UNITED
STATES
SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington,
D.C. 20549
FORM
10-Q
☒ QUARTERLY
REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For
the quarterly period ended March 31, 2022
or
☐ TRANSITION
REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For
the transition period from ___________ to ___________
Commission
File Number: 001-16767
Western
New England Bancorp, Inc.
(Exact
name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Massachusetts
73-1627673
(State
or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
(IRS
Employer Identification Number)
141
Elm Street , Westfield , Massachusetts
01086
(Address
of principal executive offices)
(Zip
Code)
(413)
568-1911
(Registrant’s
telephone number, including area code)
(Former
name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)
Securities
registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title
of each class
Trading
Symbol(s)
Name
of each exchange on which registered
Common
Stock, $0.01 par value per share
WNEB
NASDAQ
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file
such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant
to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such
shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting
company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,”
“smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer ☐
Accelerated filer ☒
Non-accelerated
filer ☐
Smaller reporting company ☒
Emerging
growth company ☐
If
an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for
complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No ☒
At
May 2, 2022 the registrant had 22,642,038 shares of common stock, $0.01 par value,
issued and outstanding.
TABLE
OF CONTENTS
Page
FORWARD-LOOKING
STATEMENTS
i
PART I –
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.
Financial Statements
of Western New England Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiaries (Unaudited)
Consolidated Balance
Sheets – March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021
1
Consolidated Statements
of Net Income – Three Months Ended March 31, 2022 and 2021
2
Consolidated Statements
of Comprehensive Income – Three Months Ended March 31, 2022 and 2021
3
Consolidated Statements
of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity – Three Months Ended March 31, 2022 and 2021
4
Consolidated Statements
of Cash Flows – Three Months Ended March 31, 2022 and 2021
5
Notes to Consolidated
Financial Statements
6
Item 2.
Management’s Discussion
and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
31
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative
Disclosures About Market Risk
43
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
44
PART II –
OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1.
Legal Proceedings
44
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
44
Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of
Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
44
Item 3.
Defaults upon Senior
Securities
45
Item 4.
Mine Safety Disclosure
45
Item 5.
Other Information
45
Item 6.
Exhibits
45
FORWARD–LOOKING
STATEMENTS
We
may, from time to time, make written or oral “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements contained in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
“SEC”), our reports to shareholders and in other communications by us. This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains
“forward-looking statements” with respect to the Company’s financial condition,
liquidity, results of operations, future performance, business, measures being taken in response to the coronavirus disease 2019
(“COVID-19”) pandemic and the impact of COVID-19 on the Company’s business. Forward-looking statements
may be identified by the use of such words as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “should,”
“planned,” “estimated,” and “potential.” Examples of forward-looking statements include, but
are not limited to, estimates with respect to our financial condition, results of operations and business that are subject to
various factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from these estimates. These factors include, but are not
limited to:
● the
duration and scope of the COVID-19 pandemic and the local, national and global impact
of COVID-19;
● actions
governments, businesses and individuals take in response to the COVID-19 pandemic;
● the
speed and effectiveness of any COVID-19 vaccines and treatment developments and their
deployment, including public adoption rates of any COVID-19 vaccines;
● the
emergence of new COVID-19 variants, such as the Omicron variant, and the response thereto;
● the
pace of recovery when the COVID-19 pandemic subsides;
● changes
in the interest rate environment that reduce margins;
● the
effect on our operations of governmental legislation and regulation, including changes
in accounting regulation or standards, the nature and timing of the adoption and effectiveness
of new requirements under the Dodd-Frank Act Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection
Act of 2010 (“Dodd-Frank Act”), Basel guidelines, capital requirements and
other applicable laws and regulations;
● the
highly competitive industry and market area in which we operate;
● general
economic conditions, either nationally or regionally, resulting in, among other things,
a deterioration in credit quality;
● changes
in business conditions and inflation;
● changes
in credit market conditions;
● the
inability to realize expected cost savings or achieve other anticipated benefits in connection
with business combinations and other acquisitions;
● changes
in the securities markets which affect investment management revenues;
● increases
in Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation deposit insurance premiums and assessments;
● changes
in technology used in the banking business;
● the
soundness of other financial services institutions which may adversely affect our credit
risk;
● certain
of our intangible assets may become impaired in the future;
● our
controls and procedures may fail or be circumvented;
● new
lines of business or new products and services, which may subject us to additional risks;
● changes
in key management personnel which may adversely impact our operations;
● severe
weather, natural disasters, acts of war or terrorism and other external events which
could significantly impact our business; and
● other
factors detailed from time to time in our SEC filings.
Although
we believe that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, actual results may differ materially
from the results discussed in these forward-looking statements. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking
statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. We do not undertake any obligation to republish revised forward-looking statements
to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except to the extent
required by law.
i
PART
I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM
1: FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
WESTERN
NEW ENGLAND BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED
BALANCE SHEETS - UNAUDITED
(Dollars
in thousands, except per share data)
March 31,
December 31,
2022
2021
ASSETS
Cash and due from banks
$ 16,983
$ 15,233
Federal funds sold
2,456
4,901
Interest-bearing deposits and other short-term investments
43,459
83,322
Cash and cash equivalents
62,898
103,456
Available-for-sale securities, at fair value
173,910
194,352
Held-to-maturity securities, at amortized cost (Fair value of $ 220,279 and $ 219,748 at March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively)
237,575
222,272
Marketable equity securities, at fair value
11,643
11,896
Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston stock and other restricted stock, at cost
2,594
2,594
Loans, net of allowance for loan losses of $ 19,308 at March, 31, 2022 and $ 19,787 at December 31, 2021
1,906,977
1,844,929
Premises and equipment, net
25,686
26,162
Accrued interest receivable
7,723
7,775
Bank-owned life insurance
73,343
72,895
Deferred tax asset, net
14,981
12,092
Goodwill
12,487
12,487
Core deposit intangible
2,469
2,563
Other assets
23,152
24,952
TOTAL ASSETS
$ 2,555,438
$ 2,538,425
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
LIABILITIES:
Deposits:
Non-interest-bearing
$ 630,208
$ 641,284
Interest-bearing
1,647,956
1,615,614
Total deposits
2,278,164
2,256,898
Federal Home Loan Bank advances
1,686
2,653
Subordinated debt
19,643
19,633
Securities pending settlement
146
—
Other liabilities
36,736
35,553
TOTAL LIABILITIES
2,336,375
2,314,737
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Preferred stock - $ 0.01 par value, 5,000,000 shares authorized, none outstanding at March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021
—
—
Common stock - $ 0.01 par value, 75,000,000 shares authorized, 22,742,189 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2022; 22,656,515 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2021
227
227
Additional paid-in capital
133,459
132,821
Unearned compensation – Employee Stock Ownership Plan
( 3,307 )
( 3,441 )
Unearned compensation - Equity Incentive Plan
( 1,943 )
( 981 )
Retained earnings
111,358
107,376
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
( 20,731 )
( 12,314 )
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
219,063
223,688
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
$ 2,555,438
$ 2,538,425
See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.
1
WESTERN
NEW ENGLAND BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENTS OF NET INCOME – UNAUDITED
(Dollars
in thousands, except per share data)
Three Months
Ended March 31,
2022
2021
Interest and dividend income:
Residential and commercial real estate loans
$ 15,343
$ 14,509
Commercial and industrial loans
2,544
4,542
Consumer loans
60
69
Debt securities, taxable
1,923
824
Debt securities, tax-exempt
3
3
Marketable equity securities
24
27
Other investments
25
35
Short-term investments
21
24
Total interest and dividend income
19,943
20,033
Interest expense:
Deposits
992
1,734
Long-term debt
—
273
Subordinated debt
253
—
Total interest expense
1,245
2,007
Net interest and dividend income
18,698
18,026
(Credit) provision for loan losses
( 425 )
75
Net interest and dividend income after (credit) provision for loan losses
19,123
17,951
Non-interest income:
Service charges and fees
2,174
1,883
Income from bank-owned life insurance
448
441
Loss on available-for-sale securities, net
( 4 )
( 62 )
Net unrealized loss on marketable equity securities
( 276 )
( 89 )
Gain on sale of mortgages
2
227
Gain on non-marketable equity investments
—
546
Other income
4
58
Total non-interest income
2,348
3,004
Non-interest expense:
Salaries and employees benefits
8,239
7,682
Occupancy
1,363
1,289
Furniture and equipment
543
490
Data processing
723
721
Professional fees
577
544
FDIC insurance assessment
286
298
Advertising
399
338
Other expenses
2,326
1,965
Total non-interest expense
14,456
13,327
Income before income taxes
7,015
7,628
Income tax provision
1,696
1,837
Net income
$ 5,319
$ 5,791
Earnings per common share:
Basic earnings per share
$ 0.24
$ 0.24
Weighted average shares outstanding
22,100,076
24,486,146
Diluted earnings per share
$ 0.24
$ 0.24
Weighted average diluted shares outstanding
22,172,909
24,543,554
Dividends per share
$ 0.06
$ 0.05
See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.
