ITEM 1. BUSINESS
Organization
Bar Harbor Bankshares (the “Company”) (“BHB”) was incorporated under the laws of the state of Maine on January 19, 1984. At December 31, 2015, the Company had total consolidated assets of $1.58 billion and total shareholders’ equity of $154.2 million.
The Company has one, wholly-owned first tier operating subsidiary, Bar Harbor Bank & Trust (the “Bank”), a community bank, which offers a wide range of deposit, loan, and related banking products, as well as brokerage services provided through a third-party brokerage arrangement. In addition, the Company offers trust and investment management services through its second tier subsidiary, Bar Harbor Trust Services (“Trust Services”), a Maine chartered non-depository trust company. These products and services are offered to individuals, businesses, not-for-profit organizations and municipalities.
The Company is a bank holding company (“BHC”) registered under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended (the “BHC Act”), and is subject to supervision, regulation and examination by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “FRB”). The Company is also a Maine Financial Institution Holding Company for the purposes of the laws of the state of Maine, and as such is subject to the jurisdiction of the Superintendent (the “Superintendent”) of the Maine Bureau of Financial Institutions (“BFI”).
Bar Harbor Bank & Trust
The Bank, originally founded in 1887, is a Maine financial institution, and its deposits are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the “FDIC”) up to the maximum extent permitted by law. The Bank is subject to the supervision, regulation, and examination of the FDIC and the BFI. It is not a member of the Federal Reserve Bank.
The Bank has fifteen (15) branch offices located throughout downeast, midcoast and central Maine, including its principal office located at 82 Main Street, Bar Harbor. The Bank’s branch offices are located in Hancock, Washington, Knox, Kennebec and Sagadahoc Counties, representing the Bank’s principal market areas. The Hancock County offices, in addition to Bar Harbor, are located in Blue Hill, Deer Isle, Ellsworth, Northeast Harbor, Somesville, Southwest Harbor, and Winter Harbor. The Washington County offices are located in Milbridge, Machias, and Lubec. The Knox, Kennebec and Sagadahoc County offices are located in Rockland, Augusta, South China, and Topsham. The Bank delivers its operations and technology support services from its operations center located in Ellsworth, Maine.
The Bank is a retail bank serving individual and business customers, retail establishments and restaurants, seasonal lodging, biological research laboratories, and a large contingent of retirees. As a predominately coastal bank, it serves the tourism, hospitality, lobstering, fishing, boat building and marine services industries. It also serves Maine’s wild blueberry industry through its Hancock and Washington County offices. The Bank operates in a competitive market that includes other community banks, savings institutions, credit unions, and branch offices of statewide and interstate bank holding companies located in the Bank’s market area.
The Bank has a broad deposit base and loss of any one depositor or closely aligned group of depositors would not have a material adverse effect on its business. Historically, the banking business in the Bank’s market area has been seasonal, with lower deposits in the winter and spring, and higher deposits in the summer and autumn. These seasonal swings have been fairly predictable and have historically not had a materially adverse impact on the Bank or its liquidity position. Approximately 91.8% of the Bank’s
deposits are in interest bearing accounts. The Bank has paid, and anticipates that it will continue to pay, competitive interest rates on all of the deposit account products it offers and does not anticipate any material loss of these deposits.
The Bank emphasizes personal service to the community, with a concentration on retail banking. Customers are primarily individuals and small businesses to which the Bank offers a wide variety of products and services.
Retail Products and Services: The Bank offers a variety of consumer financial products and services designed to satisfy the deposit and borrowing needs of its retail customers. The Bank’s retail deposit products and services include checking accounts, interest bearing NOW accounts, money market accounts, savings accounts, club accounts, short-term and long-term certificates of deposit, Health Savings Accounts, and Individual Retirement Accounts. Credit products and services include home mortgages, residential construction loans, home equity loans and lines of credit, credit cards, installment loans, and overdraft protection services. The Bank provides secured and unsecured installment loans for new or used automobiles, boats, recreational vehicles, mobile homes and other personal needs. The Bank also offers other customary products and services such as safe deposit box rentals, wire transfers, check collection services, foreign currency exchange, money orders, and U.S. Savings Bonds redemptions.
The Bank staffs a call center, providing customers with telephone and e-mail responses to their questions and needs. The Bank also offers free banking-by-mail services.
Retail Brokerage Services: The Bank retains Infinex Investments, Inc., (“Infinex”) as a full service third-party broker-dealer, conducting business under the assumed business name “Bar Harbor Financial Services.” Bar Harbor Financial Services is a branch office of Infinex, an independent registered broker-dealer offering securities and insurance products that is not affiliated with the Company or its subsidiaries. These products are not deposits, are not insured by the FDIC or any other government agency, are not guaranteed by the Bank or any affiliate, and may be subject to investment risk, including possible loss of value.
Bar Harbor Financial Services principally serves the brokerage needs of individuals, from first-time purchasers, to sophisticated investors. It also offers a line of life insurance, annuity, and retirement products, as well as financial planning services. Infinex was formed by a group of member banks, and is one of the largest providers of third party investment and insurance services to banks and their customers in New England. Through Infinex, the Bank is able to take advantage of the expertise, capabilities, and experience of a well-established third-party broker-dealer in a cost effective manner.
Electronic Banking Services: The Bank continues to offer free Internet banking services, including consumer remote deposit capture, e-statements, free check images, and electronic bill payment, through its dedicated website at www.bhbt.com. Additionally, the Bank offers telephone banking, an interactive voice response system through which customers can check account balances and activity, as well as initiate money transfers between their accounts. Customers can also monitor their accounts with free mobile banking access via text messaging, browser or “Apps”, and they can receive alerts, view accounts, transfer funds and pay bills. The Bank also offers Popmoney®, an innovative personal payment service that eliminates the need for checks and cash by allowing customers to send and receive money as easily as they send and receive e-mail and text messages.
Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) are located at each of the Bank’s fifteen (15) branch locations. The Bank is also a member of Maine Cash Access, providing customers with surcharge-free access to over 225 ATMs throughout the state of Maine. Visa debit cards are also offered, providing customers with free access to their deposit account balances at point of sale locations throughout most of the world.
Commercial Products and Services: The Bank serves the small business market throughout downeast, midcoast and central Maine. It offers business loans to individuals, partnerships, corporations, and other business entities for capital construction, real estate and equipment financing, working capital, real estate development, and a broad range of other business purposes. Business loans are provided primarily to organizations and sole proprietors in the tourism, hospitality, healthcare, blueberry, boatbuilding, biological research, and fishing industries, as well as to other small and mid-size businesses associated with coastal communities.
The Bank offers a variety of commercial deposit accounts, most notably business checking and tiered money market accounts. These accounts are typically used as operating accounts or short-term savings vehicles. The Bank’s cash management services provide business customers with short-term investment opportunities through a cash management sweep program, whereby excess operating funds over established thresholds are swept into overnight securities sold under agreements to repurchase. The Bank also offers Business On-Line Direct (“BOLD”) an Internet banking service for businesses. This service allows business clients to view their account histories, print statements, view check images, order stop payments, transfer funds between accounts, and transmit Automated Clearing House (ACH) files. The Bank also offers remote deposit capture, enabling its business customers to deposit checks remotely. Other commercial banking services include merchant credit card processing provided through a third party vendor, night depository, and coin and currency handling.
Bar Harbor Trust Services
Trust Services is a Maine chartered non-depository trust company and a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Bank. Trust Services provides a comprehensive array of trust and investment management services to individuals, businesses, not-for-profit organizations, and municipalities.
Trust Services serves as trustee of both living trusts and trusts under wills, including revocable and irrevocable, charitable remainder and testamentary trusts, and in this capacity holds, accounts for and manages financial assets, real estate and special assets. Trust Services offers custody, estate settlement, and fiduciary tax services.
The staff includes credentialed investment and trust professionals with extensive experience. At December 31, 2015, Trust Services served 713 client accounts, with assets under management and assets held in custody amounting to $377.5 million and $34.3 million, respectively.
Market Competition
The Company competes principally in downeast, midcoast and central Maine, which can generally be characterized as rural areas. The Company considers its primary market areas to be Hancock, Knox, Washington, Kennebec and Sagadahoc counties, each in the state of Maine. According to the 2014 Census Bureau Report estimate, the population of these five counties was 54,696, 39,676, 31,808, 121,112 and 35,045, respectively, representing a combined population of approximately 282,337. The economies in these counties are based primarily on tourism, healthcare, fishing and lobstering, agriculture, state government, and small local businesses, but are also supported by a large contingent of retirees. Major competitors in these market areas include local independent banks, local branches of large regional bank affiliates, thrift institutions, savings and loan institutions, mortgage companies, and credit unions. Other competitors in the Company’s primary market area include financing affiliates of consumer durable goods manufacturers, insurance companies, brokerage firms, investment advisors, and other non-bank financial service providers.
Like most financial institutions in the United States, the Company competes with an ever-increasing array of financial service providers. As the national economy moves further towards a concentration of service companies, competitive pressures will mount.
The Company has generally been able to compete effectively with other financial institutions by emphasizing quality customer service, making decisions at the local level, maintaining long-term customer relationships, building customer loyalty, and providing products and services designed to address the specific needs of customers; however, no assurance can be given that the Company will continue to be able to compete effectively with other financial institutions in the future.
No part of the Company’s business is materially dependent upon one, or a few customers, or upon a particular industry segment, the loss of which would have a material adverse impact on the operations of the Company.
Management and Employees
The Company has two principal executive officers: Curtis C. Simard, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Gerald Shencavitz, Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer.
For the quarter ended December 31, 2015, the Bank employed 205 full-time equivalent employees, Trust Services employed 13 full-time equivalent employees, and the Company employed 3 full-time employees, representing a full-time equivalent complement of 221 employees of the Company. None of the employees are represented by collective bargaining agreements.
The Company’s management believes employee relations to be good.
Supervision and Regulation
General
Banking is a complex, highly regulated industry. Consequently, the performance of the Company and the Bank can be affected not only by management decisions and general and local economic conditions, but also by the statutes enacted by, and the regulations and policies of, various governmental regulatory authorities. These authorities include, but are not limited to, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the “FDIC”), the Maine Bureau of Financial Institutions ("BFI"), the Internal Revenue Service, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (the “CFPB”) and state taxing authorities. The effect of these statutes, regulations and policies and any changes to any of them can be significant and cannot be predicted.
The primary goals of the bank regulatory scheme are to maintain a safe and sound banking system and to facilitate the conduct of sound monetary policy. In furtherance of these goals, the U.S. Congress and the State of Maine have created several largely autonomous regulatory agencies that oversee, and have enacted numerous laws that govern banks, bank holding companies and the banking industry. The system of supervision and regulation applicable to the Company and the Bank establishes a comprehensive framework for the entities’ respective operations and is intended primarily for the protection of the Bank’s depositors and the public, rather than the stockholders and creditors. The following summarizes some of the materially relevant laws, rules and regulations governing banks and bank holding companies, including the Company and the Bank, but does not purport to be a complete summary of all applicable laws, rules and regulations governing banks and bank holding companies or the Company or the Bank. The descriptions are qualified in their entirety by reference to the specific statutes, regulations and policies discussed. Any change in applicable laws, regulations or regulatory policies may have a material effect on our businesses, operations and prospects. We are unable to predict the nature or extent of the
effects that economic controls or new federal or state legislation may have on our business and earnings in the future.
Regulatory Agencies
Bar Harbor Bankshares is a legal entity separate and distinct from its first tier bank subsidiary, Bar Harbor Bank & Trust and its second tier subsidiary, Bar Harbor Trust Services. As a bank holding company, the Company is regulated under the Bank Holding Company Act (“BHC”) and is subject to inspection, examination and supervision by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, or the Federal Reserve Board. The Company is also under the jurisdiction of the SEC and is subject to the disclosure and regulatory requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”). The Company’s common stock is listed on The NYSE MKT (“NYSE”) under the trading symbol “BHB,” and is subject to the rules of NYSE for listed companies.
As a Maine chartered financial institution, Bar Harbor Bank & Trust ("Bank") is subject to supervision, periodic examination, and regulation by the BFI and FDIC. The prior approval of the Bureau and the FDIC is required, among other things, for the Bank to establish or relocate an additional branch office, assume deposits, or engage in any merger, consolidation, purchase or sale of all or substantially all of the assets of any bank. Under the Dodd-Frank Act, the Federal Reserve may directly examine the subsidiaries of the Company, including the Bank.
The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act
On July 21, 2010, President Obama signed into law the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (“Dodd-Frank Act”), which implemented and continues to implement significant changes to the regulation of the financial services industry.
The effects of the Dodd-Frank Act have been far-reaching, and many aspects of the Dodd-Frank Act remain subject to rulemaking by various regulatory agencies and will take effect over several years, making it difficult to anticipate the overall financial impact on the Company, its customers or the financial industry more generally. Provisions in the legislation that require revisions to the capital requirements of the Company and the Bank could require the Company and the Bank to seek additional sources of capital in the future.
Bank Holding Company Regulations Applicable to the Company
The BHC Act and other federal laws subject bank holding companies to particular restrictions on the types of activities in which they may engage, and to a range of supervisory requirements and activities, including regulatory enforcement actions for violations of laws and regulations.
Permitted Activities: Generally, bank holding companies are prohibited under the BHC Act from engaging in or acquiring direct or indirect control of more than 5% of the voting shares of any company engaged in any activity other than (i) banking or managing or controlling banks or (ii) an activity that the Federal Reserve Board determines to be so closely related to banking as to be a proper incident to the business of banking. The Federal Reserve Board has the authority to require a bank holding company to terminate an activity or terminate control of or liquidate or divest certain subsidiaries or affiliates when the Federal Reserve Board believes the activity or the control of the subsidiary or affiliate constitutes a significant risk to the financial safety, soundness or stability of any of its banking subsidiaries.
A bank holding company that qualifies and elects to become a financial holding company is permitted to engage in additional activities that are financial in nature or incidental or complementary to financial activity. We currently have no plans to make a financial holding company election.
Sound Banking Practices: Bank holding companies and their non-banking subsidiaries are prohibited from engaging in activities that represent unsafe and unsound banking practices. For example, under certain circumstances the Federal Reserve Board’s Regulation Y requires a holding company to give the Federal Reserve Board prior notice of any redemption or repurchase of its own equity securities if the consideration to be paid, together with the consideration paid for any repurchases in the preceding year, is equal to 10% or more of the company’s consolidated net worth. The Federal Reserve Board may oppose the transaction if it believes that the transaction would constitute an unsafe or unsound practice or would violate a regulation. As another example, a holding company is prohibited from impairing its subsidiary bank’s soundness by causing the bank to make funds available to non-banking subsidiaries or their customers if the Federal Reserve believes it not prudent to do so. The Federal Reserve Board has the power to assess civil money penalties for knowing or reckless violations, if the activities leading to a violation caused a substantial loss to a depository institution. Potential penalties are as high as $1,000,000 for each day the activity continues.
Source of Strength: In accordance with Federal Reserve Board policy, the holding company is expected to act as a source of financial and managerial strength to the Bank. Under this policy, the holding company is expected to commit resources to support its bank subsidiary, including at times when the holding company may not be in a financial position to provide it. As discussed below, the holding company could be required to guarantee the capital plan of the Bank if it becomes undercapitalized for purposes of banking regulations. Any capital loans by a bank holding company to its subsidiary bank are subordinate in right of payment to deposits and to certain other indebtedness of such subsidiary bank. The BHC Act provides that, in the event of a bank holding company’s bankruptcy, any commitment by the bank holding company to a federal bank regulatory agency to maintain the capital of a bank subsidiary will be assumed by the bankruptcy trustee and entitled to priority of payment.
Regulatory agencies have promulgated regulations to increase the capital requirements for bank holding companies to a level that matches those of banking institutions.
Anti-tying Restrictions: Bank holding companies and affiliates are prohibited from tying the provision of services, such as extensions of credit, to other services offered by a holding company or its affiliates.
Acquisitions: The BHC Act, the Bank Merger Act, the laws of the State of Maine applicable to financial institutions and other federal and state statutes regulate acquisitions of banks and their holding companies. The BHC Act generally limits acquisitions by bank holding companies to banks and companies engaged in activities that the Federal Reserve Board has determined to be so closely related to banking as to be a proper incident thereto. The BHC Act requires every bank holding company to obtain the prior approval of the Federal Reserve before (i) acquiring more than 5% of the voting stock of any bank or other bank holding company, (ii) acquiring all or substantially all of the assets of any bank or bank holding company, or (iii) merging or consolidating with any other bank holding company.
In reviewing applications seeking approval of merger and acquisition transactions, the bank regulatory authorities generally consider, among other things, the competitive effect and public benefits of the transactions, the financial and managerial resources and future prospects of the combined organization (including the capital position of the combined organization), the applicant’s performance record under the Community Reinvestment Act (see the section captioned “Community Reinvestment Act” included elsewhere in this item), fair housing laws and the effectiveness of the subject organizations in combating money laundering activities.
Dividends: Dividends from the Bank are the Company's principal source of cash revenues. Our earnings and activities are affected by legislation, by regulations and by local legislative and administrative bodies and decisions of courts in the jurisdictions in which we conduct business. These include limitations on the ability of the Bank to pay dividends to the holding company and our ability to pay dividends to our
stockholders. It is the policy of the Federal Reserve Board that bank holding companies should pay cash dividends on common stock only out of income available over the past year and only if prospective earnings retention is consistent with the organization’s expected future needs and financial condition. The policy provides that bank holding companies should not maintain a level of cash dividends that undermines the bank holding company’s ability to serve as a source of strength to its banking subsidiary. Consistent with such policy, a banking organization should have comprehensive policies on dividend payments that clearly articulate the organization’s objectives and approaches for maintaining a strong capital position and achieving the objectives of the policy statement.
The FDIC has the authority to use its enforcement powers to prohibit a bank from paying dividends if, in its opinion, the payment of dividends would constitute an unsafe or unsound practice. Federal law also prohibits the payment of dividends by a bank that will result in the bank failing to meet its applicable capital requirements on a pro forma basis. Maine law requires the approval of the Bureau for any dividend that would reduce a bank's capital below prescribed limits.
Annual Reporting; Examinations: The Company is required to file an annual report with the Federal Reserve Board, and such additional information as the Federal Reserve Board may require. The Federal Reserve Board may examine a bank holding company and any of its subsidiaries, and charge the company for the cost of such an examination.
Imposition of Liability for Undercapitalized Subsidiaries: The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991 (“FDICIA”) requires bank regulators to take “prompt corrective action” to resolve problems associated with insured depository institutions. In the event an institution becomes “undercapitalized,” it must submit a capital restoration plan. The capital restoration plan will not be accepted by the regulators unless each company “having control of” the undercapitalized institution “guarantees” the subsidiary’s compliance with the capital restoration plan until it becomes “adequately capitalized.” For purposes of this statute, the holding company has control of the Bank. Under FDICIA, the aggregate liability of all companies controlling a particular institution is limited to the lesser of five percent of the depository institution’s total assets at the time it became undercapitalized or the amount necessary to bring the institution into compliance with applicable capital standards. FDICIA grants greater powers to bank regulators in situations where an institution becomes “significantly” or “critically”
undercapitalized or fails to submit a capital restoration plan. For example, a bank holding company controlling such an institution can be required to obtain prior Federal Reserve Board approval of proposed distributions, or might be required to consent to a merger or to divest the troubled institution or other affiliates.
Transactions with Affiliates: The holding company and the Bank are considered “affiliates” of each other under the Federal Reserve Act, and transactions between such affiliates are subject to certain restrictions, including compliance with Sections 23A and 23B of the Federal Reserve Act and their implementing regulations. Generally, Sections 23A and 23B: (1) limit the extent to which a financial institution or its subsidiaries may engage in covered transactions (a) with an affiliate (as defined in such sections) to an amount equal to 10% of such institution’s capital and surplus, and (b) with all affiliates, in the aggregate to an amount equal to 20% of such capital and surplus; and (2) require all transactions with an affiliate, whether or not covered transactions, to be on terms substantially the same, or at least as favorable to the institution or subsidiary, as the terms provided or that would be provided to a non-affiliate. The term “covered transaction” includes the making of loans, purchase of assets, issuance of a guarantee and other similar types of transactions.
State Law Restrictions: As a Maine corporation, the holding company is subject to certain limitations and restrictions under applicable Maine corporate law. For example, state law restrictions in Maine include limitations and restrictions relating to indemnification of directors, distributions and dividends to
stockholders, transactions involving directors, officers or interested stockholders, maintenance of books, records, and minutes, and observance of certain corporate formalities.
Capital Adequacy and Prompt Corrective Action
Bank holding companies and banks are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by federal and state banking agencies. Capital adequacy guidelines and, additionally for banks, prompt corrective action regulations, involve quantitative measures of assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance-sheet items calculated under regulatory accounting practices. Capital amounts and classifications are also subject to qualitative judgments by regulators about components, risk weighting and other factors. The Federal Reserve Board has risk-based capital ratio and leverage ratio guidelines for banking organizations, which are intended to ensure that banking organizations have adequate capital given the risk levels of assets and off-balance sheet financial instruments.
Basel III Capital Rules Effective January 1, 2015: The federal bank regulatory authorities’ risk-based capital guidelines were previously based upon the 1988 capital accord of the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision, or Basel I. The Basel Committee on Banking Supervision is a committee of central banks and bank supervisors and regulators from the major industrialized countries that develops broad policy guidelines for use by each country’s supervisors in determining the supervisory policies they apply. In 2004, the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision published a new capital accord to replace Basel I, with an update in November 2005 (“Basel II”). Basel II provided two approaches for setting capital standards for credit risk -an internal ratings-based approach tailored to individual institutions’ circumstances (which for many asset classes is itself broken into a “foundation” approach and an “advanced or A-IRB” approach, the availability of which is subject to additional restrictions) and a standardized approach that based risk weightings on external credit assessments to a much greater extent than permitted in previous risk-based capital guidelines. Basel II also set capital requirements for operational risk and refined the existing capital requirements for market risk exposures.
In July 2007, the U.S. banking and thrift agencies reached an agreement on the implementation of the capital adequacy regulations and standards based on Basel II. In November 2007, the agencies approved final rules to implement the new risk-based capital requirements in the United States for large, internationally active banking organizations, or “core banks” - defined as those with consolidated total assets of $250 billion or more or consolidated on-balance sheet foreign exposures of $10 billion or more. The final rule was effective as of April 1, 2008. We are not a core bank and do not apply the Basel II approach to computing risk-weighted assets.
In response to the economic and financial industry crisis that began in 2008, the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision and their oversight body - the Group of Central Bank Governors and Heads of Supervision (GHOS) - began in late 2009 to work on global initiatives to strengthen the financial regulatory system. In July 2010, the GHOS agreed on key design elements and in September 2010 agreed to transition and implementation measures. The product of this effort is known as Basel III, and is designed to strengthen the regulation, supervision and risk management of the banking sector. In particular, Basel III strengthens existing capital requirements and introduces a global liquidity standard. In June 2012, the FRB, FDIC and the OCC jointly issued three notices of proposed rulemaking (“NPRs”) to, among other things implement the Basel III minimum capital requirements. On November 9, 2012, the FRB, FDIC, and the OCC indefinitely delayed the start date for the Basel III capital requirements and stated that they did not expect the final rules to implement the Basel III capital requirements to be in effect on January 1, 2013, the initial deadline. In July 2013, the FRB, the FDIC and OCC issued two final interim rules to implement the Basel III capital reforms and the rules began phasing-in in 2015, depending on the size of the financial institution.
As of December 31, 2015, each of the Company’s regulatory capital ratios at both the Company and the Bank exceeded the minimums prescribed under Basel III (including consideration of a fully phased in capital conservation buffer, as discussed below) by approximately 500 basis points or more.
The Federal Deposit Insurance Act, as amended (“FDIA”), requires, among other things, that federal banking agencies take “prompt corrective action” with respect to depository institutions that do not meet minimum capital requirements. The FDIA sets forth the following five capital tiers: “well capitalized,” “adequately capitalized,” “undercapitalized,” “significantly undercapitalized” and “critically undercapitalized.” A depository institution’s capital tier will depend upon how its capital levels compare with various relevant capital measures and certain other factors, as established by regulation. The relevant capital measures are the total capital ratio, the Tier 1 capital ratio, the leverage ratio and the new ratio requirement under Basel III, the common equity Tier 1 capital ratio.
Under the regulations adopted by the federal regulatory authorities, a bank will be: (i) “well capitalized” if the institution has a total risk-based capital ratio of 10.0% or greater, a common equity Tier 1 capital ratio of 6.5% or greater, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 8.0% or greater (6.0% prior to January 1, 2015), and a leverage ratio of 5.0% or greater, and is not subject to any order or written directive by any such regulatory authority to meet and maintain a specific capital level for any capital measure; (ii) “adequately capitalized” if the institution has a total risk-based capital ratio of 8.0% or greater, a common equity Tier 1 capital ratio of 4.5% or greater, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 6.0% or greater (4.0% prior to January 1, 2015), and a leverage ratio of 4.0% or greater and is not “well capitalized”; (iii) “undercapitalized” if the institution has a total risk-based capital ratio that is less than 8.0%, a common equity Tier 1 capital ratio of less than 4.5%, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of less than 6.0% (4.0% prior to January 1, 2015) or a leverage ratio of less than 4.0%; (iv) “significantly undercapitalized” if the institution has a total risk-based capital ratio of less than 6.0%, a common equity Tier 1 capital ratio of less than 3.0%, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of less than 4.0% (3.0% prior to January 1, 2015) or a leverage ratio of less than 3.0%; and (v) “critically undercapitalized” if the institution’s tangible equity is equal to or less than 2.0% of average quarterly tangible assets. An institution may be downgraded to, or deemed to be in, a capital category that is lower than indicated by its capital ratios if it is determined to be in an unsafe or unsound condition or if it receives an unsatisfactory examination rating with respect to certain matters. A bank’s capital category is determined solely for the purpose of applying prompt corrective action regulations, and the capital category may not constitute an accurate representation of the bank’s overall financial condition or prospects for other purposes.
The final rules also established a “capital conservation buffer” of 2.5% above new regulatory minimum capital ratios, and when fully effective in 2019, will result in the following minimum ratios: (i) a common equity Tier 1 capital ratio of 7.0%; (ii) a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 8.5%; and (iii) a total capital ratio of 10.5%. The new capital conservation buffer requirement will be phased in beginning in January 2016 at 0.625% of risk-weighted assets and increases each year until fully implemented in January 2019. An institution is subject to limitations on paying dividends, engaging in share repurchase, and paying discretionary bonuses if its capital level falls below the buffer amount. These limitations will establish a maximum percentage of eligible retained income that can be utilized for such activities.
The FDIA generally prohibits a depository institution from making any capital distributions (including payment of a dividend) or paying any management fee to its parent holding company if the depository institution would thereafter be undercapitalized. Undercapitalized institutions are subject to growth limitations and are required to submit a capital restoration plan to the FDIC. The agencies may not accept such a plan without determining, among other things, that the plan is based on realistic assumptions and is likely to succeed in restoring the depository institution’s capital. In addition, for a capital restoration plan to be acceptable, the depository institution’s parent holding company must guarantee that the institution will comply with such capital restoration plan. The aggregate liability of the parent holding company is limited to the lesser of (i) an amount equal to 5.0% of the depository institution’s total assets at the time it
became undercapitalized and (ii) the amount which is necessary (or would have been necessary) to bring the institution into compliance with all capital standards applicable with respect to such institution as of the time it fails to comply with the plan. If a depository institution fails to submit an acceptable plan, it is treated as if it is “significantly undercapitalized.”
“Significantly undercapitalized” depository institutions may be subject to a number of requirements and restrictions, including orders to sell sufficient voting stock to become “adequately capitalized,” requirements to reduce total assets, and cessation of receipt of deposits from correspondent banks. “Critically undercapitalized” institutions are subject to the appointment of a receiver or conservator.
Both the Company and the Bank have always maintained the capital ratios and leverage ratio above the levels to be considered quantitatively well-capitalized. For information regarding the capital ratios and leverage ratio of the Company and the Bank as of December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, see the discussion under the section captioned “Capital Resources” included in Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and Note 14, in the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” included in Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data”, elsewhere in this report.
Significant Banking Regulations Applicable to the Bank
Deposit Insurance: The deposits of the Bank are insured up to applicable limits by the Deposit Insurance Fund, (“DIF”), of the FDIC and are subject to deposit insurance assessments to maintain the DIF. The FDIC utilizes a risk-based assessment system that imposes insurance premiums based upon a risk matrix that takes into account a bank’s capital level and supervisory rating. Risk Category I is the lowest risk category while Risk Category IV is the highest risk category.
In 2010, the Dodd-Frank Act revised certain statues governing the FDIC’s management of the DIF. Among other things, the Dodd-Frank Act (i) raised the minimum fund reserve ratio from 1.15% to 1.35%, (ii) requires the fund reserve ratio to reach 1.35% by September 30, 2020, (iii) eliminated the requirement that the FDIC provides dividends from the DIF when the reserve ratio is between 1.35% and 1.5%, (iv) removed the 1.5% cap on the reserve ratio, (v) granted the FDIC the sole discretion in determining whether to suspend or limit the declaration or payment of dividends and (vi) changed the assessment base for banks from insured deposits to the average total assets of the bank minus the average tangible equity of the bank during the assessment period. In December 2010, the FDIC set the minimum reserve ratio at 2.00%. In addition, the FDIC adopted a new Restoration Plan, pursuant to which, among other things, the FDIC (a) eliminated the uniform 3 basis point increase in initial assessment rates that were scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2011, (b) pursued further rulemaking in 2011 regarding the method used to offset the effect on banks with less than $10 billion in assets of the requirement that the reserve ratio reach 1.35% and (c) at least semiannually, will update its projections for the DIF and increase or decrease assessment rates, if needed. On February 7, 2011, the FDIC adopted final rules to implement the dividend provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act, changed the assessment base and set new assessment rates. In addition, as part of its final rules, the FDIC made certain assessment rate adjustments by: (1) altering the unsecured debt adjustment by adding an adjustment for long-term debt issued by another insured depository institution and (2) eliminating the secured liability adjustment, and changing the brokered deposit adjustment to conform to the change in the assessment base. The new assessment rates became effective April 1, 2011. The new initial base assessment rates range from 5 to 9 basis points for Risk Category I banks to 35 basis points for Risk Category IV banks. Risk Category II and III banks have an initial base assessment rate of 14 and 23 basis points, respectively.
The FDIC may further increase or decrease the assessment rate schedule in order to manage the DIF to prescribed statutory target levels. An increase in the risk category for the Bank or in the assessment rates could have an adverse effect on the Bank’s and consequently the Company’s earnings. The FDIC may
terminate deposit insurance if it determines the institution involved has engaged in or is engaging in unsafe or unsound banking practices, is in an unsafe or unsound condition, or has violated applicable laws, regulations or orders.
In addition, all institutions with deposits insured by the FDIC are required to pay assessments to fund interest payments on bonds issued by the Financing Corporation (FICO), a mixed-ownership government corporation established to recapitalize a predecessor to the DIF. The current annualized assessment rate is approximately six basis points and the rate is adjusted quarterly. These assessments will continue until the FICO bonds mature in 2019.
The enactment of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 then-temporarily raised the basic limit on federal deposit insurance coverage from $100,000 to $250,000 per depositor and in July of 2010, the Dodd-Frank Act made the increased coverage amount permanent.
The Volcker Rule: Through the Volker Rule, the Dodd-Frank Act prohibits banks and their affiliates from engaging in proprietary trading and investing in and sponsoring certain unregistered investments companies (defined as hedge funds and private equity funds). The Company does not currently believe that the Volker Rule will have a material effect on the operations of the Company or the Bank, as we do not engage in the businesses prohibited by the Volcker Rule.
Depositor Preference: The FDIA provides that, in the event of the “liquidation or other resolution” of an insured depository institution, the claims of depositors of the institution, including the claims of the FDIC as subrogee of insured depositors, and certain claims for administrative expenses of the FDIC as a receiver, will have priority over other general unsecured claims against the institution. If an insured depository institution fails, insured and uninsured depositors, along with the FDIC, will have priority in payment ahead of unsecured, non-deposit creditors, including the parent bank holding company, with respect to any extensions of credit they have made to such insured depository institution.
Consumer Financial Protection: The Company is subject to a number of federal and state consumer protection laws that govern its relationship with its customers. These laws include the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the Truth in Lending Act, the Truth in Savings Act, the Electronic Fund Transfer Act, the Expedited Funds Availability Act, the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act, the Fair Housing Act, the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, the Right to Financial Privacy Act, the Service Members Civil Relief Act and these laws’ respective state-law counterparts, as well as state usury laws and laws regarding unfair and deceptive acts and practices. These and other federal laws, among other things, require disclosures of the cost of credit and terms of deposit accounts, provide substantive consumer rights, prohibit discrimination in credit transactions, regulate the use of credit report information, provide financial privacy protections, prohibit unfair, deceptive and abusive practices, restrict the Bank's ability to raise interest rates and subject the Bank to substantial regulatory oversight. Violations of applicable consumer protection laws can result in significant potential liability from litigation brought by customers, including actual damages, restitution and attorneys’ fees.
Further, the CFPB has broad rulemaking authority for a wide range of consumer financial laws that apply to all banks, including, among other things, the authority to prohibit “unfair, deceptive or abusive” acts and practices. Abusive acts or practices are defined as those that materially interfere with a consumer’s ability to understand a term or condition of a consumer financial product or service or take unreasonable advantage of a consumer’s: (i) lack of financial savvy, (ii) inability to protect himself in the selection or use of consumer financial products or services, or (iii) reasonable reliance on a covered entity to act in the consumer’s interests.
Brokered Deposit Restrictions: Well-capitalized institutions are not subject to limitations on brokered deposits, while an adequately capitalized institution is able to accept, renew or roll over brokered deposits only with a waiver from the FDIC and subject to certain restrictions on the interest rate paid on such deposits. Undercapitalized institutions are generally not permitted to accept, renew, or roll over brokered deposits.
Community Reinvestment Act: The Community Reinvestment Act of 1977 (“CRA”), requires depository institutions to assist in meeting the credit needs of their market areas consistent with safe and sound banking practice. Under the CRA, each depository institution is required to help meet the credit needs of its market areas by, among other things, providing credit to low- and moderate-income individuals and communities. These factors are also considered in evaluating mergers, acquisitions and applications to open a branch or facility. The applicable federal regulators regularly conduct CRA examinations to assess the performance of financial institutions and assign one of four ratings to the institution’s records of meeting the credit needs of its community. During its last examination, a rating of “satisfactory” was received by the Bank.
Insider Credit Transactions: Banks are subject to certain restrictions imposed by the Federal Reserve Act on extensions of credit to certain executive officers, directors, principal stockholders and any related interests of such persons. Extensions of credit to such persons must: (i) be made on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, and follow credit underwriting procedures that are not less stringent than those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with persons not covered by such restrictions and (ii) not involve more than the normal risk of repayment or present other unfavorable features. Banks are also subject to certain lending limits and restrictions on overdrafts to such persons. A violation of these restrictions may result in the assessment of substantial civil monetary penalties on the affected bank or any officer, director, employee, agent or other person participating in the conduct of the affairs of that bank, the imposition of a cease and desist order, and other regulatory sanctions.
FDICIA: Under FDICIA, each federal banking agency has prescribed, by regulation, non-capital safety and soundness standards for institutions under its authority. These standards cover internal controls, information and internal audit systems, loan documentation, credit underwriting, interest rate exposure, asset growth, compensation, fees and benefits, such other operational and managerial standards as the agency determines to be appropriate, and standards for asset quality, earnings and stock valuation. An institution which fails to meet these standards must develop a plan acceptable to the agency, specifying the steps that the institution will take to meet the standards. Failure to submit or implement such a plan may subject the institution to regulatory sanctions.
Examinations: The Bank is examined from time-to-time by its primary federal banking regulator, the FDIC and the Maine Bureau of Financial Institutions (“BFI”).
Financial Privacy: In accordance with the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Financial Modernization Act of 1999 (the “GLB Act”), federal banking regulators adopted rules that limit the ability of banks and other financial institutions to disclose nonpublic information about consumers to nonaffiliated third parties. These limitations require disclosure of privacy policies to consumers and, in some circumstances, allow consumers to prevent disclosure of certain personal information to a nonaffiliated third party. The privacy provisions of the GLB Act affect how consumer information is transmitted through diversified financial companies and conveyed to outside vendors.
