth, the minimum leverage ratio will be proportionately increased.  Minimum leverage ratios for each institution are evaluated through the ongoing regulatory examination process.

The following table summarizes the Company’s and the Bank’s regulatory capital ratios at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, as well as the minimum regulatory capital ratios required for the Bank to be deemed “well-capitalized.”  The Company’s capital amounts and ratios reflect the capital decreases described above.
 
 
At March 31, 2017
 
Required for capital
adequacy purposes effective
 
To be well-capitalized under prompt corrective action regulations
 
 
Company
 
Bank
 
January 1, 2017
 
January 1, 2019
 
Bank
Leverage ratio
 
9.72
%
 
9.42
%
 
4.000
%
 
4.00
%
 
5.00
%
CET1
 
11.46
%
 
12.15
%
 
5.750
%
(1
)
7.00
%
(2
)
6.50
%
Tier I risk-based capital ratio
 
12.53
%
 
12.15
%
 
7.250
%
(1
)
8.50
%
(2
)
8.00
%
Total risk-based capital ratio
 
13.78
%
 
13.40
%
 
9.250
%
(1
)
10.50
%
(2
)
10.00
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) Includes 1.25% capital conservation buffer.
 
 
 
 
 
 
(2) Includes 2.5% capital conservation buffer.
 
 
 
 
 
 


55




 
 
At December 31, 2016
 
Required for capital
adequacy purposes effective
 
To be well-capitalized under prompt corrective action regulations
 
 
Company
 
Bank
 
January 1, 2016
 
January 1, 2019
 
Bank
Leverage ratio
 
9.73
%
 
9.50
%
 
4.000
%
 
4.00
%
 
5.00
%
CET1
 
11.49
%
 
12.23
%
 
5.125
%
(3
)
7.00
%
(4
)
6.50
%
Tier I risk-based capital ratio
 
12.58
%
 
12.23
%
 
6.625
%
(3
)
8.50
%
(4
)
8.00
%
Total risk-based capital ratio
 
13.84
%
 
13.48
%
 
8.625
%
(3
)
10.50
%
(4
)
10.00
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(3) Includes 0.625% capital conservation buffer.
 
 
 
 
 
 
(4) Includes 2.5% capital conservation buffer.
 
 
 
 
 
 

Shareholders’ Equity
 
Shareholders’ equity increased $3.0 million to $109.3 million at March 31, 2017 compared to $106.3 million at December 31, 2016, primarily due to net income of $3.2 million. Other items impacting shareholders’ equity included $341 thousand from the issuance of common stock under employee benefit plans, partially offset by $26 thousand in accumulated other comprehensive loss related to the fair value of AFS securities. Additionally, $493 thousand of cash dividends on common stock were paid.  The issuance of common stock under employee benefit plans includes nonqualified stock options and restricted stock expense related entries, employee option exercises and the tax benefit of options exercised.

Repurchase Plan
On October 21, 2002, the Company authorized the repurchase of up to 10 percent of its outstanding common stock.  The amount and timing of purchases is dependent upon a number of factors, including the price and availability of the Company’s shares, general market conditions and competing alternate uses of funds.  There were no shares repurchased during the three months ended March 31, 2017 or 2016

Impact of Inflation and Changing Prices

The financial statements and notes thereto, presented elsewhere herein have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, which require the measurement of financial position and operating results in terms of historical dollars without considering the change in the relative purchasing power of money over time and due to inflation.  The impact of inflation is reflected in the increased cost of the operations.  Unlike most industrial companies, nearly all the Company’s assets and liabilities are monetary.  As a result, interest rates have a greater impact on performance than do the effects of general levels of inflation.  Interest rates do not necessarily move in the same direction or to the same extent as the prices of goods and services.

56






ITEM 3        Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
 
During the three months ended March 31, 2017, there have been no significant changes in the Company's assessment of market risk as reported in Item 6 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.  (See Interest Rate Sensitivity in Management's Discussion and Analysis herein.)

ITEM 4        Controls and Procedures
 
a)
The Company's management, with the participation of the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures as of March 31, 2017. Based on this evaluation, the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures are effective for recording, processing, summarizing and reporting the information the Company is required to disclose in the reports it files under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms.
b)
No significant change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting has occurred during the quarterly period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s controls over financial reporting.

PART II    OTHER INFORMATION


ITEM 1        Legal Proceedings
 
From time to time, the Company is subject to other legal proceedings and claims in the ordinary course of business.  The Company currently is not aware of any such legal proceedings or claims that it believes will have, individually or in the aggregate, a material adverse effect on the business, financial condition, or the results of the operation of the Company.
 
ITEM 1A        Risk Factors

Information regarding this item as of March 31, 2017 appears under the heading, “Risk Factors” within the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.

ITEM 2        Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds - None
 
ITEM 3        Defaults upon Senior Securities - None
 
ITEM 4        Mine Safety Disclosures - N/A

ITEM 5        Other Information - None
 
ITEM 6        Exhibits
 

(a)
Exhibits
 
Description
 
Exhibit 3(ii)
By-laws of Unity Bancorp as amended. Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3.1 of current report on Form 8-K filed February 24, 2017
 
Exhibit 31.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) and Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
Exhibit 31.2
Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) and Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
Exhibit 32.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) or Rule 15d-14(b) and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002


57




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.
 
 
 
UNITY BANCORP, INC.
 
 
 
Dated:
May 11, 2017
/s/ Alan J. Bedner, Jr.
 
 
Alan J. Bedner, Jr.
 
 
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer


58




EXHIBIT INDEX
 
QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q

Exhibit No.
Description
Exhibit 31.1-Certification of James A. Hughes.  Required by Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) and Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Exhibit 31.2-Certification of Alan J. Bedner, Jr.  Required by Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) and Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Exhibit 32.1-Certification of James A. Hughes and Alan J. Bedner, Jr.  Required by Rule 13a-14(b) or Rule 15d-14(b) and Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, 18 U.S.C. Section 1350
101.INS
XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.LAB
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
101.DEF
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definitions Linkbase Document



59