2
WESTERN
NEW ENGLAND BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) – UNAUDITED
(Dollars
in thousands)
Three Months Ended March 31,
2022
2021
Net income
$ 5,319
$ 5,791
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized losses on available-for-sale securities:
Unrealized holding losses
( 11,468 )
( 4,469 )
Reclassification
adjustment for net losses realized in income (1)
4
62
Unrealized losses
( 11,464 )
( 4,407 )
Tax effect
2,934
1,081
Net-of-tax amount
( 8,530 )
( 3,326 )
Cash flow hedges:
Reclassification adjustment for termination fee realized in interest expense
—
140
Tax effect
—
( 39 )
Net-of-tax amount
—
101
Defined benefit pension plan:
Amortization of defined benefit plans actuarial loss
158
234
Tax effect
( 45 )
( 66 )
Net-of-tax amount
113
168
Other comprehensive loss
( 8,417 )
( 3,057 )
Comprehensive (loss) income
$ ( 3,098 )
$ 2,734
(1) Realized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities are recognized as a component
of non-interest income. The tax effects applicable to net realized gains and losses were $ ( 1,000 )
and $ ( 14,000 )
for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
(1) Realized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities are recognized as a component
of non-interest income. The tax effects applicable to net realized gains and losses were $(1,000) and $(14,000) for the three months
ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.
3
WESTERN NEW ENGLAND BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY - UNAUDITED
THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2022 AND 2021
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
Common
Stock
Additional
Unearned
Unearned
Compensation-
Accumulated
Other
Shares
Par Value
Paid-in
Capital
Compensation-
ESOP
Equity
Incentive Plan
Retained
Earnings
Comprehensive
Loss
Total
BALANCE
AT DECEMBER 31, 2020
25,276,193
$ 253
$ 154,549
$ ( 3,997 )
$ ( 1,240 )
$ 88,354
$ ( 11,279 )
$ 226,640
Comprehensive
income
—
—
—
—
—
5,791
( 3,057 )
2,734
Common
stock held by ESOP committed to be released ( 81,893 shares)
—
—
8
139
—
—
—
147
Share-based
compensation - equity incentive plan
—
—
—
—
231
—
—
231
Forfeited
equity incentive plan shares reissued ( 19,154 shares)
—
—
( 212 )
—
212
—
—
—
Common
stock repurchased
( 711,635 )
( 7 )
( 5,770 )
—
—
—
—
( 5,777 )
Issuance
of common stock in connection with stock option exercises
19,400
—
113
—
—
—
—
113
Issuance
of common stock in connection with equity incentive plan ( 19,827 shares)
—
—
162
—
( 162 )
—
—
—
Cash
dividends declared and paid on common stock ($ 0.05 per share)
—
—
—
—
—
( 1,232 )
—
( 1,232 )
BALANCE
AT
MARCH 31, 2021
24,583,958
$ 246
$ 148,850
$ ( 3,858 )
$ ( 959 )
$ 92,913
$ ( 14,336 )
$ 222,856
BALANCE
AT DECEMBER 31, 2021
22,656,515
$ 227
$ 132,821
$ ( 3,441 )
$ ( 981 )
$ 107,376
$ ( 12,314 )
$ 223,688
Comprehensive
income
—
—
—
—
—
5,319
( 8,417 )
( 3,098 )
Common
stock held by ESOP committed to be released ( 78,526 shares)
—
—
45
134
—
—
—
179
Share-based
compensation - equity incentive plan
—
—
—
—
301
—
—
301
Forfeited
equity incentive plan shares ( 6,651 shares)
—
—
( 57 )
—
57
—
—
—
Forfeited
equity incentive plan shares reissued ( 7,289 shares)
—
—
71
—
( 71 )
—
—
—
Common
stock repurchased
( 132,358 )
( 2 )
( 1,178 )
—
—
—
—
( 1,180 )
Issuance
of common stock in connection with stock option exercises
80,881
1
509
—
—
—
—
510
Issuance
of common stock in connection with equity incentive plan
137,151
1
1,248
—
( 1,249 )
—
—
—
Cash
dividends declared and paid on common stock ($ 0.06 per share)
—
—
—
—
—
( 1,337 )
—
( 1,337 )
BALANCE
AT
MARCH 31, 2022
22,742,189
$ 227
$ 133,459
$ ( 3,307 )
$ ( 1,943 )
$ 111,358
$ ( 20,731 )
$ 219,063
See
accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.
4
WESTERN NEW ENGLAND BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - UNAUDITED
(Dollars in thousands)
Three Months Ended March 31,
2022
2021
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income
$ 5,319
$ 5,791
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
(Credit) provision for loan losses
( 425 )
75
Depreciation and amortization of premises and equipment
584
584
(Accretion) amortization of purchase accounting adjustments, net
( 29 )
55
Amortization of core deposit intangible
94
93
Net amortization of premiums and discounts on securities and mortgage loans
441
670
Net amortization of premiums on subordinated debt
10
—
Share-based compensation expense
301
231
ESOP expense
179
147
Gain on sale of mortgages
—
( 227 )
Principal balance of loans originated for sale
( 277 )
—
Principal balance of loans sold
277
—
Net loss on available-for-sale securities
4
62
Net change in unrealized loss on marketable equity securities
276
89
Income from bank-owned life insurance
( 448 )
( 441 )
Net change in:
Accrued interest receivable
52
( 6 )
Other assets
( 954 )
2,603
Other liabilities
1,661
1,276
Net cash provided by operating activities
7,065
11,002
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchases of held-to-maturity securities
( 20,627 )
( 63,973 )
Proceeds from calls, maturities and principal collections of held-to-maturity securities
5,190
—
Purchases of available-for-sale securities
—
( 15,821 )
Proceeds from sales and redemption of available-for-sale securities
20
14
Proceeds from calls, maturities, and principal collections of available-for-sale securities
8,630
17,163
Loan originations and principal payments, net
( 61,603 )
( 5,205 )
Redemption of Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston stock
—
668
Proceeds from sale of portfolio mortgages
—
7,801
Purchases of premises and equipment
( 118 )
( 907 )
Proceeds from payout on bank-owned life insurance
2,435
—
Net cash used in investing activities
( 66,073 )
( 60,260 )
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Net increase in deposits
21,275
116,012
Repayment of long-term debt
( 964 )
( 15,170 )
Cash dividends paid on common stock
( 1,337 )
( 1,232 )
Common stock repurchased
( 1,034 )
( 5,785 )
Issuance of common stock in connection with stock option exercises
510
113
Net cash provided by financing activities
18,450
93,938
NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS:
( 40,558 )
44,680
Beginning of period
103,456
87,444
End of period
$ 62,898
$ 132,124
Supplemental cash flow information:
Interest paid
$ 1,267
$ 2,046
Taxes paid
1,020
828
Net change in cash due to broker for common stock repurchased
146
( 8 )
See the accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.
5
WESTERN
NEW ENGLAND BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
MARCH
31, 2022
1.
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Nature
of Operations and Basis of Presentation . Western New England Bancorp, Inc. (“Western New England Bancorp,” “WNEB,”
“Company,” “we,” or “us”) is a Massachusetts-chartered stock holding company for Westfield
Bank, a federally-chartered savings bank (“Bank”).