Anti-Money Laundering Initiatives and the USA Patriot Act: A major focus of governmental policy on financial institutions over the last decade has been combating money laundering and terrorist financing. The USA PATRIOT Act of 2001 (“USA Patriot Act”), substantially broadened the scope of United States anti-money laundering laws and regulations by imposing significant new compliance and due diligence obligations, creating new crimes and penalties and expanding the extra-territorial
jurisdiction of the United States. The U.S. Treasury Department has issued a number of regulations that apply various requirements of the USA Patriot Act to financial institutions such as the Bank. These regulations impose obligations on financial institutions to maintain appropriate policies, procedures and controls to detect, prevent and report money laundering and terrorist financing and to verify the identities of their customers. Financial institutions are also prohibited from entering into specified financial transactions and account relationships and must use enhanced due diligence procedures in their dealings with certain types of high-risk customers and implement a written customer identification program. Financial institutions must take certain steps to assist government agencies in detecting and preventing money laundering and report certain types of suspicious transactions. Regulatory authorities routinely examine financial institutions for compliance with these obligations, and failure of a financial institution to maintain and implement adequate programs to combat money laundering and terrorist financing, or to comply with all of the relevant laws or regulations, can have serious legal and reputational consequences for the institution.
Office of Foreign Assets Control Regulation: The United States has imposed economic sanctions that affect transactions with designated foreign countries, nationals and others. These are typically known as the “OFAC” rules based on their administration by the U.S. Treasury Department Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”). The OFAC-administered sanctions targeting countries take many different forms. Generally, however, they contain one or more of the following elements: (i) restrictions on trade with or investment in a sanctioned country, including prohibitions against direct or indirect imports from and exports to a sanctioned country and prohibitions on “U.S. persons” engaging in financial transactions relating to making investments in, or providing investment-related advice or assistance to, a sanctioned country; and (ii) a blocking of assets in which the government or specially designated nationals of the sanctioned country have an interest, by prohibiting transfers of property subject to U.S. jurisdiction (including property in the possession or control of U.S. persons). Blocked assets (e.g., property and bank deposits) cannot be paid out, withdrawn, set off or transferred in any manner without a license from OFAC. The Company is responsible for, among other things, blocking accounts of, and transactions with, such targets and countries, prohibiting unlicensed trade and financial transactions with them and reporting blocked transactions after their occurrence. Failure to comply with these sanctions could have serious legal and reputational consequences.
Other Laws and Regulations: The Company is not only subject to federal laws applicable to it, it is also subject to the rules and regulations of the various federal agencies charged with the responsibility of implementing these federal laws.
Guidance on Sound Compensation Policies
In 2010, the federal bank regulators jointly issued final guidance on sound compensation policies (“SICP”) intended to ensure that the compensation policies of banking organizations do not undermine the safety and soundness of such organizations by encouraging excessive risk-taking. The SICP guidance, which covers all employees that have the ability to materially affect the risk profile of an organization, either individually or as part of a group, is based upon the key principles that a banking organization’s compensation arrangements should: (i) provide incentives that do not encourage risk-taking beyond the organization’s ability to effectively identify and manage risks, (ii) be compatible with effective internal controls and risk management, and (iii) be supported by strong corporate governance, including active and effective oversight by the organization’s board of directors. Any deficiencies in compensation practices that are identified may be incorporated into the organization’s supervisory ratings, which can affect its ability to make acquisitions or perform other actions. The SICP guidance provides that enforcement actions may be taken against a banking organization if its incentive compensation arrangements or related risk-management control or governance processes pose a risk to the organization’s safety and soundness and the organization is not taking prompt and effective measures to correct the deficiencies.
In addition, in 2010 the FDIC announced that it would seek public comment on whether banks with compensation plans that encourage risky behavior should be charged higher deposit assessment rates than they would be charged were they not to encourage risky behavior. In February 2011, the federal financial regulators issued joint proposed regulations to implement the Dodd-Frank Act requirement that the federal financial regulators prohibit, at any financial institution with consolidated assets of at least $1 billion, incentive pay that they determine encourages inappropriate risk.
Changing Regulatory Structure and Future Legislation and Regulation
Congress may enact further legislation that affects the regulation of the financial services industry, and the Maine legislature may enact further legislation affecting the regulation of financial institutions chartered by the State of Maine. Federal and state regulatory agencies also periodically propose and adopt changes to their regulations or change the manner in which existing regulations are applied. The Company cannot predict the substance or impact of pending or future legislation or regulations, or the application thereof, although enactment of the proposed legislation could impact the regulatory structure under which the Company operates and may significantly increase costs, impede the efficiency of internal business processes, require an increase in regulatory capital, require modifications to the Company’s business strategy, and limit the Company’s ability to pursue business opportunities in an efficient manner. A change in statutes, regulations or regulatory policies applicable to the Company or any of its subsidiaries could have a material effect on its business.
Monetary Policy and Economic Environment
The earnings of the Company are significantly affected by the monetary and fiscal policies of governmental authorities, including the FRB. Among the instruments of monetary policy used by the FRB to implement these objectives are open-market operations in U.S. Government securities and federal funds, changes in the discount rate on member bank borrowings, and changes in reserve requirements against member bank deposits. These instruments of monetary policy are used in varying combinations to influence the overall level of bank loans, investments, and deposits, and the interest rates charged on loans and paid for deposits. The FRB frequently used these instruments of monetary policy, especially its open-market operations and the discount rate, to influence the level of interest rates and to affect the strength of the economy, the level of inflation, or the price of the dollar in foreign exchange markets. The monetary policies of the FRB have had a significant effect on the operating results of banking institutions in the past and are expected to continue to do so in the future. It is not possible to predict the nature of future changes in monetary and fiscal policies, or the effect which they may have on the Company’s business and earnings.
Financial Information About Industry Segments
The information required under this item is included in the Company’s financial statements, which appear in Part II, Item 8, Note 1 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, and is incorporated herein by cross reference thereto.
Availability of Information - Company Website
The Company maintains an Internet website at www.bhbt.com. At this website, our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and proxy statement on Schedule 14A and amendments to such reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act are available, free of charge, as soon as reasonably practicable after such forms are electronically filed with, or furnished to, the SEC. The public may read and copy any materials we file with the SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room, located at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, D.C. 20549. The public may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at
1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC also maintains an Internet website at www.sec.gov that contains reports, proxy, and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC. In addition, the Company makes available, free of charge, its press releases and Code of Ethics through the Company’s Investor Relations page. Information on our website is not incorporated by reference into this document and should not be considered part of this Report.
ITEM 1A.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
An investment in our common stock is subject to risks inherent to our business. The material risks and uncertainties that management believes affect us are described below. Before making an investment decision, you should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described below together with all of the other information included or incorporated by reference in this Report. The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones we face. Additional risks and uncertainties that management is not aware of or focused on or that management currently deems immaterial may also impair our business operations. This Report is qualified in its entirety by these risk factors.
If any of the following risks actually occurs, our financial condition, results of operations, or cash flow could be materially and adversely affected. If this were to happen, the value of our common stock could decline significantly, and you could lose all or part of your investment.
The Company’s business may be adversely affected by conditions in the financial markets and economic conditions generally.
Negative developments in the financial services industry since 2008 resulted in uncertainty in the financial markets in general and a related general economic recession. In addition, as a consequence of the U.S. recession, businesses across a wide range of industries faced serious difficulties due to the decrease in consumer spending, reduced consumer confidence brought on by deflated home prices, among other things, and reduced liquidity in the credit markets. Unemployment also increased significantly during this period. Some of these circumstances continued into 2015 and continue to be an issue today.
As a result of these financial and economic crises, many lending institutions, including the Bank, experienced, in recent years, declines in the performance of their loans, including construction, commercial real estate loans, and other commercial and consumer loans. Moreover, competition among depository institutions for core deposits and quality loans increased significantly. In addition, the values of real estate collateral supporting many commercial loans and home mortgages declined. Bank and bank holding company stock prices were negatively affected, and the ability of bank and bank holding companies to raise capital or borrow in the debt markets has been more difficult compared to previous periods. As a result, bank regulatory agencies have been and are expected to continue to be very aggressive in responding to concerns and trends identified in examinations, including the issuance of formal or informal enforcement actions or orders. The impact of new legislation in response to these developments may negatively impact our operations by restricting our business operations, including our ability to originate or sell loans, and adversely impact our financial performance or our stock price.
In addition, further negative market developments, including another recession, may affect consumer confidence levels and may cause adverse changes in payment patterns, causing increases in delinquencies and default rates, which may impact our charge-offs and provision for credit losses. A worsening of these conditions would likely exacerbate the adverse effects of these difficult market conditions on us and others in the financial services industry.
Risks Related to Our Regulatory Environment.
We are subject to extensive regulation and supervision under federal and state laws and regulations. Some of the significant federal and state banking regulations that affect us are described in this report at Part I, Item 1, “Supervision and Regulation.” These regulations, along with the existing tax, accounting, securities, insurance, and monetary laws, regulations, rules, standards, policies and interpretations control the methods by which financial institutions conduct business, implement strategic initiatives and tax compliance, and govern financial reporting and disclosures. These laws, regulations, rules, standards, policies and interpretations are constantly evolving and may change significantly over time.
Changes in regulations resulting from the Dodd-Frank Act or any new regulations may affect our businesses. The market and economic conditions over the past several years have led to legislation and numerous and continuing proposals for changes in the regulation of the banking and financial services industry, including significant additional legislation and regulation in the U.S. and abroad. The Dodd-Frank Act enacted sweeping changes in the supervision and regulation of the financial industry designed to provide for greater oversight of financial industry participants, reduce risk in banking practices and in securities and derivatives trading, enhance public company corporate governance practices and executive compensation disclosures, and provide for greater protections to individual consumers and investors.
Certain elements of the Dodd-Frank Act became effective immediately, while the details of some provisions remain subject to implementing regulations that are yet to be adopted by various applicable regulatory agencies. The ultimate impact that the Dodd-Frank Act will have on our Company, the financial services industry and the economy cannot be known until all such implementing regulations called for under the Dodd-Frank Act have been finalized and implemented.
The Dodd-Frank Act may impact the manner in which the Company markets its products and services, manages its business and operations and interactions with regulators, all of which, while not currently anticipated, could materially impact the Company’s results of operations, financial condition and liquidity. Certain provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act that have or may impact the Company’s business include, but are not limited to: regulatory oversight of compensation, the imposition of capital requirements on holding companies and, to a lesser extent, greater oversight over derivatives trading and restrictions on proprietary trading. There is also increased regulatory scrutiny (and related compliance costs). These include but are not limited to the Bank's oversight by the CFPB.
Additionally, the Company is monitoring regulatory developments related to the “Volcker Rule” and their impact on community banks. In January 2014, the FRB, the OCC, the FDIC, the SEC and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission approved an interim final rule that exempts trust-preferred securities (TruPS) that back collateralized debt obligations (CDOs) held by qualifying community banks from the application of some portions of the Volcker Rule. The final Volcker Rule, approved by regulators in December 2013, generally prohibited banking entities from engaging in the short-term proprietary trading of securities and derivatives for their own account and barred them from having certain relationships with hedge funds or private equity funds. Included within the range of funds covered by the regulations were TruPS CDOs. Application of the Volcker Rule to TruPS CDOs would have forced many banks, including many community banks, to treat the TruPS CDO holdings as impaired and write down the value or sell the holdings entirely. The American Bankers Association filed a lawsuit in 2013 to block the provision from going into effect. In addition, some lawmakers also called on the regulators to revise the rule to minimize the effect on community banks. On January 14, 2014, the regulators announced the first revision to the Volcker Rule in the form of an interim final rule. The revision will allow some smaller banks to retain their interests in TruPS CDOs, though there are conditions to the exemption. The interim final rule exemption only applies when all of the following requirements are met:
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The TruPS CDOs have been issued by banks with less than $15 billion in assets;
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The TruPS CDOs have been established before May 19, 2010; and
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The bank must have acquired the TruPS CDOs prior to December 10, 2013.
The Company did not own any TruPS CDOs as of and during the twelve months ended December 31, 2015 and 2014.
To the extent the Dodd-Frank Act and the related extensive rules and regulations impacts the operations, financial condition, liquidity and capital requirements of unaffiliated financial institutions with whom the Company transacts business, those institutions may seek to pass on increased costs, reduce their capacity to transact, or otherwise present inefficiencies in their interactions with our Company.
The Bank is subject to credit risk.
There are inherent risks associated with our lending activities. These risks include, among other things, the impact of changes in interest rates and changes in the economic conditions in the markets where we operate as well as those across the United States and abroad. Increases in interest rates and/or weakening economic conditions could adversely impact the ability of borrowers to repay outstanding loans or the value of the collateral securing these loans.
We are also subject to various laws and regulations that affect our lending activities. Failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations could subject us to regulatory enforcement action that could result in the assessment of significant civil money penalties against us.
The Bank’s loans are principally concentrated in certain areas of Maine and adverse economic conditions in those markets could adversely affect our operations.
Our success is dependent to a significant extent upon general economic conditions in the United States and, in particular, the local economies of downeast, midcoast and central Maine, the primary markets served by us. We are particularly exposed to real estate and general economic factors in the downeast, midcoast and central areas of Maine, as most of our loan portfolio is concentrated among borrowers in these markets. Furthermore, because a substantial portion of our loan portfolio is secured by real estate in these areas, the value of the associated collateral is also subject to regional real estate market conditions.
A number of our hospitality and other customers rely upon a high number of visits from tourists and vacationers to Acadia National Park as a significant part of their businesses. Prolonged interruptions or shutdowns in the operation of tourist destination sites within our market areas could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
Interest rate volatility could significantly reduce the Company’s profitability.
The Bank’s earnings and cash flows are largely dependent upon its net interest income. Net interest income is the difference between interest income earned on interest-bearing assets such as loans and securities and interest expense paid on interest-bearing liabilities such as deposits and borrowed funds. Interest rates are highly sensitive to many factors that are beyond the Company’s control, including general economic conditions, demand for loans, securities and deposits, and policies of various governmental and regulatory agencies and, in particular, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. Changes in monetary policy, including changes in interest rates, could influence not only the interest we receive on loans and securities and the amount of interest we pay on deposits and borrowings, but such changes could also affect (i) our ability to originate loans and obtain deposits, (ii) the fair value of our financial assets and liabilities, and (iii) the average duration of our loans and securities that are collateralized by mortgages. If the interest rates paid on deposits and other borrowings increase at a faster rate than the interest rates received on loans and other investments, our net interest income, and therefore
earnings, could be adversely affected. Earnings could also be adversely affected if the interest rates received on loans and other investments fall more quickly than the interest rates paid on deposits and other borrowings. If interest rates decline, the Bank’s higher-rate loans and investments may be subject to prepayment risk, which could negatively impact its net interest margin. Conversely, if interest rates increase, the Bank’s loans and investment securities may be subject to extension risk, which could negatively impact its net interest margin as well.
Declines in fair value may adversely impact Bank’s investment securities portfolio.
The Company may be required to record other-than-temporary impairment charges on its investment securities if they suffer a decline in value that is considered other-than-temporary. Numerous factors, including, municipal bond defaults, lack of liquidity for re-sales of certain investment securities, or adverse actions by regulators, could have a negative effect on the Company’s securities portfolio in future periods.
The Company may elect or be compelled to seek additional capital in the future, but capital may not be available when it is needed.
The Company is required by federal and state regulatory authorities to maintain adequate levels of capital to support its operations. In addition, the Company may elect to raise additional capital to support its business or to finance acquisitions, if any, or the Company may otherwise elect to raise additional capital.
The Company’s ability to raise additional capital, if needed, will depend on conditions in the capital markets, economic conditions, and a number of other factors, many of which are outside the Company’s control, and on its financial performance. Accordingly, we cannot be assured of our Company’s ability to raise additional capital if needed or on terms acceptable to us. If the Company cannot raise additional capital when needed, or on reasonable terms, it may have a material adverse effect on its financial condition and results of operations.
The short-term and long-term impact of the changing regulatory capital requirements and new capital rules is unknown.
In 2013, the FRB, along with other federal agencies, issued final rules implementing Basel III capital standards and establishing the minimum capital requirements for banks and bank holding companies required under the Dodd-Frank Act.
These rules, which became effective on January 1, 2015, refine the definition of what constitutes “capital” for purposes of calculating these ratios. The new minimum capital requirements to be considered “adequately capitalized” are: (i) a new common equity Tier 1 capital ratio of 4.5%; (ii) a Tier 1 to risk-based assets capital ratio of 6.0%, which was increased from 4.0%; (iii) a total capital ratio of 8.0%, which was unchanged from the previous rules; and (iv) a Tier 1 leverage ratio of 4.0%. The final rule also established a “capital conservation buffer” of 2.5% above the new regulatory minimum capital ratios to be considered “adequately capitalized”, and when fully effective in 2019, will result in the following minimum capital ratios: (a) a common equity Tier 1 capital ratio of 7.0%; (b) a Tier 1 to risk-based assets capital ratio of 8.5%; and (c) a total capital ratio of 10.5%. The new capital conservation buffer requirement will be phased in beginning in January 2016 at 0.625% of risk-weighted assets and will increase each year until fully implemented in January 2019. If an institution does not meet or exceed these minimum capital ratios it will be subject to limitations on paying dividends, engaging in share repurchases, and paying discretionary bonuses if its capital level falls below the “adequately capitalized” ratios plus the buffer amount. These limitations will establish a maximum percentage of eligible retained income that can be utilized for such activities.
The application of more stringent capital requirements for the Company could, among other things, result in lower returns on equity, require the raising of additional capital, and result in regulatory actions such as a prohibition on the payment of dividends or on the repurchase shares, if the Company were unable to comply with such requirements. Furthermore, the imposition of liquidity requirements in connection with the implementation of Basel III could result in the Company having to restructure its business models or increase its holdings of liquid assets. Implementation of changes in asset risk weightings for risk-based capital calculations, including items included or deducted in calculating regulatory capital or additional capital conservation buffers could result in the Company modifying its business strategy.
The Bank may not be able to meet its cash flow needs on a timely basis at a reasonable cost, and its cost of funds for banking operations may significantly increase as a result of general economic conditions, interest rates, and competitive pressures.
Liquidity is the ability to meet cash flow needs on a timely basis and at a reasonable cost. The liquidity of the Bank is used to make loans and to repay deposit and borrowing liabilities as they become due, or are demanded by customers and creditors. Many factors affect the Bank’s ability to meet liquidity needs, including variations in the markets served by its network of offices, its mix of assets and liabilities, reputation and standing in the marketplace, and general economic conditions.
The Bank’s primary source of funding is retail deposits, gathered throughout its network of fifteen banking offices. Wholesale funding sources principally consist of secured borrowing lines from the FHLB of Boston of which it is a member, secured borrowing lines from the FRB of Boston, and certificates of deposit obtained from the national market. The Bank’s securities and loan portfolios provide a source of contingent liquidity that could be accessed in a reasonable time period through sales.
Significant changes in general economic conditions, market interest rates, competitive pressures or otherwise, could cause the Bank’s deposits to decrease relative to overall banking operations, and it would have to rely more heavily on brokered funds and borrowings in the future, which are typically more expensive than deposits.
Changes in economic conditions, including consumer savings habits and availability or access to the brokered deposit market could potentially have a significant impact on the Bank’s liquidity position, which in turn could materially impact its financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
The Company is subject to a variety of operational risks, including reputational risk, legal risk, and compliance risk, and the risk of fraud or theft by employees or outsiders, which may adversely affect the Company’s business and results of operations.
The Company is exposed to many types of operational risks, including reputational risk, legal and compliance risk, the risk of fraud or theft by employees or outsiders, and unauthorized transactions by employees or operational errors, including clerical or record-keeping errors or those resulting from faulty or disabled computer or telecommunications systems.
If personal, non-public, confidential, or proprietary information of customers in our possession were to be mishandled or misused, we could suffer significant regulatory consequences, reputational damage, and financial loss.
Because the nature of the financial services business involves a high volume of transactions, certain errors may be repeated or compounded before they are discovered and successfully rectified. The Company’s necessary dependence upon automated systems to record and process transactions and its large transaction volume may further increase the risk that technical flaws or employee tampering or manipulation of those systems will result in losses that are difficult to detect. The Company may also be subject to disruptions
of its operating systems arising from events that are wholly or partially beyond its control (i.e., computer viruses or electrical or telecommunications outages, natural disaster, disease pandemics, or other damage to property or physical assets), which may give rise to disruption of service to customers and to financial loss or liability. The Company is further exposed to the risk that its external vendors may be unable to fulfill their contractual obligations (or will be subject to the same risk of fraud or operational errors by their respective employees as we are) and to the risk that our (or our vendors’) business continuity and data security systems prove to be inadequate. The occurrence of any of these risks could result in a diminished ability to operate our business (i.e., by requiring us to expend significant resources to correct the defect), as well as potential liability to clients, reputational damage, and regulatory intervention.
Disruptions to the Company’s information systems and security breaches could adversely affect its business and reputation.
In the ordinary course of business, the Company relies on electronic communications and information systems to conduct its businesses and to store sensitive data, including financial information regarding its customers. The integrity of information systems are under significant threat from cyber-attacks by third parties, including through coordinated attacks sponsored by foreign nations and criminal organizations to disrupt business operations and other compromises to data and systems for political or criminal purposes. The Company employs an in-depth, layered, defense approach that leverages people, processes and technology to manage and maintain cyber security controls. Notwithstanding the strength of our defensive measures, the threat from cyber attacks is severe, attacks are sophisticated and attackers respond rapidly to changes in defensive measures. Cyber security risks may also occur with the Company’s third-party service providers, and may interfere with their ability to fulfill their contractual obligations to us, with additional potential for financial loss or liability that could adversely affect the Company’s financial condition or results of operations. The Company offers its customers the ability to bank remotely and provide other technology based products and services, which services include the secure transmission of confidential information over the Internet and other remote channels. To the extent that the Company’s customers’ systems are not secure or are otherwise compromised, its network could be vulnerable to unauthorized access, malicious software, phishing schemes and other security breaches. To the extent that the Company’ activities or the activities of its clients or third-party service providers involve the storage and transmission of confidential information, security breaches and malicious software could expose the Company to claims, regulatory scrutiny, litigation and other possible liabilities.
While to date the Company has not experienced a significant compromise, significant data loss or material financial losses related to cyber security attacks, the Company’s systems and those of its clients and third-party service providers are under constant threat and we may experience a significant event in the future. The Company may suffer material financial losses related to these risks in the future or it may be subject to liability for compromises to its client or third-party service provider systems. Any such losses or liabilities could adversely affect the Company’s financial condition or results of operations, and could expose us to reputation risk, the loss of client business, increased operational costs, as well as additional regulatory scrutiny, possible litigation, and related financial liability. These risks also include possible business interruption, including the inability to access critical information and systems.
The Company continually encounters technological change.
The financial services industry is continually undergoing rapid technological change with frequent introductions of new technology-driven products and services. The effective use of technology increases efficiency and enables financial institutions to better serve customers and to reduce costs. The Company’s future success depends, in part, upon its ability to address the needs of its customers by using technology to provide products and services that will satisfy customer demands, as well as to create additional efficiencies in our operations. Many of our competitors have substantially greater resources to invest in
technological improvements. The Company may not be able to effectively implement new technology-driven products and services or be successful in marketing these products and services to its customers.
The Company is subject to possible claims and litigation pertaining to fiduciary responsibilities.
From time to time, customers make claims and take legal action pertaining to the Company’s performance of its fiduciary responsibilities. Whether customer claims and legal action related to our performance of our fiduciary responsibilities are founded or unfounded, if such claims and legal actions are not resolved in a manner favorable to us, they may result in significant financial liability and/or adversely affect the market perception of our Company and our products and services as well as impact customer demand for our products and services.
Strong competition within our markets may significantly impact the Company’s profitability.
The Company competes with an ever-increasing array of financial service providers. See the section entitled “Competition” of Item 1 of this Form 10-K for additional information about our competitors. Competition from nationwide banks, as well as local institutions, continues to mount in our markets.
Regional, national and international competitors have far greater assets and capitalization than we do and have greater access to capital markets and can offer a broader array of financial services than we can. For example, consumers can maintain funds that would have historically been held as bank deposits in brokerage accounts or mutual funds. Consumers can also complete transactions such as paying bills and/or transferring funds directly without the assistance of banks. The process of eliminating banks as intermediaries, known as “disintermediation,” could result in the loss of fee income, as well as the loss of customer deposits and the related income generated from those deposits. Further, many of our competitors have fewer regulatory constraints and may have lower cost structures. Additionally, due to their size, many competitors may be able to achieve economies of scale and, as a result, may offer a broader range of products and services as well as better pricing for those products and services than we can.
To compete, the Company focuses on quality customer service, making decisions at the local level, maintaining long-term customer relationships, building customer loyalty, and providing products and services designed to address the specific needs of customers. Failure to perform in any of these areas could significantly weaken our competitive position, which could adversely affect the Company’s growth and profitability.
Tax law changes may adversely affect the Company’s net income, effective tax rate, and its overall results of operations and financial condition.
The Company’s financial performance is impacted by federal and state tax laws. Given the current economic and political environment, and ongoing state budgetary pressures, the enactment of new federal or state tax legislation may occur. The enactment of such legislation, or changes in the interpretation of existing law, including provisions impacting tax rates, apportionment, consolidation or combination, income, expenses, and credits, may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.
The Company’s controls and procedures may fail or be circumvented.
The Company regularly reviews and updates its internal controls, disclosure controls and procedures, and corporate governance policies and procedures. Any system of controls, however well designed and operated, is based in part on certain assumptions and can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the system are met.
The preparation of the Company’s financial statements requires the use of estimates that could significantly vary from actual results.
The preparation of the company’s consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make significant estimates that affect the financial statements. The most critical estimate is the allowance for loan losses. Due to the inherent nature of estimates, the Company cannot provide absolute assurance that it will not significantly increase the allowance for loan losses and/or sustain credit losses that are significantly higher than provided for in the allowance.
The Company’s access to funds from subsidiaries may be restricted.
Bar Harbor Bankshares is a separate and distinct legal entity from our Bank and nonbanking subsidiaries. Bar Harbor Bankshares depends on dividends, distributions and other payments from its banking and nonbanking subsidiaries to fund dividend payments on its common stock and to fund all payments on its other obligations. The Company’s subsidiaries are subject to laws that authorize regulatory bodies to block or reduce the flow of funds from those subsidiaries to Bar Harbor Bankshares, which could impede access to funds it needs to make payments on its obligations or dividend payments.
The Company may be unable to attract and retain key personnel.
The Company’s success depends, in large part, on its ability to attract and retain key personnel. Competition for qualified personnel in the financial services industry can be intense and the Company and its subsidiaries may not be able to hire or retain the key personnel that it depends upon for success. In addition, the Bank’s rural geographic marketplace, combined with relatively expensive real estate purchase prices within the area of the Bank’s principal office location in Bar Harbor, Maine, create additional risks for the Company and the Bank’s ability to attract and retain key personnel. The unexpected loss of services of one or more of the our key personnel could have a material adverse impact on our business because of their skills, knowledge of the markets in which we operate, years of industry experience and the difficulty of promptly finding qualified replacement personnel.
To the extent that the Company acquires other companies, its business may be negatively impacted by certain risks inherent with such acquisitions.
To the extent that the Company may acquire other financial services companies or assets in the future, its business may be negatively impacted by certain risks inherent with such acquisitions. These risks include, but are not limited to, the following:
·
the risk that the acquired business or assets will not perform in accordance with the Company’s expectations;
·
the risk that difficulties will arise in connection with the integration of the operations of the acquired business with the operations of our businesses;
·
the risk that we will divert our attention from other aspects of our existing business;
·
the risk that we may lose key employees of the combined business; and
·
the risks associated with entering into geographic and product markets in which we have limited or no direct prior experience.
The Bank is exposed to risk of environmental liabilities with respect to properties to which it takes title.
In the course of our business, the Bank may own or foreclose and take title to real estate, and could be subject to environmental liabilities with respect to these properties. We may be held liable to a
governmental entity or to third parties for property damage, personal injury, investigation and clean-up costs incurred by these parties in connection with environmental contamination, or may be required to investigate or clean up hazardous or toxic substances, or chemical releases at a property. The cost associated with investigation or remediation activities could be substantial. In addition, as the owner or former owner of a contaminated site, we may be subject to common law claims by third parties based on damages and costs resulting from environmental contamination emanating from the property.
Severe weather, natural disasters, acts of war or terrorism, and other external events could significantly impact the Company’s business and the business of its customers.
Severe weather, natural disasters, acts of war or terrorism, and other adverse external events could have a significant impact on our Company’s ability to conduct business. Such events could affect the stability of our borrowers to repay outstanding loans, impair the value of collateral securing loans, cause significant property damage, result in loss of revenue and/or cause us to incur additional expenses. In particular, such events may have a particularly negative impact upon the business of our customers who are engaged in the hospitality and natural resource dependent industries in our market area, which could have a direct negative impact on our Company’s business and results of operations.
ITEM 1B.
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None
ITEM 2.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
The Company’s headquarters are located at 82 Main Street, Bar Harbor, Maine, which also serves as the main office for the Bank. The Bank is currently completing a substantial renovation of its Bar Harbor facility to better meet its business needs at that location. Renovations are expected to be completed in 2016.
As of December 31, 2015, the Bank operated fifteen (15) full-service banking offices throughout downeast, midcoast and central Maine, namely: Bar Harbor, Northeast Harbor, Southwest Harbor, Somesville, Deer Isle, Blue Hill, Ellsworth, Rockland, Topsham, South China, Augusta, Winter Harbor, Milbridge, Machias, and Lubec. The Bank owns twelve of these banking offices and leases three at prevailing market rates.
The Bank’s Ellsworth office consists of a new branch office building constructed in 2012, as well as a substantial reconfiguration of its surrounding campus to better meet the Company’s business needs at that location. The City of Ellsworth is considered the hub of downeast Maine and the Bank’s Ellsworth office is its busiest location.
During 2013 and 2014, the Bank completed a substantial renovation and expansion of its Rockland and South China offices to better meet its business needs at those locations.
An Operations Center is located in Ellsworth, Maine, that houses the Company’s operations and data processing centers. During 2012 the Company completed a major renovation of its Operations Center to better meet its business needs at that location. The Bank also leases space at One Cumberland Place in Bangor, Maine, which houses regional business lending and Trust Services staff.
In the opinion of management, the physical properties of the Company and the Bank are considered adequate to meet the needs of customers in the communities served. Additional information relating to the Company’s properties is provided in Part II, Item 8, Note 17 of the Consolidated Financial Statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 3.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
The Company and its subsidiaries are parties to certain ordinary routine litigation incidental to the normal conduct of their respective businesses, which in the opinion of management based upon currently available information will have no material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
ITEM 4.
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable
PART II
ITEM 5.
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON STOCK, RELATED SHAREHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Market Information
The common stock of the Company is traded on the NYSE MKT, LLC (“NYSE MKT”), under the trading symbol BHB.
On April 22, 2014, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a three-for-two split of its common stock, payable as a large stock dividend, which was paid on May 19, 2014 (the “payment date”) to all stockholders of record at the close of business on May 5, 2014. All previously reported share and per share data included in public filings subsequent to the payment date have been adjusted to reflect the retroactive effect of this three-for-two stock split. Refer to Note 2 Three-for-two Common Stock Split, of the Consolidated Financial Statements, in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, for further information concerning the stock split.
The following table sets forth the high and low market prices per share of BHB Common Stock as reported by NYSE MKT by calendar quarter for each of the last two years:
As of March 9, 2016, there were 6,009,723 shares of Company common stock, par value $2.00 per share, outstanding and approximately 885 Registered Shareholders of record, as obtained through the Company’s transfer agent.
Performance Graph
The following graph illustrates the estimated yearly change in value of the Company's cumulative total stockholder return on its common stock for each of the last five years. Total shareholder return is computed by taking the difference between the ending price of the common stock at the end of the previous year and the current year, plus any dividends paid divided by the ending price of the common stock at the end of the previous year. For purposes of comparison, the graph also matches Bar Harbor Bankshares' cumulative 5-Year total shareholder return on common stock with the cumulative total returns of the NYSE MKT Composite index, the S&P 500 index, and the ABA NASDAQ Community Bank index. The graph tracks the performance of a $100 investment in our common stock and in each index (with the reinvestment of all dividends) from December 31, 2010 to December 31, 2015.
12/10
12/11
12/12
12/13
12/14
12/15
Bar Harbor Bankshares
100.00
107.22
124.62
153.27
190.34
210.93
NYSE MKT Composite
100.00
104.50
110.18
118.63
120.72
107.77
S&P 500
100.00
102.11
118.45
156.82
178.29
180.75
ABA Nasdaq Community Bank Index
100.00
94.19
109.44
154.36
161.15
176.07
Dividends
Common stock dividends paid by the Company in 2015 and 2014 are summarized below:
1st Quarter
2nd Quarter
3rd Quarter
4th Quarter
Total
$0.245
$0.250
$0.255
$0.260
$1.010
$0.217
$0.223
$0.230
$0.235
$0.905
During 2015, the Company declared and distributed regular cash dividends on its common stock in the aggregate amount of $6,040 compared with $5,362 in 2014. The Company’s 2015 dividend payout ratio amounted to 39.9% compared with 36.7% in 2014. The total regular cash dividends paid in 2015 amounted to $1.01 per share of common stock, compared with $0.905 in 2014, representing an increase of $0.105 per share, or 11.6%.
In the first quarter of 2016, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a regular cash dividend of $0.265 per share of common stock, representing an increase of $0.02 or 8.2% compared with the first quarter of 2015.
The Company has a history of paying quarterly dividends on its common stock. However, the Company’s ability to pay such dividends depends on a number of factors, including the Company’s financial condition, earnings, its need for funds and restrictions on the Company’s ability to pay dividends under federal laws and regulations. Therefore, there can be no assurance that dividends on the Company’s common stock will be paid in the future.
For further information, refer to Item 6, Selected Consolidated Financial Data for dividend related ratios and Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, (specifically the “Capital Resources” section).
Recent Sale of Unregistered Securities; Use of Proceeds from Registered Securities
No unregistered securities were sold by the Company during the years ended December 31, 2015, and 2014.
Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers
There were no purchases of shares of the Company’s common stock made by or on behalf of the Company or any “affiliated purchaser” for the quarter ended December 31, 2015.
Information relating to the Company’s stock repurchase program is provided in Part II, Item 7, Stock Repurchase Plan, contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and incorporated herein by reference.
Stock Based Compensation Plans
Information regarding stock-based compensation awards both outstanding and available for future grants as of December 31, 2015, represents stock-based compensation plans approved by shareholders and is presented in the table below. There are no compensation plans under which equity securities of the Company may be issued that have not been approved by shareholders. Additional information is presented in Note 15, Stock-Based Compensation Plans, in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, within this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Plan Category
Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights, net of forfeits and exercised shares
(a)
Weighted average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights (b)
Number of securities remaining available for issuance under equity compensation (excluding
securities referenced
in column (a))
(c)
Equity compensation plans
approved by security holders
229,435
$26.93
192,110
Equity compensation plans
not approved by security holders
---
N/A
---
Total
229,435
$26.93
192,110
Transfer Agent Services
American Stock Transfer & Trust Company provides transfer agent services for the Company. Inquiries may be directed to: American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, 6201 15th Avenue, 3rd Floor, Brooklyn, NY, 11219, telephone: 1-800-937-5449, Internet address: www.amstock.com.
ITEM 6.
ITEM 6. SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
The supplementary financial data presented in the following table contains information highlighting certain significant trends in the Company’s financial condition and results of operations over the past five years.
The following information should be analyzed in conjunction with Item 7
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Management’s discussion and analysis, which follows, focuses on the factors affecting the Company’s consolidated results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, and financial condition at December 31, 2015, and 2014, and where appropriate, factors that may affect future financial performance. The following discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations of the Company and its subsidiaries should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto, and selected financial and statistical information appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Amounts in the prior period financial statements are reclassified whenever necessary to conform to current period presentation.
Unless otherwise noted, all dollars are expressed in thousands except share and per share data.
Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures: Certain information discussed below is presented on a fully tax-equivalent basis. Specifically, included in 2015, 2014, and 2013 interest income of $3,869, $3,926 and $3,589, respectively, was tax-exempt interest income from certain investment securities and loans. An amount equal to the tax benefit derived from this tax exempt income has been added back to the interest income totals discussed in certain sections of this Management’s Discussion and Analysis, representing tax-equivalent adjustments of $1,958, $1,885 and $1,762 in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, which increased net interest income accordingly. The analysis of net interest income tables included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K provide a reconciliation of tax-equivalent financial information to the Company's consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
Management believes the disclosure of tax-equivalent net interest income information improves the clarity of financial analysis, and is particularly useful to investors in understanding and evaluating the changes and trends in the Company's results of operations. Other financial institutions commonly present net interest income on a tax-equivalent basis. This adjustment is considered helpful in the comparison of one financial institution's net interest income to that of another institution, as each will have a different proportion of tax-exempt interest from their earning asset portfolios. Moreover, net interest income is a component of a second financial measure commonly used by financial institutions, net interest margin, which is the ratio of net interest income to average earning assets. For purposes of this measure as well, other financial institutions generally use tax-equivalent net interest income to provide a better basis of comparison from institution to institution. The Company follows these practices.
EXECUTIVE OVERVIEW
General Information
Bar Harbor Bankshares is a Maine corporation and a registered bank holding company under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended. At December 31, 2015, the Company had consolidated assets of $1.58 billion and was one of the larger independent community banking institutions in the state of Maine.
The Company’s principal asset is all of the capital stock of Bar Harbor Bank & Trust (the “Bank”), a community bank incorporated in March 1887. With fifteen (15) branch office locations, the Company is a diversified financial services provider, offering a full range of banking services and products to individuals, businesses, governments, and not-for-profit organizations throughout downeast, midcoast and central Maine.
The Bank attracts deposits from the general public in the markets it serves and uses such deposits and other sources of funds to originate commercial business loans, commercial real estate loans, residential mortgage and home equity loans, and a variety of consumer loans. The Bank also invests in mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. Government agencies and Government-sponsored enterprises, obligations of state and political subdivisions, as well as other debt securities. In addition to community banking, the Bank provides a comprehensive array of trust and investment management services through its second tier subsidiary, Bar Harbor Trust Services (“Trust Services”), a Maine chartered non-depository trust company. The Bank retains Infinex Investments, Inc., (“Infinex”) as a full service third-party broker-dealer, conducting business under the assumed business name “Bar Harbor Financial Services.” Bar Harbor Financial Services is a branch office of Infinex, an independent registered broker-dealer offering securities and insurance products that is not affiliated with the Bank or its subsidiaries.
Major Sources of Revenue
The principal source of the Company’s revenue is net interest income, representing the difference or spread between interest income from its loan and securities portfolios, and the interest expense paid on deposits and borrowed funds. In addition to net interest income, non-interest income is a significant source of revenue for the Company and an important factor in its results of operations. The Company’s non-interest income is derived from financial services including trust, investment management and third-party brokerage services, as well as service charges on deposit accounts, merchant credit card processing referral and transaction fees, realized gains or losses on the sale of securities, and a variety of other miscellaneous product and service fees.
Business Strategy
The Company, as a diversified financial services provider, pursues a strategy of achieving long-term sustainable profitability, growth, and shareholder value, without sacrificing its soundness. The Company works toward achieving this goal by focusing on increasing its loan and deposit market share in downeast, midcoast and central Maine, either organically or by way of strategic acquisitions. The Company believes one of its more unique strengths is an understanding of the financial needs of coastal communities and the businesses vital to Maine’s coastal economy, namely: tourism, hospitality, retail establishments and restaurants, seasonal lodging and campgrounds, biological research laboratories, lobster and other fishing, boat building, and marine services.
Operating under a community banking philosophy, the Company’s key strategic focus is vigorous financial stewardship, by deploying investor capital safely yet efficiently for the best possible returns. The Company strives to provide unmatched service to its customers, while maintaining strong asset quality and a focus toward improving operating efficiencies. In managing its earning asset portfolios, the Company seeks to utilize funding and capital resources within well-defined credit, investment, interest-rate and liquidity guidelines. In managing its balance sheet, the Company seeks to preserve the sensitivity of net interest income to changes in interest rates, and to enhance profitability through strategies that promise sufficient reward for understood and controlled risk. The Company is deliberate in its efforts to maintain adequate liquidity under prevailing and expected conditions, and strives to maintain a balanced and appropriate mix of loans, securities, core deposits, brokered deposits and borrowed funds.
Material Risks and Challenges
In its normal course of business, the Company faces many risks inherent with providing banking and financial services. Among the more significant risks managed by the Company are losses arising from loans not being repaid, commonly referred to as “credit risk,” and losses of income arising from movements in interest rates, commonly referred to as “interest rate and market risk.” The Company is also exposed to national and local economic conditions, downturns in the economy, or adverse changes in
real estate markets, which could negatively impact its business, financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.
Management has numerous policies and control processes in place that provide for the monitoring and mitigation of risks based upon and driven by a variety of assumptions and actions which, if changed or altered, could impact the Company’s business, financial condition, results of operations or liquidity. The foregoing matters are more fully discussed in Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” and throughout this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Summary Financial Results
On April 22, 2014, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a three-for-two split of its common stock, payable as a large stock dividend, which was paid on May 19, 2014 (the “payment date”) to all stockholders of record at the close of business on May 5, 2014. As of April 22, 2014, the Company had 3,944,290 shares of common stock outstanding. After the stock split effectuated as a large stock dividend, the number of shares of Company common stock outstanding increased to 5,916,435. All previously reported share and per share data included in public filings subsequent to the payment date has been restated to reflect the retroactive effect of this three-for-two stock split.
For the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company reported net income of $15,153, compared with $14,613 for the year ended December 31, 2014, representing an increase of $540, or 3.7%. The Company’s 2015 diluted earnings per share amounted to $2.50, compared with $2.45 in 2014, representing an increase of $0.05, or 2.0%.
The Company’s 2015 return on average shareholders’ equity amounted to 10.01%, compared with 10.69% in 2014. The Company’s 2015 return on average assets amounted to 0.98%, compared with 1.03% in 2014.
As more fully enumerated in the following management discussion and analysis, the Company’s 2015 operating results were highlighted by loan and deposit growth of $71,046 and $84,738 or 7.7% and 9.9%, respectively, compared with December 31, 2014. Driven by total average earning asset growth of $97,287 or 7.1%, the Bank’s tax-equivalent net interest income increased $1,094 or 2.4%, compared with 2014. Led by a $931 increase in realized securities gains, total non-interest income increased $1,221 or 15.7%, compared with 2014. The Company continued to focus on the management of its operating expenses, as reflected by its 2015 efficiency ratio of 56.3%.
APPLICATION OF CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Management’s discussion and analysis of the Company’s financial condition and results of operations are based on the Consolidated Financial Statements, which are prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The preparation of such financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Management evaluates its estimates, including those related to the allowance for loan losses, on an ongoing basis. Management bases its estimates on historical experience and various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis in making judgments about the carrying values of assets that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results could differ from the amount derived from management’s estimates and assumptions under different assumptions or conditions.
The Company’s significant accounting policies are more fully enumerated in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The reader of the financial statements should review these policies to gain a greater understanding of how the Company’s
financial performance is reported. Management believes the following critical accounting policies represent the more significant estimates and assumptions used in the preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements:
Allowance for Loan Losses: The allowance for loan losses (“allowance”) is a significant accounting estimate used in the preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements. The allowance, which is established through a provision for loan loss expense, is based on management’s evaluation of the level of allowance required in relation to the estimated inherent risk of probable loss in the loan portfolio. Management regularly evaluates the allowance for adequacy by taking into consideration factors such as previous loss experience, the size and composition of the portfolio, current general economic and real estate market conditions and the performance of individual loans in relation to contract terms and estimated fair values of collateral. The use of different estimates or assumptions could produce different provisions for loan losses. A smaller provision for loan losses results in higher net income, and when a greater amount of provision for loan losses is necessary, the result is lower net income. Refer to Part II, Item 7, Allowance for Loan Losses and Provision, and Part II, Item 8, Note 4, Loans and allowance for loan losses, of the Consolidated Financial Statements, in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, for further discussion and analysis concerning the allowance.
Other-Than-Temporary Impairments on Securities: One of the significant estimates related to investment securities is the evaluation of other-than-temporary impairments. The evaluation of securities for other-than-temporary impairments is a quantitative and qualitative process, which is subject to risks and uncertainties and is intended to determine whether declines in the fair value of investments should be recognized in current period earnings. The risks and uncertainties include changes in general economic conditions, the issuer’s financial condition and/or future prospects, the effects of changes in interest rates or credit spreads and the expected recovery period of unrealized losses.
Securities that are in an unrealized loss position, are reviewed at least quarterly to determine if an other-than-temporary impairment is present based on certain quantitative and qualitative factors and measures. The primary factors considered in evaluating whether a decline in value of securities is other-than-temporary include: (a) the cause of the impairment; (b) the financial condition, credit rating and future prospects of the issuer; (c) whether the debtor is current on contractually-obligated interest and principal payments; (d) the volatility of the securities fair value; (e) performance indicators of the underlying assets in the security including default rates, delinquency rates, percentage of non-performing assets, loan to collateral value ratios, third party guarantees, current levels of subordination, vintage, and geographic concentration and; (f) any other information and observable data considered relevant in determining whether other-than-temporary impairment has occurred, including the expectation of the receipt of all principal and interest due.
For securitized financial assets with contractual cash flows, such as private-label mortgage-backed securities, the Company periodically updates its best estimate of cash flows over the life of the security. The Company’s best estimate of cash flows is based upon assumptions consistent with an economic recession, similar to those the Company believes market participants would use. If the fair value of a securitized financial asset is less than its cost or amortized cost and there has been an adverse change in timing or amount of anticipated future cash flows since the last revised estimate to the extent that the Company does not expect to receive the entire amount of future contractual principal and interest, an other-than-temporary impairment charge is recognized in earnings representing the estimated credit loss if management does not intend to sell the security and believes it is more-likely-than-not the Company will not be required to sell the security prior to recovery of cost or amortized cost. Estimating future cash flows is a quantitative and qualitative process that incorporates information received from third party sources along with certain assumptions and judgments regarding the future performance of the underlying collateral. In addition, projections of expected future cash flows may change based upon new information regarding the performance of the underlying collateral.
Refer to Part II, Item 7, Impaired Securities, and Part II, Item 8, Notes 1 and 3 of the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, for further discussion and analysis concerning other-than-temporary impairments.
Income Taxes: The Company estimates its income taxes for each period for which a statement of income is presented. This involves estimating the Company’s actual current tax liability, as well as assessing temporary differences resulting from differing timing of recognition of expenses, income and tax credits, for tax and accounting purposes. These differences result in deferred tax assets and liabilities, which are included in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. The Company must also assess the likelihood that any deferred tax assets will be recovered from historical taxes paid and future taxable income and, to the extent that the recovery is not likely, a valuation allowance must be established. Significant management judgment is required in determining income tax expense, and deferred tax assets and liabilities. As of December 31, 2015, and 2014, there were no valuation allowances for deferred tax assets, which are included in other assets on the consolidated balance sheet.
Goodwill and Identifiable Intangible Assets: In connection with acquisitions, the Company generally records as assets on its consolidated financial statements both goodwill and identifiable intangible assets, such as core deposit intangibles.
The Company evaluates whether the carrying value of its goodwill has become impaired, in which case the value is reduced through a charge to its earnings. Goodwill is evaluated for impairment at least annually, or upon a triggering event using certain fair value techniques. Goodwill impairment testing is performed at the segment (or “reporting unit”) level. Goodwill is assigned to reporting units at the date the goodwill is initially recorded. Once goodwill has been assigned to the reporting units, it no longer retains its association with a particular acquisition, and all of the activities within a reporting unit, whether acquired or organically grown, are available to support the value of the goodwill.
Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired in accordance with the purchase method of accounting for business combinations. Goodwill is not amortized but, instead, is subject to impairment tests on at least an annual basis or more frequently if an event occurs or circumstances change that reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. The Company completes its annual goodwill impairment test as of December 31 of each year. The impairment testing process is conducted by assigning assets and goodwill to each reporting unit. Currently, the Company’s goodwill is evaluated at the entity level as there is only one reporting unit. The Company first assesses certain qualitative factors to determine if it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value. If it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than the carrying value, then the fair value of each reporting unit is compared to the recorded book value “step one.” If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, goodwill is not considered impaired and “step two” is not considered necessary. If the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the impairment test continues (“step two”) by comparing the carrying value of the reporting unit’s goodwill to the implied fair value of goodwill. The implied fair value is computed by adjusting all assets and liabilities of the reporting unit to current fair value with the offset adjustment to goodwill. The adjusted goodwill balance is the implied fair value of the goodwill. An impairment charge is recognized if the carrying fair value of goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of goodwill. At December 31, 2015, there was no indication of impairment that led the Company to believe it needed to perform a two-step test.
Identifiable intangible assets, included in other assets on the consolidated balance sheet, consist of core deposit intangibles amortized over their estimated useful lives on a straight-line method, which approximates the economic benefits to the Company. These assets are reviewed for impairment at least annually, or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset
may not be recoverable. The determination of which intangible assets have finite lives is subjective, as is the determination of the amortization period for such intangible assets.
Any changes in the estimates used by the Company to determine the carrying value of its goodwill and identifiable intangible assets, or which otherwise adversely affect their value or estimated lives, would adversely affect the Company’s consolidated results of operations.
Refer to Notes 1 and 8 of the consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further details of the Company’s accounting policies and estimates covering goodwill.
FINANCIAL CONDITION
Asset/Liability Management
In managing its asset portfolios, the Bank utilizes funding and capital resources within well-defined credit, investment, interest rate, and liquidity risk guidelines. Loans and investment securities are the Bank’s primary earning assets with additional capacity invested in money market instruments. Average interest earning assets represented 95.3% of total average assets during 2015, compared with 96.3% in 2014. The decline was largely attributed to the purchase of BOLI in the first quarter of the current year, the income from which is included in non-interest income.
The Company, through its management of liabilities, attempts to provide stable and flexible sources of funding within established liquidity and interest rate risk guidelines. This is accomplished through retail deposit products offered within the markets served, as well as through the prudent use of borrowed and brokered funds.
The Company’s objectives in managing its balance sheet are to preserve the sensitivity of net interest income to actual or potential changes in interest rates, and to enhance profitability through strategies that promise sufficient reward for understood and controlled risk. The Company is deliberate in its efforts to maintain adequate liquidity, under prevailing and forecasted economic conditions, and to maintain an efficient and appropriate mix of core deposits, brokered deposits, and borrowed funds.
Total Assets
The Company’s assets principally consist of loans and securities, which at December 31, 2015, represented 62.7% and 32.0% of total assets, compared with 63.0% and 32.2% at December 31, 2014, respectively.
At December 31, 2015, the Company’s total assets stood at $1,580,055, compared with $1,459,320 at December 31, 2014, representing an increase of $120,735, or 8.3%. The increase in total assets was principally attributed to a $71,046 or 7.7% increase in total loans, followed by a $34,444 or 7.3% increase in securities. Also contributing to the increase in total assets was the purchase of additional bank owned life insurance (“BOLI”), which increased $15,606, or 191.7%, compared with December 31, 2014.
Securities
The average securities portfolio represented 33.0% of the Company’s total average interest earning assets in 2015 and generated 29.8% of its total tax-equivalent interest and dividend income, compared with 34.3% and 31.2% in 2014.
Bank management considers securities as a relatively attractive means to effectively leverage the Bank’s strong capital position, as securities are typically assigned a significantly lower risk weighting for the purpose of calculating the Bank’s and the Company’s risk-based capital ratios. The overall objectives of
the Bank’s strategy for the securities portfolio include maintaining appropriate liquidity reserves, diversifying earning assets, managing interest rate risk, leveraging the Bank’s strong capital position, and generating acceptable levels of net interest income. The securities portfolio is managed under the policy guidelines established by the Bank’s Board of Directors.
The securities portfolio is comprised of mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”) issued by U.S. government agencies, U.S. Government-sponsored enterprises and, to a much lesser extent, other non-agency, private-label issuers. The securities portfolio also includes tax-exempt obligations of state and political subdivisions thereof.
Total Securities: At December 31, 2015, total securities amounted to $504,969 compared with $470,525 at December 31, 2014, representing an increase of $34,444, or 7.3%. Securities purchased during 2015 consisted of MBS securities issued and guaranteed by U.S. Government agencies and sponsored enterprises and, to a lesser extent, tax exempt obligations of state and political subdivisions.
Securities Available for Sale: Securities available for sale represented 100% of total securities at December 31, 2015 and 2014.
The designation of securities available for sale is made at the time of purchase, based upon management’s intent to hold the securities for an indefinite time; however, these securities would be available for sale in response to changes in market interest rates, related changes in the securities’ prepayment risk, needs for liquidity, or changes in the availability of and yield on alternative investments. The securities available for sale portfolio is used for liquidity purposes while simultaneously producing earnings.
Securities classified as available for sale are reported at their fair value with unrealized gains or losses, net of taxes, excluded from earnings but shown separately as a component of shareholders’ equity. Gains and losses on the sale of securities available for sale are determined using the specific-identification method and are shown separately in the consolidated statements of income.
The following table summarizes the securities available for sale portfolio as of December 31, 2015, and 2014:
December 31, 2015
Available for Sale:
Amortized
Cost
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
Estimated
Fair Value
Mortgage-backed securities:
US Government-sponsored enterprises
$304,106
$ 5,042
$2,155
$306,993
US Government agency
78,408
1,269
79,130
Private label
2,713
3,464
Obligations of states and political
subdivisions thereof
110,952
4,758
115,382
Total
$496,179
$11,831
$3,041
$504,969
December 31, 2014
Available for Sale:
Amortized
Cost
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
Estimated
Fair Value
Mortgage-backed securities:
US Government-sponsored enterprises
$282,217
$ 7,530
$1,537
$288,210
US Government agency
82,249
1,626
83,346
Private label
3,723
4,524
Obligations of states and political
subdivisions thereof
90,181
4,516
94,445
Total
$458,370
$14,487
$2,332
$470,525
Mortgage-backed Securities Issued by U.S. Government-sponsored Enterprises: This category of securities represents MBS issued and guaranteed by U.S. Government-sponsored enterprises, specifically, FNMA and FHLMC. These Government-sponsored enterprises were placed under the conservatorship of the U.S. Government on September 7, 2008. In August of 2011, Standard and Poor’s, a major credit rating agency, downgraded all debt issued and guaranteed by the United States from “AAA” to “AA+”. Accordingly, all of these securities were credit rated “AA+” at December 31, 2015 and 2014.
At December 31, 2015, the amortized cost of MBS issued by U.S. Government-sponsored enterprises totaled $304,106, compared with $282,217 at December 31, 2014, representing an increase of $21,889, or 7.8%. At December 31, 2015, the amortized cost of MBS issued by U.S. Government enterprises comprised 61.3% of the securities portfolio, compared with 61.6% at December 31, 2014.
At December 31, 2015, the Bank’s weighted average yield on MBS issued by U.S. Government-sponsored enterprises amounted to 2.81% compared with 3.24% at December 31, 2014.
Mortgage-backed Securities Issued by U.S. Government Agencies: This category of securities represents MBS backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government, such as the Government National Mortgage Association (“GNMA”). All of these securities were credit rated “AA+” at December 31, 2015 and 2014.
At December 31, 2015, the total amortized cost of the Bank’s MBS issued by U.S. Government agencies totaled $78,408, compared with $82,249 at December 31, 2014, representing a decline of $3,841, or 4.7%. At December 31, 2015, the amortized cost of mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. Government agencies comprised 15.8% of the Bank’s securities portfolio, compared with 17.9% at December 31, 2014.
At December 31, 2015, the weighted average yield on mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. Government agencies amounted to 2.95%, compared with 2.85% at December 31, 2014.
Mortgage-backed Securities Issued by Private-label Issuers: This category of securities represents MBS issued by banks, investment banks, and thrift institutions. Typically, these securities are largely based on mortgages which exceed the conforming loan sizes required by agency securities. While private-label MBS are not guaranteed by any U.S. Government agency, they are credit rated by the major rating agencies (Moody’s, Standard & Poor’s and FITCH).
Most of the Bank’s MBS issued by private-label issuers carry various amounts of credit enhancement, and none are classified as sub-prime MBS pools. All of these securities were purchased prior to 2008 based on the underlying loan characteristics such as loan to value ratios, borrower credit scores, property type and location, and the level of credit enhancement.
At December 31, 2015, the total amortized cost of the Bank’s private-label MBS amounted to $2,713, compared with $3,723 at December 31, 2014, representing a decline of $1,010, or 27.1%. This decline was attributed to principal pay downs on the underlying securities collateral throughout 2015. At December 31, 2015, the amortized cost of mortgage-backed securities issued by private-label issuers comprised 0.5% of the Bank’s securities portfolio, compared with 0.8% at December 31, 2014.
At December 31, 2015, the weighted average yield on the Bank’s private-label MBS portfolio amounted to 11.59%, compared with 10.79% at December 31, 2014. The unusually high yields were largely attributed to interest received on certain other-than-temporarily impaired securities where the book value was significantly lower than the contractual par value.
At December 31, 2015, $2,032 of the total amortized cost of the Bank’s private-label MBS portfolio was rated below investment grade by at least one of the major credit rating agencies, compared with $2,794 at December 31, 2014. All of these below investment grade securities had been rated “AAA” by the credit rating agencies at the date of purchase and continued to be rated “AAA” through December 31, 2007. Beginning in 2008, unprecedented market stresses began affecting all MBS (Government agency and private-label) as the economy, in general, and the housing market, in particular, seriously deteriorated. As a result, the Bank revised its assessments as to the full recoverability of its private-label MBS, which necessitated OTTI write-downs under existing accounting standards each year from 2008 through 2013. Refer to Part II, item 8, Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Notes 1 and 4 in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further information on OTTI.
Obligations of States and Political Subdivisions Thereof: Obligations of states and political subdivisions thereof (“municipal bonds”) are issued by city, county and state governments, as well as by enterprises with a public purpose, such as certain electric utilities, universities and hospitals. One of the primary attractions of municipal bonds is that “Bank Qualified” issues are federally tax exempt. The Bank’s municipal securities primarily consist of general obligation bonds and, to a lesser extent, revenue bonds. General obligation bonds carry less risk, as they are supported by the full faith, credit and taxing authority of the issuing government and in the cases of school districts, are supported with state aid. Revenue bonds are generally backed by municipal revenue streams generated through user fees or lease payments associated with specific municipal projects that have been financed. The Bank’s municipal bond portfolio is generally concentrated in school districts across the U.S.A., which have historically been considered among the safer municipal bond investments.
Municipal bonds are frequently supported with insurance, which guarantees that in the event the issuer experiences financial problems, the insurer will step in and assume payment of both principal and interest. Historically, insurance support has strengthened an issuer’s underlying credit rating to AAA or AA status. Starting in 2008, many of the insurance companies providing municipal bond insurance experienced financial difficulties and, accordingly, were downgraded by at least one of the major credit rating agencies. Consequently, since 2008 a portion of the Bank’s municipal bond portfolio was downgraded by at least one of the major credit rating agencies. Notwithstanding the credit rating downgrades, at December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Bank’s municipal bond portfolio did not contain any below investment grade securities as reported by major credit rating agencies. In addition, at December 31, 2015 and 2014 all municipal bond issuers were current on contractually obligated interest and principal payments.
At December 31, 2015, the amortized cost of the Bank’s municipal bond portfolio, totaled $110,952, compared with $90,181 at December 31, 2014, representing an increase of $20,771, or 23.0%. At December 31, 2015, the amortized cost of municipal bonds comprised 22.4% of the Bank’s securities portfolio, compared with 19.7% at December 31, 2014. At December 31, 2015, the fully tax-equivalent yield on the Bank’s municipal bond portfolio amounted to 5.57%, compared with 5.47% at December 31, 2014.
Securities Maturity Distribution and Weighted Average Yields: The following table summarizes the maturity distribution of the amortized cost of the Bank’s securities portfolio and weighted average yields of such securities on a fully tax-equivalent basis as of December 31, 2015. The maturity distribution is based upon the final maturity date of the securities. Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because issuers may have the right to call or pre-pay certain securities. In the case of mortgage-backed securities, actual maturities may also differ from expected maturities due to the amortizing nature of the underlying mortgage collateral, and the fact that borrowers have the right to prepay.
SECURITIES
MATURITY SCHEDULE AND WEIGHTED AVERAGE YIELDS
DECEMBER 31, 2015
(at fair value)
Securities Concentrations: At December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Bank did not hold any securities for a single issuer, other than U. S. Government agencies and sponsored enterprises, where the aggregate book value of the securities exceeded 2% of the Company’s shareholders’ equity.
Impaired Securities: The securities portfolio contains certain securities where amortized cost exceeds fair value, which at December 31, 2015, amounted to an excess of $3,041 or 0.6% of the total amortized cost of the securities portfolio. At December 31, 2014, this amount represented an excess of $2,332 or 0.5% of the total amortized cost of the securities portfolio. As of December 31, 2015, unrealized losses on securities in a continuous unrealized loss position more than twelve months amounted to $1,161, compared with $434 at December 31, 2014. The increase in net unrealized losses was attributed to changes in long-term interest rates and pricing spreads at December 31, 2015, compared with December 31, 2014, which unfavorably impacted the fair value of the Bank’s fixed income portfolio.
As part of the Company’s ongoing security monitoring process, the Company identifies securities in an unrealized loss position that could potentially be other-than-temporarily impaired. If a decline in the fair value of an available for sale security is judged to be other-than temporary, a charge is recorded in pre-tax income equal to the estimated credit losses inherent in the security. Further information regarding impaired securities, other-than-temporarily impaired securities and evaluation of securities for impairment is incorporated by reference to Part II, Item 8, Notes 1 and 4 of the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Federal Home Loan Bank Stock
The Bank is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston (the “FHLB”). The FHLB is a cooperatively owned wholesale bank for housing and finance in the six New England states. Its mission is to support the residential mortgage and community-development lending activities of its members, which include over 450 financial institutions across New England. As a requirement of membership in the FHLB, the Bank must own a minimum required amount of FHLB stock, calculated periodically based primarily on its level of borrowings from the FHLB. The Bank uses the FHLB for most of its wholesale funding needs.
At December 31, 2015, the Bank’s investment in FHLB stock totaled $21,479, compared with $21,354 at December 31, 2014, representing an increase of $125, or 0.6%. The foregoing increase was attributed to increased FHLB borrowing levels during 2015. Additionally, during 2015 shares held in excess of the minimum required amount were redeemed at par value.
FHLB stock is a non-marketable equity security and therefore is reported at cost, which generally equals par value. The ratio of the FHLB’s market value of equity to its par value of capital stock was 139% at December 31, 2015, compared with 129% at December 31, 2014.
The Company periodically evaluates its investment in FHLB stock for impairment based on, among other things, the capital adequacy of the FHLB and its overall financial condition. The FHLB recently reported that it remained in compliance with all regulatory capital ratios as of December 31, 2015, and was classified as adequately capitalized by its regulator, the Federal Housing Finance Agency, based on the FHLB’s financial information at September 30, 2015. Based on the capital adequacy, liquidity position and sustained profitability of the FHLB, management believes there is no impairment related to the carrying amount of the Bank’s FHLB stock as of December 31, 2015. The Bank will continue to monitor its investment in FHLB stock.
Loans
Total Loans: At December 31, 2015, total loans amounted to $990,070, compared with $919,024 at December 31, 2014, representing an increase of $71,046, or 7.7%.
The loan portfolio is primarily secured by real estate in the counties of Hancock, Washington, Knox, Kennebec and Sagadahoc, Maine. The following table summarizes the major components of the Bank’s loan portfolio, net of deferred loan fees and costs, as of December 31 over the past five years.
SUMMARY OF LOAN PORTFOLIO AT DECEMBER 31
Commercial real estate mortgages
$371,002
$325,949
$336,542
$324,493
$285,484
Commercial and industrial
79,911
73,893
73,972
59,373
62,450
Commercial construction and
land development
24,926
25,421
18,129
22,120
30,060
Agricultural and other loans to farmers
31,003
30,471
26,929
24,922
26,580
Total commercial loans
506,842
455,734
455,572
430,908
404,574
Residential real estate mortgages
406,652
382,678
317,115
297,103
239,799
Home equity loans
51,530
51,795
49,565
53,303
51,462
Other consumer loans
9,698
12,140
14,523
19,001
22,906
Total consumer loans
467,880
446,613
381,203
369,407
314,167
Tax exempt loans
15,244
16,693
16,355
15,244
9,700
Net deferred loan costs and fees
(16)
(273)
(555)
Total loans
990,070
919,024
852,857
815,004
729,003
Allowance for loan losses
(9,439)
(8,969)
(8,475)
(8,097)
(8,221)
Total loans net of allowance
for loan losses
$980,631
$910,055
$844,382
$806,907
$720,782
At December 31, 2015, commercial loans comprised 51.2% of the total loan portfolio, compared with 49.6% at December 31, 2014. Consumer loans, which principally consisted of residential real estate mortgage loans, comprised 47.3% of total loans at December 31, 2015, compared with 48.6% at December 31, 2014.
Factors contributing to the changes in the loan portfolio are enumerated in the following discussion and analysis.
Commercial Loans: The Bank offers a variety of commercial lending products including term loans and lines of credit. The Bank offers a broad range of commercial loans, primarily collateralized, to businesses for working capital (including inventory and receivables), business expansion (including acquisitions of real estate and improvements) and the purchase of equipment and machinery. The purpose of a particular loan generally determines its structure. Commercial loans are provided primarily to organizations and sole proprietors in the tourism, hospitality, healthcare, blueberry, boatbuilding, biological research, and fishing industries, as well as to other small and mid-size businesses associated with the coastal communities of Maine.
At December 31, 2015, total commercial loans amounted to $506,842, compared with $455,734 at December 31, 2014, representing an increase of $51,108, or 11.2%.
Commercial loan growth has generally been challenged by a still-soft economy, continued economic uncertainty, diminished demand, and strong competition for quality loans. Bank management attributes the growth of commercial loans to an effective business banking team, deep local market knowledge, sustained new business development efforts, and a resilient local economy that has been faring better than the nation as a whole.
Reflecting the Bank’s business region, at December 31, 2015, approximately $95,330 or 25.7% of the commercial real estate mortgage portfolio was represented by loans to the lodging industry, compared with $107,286 or 32.9% at December 31, 2014. The Bank underwrites lodging industry loans as operating businesses, lending primarily to seasonal establishments with stabilized cash flows.
The proportion of commercial and industrial loans to total commercial loans is generally reflective of the Bank’s market area demographics, which have historically limited the opportunity and growth potential in this particular category of loans. Similarly, the communities served by the Bank generally offer limited opportunities for agricultural and other loans to farmers. This category of loans principally includes loans related to Maine’s wild blueberry industry.
Consumer Loans: At December 31, 2015, total consumer loans stood at $467,880 compared with $446,613 at December 31, 2014, representing an increase of $21,267, or 4.8%. At December 31, 2015, residential real estate mortgage loans represented 86.9% of total consumer loans, compared with 85.7% at December 31, 2014.
Residential real estate mortgage loans totaled $406,652 as of December 31, 2015, compared with $382,678 at December 31, 2014, representing an increase of $23,974, or 6.3%. The increase in residential real estate mortgage loans was aided by the purchased loans. Loans originated and closed by the Bank during 2015 were largely offset by loan re-financings and scheduled principal amortization from the existing residential real estate loan portfolio.
Home equity loans totaled $51,530 at December 31, 2015, compared with $51,795 at December 31, 2014, representing a decline of $265, or 0.5%. The Bank did not aggressively campaign for home equity loans during 2015.
Loans to individuals for household, family and other personal expenditures (“other consumer loans”) totaled $9,698 at December 31, 2015, compared with $12,140 at December 31, 2014, representing a decline of $2,442, or 20.1%. Given strong competition from the financing affiliates of consumer durable goods manufacturers, among other considerations, the Bank does not campaign aggressively for consumer installment loans.
Tax Exempt Loans: Tax-exempt loans totaled $15,244 at December 31, 2015, compared with $16,693 at December 31, 2014, representing a decline of $1,449, or 8.7%. Tax-exempt loans include loans to local government municipalities, not-for-profit organizations, and other organizations that qualify for tax-
exempt treatment. Government municipality loans typically have short maturities (e.g., tax anticipation notes, etc.). Government municipality loans are normally originated through a bid process among local financial institutions and are typically priced aggressively, thus generating relatively narrow net interest margins.
Loan Concentrations: Because of the Bank’s proximity to Acadia National Park, a large part of the economic activity in the area is generated from the hospitality business associated with tourism. At December 31, 2015, approximately $98,231 or 9.9% of the Bank’s loan portfolio was represented by loans to the lodging industry, compared with $112,520 or 12.2% at December 31, 2014. Loan concentrations continued to principally reflect the Bank’s business region.
Mortgage Loan Servicing: The Bank, from time to time, will sell residential mortgage loans to other institutions and investors such as the FHLMC. In prior years, the Bank has generally sold fixed rate, long term residential mortgage loans, as a means of managing interest rate risk. The sale of loans also allows the Bank to make more funds available to customers in its servicing area, while the retention of servicing rights provides an additional source of income. At December 31, 2015, the unpaid balance of mortgage loans serviced for others totaled $11,175 compared with $13,360 at December 31, 2014, representing a decline of $2,185 or 16.4%.
Loan Portfolio Interest Rate Composition: The following table summarizes the commercial, tax-exempt and consumer components of the loan portfolio by fixed and variable interest rate composition, as of December 31, 2015 and 2014:
Commercial:
Fixed
$ 87,347
$ 80,641
Variable
419,560
375,101
Total
$ 506,907
$455,742
Tax exempt:
Fixed
$ 6,939
$ 8,129
Variable
8,293
8,548
Total
$ 15,232
$ 16,677
Consumer:
Fixed
$352,687
$349,389
Variable
115,245
97,216
Total
$467,932
$446,605
Total loans:
Fixed
$446,972
$438,159
Variable
543,098
480,865
Total
$990,070
$919,024
At December 31, 2015, fixed and variable rate loans comprised 45.1% and 54.9% of the loan portfolio, respectively, compared with 47.7% and 52.3% at December 31, 2014.
Loan Maturities and Re-pricing Distribution: The following table summarizes fixed rate loans reported by remaining maturity, and floating rate loans by next re-pricing date, as of December 31, 2015 and 2014. Actual maturity dates may differ from contractual maturity dates due to prepayments, modifications and re-financings.
Maturities
One year or less
$306,977
$276,259
Over 1 - 5 years
196,431
172,117
Over 5 years
486,662
470,648
Total loans
$990,070
$919,024
Credit Risk: Credit risk is managed through loan officer authorities, loan policies, and oversight from the Bank’s Chief Credit Officer, the Bank's Management Loan Committee, the Directors’ Loan Committee, and the Bank's Board of Directors. Management follows a policy of continually identifying, analyzing and grading credit risk inherent in the loan portfolio. An ongoing independent review, subsequent to management's review, of individual credits is performed by an independent loan review consulting firm, which reports to the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors.
Management recognizes that early and accurate recognition of risk is the best means to reduce credit losses and maximize earnings. The Bank employs a comprehensive risk management structure to identify and manage the risk of loss. For consumer loans, the Bank identifies loan delinquency beginning at 10-day delinquency and provides appropriate follow-up by written correspondence or personal contact. Non-residential mortgage loan losses are recognized no later than the point at which a loan is 120 days past due. Residential mortgage loan losses are recognized during the foreclosure process, or sooner, when that loss is quantifiable and reasonably assured. For commercial loans, the Bank applies a risk grading system, which stratifies the portfolio and allows management to focus appropriate efforts on the highest risk components of the portfolio. The risk grades include ratings that correlate with regulatory definitions of “Pass,” “Other Assets Especially Mentioned,” “Substandard,” “Doubtful,” and “Loss.”
As a result of management’s ongoing review of the loan portfolio, loans are placed on non-accrual status, either due to the delinquent status of principal and/or interest, or a judgment by management that, although payments of principal and/or interest are current, such action is prudent because collection in full of all outstanding principal and interest is in doubt. Loans are generally placed on non-accrual status when principal and or interest is 90 days overdue, or sooner if judged appropriate by management. Consumer loans are generally charged-off when principal and or interest payments are 120 days overdue, or sooner if judged appropriate by management.
Non-performing Loans: Non-performing loans include loans on non-accrual status and loans past due 90 days or more and still accruing interest. The following table sets forth the details of non-performing loans over the past five years.