The
Bank operates 25 banking offices in Hampden and Hampshire counties in western Massachusetts and Hartford and Tolland counties
in northern Connecticut, and its primary sources of revenue are interest income from loans as well as interest income from investment
securities. The West Hartford Financial Services Center serves as the Company’s Connecticut hub, housing Commercial Lending,
Cash Management and a Mortgage Loan Officer. The Bank’s deposits are insured up to the maximum Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation (“FDIC”) coverage limits.
Wholly-owned
Subsidiaries of the Bank . Elm Street Securities Corporation, WFD Securities, Inc. and CSB Colts, Inc., are Massachusetts chartered
securities corporations, formed for the primary purpose of holding qualified securities. WB Real Estate Holdings, LLC, is a Massachusetts-chartered
limited liability company that holds real property acquired as security for debts previously contracted by the Bank.
Principles
of Consolidation . The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Western New England Bancorp, the Bank, CSB
Colts, Inc., Elm Street Securities Corporation, WB Real Estate Holdings, LLC and WFD Securities, Inc. All material intercompany
balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Estimates .
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United
States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts
of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements
and the reported amounts of income and expenses for each. Actual results could differ from those estimates. An estimate that is
particularly susceptible to significant change in the near-term relates to the determination of the allowance for loan losses.
Basis
of Presentation . In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments
(consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair presentation of our financial condition as of March 31,
2022, and the results of operations, changes in shareholders’ equity and cash flows for the interim periods presented. The
results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2022 are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations for
the year ending December 31, 2022. Certain information and disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance
with U.S. GAAP have been omitted pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
These
unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements as
of and for the year ended December 31, 2021, included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021 (the
“2021 Annual Report”).
Reclassifications .
Amounts in the prior period financial statements are reclassified when necessary to conform to the current year presentation.
6
2.
EARNINGS PER SHARE
Basic
earnings per share represents income available to common shareholders divided by the weighted-average number of common shares
outstanding during the period. If rights to dividends on unvested awards are non-forfeitable, these unvested awards are considered
outstanding in the computation of basic earnings per share. Diluted earnings per share reflect additional common shares that would
have been outstanding if dilutive potential common shares had been issued, as well as any adjustment to income that would result
from the assumed issuance. Potential common shares that may be issued by us relate to stock options and certain performance-based
restricted stock awards and are determined using the treasury stock method. Unallocated Employee Stock Ownership Plan (“ESOP”)
shares are not deemed outstanding for earnings per share calculations. There were no anti-dilutive shares outstanding during the
three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021.
Earnings
per common share for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021 have been computed based on the following:
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2022
2021
(In thousands, except per share data)
Net income applicable to common stock
$ 5,319
$ 5,791
Average number of common shares issued
22,705
25,118
Less: Average unallocated ESOP Shares
( 445 )
( 527 )
Less: Average unvested equity incentive plan shares
( 160 )
( 105 )
Average number of common shares outstanding used to
calculate basic earnings per common share
22,100
24,486
Effect of dilutive equity incentive plan
41
28
Effect of dilutive stock options
32
30
Average number of common
shares outstanding used to calculate diluted earnings per common share
22,173
24,544
Basic earnings per share
$ 0.24
$ 0.24
Diluted earnings per share
$ 0.24
$ 0.24
7
3.
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
Accounting
principles generally require that recognized revenue, expenses, gains and losses be included in net income. Although certain changes
in assets and liabilities are reported as a separate component of the equity section of the balance sheet, such items, along with
net income, are components of comprehensive income (loss).
The
components of accumulated other comprehensive loss included in shareholders’ equity are as follows:
March 31, 2022
December 31, 2021
(In thousands)
Net unrealized losses on available-for-sale securities
$ ( 16,149 )
$ ( 4,685 )
Tax effect
4,094
1,160
Net-of-tax amount
( 12,055 )
( 3,525 )
Unrecognized actuarial loss on the defined benefit plan
( 12,067 )
( 12,225 )
Tax effect
3,391
3,436
Net-of-tax amount
( 8,676 )
( 8,789 )
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
$ ( 20,731 )
$ ( 12,314 )
8
4. INVESTMENT
SECURITIES
Available-for-sale
and held-to-maturity investment securities at March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021 are summarized as follows:
March 31, 2022
Amortized Cost
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
Fair Value
(In thousands)
Available-for-sale securities:
Debt securities:
Government-sponsored enterprise obligations
$ 14,904
$ —
$ ( 1,758 )
$ 13,146
State and municipal bonds
405
1
—
406
Corporate bonds
3,022
—
( 26 )
2,996
Total debt securities
18,331
1
( 1,784 )
16,548
Mortgage-backed securities:
Government-sponsored mortgage-backed securities
163,148
39
( 13,489 )
149,698
U.S. government guaranteed mortgage-backed securities
8,580
—
( 916 )
7,664
Total mortgage-backed securities
171,728
39
( 14,405 )
157,362
Total available-for-sale
190,059
40
( 16,189 )
173,910
Held-to-maturity securities:
Debt securities:
U.S. Treasury securities
9,981
—
( 461 )
9,520
Total debt securities
9,981
—
( 461 )
9,520
Mortgage-backed securities:
Government-sponsored mortgage-backed securities
227,594
—
( 16,835 )
210,759
Total mortgage-backed securities
227,594
—
( 16,835 )
210,759
Total held-to-maturity
237,575
—
( 17,296 )
220,279
Total
$ 427,634
$ 40
$ ( 33,485 )
$ 394,189
9
December 31, 2021
Amortized Cost
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
Fair Value
(In thousands)
Available-for-sale securities:
Debt securities:
Government-sponsored enterprise obligations
$ 14,902
$ —
$ ( 676 )
$ 14,226
State and municipal bonds
405
1
—
406
Corporate bonds
3,026
86
—
3,112
Total debt securities
18,333
87
( 676 )
17,744
Mortgage-backed securities:
Government-sponsored mortgage-backed securities
171,011
427
( 3,929 )
167,509
U.S. government guaranteed mortgage-backed securities
9,693
8
( 602 )
9,099
Total mortgage-backed securities
180,704
435
( 4,531 )
176,608
Total available-for-sale
199,037
522
( 5,207 )
194,352
Held-to-maturity securities:
Debt securities:
U.S. Treasury securities
9,979
—
( 6 )
9,973
Total debt securities
9,979
—
( 6 )
9,973
Mortgage-backed securities:
Government-sponsored mortgage-backed securities
212,293
—
( 2,518 )
209,775
Total mortgage-backed securities
212,293
—
( 2,518 )
209,775
Total held-to-maturity
222,272
—
( 2,524 )
219,748
Total
$ 421,309
$ 522
$ ( 7,731 )
$ 414,100
At
March 31, 2022, U.S. Treasury securities with a fair value of $ 4.7 million, government-sponsored enterprise obligations with a
fair value of $ 8.8 million and mortgage-backed securities with a fair value of $ 55.4 million were pledged to secure public deposits
and for other purposes as required or permitted by law. The securities collateralizing public deposits are subject to fluctuations
in fair value. We monitor the fair value of the collateral on a periodic basis, and pledge additional collateral if necessary
based on changes in fair value of collateral or the balances of such deposits.
The
amortized cost and fair value of available-for-sale and held-to-maturity securities at March 31, 2022, by final maturity, are
shown below. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because certain issuers have the right to call or prepay
obligations.
Available-for-Sale
Held-to-Maturity
Amortized Cost
Fair Value
Amortized Cost
Fair Value
(In thousands)
Debt securities:
Due after one year through five years
$ 3,427
$ 3,402
$ 9,981
$ 9,520
Due after five years through ten years
9,904
8,869
—
—
Due after ten years
5,000
4,277
—
—
Total debt securities
18,331
16,548
9,981
9,520
Mortgage-backed securities:
Due after five years through ten years
1,901
1,823
—
—
Due after ten years
169,827
155,539
227,594
210,759
Total mortgage-backed securities
171,728
157,362
227,594
210,759
Total securities
$ 190,059
$ 173,910
$ 237,575
$ 220,279
10
Gross
realized gains and losses on sales of available-for-sale securities for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021 are as
follows:
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2022
2021
(In thousands)
Gross gains realized
$ —
$ —
Gross losses realized
( 4 )
( 62 )
Net loss realized
$ ( 4 )
$ ( 62 )
Proceeds
from the sales and redemption of available-for-sale securities totaled $ 20,000 and $ 14,000 for the three months ended March 31,
2022 and 2021, respectively.
Information
pertaining to securities with gross unrealized losses at March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, aggregated by investment category
and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous loss position are as follows:
March
31, 2022
Less
Than Twelve Months
Over
Twelve Months
Number
of Securities
Fair
Value
Gross
Unrealized Loss
Depreciation
from Amortized Cost Basis (%)
Number
of Securities
Fair
Value
Gross
Unrealized Loss
Depreciation
from Amortized Cost Basis (%)
(Dollars in thousands)
Available-for-sale:
Government-sponsored
mortgage-backed securities
39
$ 74,897
$ 5,877
7.3 %
27
$ 70,790
$ 7,612
9.7 %
U.S. government guaranteed
mortgage-backed securities
2
1,093
55
4.8
7
6,571
861
11.6
Government-sponsored
enterprise obligations
—
—
—
—
3
13,146
1,758
11.8
Corporate
Bonds
1
2,996
26
0.9
—
—
—
Total
available-for-sale
42
78,986
5,958
37
90,507
10,231
Held-to-maturity:
U.S. Treasury securities
2
9,520
461
4.6 %
—
—
—
— %
Government-sponsored
mortgage-backed securities
33
198,246
15,523
7.3
2
12,513
1,312
9.5
Total
held-to-maturity
35
207,766
15,984
2
12,513
1,312
Total
77
$ 286,752
$ 21,942
39
$ 103,020
$ 11,543
11
December 31, 2021
Less Than Twelve Months
Over Twelve Months
Number of Securities
Fair Value
Gross Unrealized Loss
Depreciation from Amortized Cost Basis (%)
Number of Securities
Fair Value
Gross Unrealized Loss
Depreciation from Amortized Cost Basis (%)
(Dollars in thousands)
Available-for-sale:
Government-sponsored mortgage-backed securities
34
$ 105,221
$ 2,088
1.9 %
18
$ 42,506
$ 1,841
4.2 %
U.S. government guaranteed mortgage-backed securities
2
2,426
142
5.5
5
5,107
460
8.3
Government-sponsored enterprise obligations
—
—
—
—
3
14,226
676
4.5
Total available-for-sale
36
107,647
2,230
26
61,839
2,977
Held-to-maturity:
U.S. Treasury securities
2
9,973
6
0.1 %
—
—
—
— %
Government-sponsored mortgage-backed securities
31
209,775
2,518
1.2
—
—
—
—
Total held-to-maturity
33
219,748
2,524
—
—
—
Total
69
$ 327,395
$ 4,754
26
$ 61,839
$ 2,977
During
the three months ended March 31, 2022 and year ended December 31, 2021, the Company did not record any other-than-temporary impairment
(“OTTI”) charges on its investments. Management regularly reviews the portfolio for securities with unrealized losses.
Management attributed the unrealized losses at March 31, 2022 to increases in current market yields compared to the yields at
the time the investments were purchased by the Company and not due to credit quality.
The
process for assessing investments for OTTI may vary depending on the type of security. In assessing the Company's investments
in government-sponsored and U.S. government guaranteed mortgage-backed securities and government-sponsored enterprise obligations,
the contractual cash flows of these investments are guaranteed by the respective government-sponsored enterprise; Federal Home
Loan Mortgage Corporation (“FHLMC”), Federal National Mortgage Association (“FNMA”), Federal Farm Credit
Bank (“FFCB”), or Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”). Accordingly, it is expected that the securities would
not be settled at a price less than the par value of the Company's investments. Management's assessment of other debt securities
within the portfolio includes reviews of market pricing, ongoing credit quality evaluations, assessment of the investments' materiality,
and duration of the investments' unrealized loss position. At March 31, 2022, the Company's corporate and municipal bond portfolios
did not contain any securities rated below investment grade, as reported by major credit rating agencies.
12
5.
LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES
Major
classifications of loans at the periods indicated were as follows:
March 31,
December 31,
2022
2021
(In thousands)
Commercial real estate
$ 1,039,487
$ 979,969
Residential real estate:
Residential one-to-four family
564,339
552,332
Home equity
100,165
99,759
Total residential real estate
664,504
652,091
Commercial and industrial:
Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) loans
6,052
25,329
Commercial and industrial
209,890
201,340
Total commercial and industrial
215,942
226,669
Consumer
4,252
4,250
Total gross loans
1,924,185
1,862,979
Unamortized PPP loan fees
( 255 )
( 781 )
Unearned premiums and deferred loan fees and costs, net
2,355
2,518
Total loans, net
1,926,285
1,864,716
Allowance for loan losses
( 19,308 )
( 19,787 )
Net loans
$ 1,906,977
$ 1,844,929
Loans
Serviced for Others.
The
Company has transferred a portion of its originated commercial loans to participating lenders. The amounts transferred have been
accounted for as sales and are therefore not included in our accompanying consolidated balance sheets. We continue to service
the loans on behalf of the participating lenders. We share with participating lenders, on a pro-rata basis, any gains or losses
that may result from a borrower’s lack of compliance with contractual terms of the loan. At March 31, 2022 and December
31, 2021, the Company was servicing commercial loans participated out to various other institutions totaling $ 78.3 million and
$ 63.2 million, respectively.
Residential
real estate mortgages are originated by the Bank both for its portfolio and for sale into the secondary market. The Bank may sell
its loans to institutional investors such as the FHLMC. Under loan sale and servicing agreements with the investor, the Bank generally
continues to service the residential real estate mortgages. The Bank pays the investor an agreed upon rate on the loan, which
is less than the interest rate received from the borrower. The Bank retains the difference as a fee for servicing the residential
real estate mortgages. The Bank capitalizes mortgage servicing rights at their fair value upon sale of the related loans, amortizes
the asset over the estimated life of the serviced loan, and periodically assesses the asset for impairment. The significant assumptions
used by a third party to estimate the fair value of capitalized servicing rights at March 31, 2022, include weighted average prepayment
speed for the portfolio using the Public Securities Association Standard Prepayment Model ( 122 PSA), weighted average internal
rate of return ( 9.02 %), weighted average servicing fee ( 0.25 %), and average cost to service loans ($ 83.63 per loan). The estimated
fair value of capitalized servicing rights may vary significantly in subsequent periods primarily due to changing market interest
rates, and their effect on prepayment speeds and discount rates. For the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company
sold $ 277,000 and $ 7.6 million in residential real estate mortgages with servicing retained and recorded gains on the sale of
mortgages of $ 2,000 and $ 227,000 , respectively, within non-interest income.
At
March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, the Company was servicing residential mortgage loans owned by investors totaling $ 85.5 million
and $ 88.2 million, respectively. Servicing fee income of $ 53,000 and $ 24,000 was recorded for the three months ended March 31,
2022 and 2021, respectively, and is included in service charges and fees on the consolidated statements of net income.
13
A
summary of the activity in the balances of mortgage servicing rights follows:
Three Months Ended March 31,
2022
2021
(In thousands)
Balance at the beginning of year:
$ 693
$ 153
Capitalized mortgage servicing rights
2
48
Amortization
( 36 )
( 15 )
Balance at the end of period
$ 659
$ 186
Fair value at the end of period
$ 813
$ 235
Loans
are recorded at the principal amount outstanding, adjusted for charge-offs, unearned premiums and deferred loan fees and costs.
Interest on loans is calculated using the effective yield method on daily balances of the principal amount outstanding and is
credited to income on the accrual basis to the extent it is deemed collectable. Our general policy is to discontinue the accrual
of interest when principal or interest payments are delinquent 90 days or more based on the contractual terms of the loan, or
earlier if the loan is considered impaired. Any unpaid amounts previously accrued on these loans are reversed from income. Subsequent
cash receipts are applied to the outstanding principal balance or to interest income if, in the judgment of management, collection
of the principal balance is not in question. Loans are returned to accrual status when they become current as to both principal
and interest and perform in accordance with contractual terms for a period of at least six months, reducing the concern as to
the collectability of principal and interest. Loan fees and certain direct loan origination costs are deferred, and the net fee
or cost is recognized as an adjustment to interest income over the estimated average lives of the related loans.