TOTAL NON-PERFORMING LOANS
AT DECEMBER 31
December 31,
December 31,
December 31,
December 31,
December 31,
Commercial real estate mortgages
$1,279
$ 3,156
$2,046
$1,888
$ 2,676
Commercial and industrial loans
1,078
Commercial construction and
land development
1,111
1,328
1,913
2,359
3,753
Agricultural and other loans to farmers
Total commercial loans
2,698
5,192
4,808
5,729
8,102
Residential real estate mortgages
3,452
6,051
3,227
3,017
4,266
Home equity loans
1,029
Other consumer loans
Total consumer loans
4,282
7,096
4,032
3,903
4,805
Total non-accrual loans
6,980
12,288
8,840
9,632
12,907
Accruing loans contractually past due
90 days or more
---
---
---
Total non-performing loans
$7,008
$12,288
$8,840
$9,867
$12,907
Allowance for loan losses to
non-performing loans
134.7%
73.0%
95.9%
82.1%
63.7%
Non-performing loans to total loans
0.71%
1.34%
1.04%
1.21%
1.77%
Allowance to total loans
0.95%
0.98%
0.99%
0.99%
1.13%
At December 31, 2015, total non-performing loans amounted to $7,008, compared with $12,288 at December 31, 2014, representing a decline of $5,280, or 43.0%.
Non-performing commercial real estate mortgages totaled $1,279 at December 31, 2015, representing a decline of $1,877, or 59.5%, compared with December 31, 2014. At December 31, 2015, non-performing commercial real estate mortgages were represented by 11 business relationships, with outstanding balances ranging from $23 to $287.
Non-performing commercial and industrial loans totaled $292 at December 31, 2015, representing a decline of $332, or 53.2%, compared with December 31, 2014. At December 31, 2015, non-performing commercial and industrial loans were represented by seven business relationships, with outstanding balances ranging from $1 to $170.
Non-performing commercial construction and land development loans totaled $1,111 at December 31, 2015, representing a decline of $217, or 16.3%, compared with December 31, 2014. At December 31, 2015, non-performing commercial construction and land development loans were entirely represented by a commercial real estate loan to a local, non-profit affordable housing authority in support of an affordable housing project. This loan is principally secured by the housing units from the project. The project is fully constructed and there is no construction risk associated with the loan. The primary source of repayment is the sale of the existing housing units. This loan is impaired and was put on non-accrual status in late 2010.
Non-performing residential real estate mortgage loans totaled $3,452 at December 31, 2015, representing a decline of $2,599, or 43.0%, compared with December 31, 2014. At December 31, 2015, non-performing residential real estate mortgage loans were represented by 35 conventional 1-4 family mortgage loans, with outstanding balances ranging from $6 to $688.
Non-performing home equity loans totaled $820 at December 31, 2015, representing a decline of $209, or 20.3%, compared with December 31, 2014. At December 31, 2015, non-performing home equity loans were represented by seven relationships with outstanding balances ranging from $1 to $584.
While the level and mix of non-performing loans continued to reflect favorably on the overall quality of the loan portfolio as of December 31, 2015, Bank management is cognizant of the still-recovering real estate market, elevated unemployment rates and soft economic conditions overall. Future levels of non-performing loans may be influenced by economic conditions, including the impact of those conditions on the Bank’s customers, including debt service levels, collateral values, tourism activity, consumer confidence and other factors existing at the time. Management believes the economic activity and conditions in the local real estate markets will continue to be significant determinants of the quality of the loan portfolio in future periods and, thus, the Company’s results of operations and financial condition.
Delinquencies and Potential Problem Loans: In addition to the non-performing loans discussed above, the Bank also has loans that are 30 to 89 days delinquent. These loans amounted to $1,857 and $3,120 at December 31, 2015, and 2014, or 0.19% and 0.34% of total loans, respectively, net of any loans classified as non-performing that are within these delinquency categories. These loans and delinquency trends in general are considered in the evaluation of the allowance for loan losses and the related determination of the provision for loan losses.
On an ongoing basis, the Bank reviews the commercial loan portfolio for evidence of potential problem loans. Potential problem loans are loans that are currently performing in accordance with contractual terms, but where known information about possible credit problems of the borrower causes doubt about the ability of the borrower to comply with the loan payment terms and may result in disclosure of such loans as non-performing at some time in the future.
In addition the non-performing and delinquent loans discussed above, at December 31, 2015, the Bank identified thirty-two commercial relationships totaling $19,774, or 2.0% of total loans, as other potential problem loans (i.e. loans classified as sub-standard that were not delinquent or non-performing). At December 31, 2014, the Bank identified twenty-seven commercial relationships totaling $13,534 as potential problem loans, or 1.5% of total loans. Factors such as payment history, value of supporting collateral, and personal or government guarantees led the Bank to conclude that the current risk exposure on these potential problem loans did not warrant accounting for the loans as non-performing. Although in a performing status as of year-end, these loans exhibited certain risk factors, which have the potential to cause them to become non-performing at some point in the future.
Allowance for Loan Losses: At December 31, 2015, the allowance for loan losses (the “allowance”) stood at $9,439, compared with $8,969 at December 31, 2014, representing an increase of $470, or 5.2%. The moderate increase in the allowance from December 31, 2014 was largely attributed to loan growth combined with changes in the overall mix of non-performing and other potential problem loans.
The allowance is available to absorb probable losses on loans. The determination of the adequacy of the allowance and provisioning for estimated losses is evaluated quarterly based on review of loans, with particular emphasis on non-performing and other loans that management believes warrant special consideration.
The allowance is maintained at a level that, in management’s judgment, is appropriate for the amount of risk inherent in the current loan portfolio, and adequate to provide for estimated, probable losses. Allowances are established for specific impaired loans, a pool of reserves based on historical net loan charge-offs by loan types, and supplemental reserves that adjust historical loss experience to reflect current economic conditions, industry specific risks, and other qualitative and environmental considerations impacting the inherent risk of loss in the current loan portfolio.
Specific allowances for impaired loans are determined based upon a discounted cash flows analysis, or as appropriate, a collateral shortfall analysis. The amount of collateral dependent impaired loans totaled $1,883 as of December 31, 2015, compared with $1,986 as of December 31, 2014, representing a decline of $103 or 5.2%. The related allowances for loan losses on these impaired loans amounted to $308 and $776 as of December 31, 2015 and 2014.
Management reviews impaired loans to ensure such loans are transferred to interest non-accrual status, and written down when necessary. The amount of interest income not recorded on impaired loans amounted to $117, $58, and $52 for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
General allowances for loan losses account for the risk and estimated loss inherent in certain pools of industry and geographic loan concentrations within the loan portfolio. There were no material changes in loan concentrations during 2015 compared with 2014.
Based upon the process employed and giving recognition to all attendant factors associated with the loan portfolio, management believes the allowance for loan losses at December 31, 2015, is appropriate for the risks inherent in the loan portfolio.
While management uses available information to recognize losses on loans, changing economic conditions and the economic prospects of the borrowers may necessitate future additions or reductions to the allowance. In addition, various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the Bank’s allowance, which also may necessitate future additions or reductions to the allowance, based on information available to them at the time of their examination.
The following table details changes in the allowance for loan losses and summarizes loan loss experience by loan type over the past five years.
ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES
SUMMARY OF LOAN LOSS EXPERIENCE
Balance at beginning of period
$ 8,969
$ 8,475
$ 8,097
$ 8,221
$ 8,500
Charge-offs:
Commercial real estate mortgages
Commercial and industrial
Commercial construction
and land development
---
---
---
1,943
Agricultural and other loans to farmers
---
Residential real estate mortgages
Other consumer loans
Home equity loans
Tax exempt loans
---
---
---
---
---
Total charge-offs
1,619
1,620
1,255
2,034
2,927
Recoveries:
Commercial real estate mortgages
$ 98
$ 85
$ 105
$ 9
$ 8
Commercial and industrial loans
Commercial construction
and land development
---
---
---
---
Agricultural and other loans to farmers
Residential real estate mortgages
---
Other consumer loans
Home equity loans
---
---
Tax exempt loans
---
---
---
---
---
Total recoveries
Net charge-offs
1,315
1,339
1,040
1,776
2,674
Provision charged to operations
1,785
1,833
1,418
1,652
2,395
Balance at end of period
$ 9,439
$ 8,969
$ 8,475
$ 8,097
$ 8,221
Average loans outstanding during period
$962,240
$881,389
$839,010
$779,800
$717,895
Annualized net charge-offs to
average loans outstanding
0.14%
0.15%
0.12%
0.23%
0.37%
For the year ended December 31, 2015, total net loan charge-offs amounted to $1,315 compared with $1,339 in 2014, representing a decline of $24, or 1.8%. Total net charge-offs to average loans outstanding amounted to 0.14% in 2015, compared with 0.15% in 2014.
The following table presents the five-year summary of the allowance by loan type at each respective year-end.
ALLOCATION OF ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES
(at December 31)
Bank Owned Life Insurance
Bank owned life insurance (“BOLI”) represents life insurance on the lives of certain current and retired employees who have provided positive consent allowing the Bank to be the beneficiary of such policies. Increases in the cash value of the policies, as well as insurance proceeds received in excess of the cash value, are recorded in other non-interest income, and are not subject to income taxes. The cash surrender value of the BOLI is included on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet.
The Company reviews the financial strength of the insurance carrier prior to the purchase of BOLI and quarterly thereafter. At December 31, 2015, the Bank had four BOLI carriers which were credit rated by Standard & Poor’s as “AA-” or higher (i.e., “high grade investments”).
At December 31, 2015, the cash surrender value of BOLI amounted to $23,747, compared with $8,141 at December 31, 2014, representing an increase of $15,606, or 191.7%. The increase in BOLI was attributed to additional purchases during the first quarter of this year and, to a lesser extent, increases in the cash surrender value of the existing and new BOLI policies.
Other Assets
The Company’s other assets are principally comprised of accrued interest receivable, deferred income taxes and other real estate owned. At December 31, 2015, total other assets amounted to $13,900, compared with $13,992 at December 31, 2014, representing a decline of $92, or 0.7%.
Funding Sources
The Bank utilizes various traditional sources of funding to support its earning asset portfolios. Funding sources principally consist of retail deposits and, to a lesser extent, borrowings from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston (“FHLB”) of which it is a member, and certificates of deposit obtained from the national market.
Deposits
Historically, the banking business in the Bank’s market area has been seasonal, with lower deposits in the winter and spring and higher deposits in the summer and autumn. These seasonal swings have been fairly predictable and have not had a materially adverse impact on the Bank. Seasonal swings in deposits have been typically absorbed by the Bank’s strong liquidity position, including borrowing capacity from the FHLB, brokered certificates of deposit obtained from the national market and cash flows from its securities portfolio.
Total Deposits: At December 31, 2015, total deposits amounted to $942,787 compared with $858,049 at December 31, 2014, representing an increase of $84,738, or 9.9%. Total deposit transaction accounts increased $66,072 or 13.8%, while time deposits increased $18,666, or 4.9%, compared with December 31, 2014.
Demand Deposits: The Bank’s demand deposits are principally business accounts, which account for approximately two-thirds of total demand deposits. At December 31, 2015, total demand deposits amounted to $86,577, compared with $78,802 at December 31, 2014, representing an increase of $7,775, or 9.9%. As discussed above, the Bank’s deposits are seasonal in nature and the timing and extent of seasonal swings vary from year to year. This is particularly the case with demand deposits. For the year ended December 31, 2015, total average demand deposits amounted to $82,741 compared with $72,706 in 2014, representing an increase of $10,035, or 13.8 %. The increase in average demand deposits was largely attributed to a relatively strong tourist season in the local communities served by the Bank combined with new customer relationships.
The Bank strives to attract demand deposits in connection with its commercial lending activities, on a total relationship basis. The Bank’s business checking account offerings include Easy Business Checking, Small Business Checking, Business Checking with Interest, Business Plus Checking, and Non-Profit Business Plus Checking, each designed to help business owners manage the varying financial aspects of their business. The Bank also offers Remote Deposit Capture, enabling its business customers to deposit checks remotely. Business demand deposits are also generated by way of the Bank’s Merchant Credit Card Processing Program.
NOW Accounts: The Bank offers interest bearing NOW accounts to individuals and not-for-profit organizations. At December 31, 2015, total NOW accounts amounted to $160,394, compared with $153,499 at December 31, 2014, representing an increase of $6,895, or 4.5%. For the year ended December 31, 2015, average NOW accounts amounted to $149,117, compared with $137,972 in 2014, representing an increase of $11,145, or 8.1%.
Savings and Money Market Deposits: At December 31, 2015, total savings and money market accounts amounted to $299,087, compared with $247,685 at December 31, 2014, representing an increase of $51,402, or 20.8%. For the year ended December 31, 2015, average savings and money market accounts amounted to $266,929, compared with $247,609 in 2014, representing an increase of $19,320 or 7.8%. This increase was principally attributed to both new and existing customer relationships.
Time Deposits: At December 31, 2015, total time deposits amounted to $396,729, compared with $378,063 at December 31, 2014, representing an increase of $18,666, or 4.9%. The increase in time deposits was attributed to higher levels of brokered deposits at December 31, 2015, compared with December 31, 2014. A portion of the Bank’s time deposits include certificates of deposit obtained from the national market. This source of funds is generally utilized to help support the Bank’s earning asset growth, while maintaining its strong on-balance-sheet liquidity position via secured borrowing lines of credit with the FHLB and the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston.
The following table summarizes the changes in the average balances of deposits during the periods indicated, including the weighted average interest rates paid for each category of deposits:
AVERAGE DEPOSIT BALANCES BY CATEGORY OF DEPOSIT
The following table summarizes the maturity distribution of time deposits of $100 or greater:
MATURITY SCHEDULE
TIME DEPOSITS $100 OR GREATER
DECEMBER 31, 2015
Three months or less
$14,377
Over three to six months
7,408
Over six to twelve months
26,180
Over twelve months
45,516
$93,481
Time deposits in denominations of $100 or greater totaled $93,481 at December 31, 2015, compared with $95,839 at December 31, 2014, representing a decline of $2,358, or 2.5%.
Borrowed Funds
The Bank utilizes borrowed funds in leveraging its strong capital position and supporting its earning asset portfolios. Borrowed funds are principally utilized to support the Bank’s investment securities portfolio and, to a lesser extent, fund loan growth. Borrowed funds also provide a means to help manage balance sheet interest rate risk, given the Bank’s ability to select desired amounts, terms and maturities on a daily basis.
Borrowed funds principally consist of advances from the FHLB and, to a lesser extent, securities sold under agreements to repurchase, Fed funds purchased and borrowings from the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston. Advances from the FHLB are secured by stock in the FHLB, investment securities, certain commercial real estate loans, and blanket liens on qualifying mortgage loans and home equity loans.
Refer to Part II, Item 7, Contractual Obligations, and Notes 11 and 12, Short-term Borrowings and Long-term Debt, of the consolidated financial statements in this annual report on form 10-K for further information on borrowed funds.
Total Borrowings: At December 31, 2015, total borrowings amounted to $474,791, compared with $447,020 at December 31, 2014, representing an increase of $27,771, or 6.2%. The increase in borrowings was principally utilized to help fund the Bank’s earning asset growth.
Junior Subordinated Debentures: In the second quarter of 2008, the Bank issued $5,000 aggregate principal amount of subordinated debt securities. These securities qualify as Tier 2 capital for the Bank and the Company and were issued to help support future earning asset growth without jeopardizing the
Bank’s historically strong capital position. The subordinated debt securities are due in 2023, but are callable by the Bank after five years without penalty. The rate of interest on these securities is three month Libor plus 345 basis points. The subordinated debt securities are classified as borrowings on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet.
Capital Resources
Consistent with its long-term goal of operating a sound and profitable organization, at December 31, 2015 the Company maintained its strong capital position and continued to be a “well-capitalized” financial institution according to applicable regulatory standards. Management believes this to be vital in promoting depositor and investor confidence and providing a solid foundation for future growth.
During 2015 the Company amended its Articles of Incorporation to increase the number of shares of common stock authorized for issuance from 10,000,000 shares to 20,000,000 shares. The $2.00 par value of the Company’s common stock, as well as the authorized issuance of up to 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock, remained unchanged from prior periods.
In October 2009, the Company filed a shelf registration statement on Form S-3 with the SEC to register an indeterminate number of shares of common stock and preferred stock, which together have an aggregate initial offering price not to exceed $35,000 (the “Shelf Registration”). The SEC declared the Company’s Shelf Registration effective on November 3, 2009. In December of 2009 the Company announced that it had completed its offering of 800,000 shares of its common stock to the public at $27.50 per share. The principal use of the net proceeds from that offering were used to repurchase all the Company’s Series A preferred shares previously sold to the U.S. Department of the Treasury under its Capital Purchase Program.
The Company’s Shelf Registration expired on November 3, 2012. The Company has not decided whether to file a new shelf registration statement and does not have any current plans to raise additional capital; however, the Company does recognize that financial flexibility is important and that a shelf registration filed with the SEC can be a prudent capital management tool should the need or opportunity to raise capital on attractive terms arise and, therefore, the Company may consider the filing of a new shelf registration with the SEC on terms similar to the Shelf Registration or other terms during 2016 or in other future years.
Capital Ratios: The Company and the Bank are subject to the risk-based capital guidelines administered by the Company’s and the Bank's principal regulators. The risk-based capital guidelines are designed to make regulatory capital requirements more sensitive to differences in risk profiles among banks and bank holding companies, to account for off-balance sheet exposure and to minimize disincentives for holding liquid assets. Under these guidelines, assets and off-balance sheet items are assigned to broad risk categories, each with appropriate weights. The resulting capital ratios represent capital as a percentage of risk-weighted assets and off-balance sheet items. Effective January 1, 2015, the Company and the Bank adopted the Basel III capital adequacy rules which, among other changes added a new risk-weighted capital measure Common Equity Tier 1 (“CET1”). The new Basel III capital adequacy guidelines require all banks and bank holding companies to maintain minimum capital ratios of:
·
Common Equity Tier 1 of 4.5%
·
Total risk-based capital to risk-weighted assets of 8.0%
·
Tier 1 capital to total risk-weighted assets of 6.0%
·
Tier 1 capital to average assets (“Leverage Ratio”) of 4.0%
Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory and possible additional discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial statements.
As depicted in the table below, as of December 31, 2015, the Company and the Bank were considered well-capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. Under the Basel III capital adequacy guidelines, a well-capitalized institution must maintain the following capital ratios:
·
Common Equity Tier 1 of 6.5%
·
Total risk-based capital to risk-weighted assets of 10.0%
·
Tier 1 capital to total risk-weighted assets of 8.0%
·
Tier 1 capital to average assets (“Leverage Ratio”) of 5.0%
The following table sets forth the Company's regulatory capital at December 31, 2015 and 2014, under the rules applicable at that date.
As more fully disclosed in Note 14 of the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the Bank also maintained its standing as a well-capitalized institution as defined by applicable regulatory standards.
Shareholders’ Equity: At December 31, 2015, total shareholders’ equity amounted to $154,152, compared with $146,287 at December 31, 2014, representing an increase of $7,865, or 5.4%. The increase in shareholder’s equity was principally attributed to a $9,111 or 8.1% increase in retained earnings, partially offset by a $3,062 or 45.8% decline in accumulated other comprehensive income. This decline was principally the result of a reduction in unrealized gains in the Bank’s securities portfolio, which changed from a tax effected unrealized gain of $7,901 at December 31, 2014 to a tax effected unrealized gain of $5,713 at December 31, 2015, largely resulting from interest rate movements between reporting periods.
Trends, Events or Uncertainties: There are no known trends, events or uncertainties, nor any recommendations by any regulatory authority, that are reasonably likely to have a material effect on the Company’s capital resources, liquidity, or financial condition.
Stock Repurchase Plan: In August 2008, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a program to repurchase up to 450,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, or approximately 10.2% of the shares then currently outstanding. The stock repurchase program became effective as of August 21, 2008, and was authorized to continue for a period of up to twenty-four consecutive months. In August of 2010, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the continuance of this program through August 17, 2012. In August of 2012, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the continuance of this program through August 17, 2014. In July of 2014, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the continuance of this program through August 17, 2016. Depending on market conditions and other factors, these purchases may be commenced or suspended at any time, or from time to time, without prior notice and may be made in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions.
As of December 31, 2015, the Company had repurchased 158,413 shares of stock under this plan, at a total cost of $2,968 and an average price of $18.74 per share. During 2015, the Company repurchased 656 shares under the plan, at a total cost of $23 and an average price of $35.52. The Company records repurchased shares as treasury stock.
Cash Dividends: The Company has historically paid regular quarterly cash dividends on its common stock. Each quarter, the Board of Directors declares the payment of regular quarterly cash dividends, subject to adjustment from time to time, based on the Company’s earnings outlook, the strength of its balance sheet, its need for funds, and other relevant factors. There can be no assurance that dividends on the Company’s common stock will be paid in the future.
The Company’s principal source of funds to pay cash dividends and support its commitments is derived from Bank operations. During 2015, the Company declared and distributed regular cash dividends on its common stock in the aggregate amount of $6,040 compared with $5,362 in 2014. The Company’s 2015 dividend payout ratio amounted to 39.9%, compared with 36.7% in 2014. The total regular cash dividends paid in 2015 amounted to $1.01 per common share of common stock, compared with $0.905 in 2014, representing an increase of $0.105 per share, or 11.6%.
In the first quarter of 2016, the Company declared a regular cash dividend of $0.265 per share of common stock, representing an increase of $0.02 or 8.2%, compared with the first quarter of 2015. Based on the December 31, 2015 price of the Company’s common stock of $34.42 per share, the dividend yield amounted to 3.08%.
Contractual Obligations
The Company is a party to certain contractual obligations under which it is obligated to make future payments. These principally include borrowings from the FHLB, consisting of short and long-term fixed rate borrowings, and collateralized by all stock in the FHLB, a blanket lien on qualified collateral consisting primarily of loans with first and second mortgages secured by one-to-four family properties, and certain pledged investment securities. The Company has an obligation to repay all borrowings from the FHLB.
The Company is also obligated to make payments on operating leases for its retail branch offices in Somesville, Topsham and Augusta, Maine, as well as office space in Ellsworth and Bangor, Maine.
Borrowings are stated at their contractual maturity due dates and do not reflect call features, or principal amortization features, on certain borrowings. The following table summarizes the Company’s contractual obligations at December 31, 2015.
CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS
All FHLB advances are fixed-rate instruments. Advances are payable at their call dates or final maturity dates. At December 31, 2015, the Bank had $17,000 in callable advances.
In the normal course of its banking and financial services business, and in connection with providing products and services to its customers, the Company has entered into a variety of traditional third party contracts for support services. Examples of such contractual agreements would include services providing ATMs, Visa Debit Card processing, trust services accounting support, check printing, and the leasing of T-1 telecommunication lines supporting the Company’s wide area technology network.
The majority of the Company’s core operating systems and software applications are maintained “in-house” with traditional third party maintenance agreements of one year.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
The Company is, from time to time, a party to certain off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on the Company's financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources, that may be material to investors.
At December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company’s off-balance sheet arrangements were limited to standby letters of credit.
Standby Letters of Credit: The Bank guarantees the obligations or performance of certain customers by issuing standby letters of credit to third parties. These letters of credit are sometimes issued in support of third-party debt. The risk involved in issuing standby letters of credit is essentially the same as the credit risk involved in extending loan facilities to customers, and they are subject to the same origination, portfolio maintenance and management procedures in effect to monitor other credit products. The amount of collateral obtained, if deemed necessary by the Bank upon issuance of a standby letter of credit, is based upon management's credit evaluation of the customer.
At December 31, 2015, commitments under existing standby letters of credit totaled $385, compared with $325 at December 31, 2014. The fair value of the standby letters of credit was not significant as of the foregoing dates.
Off-Balance Sheet Risk
The Bank is party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financial needs of its customers and to reduce its own exposure to fluctuations in interest rates. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit and certain financial derivative instruments; namely, interest rate cap agreements.
Commitments to Extend Credit: Commitments to extend credit represent agreements by the Bank to lend to a customer provided there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. These commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee.
Since many of these commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. The Bank evaluates each customer's creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis using the same credit policies as it does for its balance sheet instruments, such as loans. The amount of collateral obtained, if deemed necessary by the Bank upon the issuance of commitment, is based on management's credit evaluation of the customer.
The following table summarizes the Bank’s commitments to extend credit as of December 31:
COMMITMENTS TO EXTEND CREDIT
December 31,
December 31,
Commitments to originate loans
$ 41,529
$ 21,147
Unused lines of credit
97,283
92,817
Un-advanced portions of construction loans
12,719
23,434
Total
$151,531
$137,398
Financial Derivative Instruments: As part of its overall asset and liability management strategy, the Bank periodically uses derivative instruments to minimize significant unplanned fluctuations in earnings and cash flows caused by interest rate volatility. The Bank's interest rate risk management strategy involves modifying the re-pricing characteristics of certain assets and liabilities so that change in interest rates does not have a significant adverse effect on net interest income. Derivative instruments that management periodically uses as part of its interest rate risk management strategy include interest rate swap agreements and interest rate floor agreements.
At December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Bank had four outstanding, off balance sheet, derivative instruments. These derivative instruments were interest rate cap agreements, with notional principal amounts totaling $90,000. The notional amounts of the financial derivative instruments do not represent exposure to credit loss. The Bank is exposed to credit loss only to the extent the counter-party defaults in its responsibility to pay interest under the terms of the agreements. The interest rate cap agreements were purchased by the Bank to limit its exposure to rising interest rates and were designated as cash flow hedges.
Further information covering the Bank’s derivative instruments is incorporated by reference to Part II, Item 8, Notes 1 and 12 of the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Liquidity
Liquidity is measured by the Company’s ability to meet short-term cash needs at a reasonable cost or minimal loss. The Company seeks to obtain favorable sources of liabilities and to maintain prudent levels of liquid assets in order to satisfy varied liquidity demands. Besides serving as a funding source for
maturing obligations, liquidity provides flexibility in responding to customer initiated needs. Many factors affect the Company’s ability to meet liquidity needs, including variations in the markets served by its network of offices, its mix of assets and liabilities, reputation and credit standing in the marketplace, and general economic conditions.
The Bank actively manages its liquidity position through target ratios established under its Asset Liability Management Policy. Continual monitoring of these ratios, both historical and through forecasts under multiple rate and stress scenarios, allows the Bank to employ strategies necessary to maintain adequate liquidity. A portion of the Bank’s deposit base has been historically seasonal in nature, with balances typically declining in the winter months through late spring, during which period the Bank’s liquidity position tightens.
The Bank uses a basic surplus model to measure its liquidity over 30 and 90-day time horizons. The relationship between liquid assets and short-term liabilities that are vulnerable to non-replacement are routinely monitored. The Bank’s policy is to maintain a liquidity position of at least 4% of total assets. At December 31, 2015, liquidity, as measured by the basic surplus model, was 10.6% over the 30-day horizon and 8.7% over the 90-day horizon.
At December 31, 2015, the Bank had unused lines of credit and net unencumbered qualifying collateral availability to support its credit line with the FHLB approximating $218,547. The Bank also had capacity to borrow funds on a secured basis utilizing the Borrower in Custody (“BIC”) program and the Discount Window at the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston (the “FRB”). At December 31, 2015, the Bank’s available secured line of credit at the FRB stood at $142,823 or 9.0% of the Bank’s total assets. The Bank also has access to the national brokered deposit market, and has used this funding source to bolster its on balance sheet liquidity position.
The Bank maintains a liquidity contingency plan approved by the Bank’s Board of Directors. This plan addresses the steps that would be taken in the event of a liquidity crisis, and identifies other sources of liquidity available to the Company. Company management believes that the level of liquidity is sufficient to meet current and future funding requirements. However, changes in economic conditions, including consumer savings habits and availability or access to the brokered deposit market could potentially have a significant impact on the Company’s liquidity position.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Net Interest Income
Net interest income is the principal component of the Company’s income stream and represents the difference or spread between interest generated from earning assets and the interest expense paid on deposits and borrowed funds. Net interest income is entirely generated by the Bank. Fluctuations in market interest rates as well as volume and mix changes in earning assets and interest bearing liabilities can materially impact net interest income.
Total Net Interest Income: For the year ended December 31, 2015, net interest income on a tax-equivalent basis amounted to $46,792 compared with $45,698 in 2014, representing an increase of $1,094, or 2.4%. As more fully discussed below, the increase in 2015 tax-equivalent net interest income was attributed to average earning asset growth of $97,287 or 7.1%, as the net interest margin declined fourteen basis points compared with 2014.
For the year ended December 31, 2014, net interest income on a tax- equivalent basis amounted to $45,698 compared with $40,848 in 2013, representing an increase of $4,850, or 11.9%. As more fully discussed below, the increase in 2014 tax-equivalent net interest income compared with 2013 was principally attributed to average earning asset growth of $75,679 or 5.8%, combined with an eighteen basis point improvement in the net interest margin.
Factors contributing to the changes in net interest income and the net interest margin are further enumerated in the following discussion and analysis.
Net Interest Income Analysis: The following tables summarize the Company’s daily average balance sheets and the components of net interest income, including a reconciliation of tax-equivalent adjustments, for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013:
AVERAGE BALANCE SHEET AND
ANALYSIS OF NET INTEREST INCOME
For The Year Ended December 31, 2015
Average
Balance
Interest
Weighted
Average
Rate
Interest Earning Assets:
Loans (1,3)
$ 962,240
$39,545
4.11%
Securities (2,3)
484,527
17,059
3.52%
Federal Home Loan Bank stock
22,320
2.59%
Total Earning Assets
1,469,087
57,182
3.89%
Non-Interest Earning Assets:
Cash and due from banks
4,899
Allowance for loan losses
(9,239)
Other assets (2)
76,580
Total Assets
$1,541,327
Interest Bearing Liabilities:
Deposits
$ 843,596
$ 6,097
0.72%
Borrowings
456,669
4,293
0.94%
Total Interest Bearing Liabilities
1,300,265
10,390
0.80%
Rate Spread
3.09%
Non-Interest Bearing Liabilities:
Demand and other non-interest bearing deposits
82,741
Other liabilities
6,930
Total Liabilities
1,389,936
Shareholders' equity
151,391
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
$1,541,327
Net interest income and net interest margin (3)
46,792
3.19%
Less: Tax Equivalent adjustment
(1,958)
Net Interest Income
$44,834
3.05%
(1) For purposes of these computations, non-accrual loans are included in average loans.
(2) For purposes of these computations, unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities are recorded in other assets.
(3) For purposes of these computations, net interest income and net interest margin are reported on a tax-equivalent basis.
AVERAGE BALANCE SHEET AND
ANALYSIS OF NET INTEREST INCOME
For The Year Ended December 31, 2014
Average
Balance
Interest
Weighted
Average
Rate
Interest Earning Assets:
Loans (1,3)
$ 881,389
$37,982
4.31%
Securities (2,3)
470,192
17,331
3.69%
Federal Home Loan Bank stock
20,219
1.43%
Total Earning Assets
1,371,800
55,603
4.05%
Non-Interest Earning Assets:
Cash and due from banks
4,204
Allowance for loan losses
(8,753)
Other assets (2)
56,958
Total Assets
$1,424,209
Interest Bearing Liabilities:
Deposits
$ 801,224
$ 5,894
0.74%
Borrowings
406,744
4,011
0.99%
Total Interest Bearing Liabilities
1,207,968
9,905
0.82%
Rate Spread
3.23%
Non-Interest Bearing Liabilities:
Demand and other non-interest bearing deposits
72,706
Other liabilities
6,863
Total Liabilities
1,287,537
Shareholders' equity
136,672
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
$1,424,209
Net interest income and net interest margin (3)
45,698
3.33%
Less: Tax Equivalent adjustment
(1,885)
Net Interest Income
$43,813
3.19%
(1) For purposes of these computations, non-accrual loans are included in average loans.
(2) For purposes of these computations, unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities are recorded in other assets.
(3) For purposes of these computations, net interest income and net interest margin are reported on a tax-equivalent basis.
AVERAGE BALANCE SHEET AND
ANALYSIS OF NET INTEREST INCOME
For the year ended December 31, 2013
Average
Balance
Interest
Weighted
Average
Rate
Interest Earning Assets:
Loans (1,3)
$ 839,010
$37,460
4.46%
Securities (2,3)
438,893
14,982
3.41%
Federal Home Loan Bank stock
18,217
0.38%
Fed funds sold, money market funds, and time
deposits with other banks
---
0.00%
Total Earning Assets
1,296,121
52,511
4.05%
Non-Interest Earning Assets:
Cash and due from banks
3,607
Allowance for loan losses
(8,334)
Other assets (2)
53,959
Total Assets
$1,345,353
Interest Bearing Liabilities:
Deposits
$ 766,096
$ 6,616
0.86%
Borrowings
376,305
5,047
1.34%
Total Interest Bearing Liabilities
1,142,401
11,663
1.02%
Rate Spread
3.03%
Non-Interest Bearing Liabilities:
Demand and other non-interest bearing deposits
70,978
Other liabilities
6,634
Total Liabilities
1,220,013
Shareholders' equity
125,340
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
$1,345,353
Net interest income and net interest margin (3)
40,848
3.15%
Less: Tax-equivalent adjustment (3)
(1,762)
Net Interest Income
$39,086
3.02%
(1) For purposes of these computations, non-accrual loans are included in average loans.
(2) For purposes of these computations, unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities are recorded in other assets.
(3) For purposes of these computations, net interest income and net interest margin are reported on a tax-equivalent basis.
Net Interest Margin: The net interest margin, expressed on a tax-equivalent basis, represents the difference between interest and dividends earned on interest-earning assets and interest paid to depositors and other creditors, expressed as a percentage of average earning assets.
The net interest margin is determined by dividing tax-equivalent net interest income by average interest-earning assets. The interest rate spread represents the difference between the average tax-equivalent yield earned on interest earning-assets and the average rate paid on interest bearing liabilities. The net interest margin is generally higher than the interest rate spread due to the additional income earned on those assets funded by non-interest bearing liabilities, primarily demand deposits and shareholders’ equity.
Recent data suggests the U.S. economy continues to slowly emerge from a deep recession, which was driven by sharp downturns in the nationwide housing and credit markets, followed by multi-decade high unemployment rates and diminished consumer confidence and spending. In 2008, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System addressed the economic decline with changes in its monetary policy by reducing the Federal Funds rate from 4.25% to a range of 0% to 0.25%, where it stayed all the way through December 2015. These actions have put considerable pressure on the Bank’s net interest margin.
During 2015, long-term interest rates also remained at historically low levels. While the 2015 interest rate environment pressured a further decline in earning asset yields, the Bank was able to largely offset this decline with earning asset growth.
The foregoing trends are discussed in more detail below.
The following table summarizes the net interest margin components, on a quarterly basis, over the past two years. Factors contributing to the changes in the net interest margin are enumerated in the following discussion and analysis.
NET INTEREST MARGIN ANALYSIS
(1) For purposes of these computations, non-accrual loans are included in average loans.
(2) For purposes of these computations, unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities are recorded in other assets.
(3) For purposes of these computations, net interest income and net interest margin are reported on a tax-equivalent basis.
For the year ended December 31, 2015, the tax equivalent net interest margin amounted to 3.19%, compared with 3.33% in 2014, representing a decline of fourteen basis points. As more fully enumerated below, the decline in the net interest margin was principally attributed to a sixteen basis point decline in the weighted average earning asset yield, partially offset by a two basis point decline in the weighted average cost of interest bearing liabilities.
For the year ended December 31, 2014, the tax equivalent net interest margin amounted to 3.33%, compared with 3.15% in 2013, representing an increase of eighteen basis points. The increase in the net interest margin was attributed to a twenty basis point decline in the weighted average cost of interest bearing liabilities, as the weighted average yield on earning assets remained unchanged at 4.05%. While the weighted average yield on loans declined fifteen basis points to 4.31%, this decline was offset by a twenty-eight basis point increase in the weighted average yield on securities to 3.69%.
The 2014 decline in the cost of interest bearing liabilities was largely attributed to higher cost, maturing time deposits and borrowings being replaced at significantly lower interest rates. The decline in the 2014 weighted average loan yield was attributed to the replacement of cash flows from the loan portfolio as
well as new loan originations during a period of historically low interest rates. The 2014 increase in the weighted average securities yield was principally attributed to increases in long-term interest rates and slowing mortgage refinance activity over that fiscal year, causing a slowing of prepayment speeds and purchase premium amortization and higher book yields compared with 2013. Company management believes future prepayment speeds and purchase premium amortization will largely be dependent on policy decisions by the Federal Reserve and the pace of the economic recovery.