The
allowance for loan losses is established through provisions for loan losses charged to expense. Loans are charged-off against
the allowance when management believes that the collectability of the principal is unlikely. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are
credited to the allowance.
The
allowance for loan losses is evaluated on a regular basis by management. This evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires
estimates that are susceptible to significant revision as more information becomes available. The allowance consists of general,
allocated, and unallocated components, as further described below.
General
component
The
general component of the allowance for loan losses is based on historical loss experience adjusted for qualitative factors stratified
by the following loan segments: residential real estate (includes one-to-four family and home equity), commercial real estate,
commercial and industrial, and consumer. Management uses a rolling average of historical losses based on a time frame appropriate
to capture relevant loss data for each loan segment. This historical loss factor is adjusted for the following qualitative factors:
trends in delinquencies and nonperforming loans; trends in volume and terms of loans; effects of changes in risk selection and
underwriting standards and other changes in lending policies, procedures and practices; and national and local economic trends
and industry conditions. There were no changes to the Company’s policies and procedures surrounding the allowance for loan
losses during the three months ended March 31, 2022. In addition, during the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company determined
that it was prudent to provide an allowance for loan losses related to the loan portfolio acquired on October 24, 2016 from Chicopee
Bancorp, Inc. (“Chicopee”) due to the ongoing impacts and extended nature of the pandemic.
The
qualitative factors are determined based on the various risk characteristics of each loan segment. Risk characteristics relevant
to each portfolio segment are as follows:
Residential
real estate . We require private mortgage insurance for all loans originated with a loan-to-value ratio greater than 80 % and
we do not grant subprime loans. All loans in this segment are collateralized by owner-occupied residential real estate and repayment
is dependent on the credit quality of the individual borrower. Home equity loans are secured by first or second mortgages on one-to-four
family owner occupied properties. The overall health of the economy, including unemployment rates and housing prices, will have
an effect on the credit quality in this segment.
14
Commercial
real estate . Loans in this segment are primarily income-producing investment properties and owner-occupied commercial
properties throughout New England. The underlying cash flows generated by the properties or operations can be adversely impacted
by a downturn in the economy due to increased vacancy rates or diminished cash flows, which in turn, would have an effect on the
credit quality in this segment. Management obtains financial information annually and continually monitors the cash flows of these
loans.
Commercial
and industrial loans . Loans in this segment are made to businesses and are generally secured by assets of the business. Repayment
is expected from the cash flows of the business. A weakened economy, and resultant decreased consumer spending, will have an effect
on the credit quality in this segment.
Consumer
loans . Loans in this segment are secured or unsecured and repayment is dependent on the credit quality of the individual borrower.
Allocated
component
The
allocated component relates to loans that are classified as impaired. Impaired loans are identified by analysis of loan performance,
internal credit ratings and watch list loans that management believes are subject to a higher risk of loss. Impairment is measured
on a loan by loan basis for commercial real estate and commercial and industrial loans by either the present value of expected
future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral
dependent. An allowance is established when the discounted cash flows (or collateral value) of the impaired loan is lower than
the carrying value of that loan. Large groups of smaller balance homogeneous loans are collectively evaluated for impairment.
Accordingly, we do not separately identify individual consumer and residential real estate loans for impairment disclosures, unless
such loans are subject to a troubled debt restructuring agreement.
A
loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that we will be unable to collect the
scheduled payments of principal or interest when due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Factors considered
by management in determining impairment include payment status, collateral value, and the probability of collecting scheduled
principal and interest payments when due. Loans that experience insignificant payment delays and payment shortfalls generally
are not classified as impaired. We determine the significance of payment delays and payment shortfalls on a case-by-case basis,
taking into consideration all of the circumstances surrounding the loan and the borrower, including the length of the delay, the
reasons for the delay, the borrower’s prior payment record, and the amount of the shortfall in relation to the principal
and interest owed.
Unallocated
component
An
unallocated component may be maintained to cover uncertainties that could affect management’s estimate of probable losses.
The unallocated component of the allowance, if any, reflects the margin of imprecision inherent in the underlying assumptions
used in the methodologies for estimating allocated and general reserves in the portfolio.
15
An
analysis of changes in the allowance for loan losses by segment for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021 is as follows:
Commercial Real Estate
Residential Real Estate
Commercial and Industrial
Consumer
Unallocated
Total
(In thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2020
$ 13,020
$ 4,240
$ 3,630
$ 241
$ 26
$ 21,157
Provision (credit)
295
( 135 )
( 60 )
( 13 )
( 12 )
75
Charge-offs
—
—
( 9 )
( 24 )
—
( 33 )
Recoveries
—
8
1
19
—
28
Balance at March 31, 2021
$ 13,315
$ 4,113
$ 3,562
$ 223
$ 14
$ 21,227
Balance at December 31, 2021
$ 12,970
$ 3,964
$ 2,643
$ 197
$ 13
$ 19,787
Provision (credit)
( 639 )
90
89
27
8
( 425 )
Charge-offs
( 37 )
( 16 )
( 7 )
( 45 )
—
( 105 )
Recoveries
—
30
1
20
—
51
Balance at March 31, 2022
$ 12,294
$ 4,068
$ 2,726
$ 199
$ 21
$ 19,308
The
following table presents information pertaining to the allowance for loan losses by segment, excluding PPP loans, for the dates
indicated:
Commercial Real Estate
Residential Real Estate
Commercial and Industrial
Consumer
Unallocated
Total
(In thousands)
March 31, 2022
Amount of allowance for impaired loans
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
Amount of allowance for non-impaired loans
12,294
4,068
2,726
199
21
19,308
Total allowance for loan losses
$ 12,294
$ 4,068
$ 2,726
$ 199
$ 21
$ 19,308
Impaired loans
$ 9,527
$ 2,976
$ 620
$ —
$ —
$ 13,123
Non-impaired loans
1,025,725
659,784
208,907
4,252
—
1,898,668
Impaired loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality
4,235
1,744
363
—
—
6,342
Total loans
$ 1,039,487
$ 664,504
$ 209,890
$ 4,252
$ —
$ 1,918,133
December 31, 2021
Amount of allowance for impaired loans
$ —
$ —
$ —
$ —
$ —
$ —
Amount of allowance for non-impaired loans
12,970
3,964
2,643
197
13
19,787
Total allowance for loan losses
$ 12,970
$ 3,964
$ 2,643
$ 197
$ 13
$ 19,787
Impaired loans
$ 9,601
$ 3,223
$ 699
$ 22
$ —
$ 13,545
Non-impaired loans
965,577
647,098
200,271
4,228
—
1,817,174
Impaired loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality
4,791
1,770
370
—
—
6,931
Total loans
$ 979,969
$ 652,091
$ 201,340
$ 4,250
$ —
$ 1,837,650
16
Past
Due and Nonaccrual Loans.
The
following tables present an age analysis of past due loans, excluding PPP loans, as of the dates indicated:
30 – 59 Days Past Due
60 – 89 Days Past Due
90 Days or More Past Due
Total
Past
Due Loans
Total
Current
Loans
Total
Loans
Nonaccrual Loans
(In thousands)
March 31, 2022
Commercial real estate
$ 301
$ —
$ 436
$ 737
$ 1,038,750
$ 1,039,487
$ 660
Residential real estate:
Residential
561
270
853
1,684
562,655
564,339
2,846
Home equity
230
—
88
318
99,847
100,165
112
Commercial and industrial
42
—
24
66
209,824
209,890
370
Consumer
3
—
—
3
4,249
4,252
—
Total
loans
$ 1,137
$ 270
$ 1,401
$ 2,808
$ 1,915,325
$ 1,918,133
$ 3,988
December 31, 2021
Commercial real estate
$ 139
$ —
$ 436
$ 575
$ 979,394
$ 979,969
$ 1,224
Residential real estate:
Residential
787
41
507
1,335
550,997
552,332
3,214
Home equity
57
5
63
125
99,634
99,759
94
Commercial and industrial
58
10
22
90
201,250
201,340
410
Consumer
5
—
11
16
4,234
4,250
22
Total loans
$ 1,046
$ 56
$ 1,039
$ 2,141
$ 1,835,509
$ 1,837,650
$ 4,964
Impaired
Loans.
The
following is a summary of impaired loans by class:
Three Months Ended
At March 31, 2022
March 31, 2022
Recorded Investment
Unpaid Principal Balance
Related Allowance
Average Recorded Investment
Interest Income Recognized
(In thousands)
Impaired Loans (1)
Commercial real estate
$ 13,762
$ 14,907
$ —
$ 14,078
$ 53
Residential real estate:
Residential real estate
4,590
5,422
—
4,735
16
Home equity
130
153
—
121
1
Commercial and industrial
983
3,748
—
1,026
15
Consumer
—
—
—
11
—
Total impaired loans
$ 19,465
$ 24,230
$ —
$ 19,971
$ 85
17
Three Months Ended
At December 31, 2021
March 31, 2021
Recorded Investment
Unpaid Principal Balance
Related Allowance
Average Recorded Investment
Interest Income Recognized
(In thousands)
Impaired Loans (1)
Commercial real estate
$ 14,392
$ 15,563
$ —
$ 17,403
$ 108
Residential rea estate:
Residential real estate
4,881
5,381
—
6,357
104
Home equity
112
136
—
143
4
Commercial and industrial
1,069
3,850
—
4,827
62
Consumer
22
37
—
26
—
Total impaired loans
$ 20,476
$ 24,967
$ —
$ 28,756
$ 278
(1) Includes loans
acquired with deteriorated credit quality and performing troubled debt restructurings.
With
the exception of loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality, the majority of impaired loans are included within the nonaccrual
balances; however, not every loan on nonaccrual status has been designated as impaired. Impaired loans include loans that have
been modified in a troubled debt restructuring (“TDR”). Impaired loans are individually evaluated and exclude large
groups of smaller-balance homogeneous loans, such as residential mortgage loans and consumer loans, which are collectively evaluated
for impairment, and loans that are measured at fair value, unless the loan is amended in a TDR.
All
payments received on impaired loans in nonaccrual status are applied to principal. There was no interest income recognized on
nonaccrual impaired loans during the three months ended March 31, 2022 and March 31, 2021. The Company's obligation to fulfill
the additional funding commitments on impaired loans is generally contingent on the borrower's compliance with the terms of the
credit agreement. If the borrower is not in compliance, additional funding commitments may or may not be made at the Company's
discretion. At March 31, 2022 and 2021, we had not committed to lend any additional funds for loans that are classified as impaired.
Payments received on impaired loans in accrual status are recorded in accordance with the contractual terms of the loan. Interest
income recognized on impaired loans during the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021 pertained to performing TDRs and purchased
impaired loans.
Troubled
Debt Restructurings.
Loans
are designated as a TDR when, as part of an agreement to modify the original contractual terms of the loan as a result of financial
difficulties of the borrower, the Bank grants the borrower a concession on the terms that would not otherwise be considered. Typically,
such concessions may consist of a reduction in interest rate to a below market rate, taking into account the credit quality of
the note, extension of additional credit based on receipt of adequate collateral, or a deferment or reduction of payments (principal
or interest) which materially alters the Bank's position or significantly extends the note's maturity date, such that the present
value of cash flows to be received is materially less than those contractually established at the loan's origination. All loans
that are modified are reviewed by the Company to identify if a TDR has occurred. All TDR loans are classified as impaired.
When
we modify loans in a TDR, we measure impairment similar to other impaired loans based on the present value of expected future
cash flows, discounted at the contractual interest rate of the original loan agreement, or use the current fair value of the collateral,
less selling costs for collateral dependent loans. If we determine that the value of the modified loan is less than the recorded
investment in the loan (net of previous charge-offs, deferred loan fees or costs and unamortized premium or discount), impairment
is recognized through a specific allowance or a charge-off to the allowance. Nonperforming TDRs are included in nonperforming
loans.
There
were no loan modifications classified as TDRs during the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021. During the three months ended
March 31, 2022 and 2021, no TDRs defaulted (defined as 30 days or more past due) within 12 months of restructuring. There were
no charge-offs on TDRs during the three months ended March 31, 2022 or 2021.
18
Loans
Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality.
The
following is a summary of loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality in the Chicopee acquisition.
Contractual Required Payments Receivable
Cash Expected To Be Collected
Non- Accretable Discount
Accretable Yield
Loans Receivable
(In thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2021
$ 12,134
$ 9,430
$ 2,704
$ 2,499
$ 6,931
Collections
( 669 )
( 639 )
( 30 )
( 50 )
( 589 )
Dispositions
( 58 )
( 58 )
—
( 58 )
—
Balance at March 31, 2022
$ 11,407
$ 8,733
$ 2,674
$ 2,391
$ 6,342
Credit
Quality Information.
The
Company utilizes an eight-grade internal loan rating system for commercial real estate and commercial and industrial loans. Performing
residential real estate, home equity and consumer loans are grouped with “Pass” rated loans. Nonperforming residential
real estate, home equity and consumer loans are monitored individually for impairment and risk rated as “substandard.”
Loans
rated 1 – 4 : Loans rated 1-4 represent groups of loans that are not subject to adverse criticism as defined in regulatory
guidance. Loans in these groups exhibit characteristics that represent acceptable risk.
Loans
rated 5 : Loans rated 5 are considered “ Special Mention ” and may exhibit potential credit weaknesses or
downward trends and are being monitored by management. Loans in this category are currently protected based on collateral and
repayment capacity and do not constitute undesirable credit risk, but have potential weakness that may result in deterioration
of the repayment process at some future date. This classification is used if a negative trend is evident in the obligor’s
financial situation. Special mention loans do not sufficiently expose the Company to warrant adverse classification.
Loans
rated 6 : Loans rated 6 are considered “ Substandard .” A loan is classified as substandard if the borrower
exhibits a well-defined weakness and may be inadequately protected by the current net worth and cash flow capacity to pay the
current debt.
Loans
rated 7 : Loans rated 7 are considered “ Doubtful .” Loans classified as doubtful have all the weaknesses
inherent in those classified substandard with the added characteristic that the weaknesses make collection or liquidation of the
loan highly questionable and improbable. The possibility of some loss is extremely high, but because of specific pending factors
that may work to the advantage and strengthening of the asset, its classification as an estimated loss is deferred until its more
exact status may be determined.
Loans
rated 8 : Loans rated 8 are considered uncollectible. The loss classification does not mean that the asset has absolutely no
recovery or salvage value, but rather that it is not practical or desirable to defer writing off the asset because recovery and
collection time may be affected in the future.
On
an annual basis, or more often if needed, we formally review the ratings on all commercial real estate and commercial and industrial
loans. In addition, management utilizes delinquency reports, the criticized loan report and other loan reports to monitor credit
quality. In addition, at least on an annual basis, the Company contracts with an external loan review company to review the internal
credit ratings assigned to loans in the commercial loan portfolio on a pre-determined schedule, based on the type, size, rating,
and overall risk of the loan. During the course of its review, the third party examines a sample of loans, including new loans,
existing relationships over certain dollar amounts and classified assets.
19
The
following table presents our loans by risk rating for the periods indicated:
Commercial Real Estate
Residential 1-4 Family
Home Equity
Commercial and Industrial
Consumer
Total
(In thousands)
March 31, 2022
Pass (Rated 1 – 4)
$ 973,892
$ 560,425
$ 99,891
$ 199,763
$ 4,232
$ 1,838,203
Special Mention (Rated 5)
47,729
—
—
7,464
—
55,193
Substandard (Rated 6)
17,866
3,914
274
8,715
20
30,789
Total
$ 1,039,487
$ 564,339
$ 100,165
$ 215,942
$ 4,252
$ 1,924,185
December 31, 2021
Pass (Rated 1 – 4)
$ 913,063
$ 547,980
$ 99,503
$ 215,605
$ 4,228
$ 1,780,379
Special Mention (Rated 5)
48,765
—
—
2,777
—
51,542
Substandard (Rated 6)
18,141
4,352
256
8,287
22
31,058
Total
$ 979,969
$ 552,332
$ 99,759
$ 226,669
$ 4,250
$ 1,862,979
6. GOODWILL
AND OTHER INTANGIBLES
Goodwill.
At
March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, the Company’s goodwill was related to the acquisition of Chicopee in October 2016.
There was no goodwill impairment recorded during the three months ended March 31, 2022 or the year ended December 31, 2021. Annually,
or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances warrant such evaluation, the Company evaluates its goodwill for impairment.