Interest and Dividend Income: For the year ended December 31, 2015, total interest and dividend income on a tax-equivalent basis amounted to $57,182, compared with $55,603 in 2014, representing an increase of $1,579, or 2.8%. The increase in interest and dividend income was attributed to average interest earning asset growth of $97,287 or 7.1%, partially offset by a decline in the weighted average earning asset yield of sixteen basis points to 3.89%.
For the year ended December 31, 2015, tax-equivalent interest income from the securities portfolio amounted to $17,059, compared with $17,331 in 2014, representing a decline of $272, or 1.6%. This decline was principally attributed to a seventeen basis point decline in the weighted average securities yield to 3.52%, but was largely offset by a $14,335 or 3.0% increase in total average securities, compared with 2014. The decline in the weighted average securities yield was largely attributed to the replacement of MBS cash flows in a still-historically low interest rate environment, combined with management’s 2015 efforts to lower the duration of the securities portfolio.
For the year ended December 31, 2015, tax-equivalent interest income from the loan portfolio amounted to $39,545, compared with $37,982 in 2014, representing an increase of $1,563, or 4.1%. This increase was attributed to average loan portfolio growth of $80,851 or 9.2%, partially offset by a decline in the previously discussed weighted average loan yield of twenty basis points to 4.11%.
As depicted on the rate/volume analysis table below, comparing 2015 with 2014, the impact of the increased volume of total average earning assets contributed $4,040, to the increase in total tax-equivalent interest income, offset in part by $2,461 attributed to lower yields.
For the year ended December 31, 2014, total interest and dividend income on a tax-equivalent basis amounted to $55,603, compared with $52,511 in 2013, representing an increase of $3,092, or 5.9%. The increase in interest and dividend income was attributed to average earning growth of $75,679 or 5.8%, as the weighted average earning asset yield remained unchanged at 4.05%.
For the year ended December 31, 2014, tax-equivalent interest income from the securities portfolio amounted to $17,331, compared with $14,982 in 2013, representing an increase of $2,349 or 15.7%. This increase was principally attributed to the previously discussed twenty-eight basis point increase in the weighted average securities yield to 3.69%, combined with a $31,299 or 7.1% increase in total average securities.
For the year ended December 31, 2014, tax-equivalent interest income from the loan portfolio amounted to $37,982, compared with $37,460 in 2013, representing an increase of $522, or 1.4%. This increase was attributed to average loan portfolio growth of $42,379 or 5.1%, as the previously discussed weighted average loan yield declined fifteen basis points to 4.31%.
As depicted on the rate/volume analysis table below, comparing 2014 with 2013, the impact of the increased volume of total average earning assets contributed $2,967, or 96.0%, to the increase in total tax-equivalent interest income.
Interest Expense: For the year ended December 31, 2015, total interest expense amounted to $10,390, compared with $9,905 in 2014, representing an increase of $485, or 4.9%. This increase was principally attributed to a $92,297 or 7.6% increase in average interest bearing liabilities, partially offset by a two basis point decline in the weighted average cost of interest bearing liabilities to 0.80%, compared with 2014.
The 2015 decline in the average cost of interest bearing liabilities was principally attributed to prevailing, historically low short-term and long-term market interest rates, with maturing time deposits and borrowings being added or replaced at a lower cost and other interest bearing deposits re-pricing into the lower interest rate environment. The weighted average cost of interest bearing deposits declined two basis points in 2015 to 0.72%, while the weighted average cost of borrowings declined five basis points to 0.94%, principally reflecting the maturity of higher cost, long-term borrowings that were replaced in a historically low interest rate environment.
As depicted on the rate/volume analysis table below, the impact of the increased volume of total average interest bearing liabilities contributed $804 to the increase in 2015 interest expense, partially offset by $319 attributed to lower weighted average rates paid on interest bearing liabilities.
For the year ended December 31, 2014, total interest expense amounted to $9,905, compared with $11,663 in 2013, representing a decline of $1,758, or 15.1%. This decline was principally attributed to a twenty basis point decline in the weighted average interest rate paid on interest bearing liabilities to 0.82%, offset in part by a $65,567 or 5.7% increase in average interest bearing liabilities.
The 2014 decline in the average cost of interest bearing liabilities was principally attributed to prevailing, historically low short-term and long-term market interest rates, with maturing time deposits and borrowings being added or replaced at a lower cost and other interest bearing deposits re-pricing into the lower interest rate environment. The weighted average cost of interest bearing deposits declined twelve basis points in 2014 to 0.74%, while the weighted average cost of borrowings declined thirty-five basis points to 0.99%, principally reflecting the maturity of higher cost, long-term borrowings that were replaced in a historically low interest rate environment.
As depicted on the rate/volume analysis table below, the impact of the lower weighted average rate paid on interest bearing liabilities contributed $2,470 to the 2014 decline in interest expense, offset in part by $712 attributed to the increased volume of interest bearing liabilities.
Rate/Volume Analysis: The following tables set forth a summary analysis of the relative impact on net interest income of changes in the average volume of interest earning assets and interest bearing liabilities, and changes in average rates on such assets and liabilities. The income from tax-exempt assets has been adjusted to a fully tax-equivalent basis, thereby allowing uniform comparisons to be made. Because of the numerous simultaneous volume and rate changes during the periods analyzed, it is not possible to precisely allocate changes to volume or rate. For presentation purposes, changes which are not solely due to volume changes or rate changes have been allocated to these categories in proportion to the relationships of the absolute dollar amounts of the change in each.
ANALYSIS OF VOLUME AND RATE CHANGES ON NET INTEREST INCOME
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2015 VERSUS 2014
INCREASES (DECREASES) DUE TO:
Average
Volume
Average
Rate
Total
Change
Loans (1,3)
$3,481
$(1,918)
$1,563
Securities (2,3)
(801)
(272)
Federal Home Loan Bank stock
TOTAL EARNING ASSETS
$4,040
$(2,461)
$1,579
Interest bearing deposits
(109)
Borrowings
(210)
TOTAL INTEREST BEARING LIABILITIES
$ 804
$ (319)
$ 485
NET CHANGE IN NET INTEREST INCOME
$3,236
$(2,142)
$1,094
(1) For purposes of these computations, non-accrual loans are included in average loans.
(2) For purposes of these computations, unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities are recorded in other assets.
(3) For purposes of these computations, net interest income and net interest margin are reported on a tax-equivalent basis.
ANALYSIS OF VOLUME AND RATE CHANGES ON NET INTEREST INCOME
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2014 AND 2013
INCREASES (DECREASES) DUE TO:
Average
Volume
Average
Rate
Total
Change
Loans (1,3)
$1,890
$(1,368)
$ 522
Securities (2,3)
1,069
1,280
2,349
Federal Home Loan Bank stock
TOTAL EARNING ASSETS
$2,967
$ 125
$ 3,092
Interest bearing deposits
(1,025)
(722)
Borrowings
(1,445)
(1,036)
TOTAL INTEREST BEARING LIABILITIES
$ 712
$(2,470)
$(1,758)
NET CHANGE IN NET INTEREST INCOME
$2,255
$ 2,595
$ 4,850
(1) For purposes of these computations, non-accrual loans are included in average loans.
(2) For purposes of these computations, unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities are recorded in other assets.
(3) For purposes of these computations, net interest income and net interest margin are reported on a tax-equivalent basis.
Provision for Loan Losses
The provision for loan losses (the “provision”) reflects the amount necessary to maintain the allowance for loan losses (the “allowance”) at a level that, in management’s judgment, is appropriate for the amount of inherent risk of probable loss in the Bank’s current loan portfolio.
For the year ended December 31, 2015, the Bank recorded a provision of $1,785, compared with $1,833 in 2014, representing a decline of $48, or 2.6%. The moderate decline in the provision was largely attributed to lower levels of non-performing loans and loan charge-off experience, combined with relatively stable credit quality metrics.
For the year ended December 31, 2014, the Bank recorded a provision of $1,833, compared with $1,418 in 2013, representing an increase of $415, or 29.3%. The increase in the provision largely reflected
elevated levels of loan loss experience and, to a lesser extent, increases in non-performing and other potential problem loans.
Refer to Part II, Item 7, Non-performing Loans, Potential Problem Loans and the Allowance for Loan Losses, in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion and analysis related to the provision for loan losses.
Non-interest Income
In addition to net interest income, non-interest income is a significant source of revenue for the Company and an important factor in its results of operations. In 2015, non-interest income represented 16.7% of total net interest income and non-interest income, compared with 15.0% and 16.2% in 2014 and 2013, respectively.
For the year ended December 31, 2015, total non-interest income amounted to $8,979, compared with $7,758 in 2014, representing an increase of $1,221, or 15.7%.
For the year ended December 31, 2014, total non-interest income amounted to $7,758, compared with $7,566 in 2013, representing an increase of $192, or 2.5%.
Factors contributing to the 2015 and 2014 changes in non-interest income are enumerated in the following discussion and analysis:
Trust and Financial Services Income: Income from trust and financial services represented 43.3% of the Company’s total non-interest income in 2015, compared with 51.3% and 48.0% in 2014 and 2013, respectively. Income from trust and financial services is principally derived from fee income based on a percentage of the fair market value of client assets under management and held in custody and, to a lesser extent, revenue from retail brokerage services conducted through Bar Harbor Financial Services, an independent third-party broker.
For the year ended December 31, 2015, income from trust and other financial services amounted to $3,888, compared with $3,976, in 2014, representing a decline of $88, or 2.2%. This decline was attributed to lower levels of revenue from retail brokerage activities.
For the year ended December 31, 2014, income from trust and other financial services amounted to $3,976, compared with $3,634, in 2013, representing an increase of $342, or 9.4%. This increase was attributed to higher levels of revenue from retail brokerage activities, as well as increases in the fair value of assets under management.
At December 31, 2015, total assets under management stood at $377,533, compared with $394,949 at December 31, 2014, representing a decline of $17,416, or 4.4%. The decline in assets under management was principally reflective of the broad declines experienced by the equity markets during 2015, offset in part by new managed asset accounts.
Service Charges on Deposit Accounts: This income is principally derived from overdraft fees, monthly deposit account maintenance and activity fees, automated teller machine (“ATM”) fees and a variety of other deposit account related fees. Income from service charges on deposit accounts represented 9.9% of total 2015 non-interest income, compared with 12.5% and 13.3% in 2014 and 2013, respectively.
For the year ended December 31, 2015, income generated from service charges on deposit accounts amounted to $892, compared with $971 and $1,009 in 2014 and 2013, representing declines of $79 and $38, or 8.1% and 3.8%, respectively. The Bank has not been aggressive in selling its fee based overdraft
products as a cautionary measure in light of continued regulatory pressure on the banking industry including the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which was established by the Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd - Frank Act”).
Debit Card Service Charges and Fees: This income is principally derived from the Bank’s Visa debit card product and merchant credit and debit card processing fees. Income from debit card service charges and fees represented 18.9% of total 2015 non-interest income, compared with 20.4% and 20.8% in 2014 and 2013, respectively.
For the year ended December 31, 2015, credit and debit card service charges and fees amounted to $1,694, compared with $1,584 in 2014, representing an increase of $110, or 6.9%. This increase was principally attributed to continued growth of the Bank’s retail deposit base and continued success with a program that offers rewards for certain debit card transactions.
For the year ended December 31, 2014, debit card service charges and fees amounted to $1,584, compared with $1,572 in 2013, representing an increase of $12, or 0.8%. Included in prior periods credit and debit card income, were annual payments of $192 received from the Bank’s merchant payment processing provider pursuant to a 2008 Referral and Sales Agreement, at which time the Bank sold its merchant credit card processing portfolio. This agreement expired in the fourth quarter of 2013.
Net Securities Gains: For the year ended December 31, 2015, total realized securities gains amounted to $1,334, compared with $403 in 2014, representing an increase of $931, or 231.0%. The realized securities gains largely reflected Bank management’s strategy of lowering the duration of the securities portfolio and its overall interest rate risk profile, while simultaneously generating income.
For the year ended December 31, 2014, total net securities gains amounted to $403, compared with $676 in 2013, representing a decline of $273, or 40.4%. The net realized securities gains recorded during 2014 were comprised of realized gains of $809, offset by realized losses of $406. The realized losses on the sale of securities reflected the Bank’s efforts to lower the duration of the securities portfolio and its overall interest rate risk profile.
Further information regarding securities gains and losses and OTTI losses is incorporated by reference to Part II, Item 8, Notes 1 and 3 of the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Net OTTI Losses Recognized in Earnings: For the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 there were no OTTI losses recognized in earnings compared with $249 in 2013. During 2013 the Company determined that certain available-for-sale, private-label mortgage-backed securities were other-than-temporarily impaired, because the Company could no longer conclude that it was probable it would recover all of the principal and interest on these securities. The 2013 credit losses principally reflected higher levels of loss severity and constant default rates of the underlying residential mortgage loan collateral supporting certain private label MBS, resulting from soft real estate values, foreclosure and collateral liquidation timelines, and general economic conditions.
The OTTI losses recorded in 2013 related to three, available for sale, private-label MBS, all of which the Company had previously determined to be other-than-temporarily impaired. These OTTI losses represented management’s best estimate of additional credit losses on the residential mortgage loan collateral underlying these securities. The estimated 2013 credit losses were previously recorded, net of taxes, in unrealized gains or losses on securities available for sale within accumulated other comprehensive income or loss, a component of total shareholders’ equity on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet.
Further information regarding impaired securities, other-than-temporarily impaired securities and evaluation of securities for impairment is incorporated by reference to Part II, Item 8, Notes 1 and 3 of the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Other Operating Income: Other operating income principally includes income from bank-owned life insurance, representing increases in the cash surrender value of life insurance policies on the lives of certain retired employees who had provided positive consent allowing the Bank to be the beneficiary of such policies. Other operating income also includes a variety of miscellaneous service charges and fees including fees for non-customer ATM transactions. Other operating income represented 13.0% of total 2015 non-interest income, compared with 10.6% and 12.2% in 2014 and 2013, respectively.
For the year ended December 31, 2015, total other operating income amounted to $1,171, compared with $824 in 2014, representing an increase of $347, or 42.1%. The 2015 increase in other operating income was principally attributed to income relating to the Bank’s purchase of Bank Owned Life Insurance (“BOLI”) during the first quarter of this year. Further information regarding BOLI is incorporated by reference to the above Financial Condition management discussion and analysis covering Bank Owned Life Insurance in this report on Form 10-K.
For the year ended December 31, 2014, total other operating income amounted to $824, compared with $924 in 2013, representing a decline of $100, or 10.8%. The 2014 decline in other operating income was largely attributed to gains on the sale of OREO in 2013, which did not recur in 2014.
Non-interest Expense
For the year ended December 31, 2015, total non-interest expense amounted to $30,908, compared with $29,211 and $26,860 in 2014 and 2013, representing increases of $1,697 and $2,351, or 5.8% and 8.8%, respectively.
Factors contributing to the changes in non-interest expense are enumerated in the following discussion and analysis.
Salaries and Employee Benefits: For the year ended December 31, 2015, total salaries and employee benefits expense amounted to $17,884, compared with $16,836 and $15,227 in 2014 and 2013, representing increases of $1,048 and $1,609, or 6.2% and 10.6%, respectively. The foregoing increases in salaries and employee benefits were attributed to a variety of factors including normal increases in base salaries and higher levels of employee health insurance, higher levels of employee incentive and equity compensation, as well as increases in staffing levels and strategic changes in staffing mix.
Occupancy Expense: For the year ended December 31, 2015, total occupancy expense amounted to $2,248, compared with $2,143 and $1,968 in 2014 and 2013, representing increases of $105 and $175, or 4.9% and 8.9%, respectively. The foregoing increases were largely attributed to higher levels of building improvement expenses, as well as higher levels of utilities expense and grounds maintenance, including snow removal.
Furniture and Equipment Expense: For the year ended December 31, 2015, total furniture and equipment expense amounted to $2,321, compared with $2,166 and $2,005 in 2014 and 2013, representing increases of $155 and $161, or 7.2% and 8.0%, respectively. The foregoing increases in furniture and equipment expense were largely attributed to a variety of technology upgrades and new technology systems and applications.
Debit Card Expenses: These expenses relate to the Bank’s Visa debit card processing activities. For the year ended December 31, 2015, total debit card expense amounted to $452, compared with $429 and
$384 in 2014 and 2013, representing increases of $23 and $45, or 5.4% and 11.7%, respectively. These increases were principally attributed to higher transaction volumes and were more than offset with higher revenues from debit card activity.
Other Operating Expense: For the year ended December 31, 2015, total other operating expenses amounted to $7,170, compared with $6,938 in 2014, representing an increase of $232, or 3.3%. This increase was attributed to a variety of expense categories including professional services and shareholder related expenses.
For the year ended December 31, 2014, total other operating expenses amounted to $6,938, compared with $6,580 in 2013, representing an increase of $358, or 5.4%. These increases were principally attributed to higher levels of loan collection and other real estate owned expenses.
Income Taxes
For the year ended December 31, 2015, total income taxes amounted to $5,967, compared with $5,914 and $5,191, in 2014 and 2013, representing increases of $53 and $723, or 0.9% and 13.9%, respectively.
The Company’s 2015 effective income tax rate amounted to 28.3%, compared with 28.8% and 28.3% in 2014 and 2013, respectively. The income tax provisions for these periods were less than the expense that would result from applying the federal statutory rate of 35% to income before income taxes, principally because of the impact of tax-exempt income from certain investment securities, loans and bank owned life insurance.
Fluctuations in the Company’s effective tax rate are generally attributed to changes in the relationship between non-taxable income and non-deductible expense, and income before income taxes, during any given reporting period.
Recent Accounting Developments
The following information presents a summary of Accounting Standards Updates (“ASU’s”) that were recently adopted by the Company, as well as those that will be subject to implementation in future periods.
In January 2015, FASB issued ASU 2015-01, Income Statement-Extraordinary and Unusual Items (Subtopic 225-20)“Simplifying Income Statement Presentation by Eliminating the Concept of Extraordinary Items,” as part of its initiative to reduce complexity in accounting standards (the Simplification Initiative). This ASU eliminates from U.S. GAAP the concept of extraordinary items. Eliminating the concept of extraordinary items will save time and reduce costs for preparers because they will not have to assess whether a particular event or transaction event is extraordinary (even if they ultimately would conclude it is not). This also alleviates uncertainty for preparers, auditors, and regulators because auditors and regulators no longer will need to evaluate whether a preparer treated an unusual and/or infrequent item appropriately. The amendments in this ASU are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015. A reporting entity may apply the amendments prospectively. A reporting entity also may apply the amendments retrospectively to all prior periods presented in the financial statements. Early adoption is permitted provided that the guidance is applied from the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. The Company adopted ASU 2015-01 on January 1, 2016 and it did not have a significant effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-14, “Receivables - Troubled Debt Restructurings by Creditors (Subtopic 310-40): Classification of Certain Government-Guaranteed Mortgage Loans upon Foreclosure.” This update affects creditors that hold government-guaranteed mortgage loans, including
those guaranteed by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The update requires that, upon foreclosure, a guaranteed mortgage loan be derecognized and a separate other receivable be recognized when specific criteria are met. ASU 2014-14 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2014. The Company’s adoption of this guidance on January 1, 2015 did not have a significant impact on the Company's financial statements.
In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-11“Transfers and Servicing (Topic 860): Repurchase-to-Maturity Transactions, Repurchase Financings, and Disclosures.” This update aligns the accounting for repurchase-to-maturity transactions and repurchase agreements executed as a repurchase financing with the accounting for other typical repurchase agreements by accounting for these transactions as secured borrowings. This update also requires a new disclosure for transactions economically similar to repurchase agreements in which the transferor retains substantially all of the exposure to the economic return of the transferred financial assets throughout the term of the transaction. ASU 2014-11 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2014. Early adoption is not permitted. The Company’s adoption of this guidance on January 1, 2015 did not have a significant impact on the Company’s financial statements.
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASU 2014-09”). The scope of the guidance applies to revenue arising from contracts with customers, except for the following: lease contracts, insurance contracts, contractual rights and obligations within the scope of other guidance and nonmonetary exchanges between entities in the same line of business to facilitate sales to customers. The core principle of the new guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to reflect the transfer of goods and services to customers in an amount equal to the consideration that the entity receives or expects to receive. ASU 2014-09 is not expected to impact the timing or approach to revenue recognition for financial institutions. The likely impact for financial institutions will relate only to disclosures. The amendments are effective for public entities for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period. The Company does not expect the adoption of ASU 2014-09 to have a material impact on its financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
In January 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-04, Receivables-Troubled Debt Restructurings by Creditors (Topic 310), “Reclassification of Residential Real Estate Collateralized Consumer Mortgage Loans upon Foreclosure,” to clarify when an in substance repossession or foreclosure occurs, that is, when a creditor should be considered to have received physical possession of residential real estate property collateralizing a consumer mortgage loan such that the loan receivable should be derecognized and the real estate property recognized. The ASU requires interim and annual disclosure of both (1) the amount of foreclosed residential real estate property held by the creditor and (2) the recorded investment in consumer mortgage loans collateralized by residential real estate property that are in the process of foreclosure according to local requirements of the applicable jurisdiction. The ASU is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2014. The Company’s adoption of ASU 2014-04 on January 1, 2015 did not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
ITEM 7A.
ITEM 7A. QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Market Risk
Market risk is the risk of loss in a financial instrument arising from adverse changes in market rates/prices, such as interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, commodity prices and equity prices. Interest rate risk is the most significant market risk affecting the Company. Other types of market risk do not arise in the normal course of the Company’s business activities.
The responsibility for interest rate risk management oversight is the function of the Bank’s Asset and Liability Committee (“ALCO”), chaired by the Chief Financial Officer and composed of various members of senior management. ALCO meets regularly to review balance sheet structure, formulate strategies in light of current and expected economic conditions, adjust product prices as necessary, implement policy, monitor liquidity, and review performance against guidelines established to control exposure to the various types of inherent risk.
Interest Rate Risk: Interest rate risk can be defined as an exposure to movement in interest rates that could have an adverse impact on the Bank's net interest income. Interest rate risk arises from the imbalance in the re-pricing, maturity and or cash flow characteristics of assets and liabilities. Management's objectives are to measure, monitor and develop strategies in response to the interest rate risk profile inherent in the Bank's balance sheet. The objectives in managing the Bank's balance sheet are to preserve the sensitivity of net interest income to actual or potential changes in interest rates, and to enhance profitability through strategies that promote sufficient reward for understood and controlled risk.
The Bank's interest rate risk measurement and management techniques incorporate the re-pricing and cash flow attributes of balance sheet and off-balance sheet instruments as they relate to current and potential changes in interest rates. The level of interest rate risk, measured in terms of the potential future effect on net interest income, is determined through the use of modeling and other techniques under multiple interest rate scenarios. Interest rate risk is evaluated in depth on a quarterly basis and reviewed by ALCO and the Company’s Board of Directors.
The Bank's Asset Liability Management Policy, approved annually by the Bank’s Board of Directors, establishes interest rate risk limits in terms of variability of net interest income under rising, flat, and decreasing rate scenarios. It is the role of the ALCO to evaluate the overall risk profile and to determine actions to maintain and achieve a posture consistent with policy guidelines.
Interest Rate Sensitivity Modeling: The Bank utilizes an interest rate risk model widely recognized in the financial industry to monitor and measure interest rate risk. The model simulates the behavior of interest income and expense for all balance sheet and off-balance sheet instruments, under different interest rate scenarios together with a dynamic future balance sheet. Interest rate risk is measured in terms of potential changes in net interest income based upon shifts in the yield curve.
The interest rate risk sensitivity model requires that assets and liabilities be broken down into components as to fixed, variable, and adjustable interest rates, as well as other homogeneous groupings, which are segregated as to maturity and type of instrument. The model includes assumptions about how the balance sheet is likely to evolve through time and in different interest rate environments. The model uses contractual re-pricing dates for variable products, contractual maturities for fixed rate products, and product-specific assumptions for deposit accounts, such as money market accounts, that are subject to re-pricing based on current market conditions. Re-pricing margins are also determined for adjustable rate assets and incorporated in the model. Investment securities and borrowings with call provisions are examined on an individual basis in each rate environment to estimate the likelihood of a call. Prepayment assumptions for mortgage loans and mortgage-backed securities are developed from industry median estimates of prepayment speeds, based upon similar coupon ranges and degree of seasoning. Cash flows and maturities are then determined, and for certain assets, prepayment assumptions are estimated under different interest rate scenarios. Interest income and interest expense are then simulated under several hypothetical interest rate conditions including:
·
A flat interest rate scenario in which current prevailing rates are locked in and the only balance sheet fluctuations that occur are due to cash flows, maturities, new volumes, and re-pricing volumes consistent with this flat rate assumption;
·
A 200 basis point rise or decline in interest rates applied against a parallel shift in the yield curve over a twelve-month horizon together with a dynamic balance sheet anticipated to be consistent with such interest rate changes;
·
Various non-parallel shifts in the yield curve, including changes in either short-term or long-term rates over a twelve-month horizon, together with a dynamic balance sheet anticipated to be consistent with such interest rate changes; and
·
An extension of the foregoing simulations to each of two, three, four and five year horizons to determine the interest rate risk with the level of interest rates stabilizing in years two through five. Even though rates remain stable during this two to five year time period, re-pricing opportunities driven by maturities, cash flow, and adjustable rate products will continue to change the balance sheet profile for each of the interest rate conditions.
Changes in net interest income based upon the foregoing simulations are measured against the flat interest rate scenario and actions are taken to maintain the balance sheet interest rate risk within established policy guidelines.
The following table summarizes the Bank's net interest income sensitivity analysis as of December 31, 2015, over one and two-year horizons and under different interest rate scenarios. In light of the prevailing Federal Funds rate of 0.25% to 0.50%, and the two-year U.S. Treasury note of 1.05% at December 31, 2015, the analysis incorporates a declining interest rate scenario of 100 basis points, rather than the 200 basis points as would traditionally be the case.
INTEREST RATE RISK
CHANGE IN NET INTEREST INCOME FROM THE FLAT RATE SCENARIO
DECEMBER 31, 2015
-100 Basis Points Parallel Yield Curve Shift
+200 Basis Points Parallel Yield Curve Shift
Year 1
Net interest income ($)
$ 119
$ (827)
Net interest income (%)
0.26%
-1.84%
Year 2
Net interest income ($)
$(2,057)
$(3,085)
Net interest income (%)
-4.57%
-6.85%
As more fully discussed below, the December 31, 2015, interest rate sensitivity modeling results indicate that the Bank’s balance sheet was moderately liability sensitive over the one and two-year horizons (i.e., moderately exposed to rising interest rates).
Assuming short-term and long-term interest rates decline 100 basis points from current levels (i.e., a parallel yield curve shift) and the Bank’s balance sheet structure and size remain at current levels, management believes net interest income will remain relatively stable over the one year horizon and then decline moderately over the two-year horizon as declining earning assets yields outpace reductions in funding costs. Should the yield curve steepen as rates fall, the model suggests that accelerated earning asset prepayments will slow, resulting in a more stabilized level of net interest income. Management anticipates that moderate to strong earning asset growth will be needed to meaningfully increase the Bank’s current level of net interest income should both long-term and short-term interest rates decline in parallel.
Assuming the Bank’s balance sheet structure and size remain at current levels and the Federal Reserve increases short-term interest rates by 200 basis points with the balance of the yield curve shifting in
parallel with these increases, management believes net interest income will remain relatively stable over the one year horizon and then decline moderately over the two year horizon as increased funding costs outpace increases in earning asset yields. The interest rate sensitivity simulation model suggests that as interest rates rise, the Bank’s funding costs will initially re-price disproportionately with earning asset yields to a moderate degree. As funding costs begin to stabilize early in the third year of the simulation, the model suggests that the earning asset portfolios will continue to re-price at prevailing interest rate levels and cash flows from the Bank’s earning asset portfolios will be reinvested into higher yielding earning assets, resulting in a widening of spreads and a stabilization of net interest income over the three year horizon and beyond. Management believes moderate to strong earning asset growth will be necessary to meaningfully increase the current level of net interest income over the one-year and two-year horizons should short-term and long-term interest rates rise in parallel.
Interest rates plummeted during 2008 and have remained historically low ever since, as the global economy slowed at unprecedented levels, unemployment levels soared, delinquencies on all types of loans increased along with decreased consumer confidence and dramatic declines in housing prices. Management believes the most significant ongoing factor affecting market risk exposure and the impact on net interest income continues to be the slow and extended recovery from the severe nationwide recession and the U.S. Government’s extraordinary responses, including the continued impact of a variety of government stimulus programs and quantitative easing strategies.
The Federal Reserve has maintained short-term interest rates at historically low levels for an extended period of time, threatening net interest income. Net interest income exposure is also significantly affected by the shape and level of the U.S. Government securities and interest rate swap yield curve, and changes in the size and composition of the Bank’s loan, investment and deposit portfolios.
The preceding sensitivity analysis does not represent a Company forecast and should not be relied upon as being indicative of expected operating results. These hypothetical estimates are based upon numerous assumptions including: the nature and timing of interest rate levels and yield curve shape, prepayment speeds on loans and securities, deposit rates, pricing decisions on loans and deposits, reinvestment or replacement of asset and liability cash flows, and renegotiated loan terms with borrowers. While assumptions are developed based upon current economic and local market conditions, the Company cannot make any assurances as to the predictive nature of these assumptions including how customer preferences or competitor influences might change.
As market conditions vary from those assumed in the sensitivity analysis, actual results may also differ due to: prepayment and refinancing levels deviating from those assumed; the impact of interest rate change caps or floors on adjustable rate assets; the potential effect of changing debt service levels on customers with adjustable rate loans; depositor early withdrawals and product preference changes; and other such variables. The sensitivity analysis also does not reflect additional actions that the Bank’s SET and Board of Directors might take in responding to or anticipating changes in interest rates, and the anticipated impact on the Bank’s net interest income.
The Bank engages an independent consultant to periodically review its interest rate risk position and the reasonableness of assumptions used, with periodic reports provided to the Bank’s Board of Directors. At December 31, 2015, there were no significant differences between the views of the independent consultant and management regarding the Bank’s interest rate risk exposure.
ITEM 8.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders
Bar Harbor Bankshares
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Bar Harbor Bankshares and subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2015, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2015, and the related notes to the consolidated financial statements. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2015, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2015, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in 2013, and our report dated March 14, 2016 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
/s/ RSM US LLP
Boston, Massachusetts
March 14, 2016
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders
Bar Harbor Bankshares:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Bar Harbor Bankshares and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2014, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 2014. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Bar Harbor Bankshares and subsidiaries as of December 31, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 2014, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Bar Harbor Bankshares’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), and our report dated March 16, 2015, expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
/s/ KPMG LLP
Boston, Massachusetts
March 16, 2015
BAR HARBOR BANKSHARES AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
DECEMBER 31, 2015 AND 2014
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
December 31,
December 31,
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents
$ 9,720
$ 9,800
Securities available for sale, at fair value
504,969
470,525
Federal Home Loan Bank stock
21,479
21,354
Loans
990,070
919,024
Allowance for loan losses
(9,439)
(8,969)
Loans, net of allowance for loan losses
980,631
910,055
Premises and equipment, net
20,674
20,518
Goodwill
4,935
4,935
Bank owned life insurance
23,747
8,141
Other assets
13,900
13,992
TOTAL ASSETS
$1,580,055
$1,459,320
Liabilities
Deposits:
Demand and other non-interest bearing deposits
$ 86,577
$ 78,802
NOW accounts
160,394
153,499
Savings and money market deposits
299,087
247,685
Time deposits
396,729
378,063
Total deposits
942,787
858,049
Short-term borrowings
333,909
313,520
Long-term advances from Federal Home Loan Bank
135,882
128,500
Junior subordinated debentures
5,000
5,000
Other liabilities
8,325
7,964
TOTAL LIABILITIES
1,425,903
1,313,033
Shareholders' equity
Capital stock, par value $2.00; authorized 20,000,000 and 10,000,000 shares;
issued 6,788,407 shares at December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively
13,577
13,577
Surplus
21,624
20,905
Retained earnings
122,260
113,149
Accumulated other comprehensive income:
Prior service cost and unamortized net actuarial losses on employee
benefit plans, net of tax of ($249) and ($251), at December 31, 2015 and
December 31, 2014, respectively
(463)
(488)
Net unrealized appreciation on securities available for sale, net of tax
of $2,828 and $3,997, at December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively
5,251
7,423
Portion of OTTI attributable to non-credit gains, net of tax of $249 and $257, at
December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively
Net unrealized depreciation on derivative instruments, net of tax
of $873 and $389, at December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively
(1,621)
(722)
Total accumulated other comprehensive income
3,629
6,691
Less: cost of 778,196 and 842,082 shares of treasury stock at December 31, 2015 and
December 31, 2014, respectively
(6,938)
(8,035)
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
154,152
146,287
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
$1,580,055
$1,459,320
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements
BAR HARBOR BANKSHARES AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2015, 2014 AND 2013
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
Interest and dividend income:
Interest and fees on loans
$ 39,303
$ 37,739
$ 37,223
Interest on securities
15,343
15,689
13,457
Dividends on FHLB stock
Total interest and dividend income
55,224
53,718
50,749
Interest expense:
Deposits
6,097
5,894
6,616
Short-term borrowings
Long-term debt
3,310
3,344
4,560
Total interest expense
10,390
9,905
11,663
Net interest income
44,834
43,813
39,086
Provision for loan losses
1,785
1,833
1,418
Net interest income after provision for loan losses
43,049
41,980
37,668
Non-interest income:
Trust and other financial services
3,888
3,976
3,634
Service charges on deposit accounts
1,009
Debit card service charges and fees
1,694
1,584
1,572
Net securities gains
1,334
Total other-than-temporary impairment ("OTTI") losses
---
---
(359)
Non-credit portion of OTTI losses (before taxes) (1)
---
---
Net OTTI losses recognized in earnings
---
---
(249)
Other operating income
1,171
Total non-interest income
8,979
7,758
7,566
Non-interest expense:
Salaries and employee benefits
17,884
16,836
15,227
Occupancy expense
2,248
2,143
1,968
Furniture and equipment expense
2,321
2,166
2,005
Credit and debit card expenses
FDIC insurance assessments
Other operating expense
7,170
6,938
6,580
Total non-interest expense
30,908
29,211
26,860
Income before income taxes
21,120
20,527
18,374
Income taxes
5,967
5,914
5,191
Net income
$ 15,153
$ 14,613
$ 13,183
Computation of Earnings Per Share:
Weighted average number of capital stock shares outstanding
Basic shares
5,980,245
5,926,387
5,898,077
Effect of dilutive shares issuable
80,012
49,877
30,363
Diluted shares
6,060,257
5,976,264
5,928,440
Per Common Share Data:
Basic Earnings Per Share
$ 2.53
$ 2.47
$ 2.24
Diluted Earnings Per Share
$ 2.50
$ 2.45
$ 2.22
(1) Included in other comprehensive income, net of taxes
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
BAR HARBOR BANKSHARES AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2015, 2014 AND 2013
(in thousands)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
BAR HARBOR BANKSHARES AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2015, 2014 AND 2013
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
Capital
Stock
Surplus
Retained
Earnings
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
income (loss)
Treasury
Stock
Total
Shareholders'
Equity
Balance December 31, 2012
$ 9,051
$24,906
$ 95,687
$ 7,697
$(9,295)
$128,046
Net income
---
---
13,183
---
---
13,183
Total other comprehensive loss
---
---
---
(15,637)
---
(15,637)
Dividend declared:
Common stock ($0.833 per share)
---
---
(4,915)
---
---
(4,915)
Purchase of Treasury Stock (1,050 shares)
---
---
---
---
(24)
(24)
Stock options exercised (24,541 shares),
including related tax effects
---
(49)
---
Recognition of stock based
compensation expense
---
---
---
Restricted stock grants (5,055 shares)
---
(104)
---
---
---
Balance December 31, 2013
$ 9,051
$25,085
$103,907
$ (7,940)
$(8,724)
$121,379
Balance December 31, 2013
$ 9,051
$25,085
$103,907
$ (7,940)
$(8,724)
$121,379
Net income
---
---
14,613
---
---
14,613
Total other comprehensive income
---
---
---
14,631
---
14,631
Dividend declared:
Common stock ($0.905 per share)
---
---
(5,362)
---
---
(5,362)
Purchase of Treasury Stock (327 shares)
---
---
---
---
(8)
(8)
Stock options exercised (31,760 shares),
including related tax effects
---
(9)
---
Three-for-two stock split
4,526
(4,526)
---
---
---
---
Recognition of stock based
compensation expense
---
---
---
---
Restricted stock grants (6,323 shares)
---
(115)
---
---
---
Balance December 31, 2014
$13,577
$20,905
$113,149
$ 6,691
$(8,035)
$146,287
Balance December 31, 2014
$13,577
$20,905
$113,149
$ 6,691
$(8,035)
$146,287
Net income
---
---
15,153
---
---
15,153
Total other comprehensive loss
---
---
---
(3,062)
---
(3,062)
Dividend declared:
Common stock ($1.01 per share)
---
---
(6,040)
---
---
(6,040)
Purchase of Treasury Stock (656 shares)
---
---
---
---
(24)
(24)
Stock options exercised (55,642 shares)
including related tax effects
---
(2)
---
1,532
Recognition of stock based
compensation expense
---
---
---
---
Restricted stock grants (8,900 shares)
---
(151)
---
---
---
Balance December 31, 2015
$13,577
$21,624
$122,260
$ 3,629
$(6,938)
$154,152
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
BAR HARBOR BANKSHARES AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2015, 2014 AND 2013
(in thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income
$ 15,153
$ 14,613
$ 13,183
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization of premises and equipment
1,710
1,629
1,504
Amortization of core deposit intangible
Provision for loan losses
1,785
1,833
1,418
Net securities gains
(1,334)
(403)
(676)
Other-than-temporary impairment
---
---
Net amortization of bond premiums and discounts
2,403
2,776
5,076
Deferred tax benefit
(111)
Recognition of stock based expense
Gains on sale of other real estate owned
(84)
---
(53)
Net income from bank owned life insurance
(606)
(262)
(246)
Net change in other assets
(2)
(5,951)
Net change in other liabilities
(139)
Net cash provided by operating activities
20,331
15,531
21,560
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of securities available for sale
(168,432)
(110,239)
(172,131)
Proceeds from maturities, calls and principal paydowns of mortgage-backed securities
106,801
73,854
94,382
Proceeds from sales of securities available for sale
22,753
37,278
17,234
Purchases of Bank Owned Life Insurance
(15,000)
---
---
Net (increase) decrease in Federal Home Loan Bank stock
(125)
(2,984)
(181)
Net (increase) decrease in total loans
(21,088)
22,668
(11,695)
Purchases of loans
(51,698)
(89,854)
(26,937)
Proceeds from sale of other real estate owned
1,129
1,084
Capital expenditures
(1,866)
(2,002)
(2,394)
Net cash used in investing activities
(127,983)
(70,150)
(100,638)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net increase in deposits
84,738
22,398
39,886
Net increase (decrease) in securities sold under repurchase agreements and fed funds purchased
1,189
(535)
(381)
Proceeds from Federal Home Loan Bank advances
47,593
92,100
82,900
Repayments of Federal Home Loan Bank advances
(21,011)
(53,990)
(44,641)
Purchases of Treasury Stock
(24)
(8)
(24)
Proceeds from stock option exercises, including excess tax benefits
1,127
Payments of dividends
(6,040)
(5,362)
(4,915)
Net cash provided by financing activities
107,572
55,219
73,286
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
(80)
(5,792)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
9,800
9,200
14,992
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
$ 9,720
$ 9,800
$ 9,200
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest
$ 10,362
$ 9,920
$ 11,833
Income taxes
5,566
6,237
4,514
Schedule of noncash investing activities:
Transfers from loans to other real estate owned
$ 425
$ 320
$ 261
Restricted stock grants
$ 151
$ 115
$ 104
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
BAR HARBOR BANKSHARES AND SUBSIDIARIES
(All dollar amounts expressed in thousands, except share and per share data)
Note 1: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
The accounting and reporting policies of Bar Harbor Bankshares (the “Company”) and its wholly-owned operating subsidiary, Bar Harbor Bank & Trust (the “Bank”), conform to U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and to general practice within the banking industry.