Core
Deposit Intangible.
In
connection with the acquisition of Chicopee, the Bank recorded a core deposit intangible of $ 4.5 million which is amortized over
twelve years using the straight-line method. Amortization expense was $ 94,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and $ 93,000
for the three months ended March 31, 2021. At March 31, 2022, future amortization of the core deposit intangible totaled $ 375,000
for each of the next five years and $ 594,000 thereafter.
7.
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION
Stock
Options.
A
summary of stock option activity for the three months ended March 31, 2022 is presented below:
Shares
Weighted Average Exercise Price
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term
(in
years)
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
(in
thousands)
Outstanding at December 31, 2021
177,881
$ 6.57
0.81
$ 388
Exercised
( 80,881 )
6.29
0.43
211
Outstanding at March 31, 2022
97,000
$ 6.80
0.81
$ 206
Exercisable at March 31, 2022
97,000
$ 6.80
0.81
$ 206
Cash
received for options exercised during the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021 was $ 510,000 and $ 113,000 , respectively.
20
Restricted
Stock Awards.
In
May 2014, the Company’s shareholders approved the 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan, a stock-based compensation plan (the “2014
RSA Plan”). Under the 2014 RSA Plan, up to 516,000 shares of the Company’s common stock were reserved for grants of
stock awards, including stock options and restricted stock, which may be granted to any officer, key employee or non-employee
director of WNEB. Any shares that are not issued because vesting requirements are not met were available for future issuance under
the 2014 RSA Plan.
On
an annual basis, the Compensation Committee (the “Committee”) approves long-term incentive awards out of the 2014
RSA Plan, whereby shares will be granted to eligible participants of the Company that are nominated by the Chief Executive Officer
and approved by the Committee, with vesting over a three -year term for employees and a one -year term for directors. Annual employee
grants provide for a periodic award that is both performance and time-based and is designed to recognize the executive’s
responsibilities, reward performance and leadership and as a retention tool. The objective of the award is to align compensation
for the named executive officers and directors over a multi-year period directly with the interests of our shareholders by motivating
and rewarding creation and preservation of long-term financial strength, shareholder value and relative shareholder return.
In
February 2019, 108,718 shares were granted. Of the 108,718 shares, 64,496 shares were time-based, with 20,262 vesting in one year
and 44,234 vesting ratably over a three -year period. The remaining 44,222 shares granted are performance-based and are subject
to the achievement of the 2019 long-term incentive performance metric. The primary performance metric for 2019 grants was return
on equity. Performance shares will be earned based upon how the Company performs relative to threshold, target and maximum absolute
goals (i.e. Company-specific, not relative to a peer index) on an annual performance period, but will be distributed at the end
of the three -year period.
The
threshold, target and stretch metrics under the 2019 grants are as follows:
Return on Equity Metrics
Performance Period Ending
Threshold
Target
Stretch
December 31, 2019
5.75 %
6.13 %
7.00 %
December 31, 2020
6.00 %
6.75 %
7.75 %
December 31, 2021
6.25 %
7.00 %
8.00 %
Eligible
participants will be able to earn between 50 % (“threshold” performance), 100 % (“target” performance) and
150 % (“maximum” performance). As of December 31, 2021, the three-year performance period for the 2019 grants ended.
The 2019 long term incentive plan included a “catch-up” provision allowing unearned performance-based shares from
the 2019 and 2020 performance periods to be earned at the end of the three-year period based on the final year performance. Of
the original 44,222 performance-based shares granted in 2019, 40,003 shares were eligible for vesting based on achieving target.
Because of the “catch-up” provision within the plan, 60,009 performance-based shares vested and were issued to eligible
recipients in February 2022 based on achieving stretch for each performance period.
In
February 2020, 120,053 shares were granted. Of the 120,053 shares, 69,898 shares were time-based, with 19,760 vesting in one year
and 50,138 vesting ratably over a three -year period. The remaining 50,155 shares granted are performance-based and are subject
to the achievement of the 2020 long-term incentive performance metrics, with 50 % of the performance-based shares vesting for each
performance metric. The primary performance metrics for the 2020 grants are return on equity and earnings per share. Performance
shares will be earned based upon how the Company performs relative to threshold, target and maximum absolute goals (i.e. Company-specific,
not relative to a peer index) on an annual performance period for return on equity metrics and for a three -year cumulative performance
period for earnings per share, but will be distributed at the end of the three -year period as earned.
21
The
threshold, target and stretch metrics under the 2020 grants are as follows:
Return on Equity Metrics
Performance Period Ending
Threshold
Target
Stretch
December 31, 2020
5.00 %
5.48 %
6.00 %
December 31, 2021
5.62 %
6.24 %
6.86 %
December 31, 2022
6.29 %
6.99 %
7.69 %
Earnings Per Share Metrics
Performance Period Ending
Threshold
Target
Stretch
Three-year Cumulative Diluted Earnings Per Share
$ 1.50
$ 1.65
$ 1.80
Eligible
participants will be able to earn between 50 % (“threshold” performance), 100 % (“target” performance) and
150 % (“maximum” performance).
The
fair market value of shares awarded is based on the market price at the grant date, recorded as unearned compensation and amortized
over the applicable vesting period. Performance-based metrics are monitored on a quarterly basis in order to compare actual results
to the performance metric, with any necessary adjustments being recognized through share-based compensation expense and unearned
compensation.
In
February 2021, 19,827 shares were granted to our directors, with a one -year vesting period. At December 31, 2021, there were no
remaining shares available to grant under the 2014 RSA Plan.
In
May 2021, the Company’s shareholders approved the 2021 Omnibus Incentive Plan, a stock-based compensation plan (the “2021
RSA Plan”). Under the 2021 RSA Plan, up to 700,000 shares of the Company’s common stock were reserved for grants of
stock awards, including stock options and restricted stock, which may be granted to any officer, key employee or non-employee
director of the Company. Any shares that are not issued because vesting requirements are not met will be available for future
issuance under the 2021 RSA Plan.
In
May 2021, 122,362 shares were granted. Of the 122,362 shares, 61,181 shares were time-based, vesting ratably over a three -year
period. The remaining 61,181 shares granted are performance-based and are subject to the achievement of the 2021 long-term incentive
performance metrics, with 50 % of the performance-based shares vesting for each performance metric. The primary performance metrics
for the 2021 grants are return on equity and earnings per share. Performance shares will be earned based upon how the Company
performs relative to threshold, target and maximum absolute goals (i.e. Company-specific, not relative to a peer index) on an
annual performance period for return on equity metrics and for a three -year cumulative performance period for earnings per share,
but will be distributed at the end of the three -year period as earned.
The
threshold, target and stretch metrics under the 2021 grants are as follows:
Return on Equity Metrics
Performance Period Ending
Threshold
Target
Stretch
December 31, 2021
5.63 %
6.25 %
7.50 %
December 31, 2022
5.85 %
6.50 %
7.80 %
December 31, 2023
6.08 %
6.75 %
8.10 %
Earnings Per Share Metrics
Performance Period Ending
Threshold
Target
Stretch
Three-year Cumulative Diluted Earnings Per Share
$ 1.58
$ 1.97
$ 2.36
22
In
March 2022, 137,151 shares were granted. Of the 137,151 shares, 77,463 shares were time-based, with 17,775 vesting in one year
and 59,688 vesting ratably over a three -year period. The remaining 59,688 shares granted are performance-based and are subject
to the achievement of the 2022 long-term incentive performance metrics, with 50 % of the performance-based shares vesting for each
performance metric. The primary performance metrics for the 2022 grants are return on equity and earnings per share. Performance
shares will be earned based upon how the Company performs relative to threshold, target and maximum absolute goals (i.e. Company-specific,
not relative to a peer index) on an annual performance period for return on equity metrics and for a three -year cumulative performance
period for earnings per share, but will be distributed at the end of the three -year period as earned.