The Company’s principal business activity is retail and commercial banking and, to a lesser extent, financial services including trust, financial planning, investment management and third-party brokerage services. The Company’s business is conducted through the Company’s fifteen banking offices located throughout downeast, midcoast and central Maine.
The Company is a bank holding company registered under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended, and is subject to supervision, regulation and examination by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. The Company is also a Maine Financial Institution Holding Company for the purposes of the laws of the state of Maine, and as such is subject to the jurisdiction of the Superintendent of the Maine Bureau of Financial Institutions. The Bank is subject to the supervision, regulation, and examination of the FDIC and the Maine Bureau of Financial Institutions.
Financial Statement Presentation: The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Bar Harbor Bankshares and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Bar Harbor Bank & Trust. All significant inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Whenever necessary, amounts in the prior years’ financial statements are reclassified to conform to current presentation. Assets held in a fiduciary capacity are not assets of the Company and, accordingly, are not included in the consolidated balance sheets.
In preparing financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to change in the near term relate to the determination of the allowance for loan losses, other-than temporary impairment on securities, income tax estimates, reviews of goodwill for impairment, and accounting for postretirement plans.
Subsequent Events: The Company has evaluated events and transactions subsequent to December 31, 2015 through report issuance, for potential recognition or disclosure as required by GAAP.
Cash and Cash Equivalents: For purposes of reporting cash flows, cash and cash equivalents include cash and due from banks, federal funds sold, and other short-term investments with maturities less than 90 days.
In the normal course of business, the Bank has funds on deposit at other financial institutions in amounts in excess of the $250 that is insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. The Bank periodically reviews the creditworthiness of these financial institutions.
Investment Securities: All securities held at December 31, 2015 and 2014 were classified as available-for-sale (“AFS”). Available-for-sale securities consist of mortgage-backed securities and municipal debt securities, and are carried at estimated fair value. Changes in estimated fair value of AFS securities, net of applicable income taxes, are reported in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) as a separate component of shareholders’ equity unless deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired (“OTTI”) as discussed below. The Bank does not have a securities trading portfolio or securities held-to-maturity.
Premiums and discounts on securities are amortized and accreted over the term of the securities using the interest method. Gains and losses on the sale of securities are recognized at the trade date using the specific-identification method and are shown separately in the consolidated statements of income.
Other-Than-Temporary Impairments on Investment Securities: One of the significant estimates relating to securities is the evaluation of other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”). If a decline in the fair value of a debt security is judged to be other-than-temporary, and management does not intend to sell the security and believes it is more-likely-than-not the Company will not be required to sell the security prior to recovery of cost or amortized cost, the portion of the total impairment attributable to the credit loss is recognized in earnings, and the remaining difference between the security’s amortized cost basis and its fair value is included in other comprehensive income.
For impaired available-for-sale debt securities that management intends to sell, or where management believes it is more-likely-than-not that the Company will be required to sell, an other-than-temporary impairment charge is recognized in earnings equal to the difference between fair value and cost or amortized cost basis of the security. The fair value of the other-than-temporarily impaired security becomes its new cost basis.
The evaluation of securities for impairments is a quantitative and qualitative process, which is subject to risks and uncertainties and is intended to determine whether declines in the fair value of securities should be recognized in current period earnings. The risks and uncertainties include changes in general economic conditions, the issuer’s financial condition and/or future prospects, the effects of changes in interest rates or credit spreads and the expected recovery period of unrealized losses. The Company has a security monitoring process that identifies securities that, due to certain characteristics, as described below, are subjected to an enhanced analysis on a quarterly basis.
Securities that are in an unrealized loss position are reviewed at least quarterly to determine if they are other-than-temporarily impaired based on certain quantitative and qualitative factors and measures. The primary factors considered in evaluating whether a decline in value of securities is other-than-temporary include: (a) the cause of the impairment; (b) the financial condition, credit rating and future prospects of the issuer; (c) whether the debtor is current on contractually obligated interest and principal payments; (d) the volatility of the securities’ fair value; (e) performance indicators of the underlying assets in the security including default rates, delinquency rates, percentage of non-performing assets, loan to collateral value ratios, third party guarantees, current levels of subordination, vintage, and geographic concentration and; (f) any other information and observable data considered relevant in determining whether other-than-temporary impairment has occurred, including the expectation of the receipt of all principal and interest due.
For securitized financial assets with contractual cash flows, such as private-label mortgage-backed securities, the Company periodically updates its best estimate of cash flows over the life of the security. The Company’s best estimate of cash flows is based upon assumptions consistent with the current economic recession, similar to those the Company believes market participants would use. If the fair value of a securitized financial asset is less than its cost or amortized cost and there has been an adverse change in timing or amount of anticipated future cash flows since the last revised estimate, to the extent that the Company does not expect to receive the entire amount of future contractual principal and interest,
an other-than-temporary impairment charge is recognized in earnings representing the estimated credit loss if management does not intend to sell the security and believes it is more-likely-than-not the Company will not be required to sell the security prior to recovery of cost or amortized cost. Estimating future cash flows is a quantitative and qualitative process that incorporates information received from third party sources along with certain assumptions and judgments regarding the future performance of the underlying collateral. In addition, projections of expected future cash flows may change based upon new information regarding the performance of the underlying collateral.
Federal Home Loan Bank Stock: The Bank is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston (“FHLB”). The Bank uses the FHLB for most of its wholesale funding needs. As a requirement of membership in the FHLB, the Bank must own a minimum required amount of FHLB stock, calculated periodically based primarily on its level of borrowings from the FHLB. FHLB stock is a non-marketable equity security and therefore is reported at cost, which generally equals par value. Shares held in excess of the minimum required amount are generally redeemable at par value.
The Company periodically evaluates its investment in FHLB stock for impairment based on, among other things, the capital adequacy of the FHLB and its overall financial condition. Based on the capital adequacy, liquidity position and sustained profitability of the FHLB, management believes there is no impairment related to the carrying amount of the Bank’s FHLB stock as of December 31, 2015.
Loans: Loans are carried at the principal amounts outstanding adjusted by partial charge-offs and net deferred loan origination costs or fees.
Interest on loans is accrued and credited to income based on the principal amount of loans outstanding. Residential real estate and home equity loans are generally placed on non-accrual status when reaching 90 days past due, or in process of foreclosure, or sooner if judged appropriate by management. Consumer loans are generally placed on non-accrual when reaching 90 days or more past due, or sooner if judged appropriate by management. Secured consumer loans are written down to realizable value and unsecured consumer loans are charged-off upon reaching 120 days past due. Commercial real estate loans and commercial business loans that are 90 days or more past due are generally placed on non-accrual status, unless secured by sufficient cash or other assets immediately convertible to cash, and the loan is in the process of collection. Commercial real estate and commercial business loans may be placed on non-accrual status prior to the 90 days delinquency date if considered appropriate by management. When a loan has been placed on non-accrual status, previously accrued and uncollected interest is reversed against interest on loans. A loan can be returned to accrual status when collectibility of principal is reasonably assured and the loan has performed for a period of time, generally six months.
Commercial real estate and commercial business loans are considered impaired when it becomes probable the Bank will not be able to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Factors considered by management in determining impairment include payment status and collateral value. In considering loans for evaluation of impairment, management generally excludes smaller balance, homogeneous loans: residential mortgage loans, home equity loans, and all consumer loans, unless such loans were restructured in a troubled debt restructuring. These loans are collectively evaluated for risk of loss.
Loan origination and commitment fees and direct loan origination costs are deferred, and the net amount is amortized as an adjustment of the related loans’ yield, using the level yield method over the estimated lives of the related loans.
Loans acquired through the completion of a transfer, including loans acquired in a business combination, that have evidence of deterioration of credit quality since origination and for which it is probable, at acquisition, that the Corporation will be unable to collect all contractually required payment receivable are initially recorded at fair value (as determined by the present value of expected future cash flows) with no valuation allowance. The difference between the undiscounted cash flows expected at acquisition and the investment in the loan, or the “accretable yield,” is recognized as interest income on a level-yield method over the life of the loan. Contractually required payments for interest and principal that exceed the undiscounted cash flows expected at acquisition, or the “nonaccretable difference,” are not recognized as a yield adjustment or as a loss accrual or a valuation allowance. Increases in expected cash flows subsequent to the initial investment are recognized prospectively through adjustment of the yield on the loan over its remaining life. Decreases in expected cash flows are recognized as impairment. Valuation allowances on these impaired loans reflect only losses incurred after the acquisition (meaning the present value of all cash flows expected at acquisition that ultimately are not to be received).
Allowance for Loan Losses: The allowance for loan losses (the “allowance”) is a significant accounting estimate used in the preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements. The allowance is available to absorb losses inherent in the current loan portfolio and is maintained at a level that, in management’s judgment, is appropriate for the amount of risk inherent in the loan portfolio, given past and present conditions. The allowance is increased by provisions charged to operating expense and by recoveries on loans previously charged off, and is decreased by loans charged off as uncollectible.
Arriving at an appropriate level of allowance for loan losses involves a high degree of judgment. The determination of the adequacy of the allowance and provisioning for estimated losses is evaluated regularly based on review of loans, with particular emphasis on non-performing and other loans that management believes warrant special consideration. The ongoing evaluation process includes a formal analysis, which considers among other factors: the character and size of the loan portfolio, business and economic conditions, real estate market conditions, collateral values, changes in product offerings or loan terms, changes in underwriting and/or collection policies, loan growth, previous charge-off experience, delinquency trends, non-performing loan trends, the performance of individual loans in relation to contract terms, and estimated fair values of collateral.
The allowance for loan losses consists of allowances established for specific loans including impaired loans; allowances for pools of loans based on historical charge-offs by loan types; and supplemental allowances that adjust historical loss experience to reflect current economic conditions, industry specific risks, and other observable data.
While management uses available information to recognize losses on loans, changing economic conditions and the economic prospects of the borrowers may necessitate future additions or reductions to the allowance. In addition, various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the Bank’s allowance, which also may necessitate future additions or reductions to the allowance, based on information available to them at the time of their examination.
Refer to Note 4 of these consolidated financial statements, Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses, for further information on the allowance for loan losses, including the Company’s loan loss estimation methodology.
Premises and Equipment: Premises and equipment and related improvements are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed on the straight-line method over the lesser of the lease term or estimated useful lives of related assets; generally 25 to 40 years for premises and three to seven years for furniture and equipment.
Goodwill and Identifiable Intangible Assets: In connection with acquisitions, the Company generally records as assets on its consolidated financial statements both goodwill and identifiable intangible assets, such as core deposit intangibles.
Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired in accordance with the purchase method of accounting for business combinations. Goodwill is not amortized but, instead, is subject to impairment tests on at least an annual basis or more frequently if an event occurs or circumstances change that reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. The Company completes its annual goodwill impairment test as of December 31 of each year. The impairment testing process is conducted by assigning assets and goodwill to each reporting unit. Currently, the Company’s goodwill is evaluated at the entity level as there is only one reporting unit. The Company first assesses certain qualitative factors to determine if it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value. If it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than the carrying value, then the fair value of each reporting unit is compared to the recorded book value “step one.” If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, goodwill is not considered impaired and “step two” is not considered necessary. If the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the impairment test continues (“step two”) by comparing the carrying value of the reporting unit’s goodwill to the implied fair value of goodwill. The implied fair value is computed by adjusting all assets and liabilities of the reporting unit to current fair value with the offset adjustment to goodwill. The adjusted goodwill balance is the implied fair value of the goodwill. An impairment charge is recognized if the carrying fair value of goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of goodwill. At December 31, 2015, there was no indication of impairment that led the Company to believe it needed to perform a two-step test.
Identifiable intangible assets, included in other assets on the consolidated balance sheet, consist of core deposit intangibles amortized over their estimated useful lives on a straight-line method, which approximates the economic benefits to the Company. These assets are reviewed for impairment at least annually, or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. The determination of which intangible assets have finite lives is subjective, as is the determination of the amortization period for such intangible assets.
Any changes in the estimates used by the Company to determine the carrying value of its goodwill and identifiable intangible assets, or which otherwise adversely affect their value or estimated lives, would adversely affect the Company’s consolidated results of operations.
Bank-Owned Life Insurance: Bank-owned life insurance (“BOLI”) represents life insurance on the lives of certain current and retired employees who had provided positive consent allowing the Bank to be the beneficiary of such policies. Increases in the cash value of the policies, as well as insurance proceeds received in excess of the cash value, are recorded in other non-interest income, and are not subject to income taxes. The cash surrender value is included in other assets on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. The Company reviews the financial strength of the insurance carrier prior to the purchase of BOLI and quarterly thereafter.
Mortgage Servicing Rights: Mortgage servicing rights are recognized as separate assets when purchased or when retained in a sale of financial assets. Capitalized servicing rights are reported in other assets and are amortized into non-interest income in proportion to, and over the period of, the estimated future net servicing income of the underlying financial assets. Servicing assets are evaluated for impairment based upon the fair value of the rights as compared to amortized cost. Fair value is determined using prices for similar assets with similar characteristics, when available, or based upon discounted cash flows using market-based assumptions. Impairment is recognized through a valuation allowance to the extent that fair value is less than the carrying value of the rights.
Other Real Estate Owned: Real estate acquired in satisfaction of a loan is reported in other assets. Properties acquired by foreclosure or deed in lieu of foreclosure are transferred to other real estate owned and recorded at the lower of cost or fair market value less estimated costs to sell based on appraised value at the date actually or constructively received. Loan losses arising from the acquisition of such property are charged against the allowance for loan losses. Subsequent reductions in market value below the carrying value are charged to other operating expenses.
Derivative Financial Instruments: The Company recognizes all derivative instruments on the consolidated balance sheet at fair value. On the date the derivative instrument is entered into, the Company designates whether the derivative is part of a hedging relationship (i.e., cash flow or fair value hedge). The Company formally documents relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as its risk management objective and strategy for undertaking hedge transactions. The Company also assesses, both at the hedge’s inception and on an ongoing basis, whether the derivatives used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting the changes in cash flows or fair values of hedged items.
Changes in fair value of derivative instruments that are highly effective and qualify as a cash flow hedge are recorded in other comprehensive income or loss. Any ineffective portion is recorded in earnings. For fair value hedges that are highly effective, the gain or loss on the derivative and the loss or gain on the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk are both recognized in earnings, with the differences (if any) representing hedge ineffectiveness. The Company discontinues hedge accounting when it is determined that the derivative is no longer highly effective in offsetting changes of the hedged risk on the hedged item, or management determines that the designation of the derivative as a hedging instrument is no longer appropriate.
Off-Balance Sheet Financial Instruments: In the ordinary course of business the Company has entered into off-balance sheet financial instruments consisting of commitments to extend credit, and standby letters of credit. Such financial instruments are recorded in the financial statements when they are funded or related fees are incurred or received.
Stock Based Compensation: The Company has equity award plans that include stock option, restricted stock and performance stock, which are described more fully in Note 15. The Company expenses the grant date fair value of equity awards granted. The expense is recognized over the vesting periods of the grants. The Company uses its treasury shares for issuing shares upon option exercises, restricted stock and performance stock vesting.
Accounting for Retirement Benefit Plans: The Company has non-qualified supplemental executive retirement agreements with certain retired officers. The agreements provide supplemental retirement benefits payable in installments over a period of years upon retirement or death. The Company recognized the net present value of payments associated with the agreements over the service periods of the participating officers. Interest costs continue to be recognized on the benefit obligations. The Company also has a supplemental executive retirement agreement with a certain current executive officer. This agreement provides a stream of future payments in accordance with individually defined vesting schedules upon retirement, termination, or in the event that the participating executive leaves the Company following a change of control event. The Company recognizes the net present value of payments associated with these agreements over the service periods of the participating executive officers. Upon retirement, interest costs will continue to be recognized on the benefit obligation.
The Company recognizes the over-funded or under-funded status of postretirement benefit plans as a liability on the balance sheet in other liabilities and recognizes changes in that funded status through other comprehensive income. Gains and losses, prior service costs and credits, and any remaining transition amounts that have not yet been recognized through net periodic benefit costs are recognized in
accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax effects, until they are amortized as a component of net periodic cost. The measurement date, which is the date at which the benefit obligation and plan assets are measured, is the Company's fiscal year end.
Income Taxes: The Company uses the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. If current available information indicates that it is more likely than not that deferred tax assets will not be realized, a valuation allowance is established. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in 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.
The Company performs an analysis of its tax positions and has not identified any uncertain tax positions for which tax benefits should not be recognized as of December 31, 2015. The Company’s policy is to report interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense in the consolidated statements of income.
The Company’s income tax returns are currently open to audit under the statute of limitations by the Internal Revenue Service for the years ended December 31, 2012 through 2015.
Earnings Per Share: Basic earnings per share excludes dilution and is computed by dividing income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share reflect the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock or resulted in the issuance of common stock that then shared in the earnings of the Company, such as the Company’s dilutive stock options.
For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, the total anti-dilutive stock options amounted to 86, 43, and 90 thousand shares, respectively.
Segment Reporting: An operating segment is defined as a component of a business for which separate financial information is available that is evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision-maker in deciding how to allocate resources and evaluate performance. The Company has determined that its operations are solely in the community banking industry and include traditional community banking services, including lending activities, acceptance of demand, savings and time deposits, business services, investment management, trust and third-party brokerage services. These products and services have similar distribution methods, types of customers and regulatory responsibilities. Accordingly, segment information is not presented in the consolidated financial statements.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements:
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). The guidance in this ASU supersedes the leasing guidance in Topic 840, Leases. Under the new guidance, lessees are required to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet for all leases with terms longer than 12 months. Leases will be classified as either finance or operating, with classification affecting the pattern of expense recognition in the income statement. The new standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is currently evaluating this guidance to determine the impact on its consolidated financial statements.
In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, Financial Instruments-Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, which updates certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of financial instruments. The new guidance requires equity investments to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income, excluding equity investments that are consolidated or accounted for under the equity method of accounting. The new guidance allows equity investments without readily determinable fair values to be measured at cost minus impairment, with a qualitative assessment required to identify impairment. The new guidance also requires public companies to use exit prices to measure the fair value of financial instruments, eliminates the disclosure requirements related to measurement assumptions for the fair value of instruments measured at amortized cost and requires separate presentation of financial assets and liabilities based on form and measurement category. In addition, for liabilities measured at fair value under the fair value option, the changes in fair value due to changes in instrument-specific credit risk should be recognized in OCI. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017 and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is currently evaluating this guidance to determine the impact on its consolidated financial statements.
Note 2: Three-for-two Common Stock Split
On April 22, 2014, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a three-for-two split of its common stock, effectuated as a large stock dividend, which was paid on May 19, 2014 (the “payment date”) to all stockholders of record at the close of business on May 5, 2014. As of April 22, 2014, the Company had approximately 3,944,290 shares of common stock outstanding. After the stock split as a large stock dividend, the number of shares of Company common stock outstanding increased to 5,916,435. All previously reported share and per share data included in public filings subsequent to the payment date has been adjusted to reflect the retroactive effect of this three-for-two stock split.
Note 3: Securities Available For Sale
A summary of the amortized cost and market values of securities available for sale follows:
December 31, 2015
Available for Sale:
Amortized
Cost
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
Estimated
Fair Value
Mortgage-backed securities:
US Government-sponsored enterprises
$304,106
$ 5,042
$2,155
$306,993
US Government agency
78,408
1,269
79,130
Private label
2,713
3,464
Obligations of states
and political subdivisions thereof
110,952
4,758
115,382
Total
$496,179
$11,831
$3,041
$504,969
December 31, 2014
Available for Sale:
Amortized
Amortized
Cost
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
Estimated
Fair Value
Mortgage-backed securities:
US Government-sponsored enterprises
$282,217
$ 7,530
$1,537
$288,210
US Government agency
82,249
1,626
83,346
Private label
3,723
4,524
Obligations of states
and political subdivisions thereof
90,181
4,516
94,445
Total
$458,370
$14,487
$2,332
$470,525
Securities Impairment: As a part of the Company’s ongoing security monitoring process, the Company identifies securities in an unrealized loss position that could potentially be other-than-temporarily impaired.
For the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company did not record any OTTI losses, compared with $359 (before taxes) in 2013.
The 2013 OTTI losses, related to three, available for sale, 1-4 family, private-label MBS, all of which the Company had previously determined was other-than-temporarily impaired. Of the $359 in total OTTI losses, $249 (before taxes) represented estimated credit losses on the collateral underlying the securities, while $110 (before taxes) represented unrealized losses for the same securities resulting from factors other than credit. The $249 in estimated credit losses were recorded in earnings (before taxes) with the $110 non-credit portion of the unrealized losses recorded within accumulated other comprehensive income (net of taxes). The additional credit losses principally reflected an increase in the future loss severity and constant default rate estimates resulting from still-recovering real estate markets, extended foreclosure and collateral liquidation timelines, and still-depressed economic conditions that affected the expected performance of the mortgage loans underlying these securities.
The OTTI losses recognized in earnings represented management’s best estimate of credit losses inherent in the securities based on discounted, bond-specific future cash flow projections using assumptions about cash flows associated with the pools of loans underlying each security. In estimating those cash flows the Company considered loan level credit characteristics, current delinquency and non-performing loan rates, current levels of subordination and credit support, recent default rates and future constant default rate estimates, loan to collateral value ratios, recent collateral loss severities and future collateral loss severity estimates, recent prepayment rates and future prepayment rate assumptions, and other estimates of future collateral performance.
Despite still-elevated levels of delinquencies, defaults and losses in the underlying residential mortgage loan collateral, given credit enhancements resulting from the structures of the individual securities combined with OTTI write-downs recorded in prior periods, the Company currently expects that as of December 31, 2015, it will recover the amortized cost basis of its private-label mortgage-backed securities and has therefore concluded that such securities were not other-than-temporarily impaired as of that date. Nevertheless, given future market conditions, it is possible that adverse changes in repayment performance and fair value could occur in future periods that could impact the Company’s current best estimates.
The following table displays the beginning balance of OTTI related to historical credit losses on debt securities held by the Company at the beginning of the current reporting period as well as changes in estimated credit losses recognized in pre-tax earnings for the three years ended December 31, 2015.
Estimated credit losses as of prior year-end,
$3,413
$3,923
$4,365
Additions for credit losses for securities on which
OTTI has been previously recognized
---
---
Reductions for securities paid off during the period
Estimated credit losses as of December 31,
$3,180
$3,413
$3,923
Upon initial impairment of a security, total OTTI losses represent the excess of the amortized cost over the fair value. For subsequent impairments of the same security, total OTTI losses represent additional credit losses and or declines in fair value subsequent to the previously recorded OTTI losses, if applicable. Unrealized OTTI losses recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (“OCI”)
represent the non-credit component of OTTI losses on debt securities. Net impairment losses recognized in earnings represent the credit component of OTTI losses on debt securities.
As of December 31, 2015, the Company held eleven private label MBS (debt securities) with a total amortized cost (i.e. carrying value) of $1,236 for which OTTI losses have previously been recognized in pre-tax earnings dating back to the fourth quarter of 2008. For all of these securities, the Company previously recognized credit losses in excess of the unrealized losses in accumulated OCI, which contributed $462 to the net unrealized gain of $462, net of tax, as included in accumulated OCI as of December 31, 2015, compared with net unrealized gains of $478, net of tax, at December 31, 2014.
As of December 31, 2015, based on a review of the remaining securities in the securities portfolio, the Company concluded that it expects to recover its amortized cost basis for such securities. This conclusion was based on the issuers’ continued satisfaction of the securities obligations in accordance with their contractual terms and the expectation that they will continue to do so through the maturity of the security, the expectation that the Company will receive the entire amount of future contractual cash flows, as well as the evaluation of the fundamentals of the issuers’ financial condition and other objective evidence. Accordingly, the Company concluded that the declines in the values of those securities were temporary and that any additional other-than-temporary impairment charges were not appropriate at December 31, 2015. As of that date, the Company did not intend to sell nor anticipated that it would more-likely-than-not that it would be required to sell any of its impaired securities, that is, where fair value is less than the cost basis of the security.
The following tables summarize the fair value of securities with continuous unrealized losses for less than 12 months and those that have been in a continuous unrealized loss position for 12 months or longer as of December 31, 2015 and 2014. All securities referenced are debt securities. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company did not hold any common stock or other equity securities in its securities portfolio.
For securities with unrealized losses, the following information was considered in determining that the impairments were not other-than-temporary:
·
Mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. Government-sponsored enterprises: As of December 31, 2015, the total unrealized losses on these securities amounted to $2,155, compared with unrealized losses of $1,537 at December 31, 2014. The increase in unrealized losses was generally attributed to a lower interest rate environment at December 31, 2014 compared with December 31, 2015. All of these securities were credit rated “AA+” by the major credit rating agencies. Company management believes these securities have minimal credit risk, as these enterprises play a vital role in the nation’s financial markets. Management’s analysis indicates that the unrealized losses at December 31, 2015, were attributed to changes in current market yields and pricing spreads for similar securities since the date the underlying securities were purchased, and does not consider these securities to be other-than-temporarily impaired at December 31, 2015.
·
Mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. Government agencies: As of December 31, 2015, the total unrealized losses on these securities amounted to $547, compared with unrealized losses of $529 at December 31, 2014. The increase in unrealized losses was generally attributed to a lower interest rate environment at December 31, 2014 compared with December 31, 2015. All of these securities were credit rated “AA+” by the major credit rating agencies. Management’s analysis indicates that these securities bear little or no credit risk because they are backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. The Company attributes the unrealized losses at December 31, 2015, to changes in current market yields and pricing spreads for similar securities since the date the underlying securities were purchased, and does not consider these securities to be other-than-temporarily impaired at December 31, 2015.
·
Private-label mortgage-backed securities: As of December 31, 2015, the total unrealized losses on the Bank’s private-label mortgage-backed securities amounted to $11, compared with unrealized losses of $14 at December 31, 2014. The Company attributes the unrealized losses at December 31, 2015, to the current illiquid market for non-agency mortgage-backed securities, risk-related market pricing discounts for non-agency mortgage-backed securities and credit rating downgrades on certain private-label MBS owned by the Company. Based upon the foregoing considerations, and the expectation that the Company will receive all of the future contractual cash flows related to the amortized cost on these securities, the Company does not consider there to be any additional other-than-temporary impairment with respect to these securities at December 31, 2015.
·
Obligations of states of the U.S. and political subdivisions thereof: As of December 31, 2015, the total unrealized losses on the Bank’s municipal securities amounted to $328, compared with $252 at December 31, 2014. The increase in unrealized losses was generally attributed to a higher interest rate environment at December 31, 2015, compared with December 31, 2014. The Bank’s municipal securities primarily consist of general obligation bonds and to a lesser extent, revenue bonds. General obligation bonds carry less risk, as they are supported by the full faith, credit and taxing authority of the issuing government and in the cases of school districts, are additionally supported by state aid. Revenue bonds are generally backed by municipal revenue streams generated through user fees or lease payments associated with specific municipal projects that have been financed.
Municipal bonds are frequently supported with insurance, which guarantees that in the event the issuer experiences financial problems, the insurer will step in and assume payment of both principal and interest. Historically, insurance support has strengthened an issuer’s underlying credit rating to AAA or AA status. Starting in 2008 and continuing through 2015, many of the insurance companies providing municipal bond insurance experienced financial difficulties and, accordingly, were downgraded by at least one of the major credit rating agencies. Consequently,
since 2008 a portion of the Bank’s municipal bond portfolio was downgraded by at least one of the major credit rating agencies. Notwithstanding the credit rating downgrades, at December 31, 2015, the Bank’s municipal bond portfolio did not contain any below investment grade securities as reported by major credit rating agencies. In addition, at December 31, 2015, all municipal bond issuers were current on contractually obligated interest and principal payments.
The Company attributes the unrealized losses at December 31, 2015, to changes in credit ratings on certain securities and resulting changes in prevailing market yields and pricing spreads since the date the underlying securities were purchased. The Company also attributes the unrealized losses to ongoing media attention and market concerns about municipal budget deficits and the prolonged recovery from the national economic recession and the impact they might have on the future financial stability of municipalities throughout the country. Notwithstanding the foregoing considerations, the Company does not consider these municipal securities to be other-than-temporarily impaired at December 31, 2015.
At December 31, 2015, the Company had no intent to sell nor believed it is more-likely-than-not that it would be required to sell any of its impaired securities as identified and discussed immediately above, and therefore did not consider these securities to be other-than-temporarily impaired as of that date.
Maturity Distribution: The following table summarizes the maturity distribution of the amortized cost and estimated fair value of securities available for sale as of December 31, 2015.
Securities Available for Sale
Amortized
Cost
Estimated
Fair Value
Due one year or less
$ 28
$ 28
Due after one year through five years
4,623
4,668
Due after five years through ten years
15,326
15,970
Due after ten years
476,202
484,303
Total
$496,179
$504,969
Actual maturities may differ from the final contractual maturities depicted above because of securities call or prepayment provisions with or without call or prepayment penalties. The contractual maturity of mortgage-backed securities is not a reliable indicator of their expected life because borrowers have the right to prepay their obligations at any time. Monthly pay downs on mortgage-backed securities cause the average lives of the securities to be much different than their stated lives. Mortgage-backed securities are allocated among the maturity groupings based on their final maturity dates.
Realized Securities Gains and Losses: The following table summarizes realized gains and losses and other than temporary impairment losses on securities available for sale for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013.
Proceeds
from Sale of
Securities
Available
for Sale
Realized
Gains
Realized
Losses
Other
Than
Temporary
Impairment
Losses
Net
$22,753
$1,334
$ ---
$ ---
$1,334
$37,278
$ 809
$406
$ ---
$ 403
$17,234
$ 684
$ 8
$249
$ 427
Visa Class B Common Shares: The Bank was a member of the Visa USA payment network and was issued Class B shares in connection with the Visa Reorganization and the Visa Inc. initial public offering in March 2008. The Visa Class B shares are transferable only under limited circumstances until they can be converted into shares of the publicly traded class of Visa stock. This conversion cannot happen until the settlement of certain litigation, which is indemnified by Visa members. Since its initial public offering, Visa has funded a litigation reserve based upon a change in the conversion ratio of Visa Class B shares into Visa Class A shares. At its discretion, Visa may continue to increase the conversion rate in connection with any settlements in excess of amounts then in escrow for that purpose and reduce the conversion rate to the extent that it adds any funds to the escrow in the future. Based on the existing transfer restriction and the uncertainty of the litigation, the Company has recorded its Visa Class B shares on its statements of condition at zero value for all reporting periods since 2008.
At December 31, 2015, the Bank owned 11,623 of Visa Class B shares with a then current conversion ratio to Visa Class A shares of 1.648 (or 19,158 Visa Class A shares). Upon termination of the existing transfer restriction and settlement of the litigation, and to the extent that the Bank continues to own such Visa Class B shares in the future, the Company expects to record its Visa Class B shares at fair value.
Note 4: Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses
The Company’s lending activities are principally conducted in downeast, midcoast and central Maine. The following table summarizes the composition of the loan portfolio as of December 31, 2015 and 2014:
LOAN PORTFOLIO SUMMARY
Commercial real estate mortgages
$371,002
$325,949
Commercial and industrial
79,911
73,893
Commercial construction and land development
24,926
25,421
Agricultural and other loans to farmers
31,003
30,471
Total commercial loans
506,842
455,734
Residential real estate mortgages
406,652
382,678
Home equity loans
51,530
51,795
Other consumer loans
9,698
12,140
Total consumer loans
467,880
446,613
Tax exempt loans
15,244
16,693
Net deferred loan costs and fees
(16)
Total loans
990,070
919,024
Allowance for loan losses
(9,439)
(8,969)
Total loans net of allowance for loan losses
$980,631
$910,055
Included in the table above are purchased loans, consisting of residential real estate mortgages, of $137,907 and $114,607, at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
Loan Origination/Risk Management: The Bank has certain lending policies and procedures in place that are designed to maximize loan income within an acceptable level of risk. The Bank’s board of directors reviews and approves these policies and procedures on a regular basis. A reporting system supplements the review process by providing management and the board with frequent reports related to loan production, loan quality, concentrations of credit, loan delinquencies and non-performing loans and potential problem loans. The Bank seeks to diversify the loan portfolio as a means of managing risk associated with fluctuations in economic conditions.
Commercial Real Estate Mortgages: The Bank’s commercial real estate mortgage loans are collateralized by liens on real estate, typically have variable interest rates and amortize over a 15 to 20 year period. These loans are underwritten primarily as cash flow loans and secondarily as loans secured by real estate. Payments on loans secured by such properties are largely dependent on the successful operation of the property securing the loan or the business conducted on the property securing the loan. Accordingly, repayment of these loans may be subject to adverse economic conditions to a greater extent than other types of loans. The Bank seeks to minimize these risks in a variety of ways, including giving careful consideration to the property’s operating history, future operating projections, current and projected occupancy, location and physical condition in connection with underwriting these loans. The underwriting analysis also includes credit verification, analysis of global cash flows, appraisals and a review of the financial condition of the borrower. Reflecting the Bank’s business region, at December 31, 2015, approximately 25.7% of the commercial real estate mortgage portfolio was represented by loans to the lodging industry. The Bank underwrites lodging industry loans as operating businesses, lending primarily to seasonal establishments with stabilized cash flows.
Commercial and Industrial Loans: Commercial and industrial loans are underwritten after evaluating and understanding the borrower’s ability to operate profitably, and prudently expand its business. Commercial and industrial loans are primarily made in the Bank’s market areas and are underwritten on the basis of the borrower’s ability to service the debt from income. These loans typically have variable interest rates and amortize over a period of less than 10 years. As a general practice, the Bank takes as collateral a lien on available real estate, equipment or other assets owned by the borrower and obtains a personal guaranty of the borrower(s) or principal(s). Working capital loans are primarily collateralized by short-term assets whereas term loans are primarily collateralized by long-term assets. The risk in commercial and industrial loans is principally due to the type of collateral securing these loans. The increased risk also derives from the expectation that commercial and industrial loans generally will be serviced principally from the operations of the business, and, if not successful, these loans are primarily secured by tangible, non-real estate collateral.
Construction and Land Development Loans: The Bank makes loans to finance the construction of residential and non-residential properties. Construction loans generally are collateralized by first liens on real estate with terms of six to twenty-four months. The Bank conducts periodic inspections, either directly or through an agent, prior to approval of periodic draws on these loans. Underwriting guidelines similar to those described immediately above are also used in the Bank’s construction lending activities. Construction loans involve additional risks attributable to the fact that loan funds are advanced against a project under construction and the project is of uncertain value prior to its completion. Because of uncertainties inherent in estimating construction costs, the market value of the completed project and the effects of governmental regulation on real property, it can be difficult to accurately evaluate the total funds required to complete a project and the related loan to value ratio. As a result of these uncertainties, construction lending often involves the disbursement of substantial funds with repayment dependent, in part, on the success of the ultimate project rather than the ability of a borrower or guarantor to repay the loan. In many cases the success of the project can also depend upon the financial support/strength of the sponsorship. If the Bank is forced to foreclose on a project prior to completion, there is no assurance that the Bank will be able to recover the entire unpaid portion of the loan. In addition, the Bank may be required to fund additional amounts to complete a project and may have to hold the property for an indeterminate period of time. While the Bank has underwriting procedures designed to identify what it believes to be acceptable levels of risks in construction lending, no assurance can be given that these procedures will prevent losses from the risks described above.
Residential Real Estate Mortgage Loans: The Bank originates and purchases first-lien, adjustable-rate and fixed-rate, one-to-four-family residential real estate loans for the construction, purchase or refinancing of residential property. These loans are principally collateralized by owner-occupied properties, and to a lesser extent second homes and vacation properties, and are amortized over 10 to 30 years. From time-to-
time the Bank will sell longer-term, low rate, residential mortgage loans to the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“FHLMC”) with servicing rights retained. This practice allows the Bank to better manage interest rate risk and liquidity risk. In an effort to manage risk of loss and strengthen secondary market liquidity opportunities, management typically uses secondary market underwriting, appraisal, and servicing guidelines for all loans, including those held in its portfolio. Loans on one-to-four-family residential real estate are mostly originated in amounts of no more than 80% of appraised value or have private mortgage insurance. Mortgage title insurance and hazard insurance is required.
Home Equity Loans: The Bank originates home equity lines of credit and second mortgage loans (loans which are secured by a junior lien position on one-to-four-family residential real estate). Home equity loans are mostly originated in amounts of no more than 85% of the combined loan-to-value ratio (first and second liens), or have private mortgage insurance. These loans carry a higher risk than first mortgage residential loans as they are in a second position relating to collateral. Risk is reduced through underwriting criteria, which include credit verification, appraisals and evaluations, a review of the borrower's financial condition, and personal cash flows. A security interest, with title insurance when necessary, is taken in the underlying real estate.
Troubled Debt Restructures: A Troubled Debt Restructure (“TDR”) results from a modification to a loan to a borrower who is experiencing financial difficulty in which the Bank grants a concession to the debtor that it would not otherwise consider but for the debtor’s financial difficulties. Financial difficulty arises when a debtor is bankrupt or contractually past due, or is likely to become so, based upon its ability to pay. A concession represents an accommodation not generally available to other customers, which may include a below-market interest rate, deferment of principal payments, extension of maturity dates, etc. Such accommodations extended to customers who are not experiencing financial difficulty do not result in TDR classification.
As of December 31, 2015, the Bank had eight real estate secured loans, four commercial and industrial loans, two agricultural loan, and one other consumer loan, outstanding to 17 relationships totaling $3,162 that were classified as TDRs. At December 31, 2015, six of these TDRs totaling $826 were classified as non-accrual, and none were past due 30 days or more and still accruing.
As of December 31, 2014, the Bank had six real estate secured loans, six commercial and industrial loans, one agricultural loan, and one other consumer loan, to nine relationships totaling $1,449 that were classified as TDRs. At December 31, 2014, seven of these TDRs totaling $357 were classified as non-accrual, and none were past due 30 days or more and still accruing.
Troubled debt restructurings and related delinquency trends in general are considered in management’s evaluation of the allowance for loan losses and the related determination of the provision for loan losses.
Summary information pertaining to the TDRs granted during the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 follows:
The following table shows the Company’s post-modification balance of TDRs listed by type of modification for the twelve months ended December 31, 2015 and 2014:
Extended maturity and adjusted interest rate
$ 132
$ 97
Adjusted payment
---
Adjusted payment and capitalized interest
---
Extended maturity, adjusted interest rate, and adjusted payment
---
Extended amortization and adjusted interest rate
---
Total
$1,800
$127
During the twelve months ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, there were no defaults on loans that had been modified as TDRs within the previous twelve months. A default for purposes of this disclosure is a TDR in which the borrower is 90 days or more past due or results in foreclosure and repossession of the applicable collateral.
Past Due Loans: Loans are considered past due if the required principal and interest payments have not been received as of the date such payments were due. The following tables set forth information regarding past due loans at December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014. Amounts shown exclude deferred loan origination fees and costs.
December 31, 2015
30-59
Days Past
Due
60-89
Days Past
Due
90 Days
or
Greater
Total Past Due
Current
Total
Loans
Non-
Accrual
>90 Days Past Due and Accruing
Commercial real
estate mortgages
$ 99
$287
$ 241
$ 627
$370,375
$371,002
$ 1,279
$---
Commercial and industrial
79,630
79,911
---
Commercial construction
and land development
---
---
1,111
1,111
23,815
24,926
1,111
---
Agricultural and other
loans to farmers
30,918
31,003
Residential real
estate mortgages
1,313
1,299
3,064
403,588
406,652
3,452
Home equity
---
1,042
50,488
51,530
---
Other consumer loans
---
---
9,632
9,698
---
Tax exempt
---
---
---
15,244
15,244
---
---
Total
$1,744
$810
$3,722
$6,276
$983,690
$989,966
$ 6,980
$28
December 31, 2014
30-59 Days Past Due
60-89 Days Past Due
90 Days or Greater
Total Past Due
Current
Total Loans
Non-
Accrual
>90 Days Past Due and Accruing
Commercial real
estate mortgages
$ 189
$234
$1,843
$2,266
$323,683
$325,949
$ 3,156
$ ---
Commercial and industrial
1,043
72,850
73,893
---
Commercial construction
and land development
---
---
1,328
1,328
24,093
25,421
1,328
---
Agricultural and other
loans to farmers
---
30,380
30,471
---
Residential real
estate mortgages
1,980
1,681
4,208
378,470
382,678
6,051
---
Home equity
51,042
51,795
1,029
---
Other consumer loans
11,897
12,140
---
Tax exempt
---
---
---
---
16,693
16,693
---
---
Total
$3,230
$871
$5,831
$9,932
$909,108
$919,040
$12,288
$ ---
Impaired Loans: Impaired loans are all commercial loans for which the Company believes it is probable that it will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement, as well as all loans modified into a troubled debt restructure, if any. Allowances for losses on impaired loans are determined by the lower of the present value of the expected cash flows related to the loan, using the original contractual interest rate, and its recorded value, or in the case of collateral dependent loans, the lower of the fair value of the collateral, less estimated costs to dispose, and the recorded amount of the loans. When foreclosure is probable, impairment is measured based on the fair value of the collateral less estimated costs to sell.
Details of impaired loans as of December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 follows:
Details of impaired loans as of December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013 follows:
Credit Quality Indicators/Classified Loans: In monitoring the credit quality of the portfolio, management applies a credit quality indicator to all categories of commercial loans. These credit quality indicators range from one through nine, with a higher number correlating to increasing risk of loss. These ratings are used as inputs to the calculation of the allowance for loan losses.
Consistent with regulatory guidelines, the Bank provides for the classification of loans which are considered to be of lesser quality as substandard, doubtful, or loss (7, 8 and 9, respectively). The Bank considers a loan substandard if it is inadequately protected by the current net worth and paying capacity of the borrower or of the collateral pledged, if any. Substandard loans have a well-defined weakness that jeopardizes liquidation of the debt. Substandard loans include those loans where there is the distinct possibility of some loss of principal, if the deficiencies are not corrected.
Loans that the Bank classifies as doubtful have all of the weaknesses inherent in those loans that are classified as substandard but also have the added characteristic that the weaknesses present make collection or liquidation in full, on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions, and values, highly questionable and improbable. The possibility of loss is high but because of certain important and reasonably specific pending factors which may work to the advantage and strengthening of the loan, its classification as loss is deferred until its more exact status is determined. Pending factors include proposed merger, acquisition, or liquidation procedures, capital injection, perfecting liens on additional collateral and refinancing plans. The entire amount of the loan might not be classified as doubtful when collection of a specific portion appears highly probable. Loans are generally not classified doubtful for an extended period of time (i.e., over a year).
Loans that the Bank classifies as losses are those considered uncollectible and of such little value that their continuance as an asset is not warranted and the uncollectible amounts are charged-off. This classification does not mean that the asset has absolutely no recovery or salvage value, but rather it is not practical or desirable to defer writing off this worthless asset even though partial recovery may be affected in the future. Losses are taken in the period in which they are determined to be uncollectible.
Loans that do not expose the Bank to risk sufficient to warrant classification in one of the aforementioned categories, but which possess some weaknesses, are designated “as other assets especially mentioned” special mention. A special mention loan has potential weaknesses that deserve management’s close attention. If left uncorrected, these potential weaknesses may result in deterioration of the repayment prospects for the asset or in the institution’s credit position at some future date. This might include loans which the lending officer may be unable to supervise properly because of: (i) lack of expertise, inadequate loan agreement; (ii) the poor condition of or lack of control over collateral; (iii) failure to obtain proper documentation or any other deviations from prudent lending practices. Economic or market conditions which may, in the future, affect the obligor may warrant special mention of the asset. Loans for which an adverse trend in the borrower's operations or an imbalanced position in the balance sheet which has not reached a point where the liquidation is jeopardized may be included in this classification. Special mention loans are not adversely classified and do not expose an institution to sufficient risks to warrant classification.
The following tables summarize the commercial loan portfolio as of December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, by credit quality indicator. Credit quality indicators are reassessed for each applicable commercial loan at least annually, or upon receipt and analysis of the borrower’s financial statements, when applicable. Consumer loans, which principally consist of residential mortgage loans, are not rated, but are evaluated for credit quality after origination based on delinquency status (see past due loan aging table above).
December 31, 2015
Commercial real estate mortgages
Commercial and industrial
Commercial construction and land development
Agricultural and other loans to farmers
Total
Pass
$345,197
$74,771
$23,460
$30,688
$474,116
Other Assets
Especially Mentioned
7,381
2,349
10,253
Substandard
18,424
2,790
1,111
22,472
Doubtful
---
---
---
---
---
Loss
---
---
---
Total
$371,002
$79,911
$24,926
$31,003
$506,842
December 31, 2014
Commercial real estate mortgages
Commercial and industrial
Commercial construction and land development
Agricultural and other loans to farmers
Total
Pass
$302,376
$62,226
$23,290
$30,047
$417,939
Other Assets
Especially Mentioned
11,501
7,349
---
19,043
Substandard
12,072
4,318
2,131
18,752
Doubtful
---
---
---
---
---
Loss
---
---
---
---
---
Total
$325,949
$73,893
$25,421
$30,471
$455,734
Allowance for Loan Losses: The allowance for loan losses (the “allowance”) is a reserve established through a provision for loan losses (the “provision”) charged to expense, which represents management’s best estimate of probable losses that have been incurred within the existing portfolio of loans. The allowance, in the judgment of management, is necessary to provide for estimated loan losses and risks inherent in the loan portfolio. The Bank’s allowance for loan loss methodology includes allowance allocations calculated in accordance with ASC Topic 310, “Receivables” and allowance allocations calculated in accordance with ASC Topic 450, “Contingencies.” Accordingly, the methodology is based on historical loss experience by type of credit and internal risk grade, homogeneous risk pools and specific loss allocations, with qualitative factor adjustments for current events and conditions. The allowance calculation also includes an estimated adjustment for a Loss Emergence Period, which improves the Bank’s ability to more accurately forecast probable losses that may exist in the loan portfolio that have not yet emerged into “problem loan” status. The Bank’s process for determining the appropriate level of the allowance is designed to account for credit deterioration as it occurs. The provision reflects loan quality trends, including the levels of and trends related to non-accrual loans, past due loans, potential problem loans, criticized loans, net charge-offs or recoveries, and the overall size of the loan portfolio, among other factors. The provision also reflects the totality of actions taken on all loans for a particular period. In other words, the amount of the provision reflects not only the necessary increases in the allowance related to newly identified criticized loans, but it also reflects actions taken related to other loans including, among other things, any necessary increases or decreases in required allowances for specific loans or loan pools.
The level of the allowance also reflects management’s continuing evaluation of industry concentrations, specific credit risks, loan loss experience, current loan portfolio quality, present economic, political and regulatory conditions and unidentified losses inherent in the current loan portfolio. While management utilizes its best judgment and information available, the ultimate adequacy of the allowance is dependent upon a variety of factors beyond the Bank’s control, including, among other things, the performance of the Bank’s loan portfolio, the economy, changes in interest rates and the view of the regulatory authorities toward loan classifications.
The Bank’s allowance for loan losses consists of two principal elements: (i) specific valuation allowances determined in accordance with ASC Topic 310 based on probable losses on specific loans; (ii) general valuation allowances, determined by taking historical valuation allowances determined in accordance with ASC Topic 450 based on historical loan loss experience for similar loans with similar characteristics and trends, adjusted, as necessary, for economic conditions and other qualitative risk factors both internal and external to the Bank.
The allowances established for probable losses on specific loans are based on a regular analysis and evaluation of problem loans. Loans are classified based on an internal credit risk grading process that evaluates, among other things: (i) the obligor’s ability to repay; (ii) the underlying collateral, if any; and (iii) the economic environment and industry in which the borrower operates. This analysis is performed at the relationship level for all commercial loans. When a loan has a classification of substandard or worse and is non-accruing, or considered a Troubled Debt Restructure (regardless of accrual status or risk rating). The Bank analyzes the loan to determine whether the loan is impaired and, if impaired, the need to specifically allocate a portion of the allowance to the loan. Specific valuation allowances are determined by analyzing the borrower’s ability to repay amounts contractually owed and collateral deficiencies, among other observable considerations.
Historical valuation allowances are calculated based on the historical loss experience of specific types of loans and the internal risk grade of such loans at the time they were charged-off, and is the first step to determining the general allowance component of the reserve. The Bank calculates historical loss ratios for pools of similar loans with similar characteristics based on the proportion of actual net charge-offs experienced to the total loan balance in the pool. The historical loss ratios are updated quarterly based on this net charge-off experience. A historical valuation allowance is established for each pool of similar loans based upon the product of the historical loss rate and the total dollar amount of the loans in the pool, net of any loans for which reserves are already established. The Bank’s pools of similar loans include similarly risk-graded groups of commercial real estate loans, commercial and industrial loans, commercial construction and development loans, municipal loans, residential mortgage loans, consumer revolving loans, and consumer installment loans.
The general valuation allowances are determined by making adjustments to the historical valuation allowances (above), where adjustments are based on general economic conditions and other qualitative risk factors both internal and external to the Bank. Such qualitative factor adjustments are determined by evaluating, among other things: (i) changes in lending policies and procedures; (ii) economic and business conditions; (iii) changes in the volume and nature of the loan portfolio; (iv) experience, ability and depth of lending management and staff; (v) changes in asset quality and problem loan trends; (vi) quality of internal controls and effectiveness of loan review; (vii) concentrations of credit; (viii) external factors, including changes in competition, legal, and regulatory matters; and (ix) real estate market conditions and valuations of collateral. Management evaluates the degree of risk that each one of these components has on the quality of the loan portfolio on a quarterly basis. The results are then used to determine an appropriate general valuation allowance.
Once established, the general valuation allowance is then modified by the Loss Emergence Period established for each pool of homogeneous loans.
Loans identified as losses by management, external loan review and/or bank examiners, are charged-off. Furthermore, consumer loan accounts are charged-off based on regulatory requirements.
In 2014, the Company enhanced and refined its Allowance framework and methodology to provide for a more accurate and precise quantification of probable losses that have already occurred in the total loan portfolio. Among other refinements, under the enhanced methodology, historical loss rates for the ASC 450 loan analysis were updated and modified to more precisely determine the specific loss rates for both the substandard loan balances and non-substandard loan balances. In prior periods, the same rate was used for both pools. Under the enhanced methodology, a twelve-quarter look back period was used for each pool, and the Company examined losses on the substandard portfolio and non-substandard portfolio for the last three years for each loan segment. The annualized twelve-quarter average of charge-offs for each loan segment (using equal weighting for all quarters considered) was applied to the original portfolio balances to determine an annualized loss rate.
All qualitative factors were examined and updated in 2014 and again in 2015 as reflected in the December 31, 2015 and 2014 allowances, with specific basis point ranges formulated from an analysis of actual charge-offs dating back to 2007. The enhanced ranges are anchored by, on the low end, lowest quarterly (annualized) loss experience; at the mean, by average quarterly (annualized) loss experience; and, on the upper bound, by considering stress events such as the 2008 financial crisis in the data along with the Company’s worst quarterly (annualized) loss experience. The factor ranges are effectively allocated between the nine (9) qualitative factors as discussed above.
The Company’s December 31, 2015 and 2014 Allowance calculations included the use of more definitive and distinct Loss Emergence Periods (LEPs) for each loan segment, allowing the Company to more accurately forecast probable losses that have already occurred in the loan portfolio, which may not have emerged into “problem loan” status.
The updates and refinements to the Allowance methodology did not have a significant impact on the total Allowance for Loan Losses, but as depicted in the tables below, did result in some realignment of Allowance allocations. Notably, the Residential Mortgage allocation increased in 2014, which was primarily the result of higher NPLs and calculated loss rates, higher qualitative factor adjustments, and a higher LEP. As this category has incurred the most amount of dollars charged-off each of the past three years and has been a significant contributor to the Company’s non-performing loans, the Company believes the resulting December 31, 2015 and 2014 Allowance allocations for this portfolio segment are reasonable and appropriate.
As of December 31, 2015, Management believes that the overall model methodology and Allowance calculation provides a reasonable and supportable basis for determining and reporting on probable losses that have already occurred in the Company’s loan portfolio.
The following tables detail activity in the allowance for loan losses by portfolio segment for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013. The tables also provide details regarding the Company’s recorded investment in loans related to each balance in the allowance for loan losses by portfolio segment and disaggregated on the basis of the Company’s impairment methodology. Allocation of a portion of the Allowance to one category of loans does not preclude its availability to absorb losses in other categories.
Twelve Months
Ended
December 31, 2015
Commercial
Real Estate
Commercial
and
Industrial
Commercial Construction
and Land
Development
Agricultural
Residential
Real Estate
Consumer
Home
Equity
Tax
Exempt
Total
Beginning Balance
$ 4,468
$ 929
$ 145
$ 277
$ 2,714
$ 94
$ 271
$ 71
$ 8,969
Charged Off
(667)
(323)
---
(72)
(70)
(111)
(376)
---
(1,619)
Recoveries
---
---
Provision
(26)
(24)
1,785
Ending Balance
$ 4,246
$ 1,236
$ 184
$ 307
$ 2,747
$ 111
$ 561
$ 47
$ 9,439
of which:
Amount for loans
individually
evaluated
for impairment
$ 43
$ 175
$ 58
$ ---
$ 97
$ ---
$ ---
$ ---
$ 373
Amount for loans
collectively
evaluated
for impairment
$ 4,203
$ 1,061
$ 126
$ 307
$ 2,650
$ 111
$ 561
$ 47
$ 9,066
Loans
individually
evaluated
for impairment
$ 2,223
$ 426
$ 1,111
$ 106
$ 1,847
$ 8
$ 18
$ ---
$ 5,739
Loans
Collectively
evaluated
for impairment
$368,779
$ 79,485
$23,815
$30,897
$ 404,805
$ 9,690
$51,512
$15,244
$984,227
Twelve Months Ended
December 31, 2014
Commercial
Real Estate
Commercial
and
Industrial
Commercial Construction
and Land
Development
Agricultural
Residential
Real Estate
Consumer
Home
Equity
Tax
Exempt
Total
Beginning Balance
$ 4,825
$ 1,266
$ 314
$ 335
$ 1,166
$ 137
$ 264
$ 168
$ 8,475
Charged-off
(238)
(475)
---
(14)
(650)
(191)
(52)
---
(1,620)
Recoveries
---
---
Provision
(204)
(169)
(174)
2,186
(97)
1,833
Ending Balance
$ 4,468
$ 929
$ 145
$ 277
$ 2,714
$ 94
$ 271
$ 71
$ 8,969
of which:
Amount for loans
individually
evaluated
for impairment
$ 776
$ 187
$ ---
$ ---
$ ---
$ 1
$ ---
$ ---
$ 964
Amount for loans
collectively
evaluated
for impairment
$ 3,692
$ 742
$ 145
$ 277
$ 2,714
$ 93
$ 271
$ 71
$ 8,005
Loans individually
evaluated for
impairment
$ 3,592
$ 634
$ 1,328
$ 181
$ 389
$ 10
$ ---
$ ---
$ 6,134
Loans collectively
evaluated for
impairment
$322,357
$73,259
$24,093
$30,290
$382,289
$12,130
$51,795
$16,693
$912,906
Twelve Months Ended
December 31, 2013
Commercial Real
Estate
Commercial
and Industrial
Commercial Construction
and Land Development
Agricultural
Residential
Real Estate
Consumer
Home
Equity
Tax
Exempt
Total
Beginning Balance
$ 4,320
$ 1,026
$ 515
$ 303
$ 1,330
$ 207
$ 255
$ 141
$ 8,097
Charged Off
(214)
(405)
---
(81)
(406)
(120)
(29)
---
(1,255)
Recoveries
---
---
Provision
(201)
1,418
Ending Balance
$ 4,825
$ 1,266
$ 314
$ 335
$ 1,166
$ 137
$ 264
$ 168
$ 8,475
of which:
Amount for loans
Individually
evaluated for
impairment
$ 100
$ 150
$ 20
$ ---
$ ---
$ ---
$ ---
$ ---
$ 270
Amount for loans
Collectively
evaluated for
impairment
$ 4,725
$ 1,116
$ 294
$ 335
$ 1,166
$ 137
$ 264
$ 168
$ 8,205
Loans individually
Evaluated for
impairment
$ 2,046
$ 793
$ 1,913
$ 56
$ ---
$ ---
$ ---
$ ---
$ 4,808
Loans collectively
Evaluated for
impairment
$334,496
$73,179
$16,216
$26,873
$317,115
$14,523
$49,565
$16,355
$848,322
Loan Concentrations: Because of the Company’s proximity to Acadia National Park, a large part of the economic activity in the Bank’s area is generated from the lodging and hospitality business associated with tourism. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, loans to the lodging and hospitality industry amounted to approximately $98,231 and $112,520, respectively.
Loans to Related Parties: In the ordinary course of business, the Bank has made loans at prevailing rates and terms to directors, officers and other related parties. In management’s opinion, such loans do not present more than the normal risk of collectability or incorporate other unfavorable features, and were made under terms that are consistent with the Bank’s lending policies.
Loan to related parties at December 31 are summarized below. Balances have been adjusted to reflect changes in status of directors and officers for each year presented.
Beginning balance
$2,902
$3,334
Changes in composition
1,675
(199)
New loans
Less: repayments
(713)
(242)
Ending balance
$4,100
$2,902
As of December 31, 2015, and 2014, there were no past due or non-performing loans to related parties.
Other Real Estate Owned: At December 31, 2015, total other real estate owned amounted to $256 compared with $523 at December 31, 2014.
Real Estate Loans Under Foreclosure: At December 31, 2015, the bank had consumer mortgage loans secured by residential real estate properties for which formal foreclosure proceedings were in process according to local requirements of the applicable jurisdictions totaling $4,575 compared with $2,588 at December 31, 2014.
Note 5: OREO
The Company's OREO activity for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 are presented below:
Balance at beginning of year
$ 523
$ 1,625
Additions
Disposals
(672)
(1,129)
Writedowns
(20)
(293)
Balance at end of year
$ 256
$ 523
The Company's OREO portfolio by property type is presented in the table below as of December 31, 2015 and 2014:
The Company's net gains and losses on OREO properties are presented within non-interest expense on the consolidated statements of income.
The Company recorded net gains and losses on OREO properties for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 as follows:
Net gains (losses) on OREO
$(104)
$77
$(285)
Note 6: Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
The following table summarizes the reclassifications out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013.
Note 7: Premises and Equipment
The detail of premises and equipment as of December 31 follows:
Estimated useful lives (in years)
Land
$ 2,474
$ 2,474
N/A
Buildings and leasehold improvements
25,034
23,915
5-39
Furniture and equipment
8,085
7,535
3-7
Less: accumulated depreciation
(14,919)
(13,406)
Total
$ 20,674
$ 20,518
Depreciation expense amounted to $1,710, $1,629 and $1,504 in 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively.
Note 8: Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
Goodwill totaled $4,935 at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. At December 31, 2015, the Company concluded that it is not more-likely-than-not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value, and goodwill is not considered impaired.
Core Deposit Intangible Asset: The Company has a finite-lived intangible asset capitalized on its consolidated balance sheet in the form of a core deposit intangible asset related to the Border Trust Company transaction. The core deposit intangible is being amortized over an estimated useful life of eight and one-half years and is included in other assets on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. At December 31, 2015, the balance of the core deposit intangible asset amounted to $470.
December 31,
December 31,
Core deposit intangibles:
Gross carrying amount
$783
$783
Less: accumulated amortization
Net carrying amount
$470
$562
Amortization expense on the finite-lived intangible assets is expected to total $92.4 for each year from 2016 through 2020, then $8 for 2021.
Note 9: Income Taxes
The following table summarizes the current and deferred components of income tax expense (benefit) for each of the three years ended December 31:
Current
Federal
$5,607
$5,411
$5,060
State
5,825
5,674
5,302
Deferred
(111)
$5,967
$5,914
$5,191
The following table reconciles the expected federal income tax expense (computed by applying the federal statutory tax rate of 35%) to recorded income tax expense, for each of the three years ended December 31:
Computed tax expense
$7,392
$7,184
$6,431
Increase (reduction) in income
taxes resulting from:
Officers' life insurance
(209)
(88)
(82)
Tax exempt interest
(1,303)
(1,325)
(1,199)
State taxes, net of federal benefit
Other
(55)
(28)
(115)
$5,967
$5,914
$5,191
The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities at December 31, 2015 and 2014 are summarized below. The net deferred tax asset, which is included in other assets, amounted to $2,174 at December 31, 2015 and $666 at December 31, 2014.
The Company has determined that a valuation allowance is not required for its net deferred tax asset since it is more likely than not that this asset is realizable principally through the ability to carry-back to taxable income in prior years, future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, and future taxable income.
Note 10: Deposits
The aggregate amount of jumbo time deposits, each with a minimum denomination of $100, was $93,481 and $95,839 at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
At December 31, 2015, the scheduled maturities of jumbo certificates of deposit were as follows:
Three months or less
$14,377
Over three to six months
7,408
Over six to twelve months
26,180
Over twelve months
45,516
$93,481
At December 31, 2015, the scheduled maturities of total time deposits were as follows:
$134,481
61,211
59,812
74,098
57,304
2021 & thereafter
9,823
$396,729
Note 11: Short-term Borrowings
The Company’s short-term borrowings (i.e. with maturities of twelve months or less) consist of borrowings from the Federal Home Loan Bank (the “FHLB”), and securities sold under agreements to repurchase. The following table summarizes short-term borrowings at December 31, 2015 and 2014.
Federal Home Loan Bank Advances: Information concerning short-term Federal Home Loan Bank advances for 2015 and 2014 is summarized below:
Average daily balance during the year
$295,479
$287,778
Maximum month-end balance during the year
$342,000
$363,900
Amount outstanding at end of year
$313,000
$293,800
All short-term FHLB advances are fixed-rate instruments. Pursuant to an agreement with the FHLB, advances are collateralized by stock in the FHLB, investment securities and a blanket lien on qualified collateral, consisting primarily of loans with first mortgages secured by one to four family properties, and other qualifying assets such as certain commercial real estate loans. All short-term advances are payable at their call date or final maturity.
Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase: Securities sold under agreements to repurchase generally mature within one to four days from the transaction date. Information concerning securities sold under agreements to repurchase for 2015 and 2014 is summarized below:
Average daily balance during the year
$17,001
$16,851
Average interest rate during the year
0.28%
0.27%
Maximum month-end balance during the year
$21,239
$21,021
Amount outstanding at end of year
$20,909
$19,720
Securities collateralizing repurchase agreements, which are held in safekeeping by nonaffiliated financial institutions and not under the Bank's control, were as follows at December 31:
Carrying value
$28,324
$38,552
Estimated fair value
$28,981
$39,669
Note 12: Long-term Debt
A summary of long-term debt by contractual maturity is as follows:
All of the long-term debt represents advances from the FHLB. Pursuant to an agreement with the FHLB, advances are collateralized by stock in the FHLB, investment securities and a blanket lien on qualified collateral, consisting primarily of loans with first mortgages secured by one to four family properties, and other qualifying assets such as qualifying commercial real estate loans. Advances are payable at their call dates or final maturity.
The maturity distribution of the long-term debt with callable features was as follows:
December 31, 2015
December 31, 2014
At December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company had $17,000 of long-term debt that was currently callable, respectively.
Junior Subordinated Debentures: In April 2008, the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Bar Harbor Bank & Trust (the “Bank”), issued $5,000 aggregate principal amount of subordinated debentures. These debt securities qualify as Tier 2 capital for the Company and the Bank. The subordinated debt securities are due in 2023, but are callable by the Bank after five years without penalty. The rate of interest on these debt securities is three month LIBOR plus 345 basis points. The subordinated debt securities are classified as borrowings on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. The Company incurred $197 in costs to issue the securities and these costs are being amortized over 15 years using the interest method.
Note 13: Financial Derivative Instruments
As part of its overall asset and liability management strategy, the Bank periodically uses derivative instruments to minimize significant unplanned fluctuations in earnings and cash flows caused by interest rate volatility. The Bank’s interest rate risk management strategy involves modifying the re-pricing characteristics of certain assets or liabilities so that changes in interest rates do not have a significant effect on net interest income.
The Company recognizes its derivative instruments on the consolidated balance sheet at fair value. On the date the derivative instrument is entered into, the Bank designates whether the derivative is part of a hedging relationship (i.e., cash flow or fair value hedge). The Bank formally documents relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as its risk management objective and strategy for undertaking hedge transactions. The Bank also assesses, both at the hedge’s inception and on an ongoing basis, whether the derivatives used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting the changes in cash flows or fair values of hedged items.
Changes in fair value of derivative instruments that are highly effective and qualify as cash flow hedges are recorded in other comprehensive income or loss. Any ineffective portion is recorded in earnings. The Bank discontinues hedge accounting when it is determined that the derivative is no longer highly effective in offsetting changes of the hedged risk on the hedged item, or management determines that the designation of the derivative as a hedging instrument is no longer appropriate.
At December 31, 2015, the Bank had four outstanding derivative instruments with notional amounts totaling $90,000. The notional amounts of the financial derivative instruments do not represent exposure to credit loss. The Bank is exposed to credit loss only to the extent the counter-party defaults in its responsibility to pay interest under the terms of the agreements. The credit risk in derivative instruments is mitigated by entering into transactions with highly-rated counterparties that management believes to be creditworthy and by limiting the amount of exposure to each counter-party. At December 31, 2015, the Bank’s derivative counterparties were credit rated “AA” by the major credit rating agencies.
The details of the Bank’s financial derivative instruments are summarized below:
Interest Rate Cap Agreements as of December 31, 2015
Notional Amount
Expiration Date
3-month LIBOR
Strike Rate
Premium Paid
Unamortized Premium
Fair Value
$25,000
06/02/21
3.00%
$ 922
$ 920
$291
$20,000
06/04/24
3.00%
$1,470
$ 1,470
$637
$20,000
10/21/21
3.00%
$ 632
$ 632
$269
$25,000
10/21/24
3.00%
$1,542
$ 1,542
$872
Interest Rate Cap Agreements as of December 31, 2014
Notional Amount
Expiration Date
3-month LIBOR
Strike Rate
Premium Paid
Unamortized Premium
Fair Value
$25,000
06/02/21
3.00%
$ 922
$ 922
$ 631
$20,000
06/04/24
3.00%
$1,470
$ 1,470
$ 978
$20,000
10/21/21
3.00%
$ 632
$ 632
$ 543
$25,000
10/21/24
3.00%
$1,542
$ 1,542
$1,303
In 2014, interest rate cap agreements were purchased to limit the Bank’s exposure to rising interest rates on four rolling, three-month borrowings indexed to three month LIBOR. Under the terms of the agreements, the Bank paid total premiums of $4,566 for the right to receive cash flow payments if 3-month LIBOR rises above the caps of 3.00%, thus effectively ensuring interest expense on the borrowings at maximum rates of 3.00% for the duration of the agreements. The interest rate cap agreements were designated as cash flow hedges.
At December 31, 2015, the total fair value of the interest rate cap agreements was $2,069. The fair values of the interest rate cap agreements are included in other assets on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. Changes in the fair value, representing unrealized gains or losses, are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax.
The premiums paid on the interest rate cap agreements are being recognized as increases in interest expense over the duration of the agreements using the caplet method. During 2015, $2 of amortization was required. During the next twelve months, $50 of the total premiums will be recognized as increases to interest expense, increasing the interest expense related to the hedged borrowings.
A summary of the hedging related balances as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 follows:
Note 14: Capital Resources
Regulatory Capital Requirements: The Company and Bank are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the federal banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory, and possibly additional discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the Company’s financial statements. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory frameworks for prompt corrective action, the Bank must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of the Bank’s assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. The Parent Company, like all bank holding companies, is not subject to the prompt corrective action provisions. The Company’s and Bank’s capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgment by the regulators about components, risk weightings and other factors.
On July 2, 2013, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve Bank issued a final rule implementing a revised regulatory capital framework for U.S. banks in accordance with the Basel III international accord and satisfying related mandates under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. The revised regulatory capital framework (the "Basel III Capital Rules") substantially revised the risk based capital requirements applicable to bank holding companies and depository institutions by defining the components of capital and addressing other issues affecting the numerator in banking institutions’ regulatory capital ratios, addressing risk weights and other issues affecting the denominator in banking institutions’ regulatory capital ratios and replacing the existing risk weighting approach with a more risk sensitive approach. The final rules also established a “capital conservation buffer” of 2.5% above new regulatory minimum capital ratios, and when fully effective in 2019, will result in the following minimum ratios: (i) a common equity Tier 1 capital ratio of 7.0%; (ii) a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 8.5%; and (iii) a total capital ratio of 10.5%. The new capital conservation buffer requirement will be phased in beginning in January 2016 at 0.625% of risk-weighted assets and increases each year until fully implemented in January 2019. An institution is subject to limitations on paying dividends, engaging in share repurchase, and paying discretionary bonuses if its capital level falls below the buffer amount. These limitations will establish a maximum percentage of eligible retained income that can be utilized for such activities. The Basel III Capital Rules became effective for the Company on January 1, 2015.
Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require the Company and Bank to maintain minimum amounts and ratios as set forth in the table below. As of December 31, 2015, the Company and the Bank exceeded all capital adequacy requirements to which they are subject. As of December 31, 2015, the most recent notification from the federal regulators categorized the Bank as well-capitalized. The final rules also added a new risk-weighted capital measure Common Equity Tier 1
(“CET1”). The new Basel III capital adequacy guidelines require all banks and bank holding companies to maintain minimum capital ratios depicted in the table below:
Dividend Limitations: Dividends paid by the Bank are the primary source of funds available to the Company for payment of dividends to its shareholders. The Bank is subject to certain requirements imposed by federal banking laws and regulations. These requirements, among other things, establish minimum levels of capital and restrict the amount of dividends that may be distributed by the Bank to the Company. At December 31, 2015, the Bank had $68,514 available for dividends that could be paid without prior regulatory approval.
Stock Repurchase Plan: In August 2008, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a program to repurchase up to 450,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, or approximately 10.2% of the shares then currently outstanding. The stock repurchase program became effective as of August 21, 2008, and was authorized to continue for a period of up to twenty-four consecutive months. In August of 2010, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the continuance of this program through August 17, 2012. In August of 2012, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the continuance of this program through August 17, 2014. In July of 2014, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the continuance of this program through August 17, 2016. Depending on market conditions and other factors, these purchases may be commenced or suspended at any time, or from time to time, without prior notice and may be made in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions.
As of December 31, 2015, the Company had repurchased 158,413 shares of stock under this plan, at a total cost of $2,968 and an average price of $18.74 per share. During 2015, the Company repurchased 656 shares under the plan. The Company records repurchased shares as treasury stock.
Note 15: Stock-Based Compensation Plans
On October 3, 2000, the shareholders of the Company approved the Bar Harbor Bankshares and Subsidiaries Incentive Stock Option Plan of 2000 (“ISOP”) for its officers and employees, which provided for the issuance of up to 450,000 shares of common stock. The purchase price of the stock covered by each option must be at least 100% of the trading value on the date such option was granted. Vesting terms ranged from three to seven years. According to the ISOP no option shall be granted after October 3, 2010, ten years after the effective date of the ISOP.
On May 19, 2009, the shareholders of the Company approved the adoption of the 2009 Bar Harbor Bankshares and Subsidiaries Equity Incentive Plan (the “2009 Plan”) for employees and directors of the Company and its subsidiaries. Subject to adjustment for stock splits, stock dividends, and similar events, the total number of shares of common stock that can be issued under the 2009 Plan over the 10 year period in which the plan will be in place is 262,500 shares of common stock, provided that no more than 112,500 shares of such stock can be awarded in the form of restricted stock or restricted stock units, as further described in the 2009 Plan. The 2009 Plan is to be administered by the Company’s Compensation Committee. All employees and directors of the Company and its subsidiaries are eligible to participate in the 2009 Plan, subject to the discretion of the administrator and the terms of the 2009 Plan. The maximum stock award granted to one individual may not exceed 30,000 shares of common stock (subject to adjustment for stock splits, and similar events) for any calendar year. No grants were made after May 18, 2015 for this plan.
On May 19, 2015, the shareholders of the Company approved the adoption of the 2015 Bar Harbor Bankshares and Subsidiaries Equity Incentive Plan (the “2015 Plan”) for employees and directors of the Company and its subsidiaries. Subject to adjustment for stock splits, stock dividends, and similar events, the total number of shares of common stock that can be issued under the 2015 Plan over the 10 year period in which the plan will be in place is 280,000 shares of common stock. The 2015 Plan is to be administered by the Company’s Compensation Committee. All employees and directors of the Company and its subsidiaries are eligible to participate in the 2015 Plan, subject to the discretion of the administrator and the terms of the 2015 Plan. The maximum stock award granted to one individual may not exceed 20,000 shares of common stock (subject to adjustment for stock splits, and similar events) for any calendar year. According to the 2015 Plan no shares shall be granted after May 19, 2019, ten years after the effective date of the 2015 Plan.
In April of 2013, the Board of Directors voted a Long Term Incentive Program for senior management members. The program is designed to be made up of a series of three year rolling plans utilizing the shares made available through the approved equity plans. Grants may be given in time vested restricted stock awards, time vested restricted stock units or performance vested restricted stock units, or a combination of these types of grants.
Compensation expense recognized in connection with the stock based compensation plans are presented in the following table for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013:
Stock options and restricted stock awards
$306
$296
$255
Performance stock units
Restricted stock units
Total compensation expense
$816
$530
$398
The fair value of options was estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions for stock option grants during the years ended December 31:
Risk free interest rate
1.16%
1.24%
1.55%
Expected market volatility factor
for the Company's stock
41.22%
29.38%
26.44%
Dividend yield
6.00%
6.20%
3.39%
Expected life of the options (years)
6.0
6.2
7.0
Options granted
83,513
45,000
40,500
Estimated fair value of options granted
$ 9.73
$ 5.00
$ 6.63
The expected life of the grants is based on the simplified method, which calculated the expected life based on the midpoint of the term of the award and the vesting period. The Company uses the simplified method because it does not have sufficient option exercise data to provide a reasonable basis upon which to estimate the expected term. The dividend yield is based on estimated future dividend yields. The risk-free interest rates are based on the United States Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of the grant, with maturities approximating the vesting period of the stock option grants. The expected market price volatility for the grants during 2015 was determined by using the Company’s historical stock price volatility on a daily basis during the three year period ending December 31, 2015, consistent with the vesting periods of the 2015 option grants.
Stock Option and Restricted Stock Awards Activity: A summary combined status of the stock option and restricted stock awards as of December 31, 2015, and changes during the year then ended is presented below:
Number of
Stock Options Outstanding
Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding at January 1, 2015
240,308
$22.21
Granted
83,513
$33.27
Exercised
(55,642)
$21.69
Cancelled
(38,744)
$22.37
Outstanding at December 31, 2015
229,435
$26.33
$1,860
Ending vested and expected to
vest December 31, 2015
226,219
$26.45
$1,807
Exercisable at December 31, 2015
68,104
$21.30
$ 895
Number of Restricted
Stock Awards Outstanding
Weighted Average Grant Date
Fair Value
Outstanding at January 1, 2015
---
$ ---
Awarded
2,860
$34.81
Released
(2,860)
$34.81
Forfeited
---
$ ---
Outstanding at December 31, 2015
---
$ ---
The intrinsic value of the options exercised and cash received by the Company for options exercised for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, was approximately $708 and $1,207, $390 and $626, $201 and $345, respectively.
The tax benefit received related to the exercise of options in 2015, 2014 and 2013, was $159, $43 and $19, respectively.
As of December 31, 2015, there was approximately $710 of unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock option awards, net of estimated forfeitures. This amount is expected to be recognized as expense over the next six years, with a weighted average recognition period of 1.8 years.
Performance Stock Units: During 2015, performance stock unit awards were granted to certain executive officers providing the opportunity to earn shares of common stock of the Company ranging from zero to 13,813 shares. The performance shares granted were valued at between $32.00 and $34.94 the fair market value at the date of grant, and will be earned over a three year performance period. The current assumption based on the most recent peer group information results in the shares earned at 150% of the target 9,207 shares, or 13,813 shares.
The following table summarizes performance units as of December 31, 2015 and 2014:
Number
of Shares
Weighted Average Grant Date
Fair Value
Outstanding at January 1, 2015
17,895
$25.77
Granted
9,207
32.20
Vested
---
---
Forfeited
2,753
30.00
Outstanding at December 31, 2015
24,349
$27.72
Number
of Shares
Weighted Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
Outstanding at January 1, 2014
10,444
$23.86
Granted
8,340
27.96
Vested
---
---
Forfeited
23.76
Outstanding at December 31, 2014
17,895
$25.77
Restricted Stock Units: During 2015, restricted stock units were granted to certain executive officers, directors and senior vice presidents. The restricted shares granted were valued at between $32.00 and $35.25 the fair market value at the date of grant, and will be vested over a three year period.
The following table summarizes restricted stock units as of December 31, 2015 and 2014:
Number
of Shares
Weighted Average Grant Date
Fair Value
Outstanding at January 1, 2015
13,178
$26.42
Granted
21,755
32.66
Vested
6,040
27.43
Forfeited
3,501
30.58
Outstanding at December 31, 2015
25,392
$30.95
Number
of Shares
Weighted Average Grant Date
Fair Value
Outstanding at January 1, 2014
8,386
$23.83
Granted
8,266
27.95
Vested
2,878
23.80
Forfeited
23.76
Outstanding at December 31, 2014
13,178
$26.42
As of December 31, 2015, there was $1,095 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested restricted stock units and performance stock units granted under the Plans. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.0 years.
Note 16: Retirement Benefit Plans
The Company has non-qualified supplemental executive retirement agreements with certain retired officers. The agreements provide supplemental retirement benefits payable in installments over a period of years upon retirement or death. The Company also has a supplemental executive retirement agreement with a current executive officer. This agreement provides a stream of future payments in accordance with individually defined vesting schedules upon retirement, termination, or in the event that the participating executive leaves the Company following a change of control event.
The after tax components of accumulated other comprehensive loss, which have not yet been recognized in net periodic benefit cost, related to post-retirement benefits are net actuarial losses related to supplemental retirement plans of $417 and $482, as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
A December 31 measurement date is used for the supplemental executive retirement plans. The following table sets forth changes in benefit obligation, changes in plan assets, and the funded status of the plans as of and for the years ended December 31:
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year
$ ---
$ ---
Benefits and expenses paid
(291)
(331)
Contributions
Fair value of plan assets at end of year
$ ---
$ ---
Funded status at end of year
$(3,874)
$(3,969)
As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company had recognized liabilities of $3,874 and $3,969, respectively, for the supplemental executive retirement plans. These amounts are reported within other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets.
The following table summarizes the assumptions, based on long-term bond yields, used to determine the benefit obligations and net periodic benefit costs for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013:
The discount rate was chosen based on high-quality long-term bond yields with maturity dates that match the timing and amount of the expected future benefit payments as of the measurement date.
The net periodic benefit cost for the years ended December 31 included the following components:
The estimated net actuarial loss for the supplemental executive retirement plan that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into net periodic benefit cost over the next fiscal year is $29.
The Company expects to contribute the following amounts to fund benefit payments under the supplemental executive retirement plans:
$ 291
2021 and thereafter
3,522
Total
$5,131
401(k) Plan: The Company maintains a Section 401(k) savings plan for substantially all of its employees. Employees are eligible to participate in the 401(k) Plan on the first day of any quarter following their date of hire and attainment of age 21 ½ . Under the plan, the Company makes a matching contribution of a portion of the amount contributed by each participating employee, up to a percentage of the employee’s annual salary. The plan allows for supplementary profit sharing contributions by the Company, at its discretion, for the benefit of participating employees. The total expense for this plan in 2015, 2014, and 2013 was $411, $375, and $356, respectively.
Note 17: Commitments and Contingent Liabilities
The Bank is a party to financial instruments in the normal course of business to meet financing needs of its customers. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit, unused lines of credit, and standby letters of credit.
Commitments to originate loans, including unused lines of credit, are agreements to lend to a customer provided there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. Since many of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. The Bank uses the same credit policy to make such
commitments as it uses for on-balance-sheet items, such as loans. The Bank evaluates each customer’s creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral obtained, if deemed necessary by the Bank upon extension of credit, is based on management’s credit evaluation of the borrower.
The Bank guarantees the obligations or performance of customers by issuing standby letters of credit to third parties. These standby letters of credit are primarily issued in support of third party debt or obligations. The risk involved in issuing standby letters of credit is essentially the same as the credit risk involved in extending loan facilities to customers, and they are subject to the same credit origination, portfolio maintenance and management procedures in effect to monitor other credit and off-balance sheet instruments. Exposure to credit loss in the event of non-performance by the counter-party to the financial instrument for standby letters of credit is represented by the contractual amount of those instruments. Typically, these standby letters of credit have terms of five years or less and expire unused; therefore, the total amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements.
The following table summarizes the contractual amounts of commitments and contingent liabilities as of December 31, 2015 and 2014.
December 31,
December 31,
Commitments to originate loans
$41,529
$21,147
Unused lines of credit
$97,283
$92,817
Un-advanced portions of construction loans
$12,719
$23,434
Standby letters of credit
$ 385
$ 325
As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, the fair values of the standby letters of credit were not significant to the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
Operating Lease Obligations
The Company leases certain properties used in operations under terms of operating leases, which include renewal options. The following table sets forth the approximate future lease payments over the remaining terms of the non-cancelable leases as of December 31, 2015.
$348
$239
$236
$236
$236
2021 and thereafter
$751
In connection the foregoing lease obligations, in 2015, 2014 and 2013, the Company recorded $394, $431, and $430 in rent expense, respectively, which is included in occupancy and furniture and fixtures expense in the consolidated statements of income.
Note 18: Fair Value Measurements
The Company measures fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. A fair value measurement assumes that the transaction to sell the asset or transfer the liability occurs in the principal market for the asset or liability or, in the absence of a principal market, the most advantageous market for the asset or liability. The price in the principal (or most advantageous) market used to measure the fair value of the asset or liability shall not be adjusted for transaction costs. An orderly transaction is a transaction that assumes exposure to the
market for a period prior to the measurement date to allow for marketing activities that are usual and customary for transactions involving such assets and liabilities; it is not a forced transaction. Market participants are buyers and sellers in the principal market that are (i) independent, (ii) knowledgeable, (iii) able to transact, and (iv) willing to transact.
The Company’s fair value measurements employ valuation techniques that are consistent with the market approach, the income approach and/or the cost approach. The market approach uses prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable assets and liabilities. The income approach uses valuation techniques to convert future amounts, such as cash flows or earnings, to a single present amount on a discounted basis. The cost approach is based on the amount that currently would be required to replace the service capacity of an asset (replacement cost). Valuation techniques should be consistently applied. Inputs to valuation techniques refer to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Inputs may be observable, meaning those that reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on market data obtained from independent sources, or unobservable, meaning those that reflect the reporting entity's own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances. The Company uses a fair value hierarchy for valuation inputs that gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets (Level 1 measurements) for identical assets or liabilities and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements). The fair value hierarchy is as follows:
·
Level 1 - Valuation is based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the reporting entity has the ability to access at the measurement date.
·
Level 2 - Valuation is based on quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, and model-based techniques for which all significant assumptions are observable in the market.
·
Level 3 - Valuation is principally generated from model-based techniques that use at least one significant assumption not observable in the market. These unobservable assumptions reflect estimates that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Valuation techniques include use of discounted cash flow models and similar techniques.
The level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement in its entirety falls is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.
The most significant instruments that the Company values are securities, all of which fall into Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. The securities in the available for sale portfolio are priced by independent providers. In obtaining such valuation information from third parties, the Company has evaluated their valuation methodologies used to develop the fair values in order to determine whether valuations are appropriately placed within the fair value hierarchy and whether the valuations are representative of an exit price in the Company’s principal markets. The Company’s principal markets for its securities portfolios are the secondary institutional markets, with an exit price that is predominantly reflective of bid level pricing in those markets. Additionally, the Company periodically tests the reasonableness of the prices provided by these third parties by obtaining fair values from other independent providers and by obtaining desk bids from a variety of institutional brokers.
A description of the valuation methodologies used for instruments measured at fair value, as well as the general classification of such instruments pursuant to the valuation hierarchy, is set forth below.
Securities Available for Sale: All securities and major categories of securities classified as available for sale are reported at fair value utilizing Level 2 inputs. For these securities, the Company obtains fair value measurements from independent pricing providers. The fair value measurements used by the pricing providers consider observable data that may include dealer quotes, market maker quotes and live trading
systems. If quoted prices are not readily available, fair values are determined using matrix pricing models, or other model-based valuation techniques requiring observable inputs other than quoted prices such as market pricing spreads, credit information, callable features, cash flows, the U.S. Treasury yield curve, trade execution data, market consensus prepayment speeds, default rates, and the securities’ terms and conditions, among other things.
The foregoing valuation methodologies may produce fair value calculations that may not be fully indicative of net realizable value or reflective of future fair values. While Company management believes these valuation methodologies are appropriate and consistent with other market participants, the use of different methodologies or assumptions to determine the fair value of certain financial instruments could result in a different estimate of fair value at the reporting date.
The following table summarizes financial assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2015, and December 31, 2014, segregated by the level of the valuation inputs within the fair value hierarchy utilized to measure fair value:
December 31, 2015
Level 1 Inputs
Level 2 Inputs
Level 3 Inputs
Total Fair Value
Securities available for sale:
Mortgage-backed securities:
US Government-sponsored enterprises
$ ---
$306,993
$ ---
$306,993
US Government agencies
$ ---
$ 79,130
$ ---
$ 79,130
Private label
$ ---
$ 3,464
$ ---
$ 3,464
Obligations of states and political subdivisions thereof
$ ---
$115,382
$ ---
$115,382
Derivative assets
$ ---
$ 2,069
$ ---
$ 2,069
December 31, 2014
Level 1 Inputs
Level 2 Inputs
Level 3 Inputs
Total Fair Value
Securities available for sale:
Mortgage-backed securities:
US Government-sponsored enterprises
$ ---
$288,210
$ ---
$288,210
US Government agencies
$ ---
$ 83,346
$ ---
$ 83,346
Private label
$ ---
$ 4,524
$ ---
$ 4,524
Obligations of states and political subdivisions thereof
$ ---
$ 94,445
$ ---
$ 94,445
Derivative assets
$ ---
$ 3,455
$ ---
$ 3,455
During the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, there were no transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy.
The following table summarizes financial assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis as of December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, segregated by the level of the valuation inputs within the fair value hierarchy utilized to measure fair value.
For the Year Ended
December 31, 2015
Level 1
Inputs
Level 2
Inputs
Level 3 Inputs
Fair Value as of 12/31/15
Loss
Other real estate owned
$ ---
$ ---
$ 256
$ 256
$27
Collateral dependent impaired loans
$ ---
$ ---
$1,999
$1,999
$ ---
For the Year Ended
December 31, 2014
Level 1
Inputs
Level 2
Inputs
Level 3 Inputs
Fair Value as of 12/31/14
Loss
Other real estate owned
$ ---
$ ---
$ 523
$ 523
$397
Collateral dependent impaired loans
$ ---
$ ---
$1,986
$1,986
$ ---
The Company had total collateral dependent impaired loans with carrying values of approximately $1,999 and $1,986 which had specific reserves included in the allowance of $312 and $776, respectively, at December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014. The Company measures the value of collateral dependent impaired loans using Level 3 inputs. Specifically, the Company uses the appraised value of the collateral, which is then discounted for estimated costs to dispose and other considerations. These discounts generally range from 10% to 30% of appraised value.
In estimating the fair value of OREO, the Company generally uses market appraisals less estimated costs to dispose of the property, which generally range from 10% to 30% of appraised value. Management may also make adjustments to reflect estimated fair value declines, or may apply other discounts to appraised values for unobservable factors resulting from its knowledge of the property or consideration of broker quotes. The appraisers use a market, income, and/or a cost approach in determining the value of the collateral. Therefore they have been categorized as a Level 3 measurement.
Note 19: Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The Company discloses fair value information about financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate fair value. Fair value estimates are made as of a specific point in time based on the characteristics of the financial instruments and relevant market information. Where available, quoted market prices are used. In other cases, fair values are based on estimates using present value or other valuation techniques. These techniques involve uncertainties and are significantly affected by the assumptions used and judgments made regarding risk characteristics of various financial instruments, discount rates, estimates of future cash flows, future expected loss experience and other factors. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect these estimates. Derived fair value estimates cannot be substantiated by comparison to independent markets and, in certain cases, could not be realized in an immediate sale of the instrument.
Fair value estimates are based on existing financial instruments without attempting to estimate the value of anticipated future business and the value of assets and liabilities that are not considered financial instruments. Accordingly, the aggregate fair value amounts presented do not purport to represent the underlying market value of the Company.
The following describes the methods and significant assumptions used by the Company in estimating the fair values of significant financial instruments:
Cash and cash equivalents: For cash and cash equivalents, including cash and due from banks and other short-term investments with maturities of 90 days or less, the carrying amounts reported on the consolidated balance sheet approximate fair values.
Federal Home Loan Bank Stock: For Federal Home Loan Bank stock, the carrying amounts reported on the balance sheet approximate fair values.
Loans: For variable rate loans that re-price frequently and have no significant change in credit risk, fair values are based on carrying values. The fair value of other loans is estimated by discounting the future
cash flows using the current rates at which similar loans would be made to borrowers with similar credit ratings and for the same remaining maturities.
Deposits: The fair value of deposits with no stated maturity is equal to the carrying amount. The fair value of time deposits is based on the discounted value of contractual cash flows, applying interest rates currently being offered on wholesale funding products of similar maturities. The fair value estimates for deposits do not include the benefit that results from the low-cost funding provided by the deposit liabilities compared to the cost of alternative forms of funding (“deposit base intangibles”).
Borrowings: For borrowings that mature or re-price in 90 days or less, carrying value approximates fair value. The fair value of the Company’s remaining borrowings is estimated by using discounted cash flows based on current rates available for similar types of borrowing arrangements taking into account any optionality.
Accrued interest receivable and payable: The carrying amounts of accrued interest receivable and payable approximate their fair values.
Off-balance sheet financial instruments: The Company’s off-balance sheet instruments consist of loan commitments and standby letters of credit. Fair values for standby letters of credit and loan commitments were insignificant.
A summary of the carrying values and estimated fair values of the Company’s significant financial instruments at December 31, 2015 and 2014 follows:
Carrying Value
Level 1 Inputs
Level 2 Inputs
Level 3 Inputs
Total
Fair
Value
December 31, 2015
Financial Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
$ 9,720
$9,720
$ ---
$ ---
$ 9,720
Federal Home Loan Bank stock
21,479
---
21,479
---
21,479
Loans, net
980,631
---
---
975,610
975,610
Interest receivable
5,420
---
5,420
---
5,420
Financial liabilities:
Deposits (with no stated maturity)
$546,058
$ ---
$546,058
$ ---
$546,058
Time deposits
396,729
---
399,146
---
399,146
Borrowings
474,791
---
473,404
---
473,404
Interest payable
---
---
December 31, 2014
Financial Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
$ 9,800
$9,800
$ ---
$ ---
$ 9,800
Federal Home Loan Bank stock
21,354
---
21,354
---
21,354
Loans, net
910,055
---
---
913,784
913,784
Interest receivable
4,795
---
4,795
---
4,795
Financial liabilities:
Deposits (with no stated maturity)
$479,986
$ ---
$479,986
$ ---
$479,986
Time deposits
378,063
---
379,132
---
379,132
Borrowings
447,020
---
447,637
---
447,637
Interest payable
---
---
Note 20: Legal Contingencies
The Company and its subsidiaries are parties to certain ordinary routine litigation incidental to the normal conduct of their respective businesses, which in the opinion of management based upon currently available information will have no material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
Note 21: Condensed Financial Information - Parent Company Only
The condensed financial statements of Bar Harbor Bankshares as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 are presented below:
BALANCE SHEETS
December 31
Cash
$ 918
$ 1,121
Investment in subsidiaries
156,396
148,049
Premises
Other assets
Total assets
$158,322
$150,034
Liabilities
Total liabilities
$ 4,170
$ 3,747
Shareholders' equity
Total shareholders' equity
$154,152
$146,287
Liabilities and Shareholders' equity
$158,322
$150,034
STATEMENTS OF INCOME
Years Ended December 31
Dividend income from subsidiaries
$ 5,407
$ 5,697
$ 4,883
Equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries (1)
11,272
10,141
9,468
Bankshares expenses
(2,183)
(1,705)
(1,591)
Tax benefit
Net income
$15,153
$14,613
$13,183
(1)
Amount in parentheses represents the excess of dividends over net income subsidiaries.
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Years Ended December 31
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income
$15,153
$14,613
$13,183
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash
provided by operating activities:
Depreciation
---
Recognition of stock based expense
Net change in other assets
(281)
(189)
Net change in other liabilities
Equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries
(11,272)
(10,141)
(9,468)
Net cash provided by operating activities
4,735
5,116
4,701
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures
(1)
(1)
(1)
Net cash used in investing activities
(1)
(1)
(1)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Purchases of treasury stock
(24)
(8)
(24)
Proceeds from stock option exercises
1,127
Dividend paid
(6,040)
(5,362)
(4,915)
Net cash used in financing activities
(4,937)
(4,754)
(4,478)
Net (decrease) increase in cash
(203)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year
1,121
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year
$ 918
$ 1,121
$ 760
Note 22: Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)
Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
Year
Interest and dividend income
$13,533
$13,472
$14,326
$13,893
$55,224
Interest expense
2,535
2,586
2,630
2,639
10,390
Net interest income
10,998
10,886
11,696
11,254
44,834
Provision for loan losses
1,785
Non-interest income
2,342
2,503
2,028
2,106
8,979
Non-interest expense
7,333
7,601
7,820
8,154
30,908
Income before income taxes
5,512
5,388
5,479
4,741
21,120
Income taxes
1,631
1,515
1,548
1,273
5,967
Net income
$ 3,881
$ 3,873
$ 3,931
$ 3,468
$15,153
Per common share data:
Basic earnings per share
$ 0.65
$ 0.65
$ 0.66
$ 0.58
$ 2.53
Diluted earnings per share
$ 0.64
$ 0.64
$ 0.65
$ 0.57
$ 2.50
ITEM 9.
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURES
None.
ITEM 9A.
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures: The Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of its disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that the information required to be disclosed by us in our reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms and are operating in an effective manner.
Management Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting: Management of the Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act as a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the Company’s principal executive and principal financial officers and effected by the Company’s board of directors, management and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and includes those policies and procedures that:
·
Pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company;
·
Provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company; and
·
Provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015. In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”) in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013).
Based on its assessment, management believes that as of December 31, 2015, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting is effective, based on the criteria set forth by COSO in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013).
The Company’s independent registered public accounting firm has issued an audit report on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. This report appears within Item 9A of this report on Form 10-K.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting: No change in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) occurred during the last fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders
Bar Harbor Bankshares
We have audited Bar Harbor Bankshares and subsidiaries’ (the Company) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in 2013. The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying “Management Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting”. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (a) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (b) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (c) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in 2013.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheet of Bar Harbor Bankshares and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2015, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in shareholders’ equity and cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2015, and our report dated March 14, 2016 expressed an unqualified opinion.
/s/ RSM US LLP
Boston, Massachusetts
March 14, 2016
ITEM 9B.
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
None.
PART III
ITEM 10.
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Directors and Executive Officers: Information required by Item 401 of Regulation S-K with respect to the directors and executive officers will appear under the heading “DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS” in the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement for the 2015 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which the Company intends to file with the Commission within 120 days of the end of the Company’s 2015 fiscal year (hereinafter the “Proxy”) and is incorporated herein by reference.
Compliance with Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934: Information required by Item 405 of Regulation S-K with respect to Compliance with Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 will appear under the heading “SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE” in the Company’s Proxy and is incorporated herein by reference.
Stockholder Nominees to Board of Directors: The information required by Item 407(c)(3), procedures by which security holders may recommend nominees to the Company’s Board of Directors, will be set forth in the Proxy under the headings entitled “CORPORATE GOVERNANCE” - “Governance Committee” and “OTHER MATTERS” - “Nominations by Shareholders and other Shareholder Proposals” and are incorporated herein by reference.
Audit Committee: Information required by Items 407(d)(4) of Regulation S-K will appear under the heading “CORPORATE GOVERNANCE” - “Audit Committee” in the Company’s Proxy, and is incorporated herein by reference. Information required by Item 407(d)(5) of Regulation S-K will appear under “Appendix A” Report of the Audit Committee, contained in the Company’s Proxy and is incorporated herein by reference.
Code of Ethics: Information required by Item 406 of Regulation S-K will appear under the heading “OTHER MATTERS” “Code of Ethics” contained in the Company’s Proxy and is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 11.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The information required by Item 402 of Regulation S-K will appear under the heading “COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS and COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS,” in the Company’s Proxy, which information is incorporated herein by reference.
The information required by Item 407(e)(4) of Regulation S-K will appear under the heading “Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation” in the Company’s Proxy, which information is incorporated herein by reference.
The information required by Item 407(e)(5) of Regulation S-K will appear under the heading “Report of the Compensation and Human Resources Committee” in the Company’s Proxy, which information is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 12.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
The Information required by Item 201(d) of Regulation S-K appears in this Report as Part II, Item 5, under the heading “Market for Registrant’s Common Stock, Related Shareholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities” “Incentive Stock Option Plan,” which information is incorporated herein by reference.
Information required by Item 403 of Regulation S-K will appear under the heading “VOTING SECURITIES AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS THEREOF” in the Company’s Proxy, which information is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 13.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
Information required by Item 404 of Regulation S-K will appear under the heading “CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS” in the Company’s Proxy, which information is incorporated herein by reference.
Information required by Section 407(a) of Regulation S-K will appear under the headings “Directors and Nominees” and “CORPORATE GOVERNANCE”- “Board of Directors” in the Company’s Proxy, which information is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 14.
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
Information required by this item will appear under the heading “INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM,” in the Company’s Proxy, which information is incorporated herein by reference.
PART IV
ITEM 15.
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
(a)
1. All Financial Statements
The consolidated financial statements of the Company and report of the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm incorporated herein are included in Item 8 of this Report as follows:
Item
Page
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Consolidated Statements of Income
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
2. Financial Statement Schedules. Schedules have been omitted because they are not applicable or are not required under the instructions contained in Regulation S-X or because the information required to be set forth therein is included in the consolidated financial statements or notes thereto.
3. Exhibits. See Item 15(b) to this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
(b) A list of exhibits to this Form 10-K is set forth on the Exhibit Index immediately preceding such exhibits and is incorporated herein by reference.
(c) There are no other financial statements and financial statement schedules, which were excluded from this report, which are required to be included herein.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.
March 14, 2016
BAR HARBOR BANKSHARES
(Registrant)
/s/ Curtis C. Simard
Curtis C. Simard
President & Chief Executive Officer
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the following persons have signed this report in the capacities indicated on behalf of the Registrant.
/s/ Peter Dodge
Peter Dodge
Chairman, Board of Directors
/s/ Curtis C. Simard
Curtis C. Simard, Director
President & Chief Executive Officer
/s/ Thomas A. Colwell
Thomas A. Colwell
Vice Chairman, Board of Directors
/s/ Gerald Shencavitz
Gerald Shencavitz
EVP, Chief Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer
/s/ Matthew L. Caras
Matthew Caras, Director
/s/ Constance C. Shea
Constance C. Shea, Director
/s/ Martha Tod Dudman
Martha Tod Dudman, Director
/s/ Kenneth E. Smith
Kenneth E. Smith, Director
/s/ Lauri E. Fernald
Lauri E. Fernald, Director
/s/ Scott G. Toothaker
Scott G. Toothaker, Director
/s/ Daina H. Hill
Daina H. Hill, Director
/s/ David B. Woodside
David B. Woodside, Director
/s/ Clyde H. Lewis
Clyde H. Lewis, Director
EXHIBIT INDEX
The following exhibits are included as part of this Form 10-K.
EXHIBIT NUMBER
Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws
3.1
Articles of Incorporation, as amended to date
Incorporated herein by reference to Form 10-Q, Part II, Item 6, Exhibit 3.1, filed with the commission on November 5, 2015 (Commission File No. 0013349).
3.2
Bylaws, as amended to date
Incorporated herein by reference to Form 8-K, Item 5.03, Exhibit 3.2, filed with the Commission on November 29, 2011.
Instruments Defining Rights of Security Holders
4.1
Certificate of Designations, Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A
Incorporated herein by reference to Form 8-K, Exhibit 3.1, filed with the Commission on January 21, 2009 (Commission File No. 0013349).
4.2
Form of Specimen Stock Certificate for Series A Preferred Sock
Incorporated by reference to Form 8-K, Exhibit 4.1, filed with the Commission on January 21, 2009 (Commission File No. 0013349).
4.3
Debt Securities Purchase Agreement
Incorporated herein by reference to Form 10-K, Part IV, Item 15, Exhibit 4.5, filed with the commission on March 16, 2009 (Commission File No. 0013349).
4.4
Form of Subordinated Debt Security of Bar Harbor Bank & Trust
Incorporated herein by reference to Form 10-K, Part IV, Item 15, Exhibit 4.6, filed with the commission on March 16, 2009 (Commission File No. 0013349).
4.5
Description of Company Common Stock
Incorporated by reference to Form 8-K, Items 8.01 and 9.01, Exhibit 99.1, filed August 7, 2015 (Commission File No. 0013349).
Material Contracts
10.1*
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan Adopted by the Board of Directors on September 16, 2003, and effective as of January 1, 2003, providing Joseph M. Murphy, retired President & CEO of the Company, Gerald Shencavitz, the Company’s Chief Financial Officer, and Dean S. Read, former President of the Bank, with certain defined retirement benefits (the “2003 SERP”)
Incorporated by reference to Form 10-Q, Part II, Item 6, Exhibit 10.2, filed with the Commission November 13, 2003 (Commission File No. 0013349).
10.2*
Amendment No. 1 to the 2003 SERP
Incorporated by reference to Form 8-K, Exhibit 10.6, filed with the Commission on November 24, 2008 (Commission File No. 0013349).
10.3*
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, Section 409A
Incorporated by reference to Form 8-K, Exhibit 10.7, filed with the Commission on November 24, 2008 (Commission File No. 0013349).
10.4*
Incentive Stock Option Plan of 2000
Incorporated by reference to Form 10-K, Item 14(a)(3), Exhibit 10.3, filled with the Commission March 28, 2002 (Commission File No. 0013349).
10.5*
Amended and Restated Change in Control, Confidentiality, and Non-competition Agreement between the Company and Gerald Shencavitz
Incorporated by reference to Form 8-K, Exhibit 10.9, filed with the Commission on November 24, 2008 (Commission File No. 0013349).
10.6*+
Change in Control, Confidentiality, and Non-competition Agreements between the Company and the following officers: Marsha C. Sawyer, Executive Vice President Human Resources; and Joshua A. Radel, Chief Investment Officer, Bar Harbor Trust Services.
Incorporated by reference to Form 8-K, Exhibit 10.1, filed with the Commission on May 18, 2012
10.7*
Change in Control Confidentiality and Noncompetition Agreement with Stephen Leackfeldt, Executive Vice President
Incorporated by reference to Form 8-K, Exhibit 10.2, filed with the Commission on May 18, 2012
10.8*
Change in Control Confidentiality and Noncompetition Agreement with Greg Dalton, Executive Vice President
Incorporated by reference to Form 8-K, Exhibit 10.4, filed with the Commission on May 18, 2012
10.9
Infinex Agreement third party brokerage services
Incorporated by reference to Form 10-K, Part III, Item 15(a), Exhibit 10.10, filed with the Commission on March 16, 2005 (Commission File No. 0013349).
10.10
Somesville Bank Branch Lease dated October 27, 2005
Incorporated by reference to Form 10-K, Part III, Item 15(a), Exhibit 10.13, filed with the Commission on March 16, 2006 (Commission File No. 0013349).
10.11*
Bar Harbor Bankshares and Subsidiaries Equity Incentive Plan of 2009
Incorporated by reference to Appendix “C” to the Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement (DEF 14A) filed with the commission on April 7, 2009 (Commission File No. 0013349).
10.12*
Change in Control Confidentiality and Noncompetition Agreement between the Company and Senior Vice President, Marcia T. Bender
Incorporated by reference to Form 8-K, Exhibit 10.1, filed with the Commission on July 30, 2013.
10.13*
Employment Agreement with Company President and Chief Executive Officer, Curtis C. Simard
Incorporated by reference to Form 8-K, Items 5.02(e) and 9.01, filed with the Commission on May 17, 2013.
10.14*
2015 Annual Incentive Plan for certain executive officers of the Company
Incorporated by reference to Form 8-K, Item 5.02(e), filed with the Commission on January 22, 2015.
10.15*
2013 through 2015 Long Term Executive Incentive Plan
Incorporated by reference to Form 8-K, Item 5.02(e) and 9.01, Exhibit 10.1, filed with the Commission on April 26, 2013.
10.16*
2014 through 2016 Long Term Executive Incentive Plan
Incorporated by reference to Form 8-K, Item 5.02(e) and 9.01, Exhibit 10.1, filed with the Commission on July 24, 2014.
*Management contract or compensatory arrangement.
+Mr. Gersney left employment positions with the Bar Harbor Bank & Trust and Bar Harbor Trust Services effective
June 30, 2015.