The
threshold, target and stretch metrics under the 2022 grants are as follows:
Return on Equity Metrics
Performance Period Ending
Threshold
Target
Stretch
December 31, 2022
7.79 %
8.20 %
8.61 %
December 31, 2023
7.93 %
8.35 %
8.77 %
December 31, 2024
8.03 %
8.45 %
8.87 %
Earnings Per Share Metrics
Performance Period Ending
Threshold
Target
Stretch
Three-year Cumulative Diluted Earnings Per Share
$ 2.35
$ 2.61
$ 2.85
At
March 31, 2022, there were 440,487 remaining shares available to grant under the 2021 RSA Plan.
A
summary of the status of restricted stock awards at March 31, 2022 and 2021 is presented below:
Shares
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Balance at December 31, 2021
213,381
$ 8.91
Shares granted
144,440
9.14
Shares forfeited
( 6,651 )
8.66
Shares
vested
( 60,009 )
9.77
Balance at March 31, 2022
291,161
$ 8.85
Shares
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Balance at December 31, 2020
178,766
$ 9.63
Shares granted
19,827
8.17
Shares forfeited
( 19,154 )
11.05
Shares vested
( 27,727 )
9.81
Balance at March 31, 2021
151,712
$ 9.23
We
recorded total expense for restricted stock awards of $ 301,000 and $ 231,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021,
respectively.
8.
SHORT-TERM BORROWINGS AND LONG-TERM DEBT
Total
borrowing capacity includes borrowing arrangements at the FHLB, the Federal Reserve Bank (“FRB”), and borrowing arrangements
with correspondent banks.
The
Company is a member of the FHLB and uses borrowings as an additional source of funding to finance the Company’s lending
and investing activities and to provide liquidity for daily operations. FHLB advances also provide more pricing and option alternatives
for particular asset/liability needs. The FHLB provides a central credit facility primarily for member institutions. As an FHLB
member, the Company is required to own capital stock of the FHLB, calculated periodically based primarily on its level of borrowings
from the FHLB. FHLB borrowings are secured by certain securities from the Company’s investment portfolio not otherwise pledged
as well as certain residential real estate and commercial real estate loans. Advances are made under several different credit
programs with different lending standards, interest rates and range of maturities. This relationship is an integral component
of the Company’s asset-liability management program. At March 31, 2022, the Bank had $ 464.1 million in additional borrowing
capacity from the FHLB.
23
The
Company also has an available overnight Ideal Way line of credit with the FHLB of $ 9.5 million as of March 31, 2022. Interest
on this line of credit is payable at a rate determined and reset by the FHLB on a daily basis. The outstanding principal is due
daily but the portion not repaid will be automatically renewed. As of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, there were no advances
outstanding under this line.
The
Company has an available line of credit of $ 5.7 million with the FRB Discount Window at an interest rate determined and reset
on a daily basis. Borrowings from the FRB Discount Window are secured by certain securities from the Company’s investment
portfolio not otherwise pledged. As of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, there were no advances outstanding under this line.
The
Company also has pre-established, non-collateralized overnight borrowing arrangements with large national and regional correspondent
banks to provide additional overnight and short-term borrowing capacity for the Company. The Company has a $ 15 .0 million line
of credit with a correspondent bank and a $ 50 .0 million line of credit with another correspondent bank, both at an interest rate
determined and reset on a daily basis. As of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, there were no advances outstanding under these
lines.
Long-term
debt consists of FHLB advances with an original maturity of one year or more. At March 31, 2022, we had $ 1.7 million in long-term
debt with the FHLB, compared to $ 2.7 million in long-term debt with the FHLB at December 31, 2021.
9.
SUBORDINATED DEBT
On
April 20, 2021, the Company completed an offering of $ 20 million in aggregate principal amount of its 4.875 % fixed-to-floating
rate subordinated notes (the “Notes”) to certain qualified institutional buyers in a private placement transaction.
Unless
earlier redeemed, the Notes mature on May 1, 2031 . The Notes will bear interest from the initial issue date to, but excluding,
May 1, 2026 , or the earlier redemption date, at a fixed rate of 4.875 % per annum, payable quarterly in arrears on May 1, August
1, November 1 and February 1 of each year, beginning August 1, 2021, and from and including May 1, 2026, but excluding the maturity
date or earlier redemption date, equal to the benchmark rate, which is the 90-day average secured overnight financing rate , plus
412 basis points, determined on the determination date of the applicable interest period, payable quarterly in arrears on May
1, August 1, November 1 and February 1 of each year. The Company may also redeem the Notes, in whole or in part, on or after May
1, 2026 , and at any time upon the occurrence of certain events, subject in each case to the approval of the Board of Governors
of the Federal Reserve System (the “Federal Reserve”). The Notes were designed to qualify as Tier 2 capital under
the Federal Reserve’s capital adequacy regulations.
The
Notes are presented net of issuance costs of $ 357,000 as of March 31, 2022, which is being amortized into interest expense over
the life of the Notes. Amortization of issuance costs into interest expense was $ 10,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2022.
10.
PENSION BENEFITS
We
provide a defined benefit pension plan for eligible employees (the “Plan”). Employees must work a minimum of 1,000
hours per year to be eligible for the Plan. Eligible employees become vested in the Plan after five years of service. We plan
to contribute to the Plan the amount required to meet the minimum funding standards under Section 412 of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986, as amended. Additional contributions will be made as deemed appropriate by management in conjunction with the Plan’s
actuaries. We have not yet determined how much we expect to contribute to the Plan in 2022. No contributions have been made to
the Plan for the three months ended March 31, 2022. The Plan’s assets are invested in various pooled separate investment
accounts offered by Principal Life Insurance Company, a division of Principal Financial Group, who is the custodian of the Plan.
The Plan is administered by an officer of Westfield Bank. On September 30, 2016, we effected a soft freeze on the Plan and therefore
no new participants will be included in the Plan after such effective date.
24
The
following table provides information regarding net pension benefit costs for the periods shown:
Three
Months Ended
March
31,
2022
2021
(In thousands)
Service cost
$ 334
$ 454
Interest cost
313
295
Expected return on assets
( 427 )
( 439 )
Amortization of actuarial loss
158
234
Net periodic pension cost
$ 378
$ 544
11.
DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES
Risk
Management Objective of Using Derivatives.
The
Company is exposed to certain risks arising from both our business operations and economic conditions. We principally manage our
exposures to a wide variety of business and operational risks through management of our core business activities. We manage economic
risks, including interest rate, liquidity, and credit risk, primarily by managing the amount, sources, and duration of our assets
and liabilities and the use of derivative financial instruments. Specifically, we entered into derivative financial instruments
to manage exposures that arise from business activities that result in the receipt or payment of future known and uncertain cash
amounts, the value of which are determined by interest rates. Our derivative financial instruments are used to manage differences
in the amount, timing, and duration of our known or expected cash receipts and our known or expected cash payments principally
related to certain variable rate loan assets and variable rate borrowings.
The
following table presents information about interest rate swaps at March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021:
March 31, 2022
Notional
Weighted Average
Weighted Average Rate
Fair
Amount
Maturity
Receive
Pay
Value
(In thousands)
(In years)
(In thousands)
Non-hedging derivatives:
Loan-level swaps – dealer counterparties
$ 15,951
10.9
2.13 %
3.76 %
$ 449
Loan-level swaps – borrower counterparties
15,951
10.9
3.76 %
2.13 %
( 449 )
Forward starting loan-level swaps - dealer counterparties
22,390
10.3
2,363
Forward starting loan-level swaps - borrower counterparties
22,390
10.3
( 2,363 )
Total
$ 76,682
$ 0
December 31, 2021
Notional
Weighted Average
Weighted Average Rate
Fair
Amount
Maturity
Receive
Pay
Value
(In thousands)
(In years)
(In thousands)
Non-hedging derivatives:
Loan-level swaps – dealer counterparties
$ 16,023
11.1
1.99 %
3.76 %
$ ( 662 )
Loan-level swaps – borrower counterparties
16,023
11.1
3.76 %
1.99 %
662
Forward starting loan-level swaps - dealer counterparties
22,390
10.5
1,030
Forward starting loan-level swaps - borrower counterparties
22,390
10.5
( 1,030 )
Total
$ 76,826
$ 0
25
Cash
Flow Hedges of Interest Rate Risk.
The
Company’s objectives in using interest rate derivatives are to add stability to interest income and expense and to manage
its exposure to interest rate movements. To accomplish these objectives, we entered into interest rate swaps as part of our interest
rate risk management strategy. These interest rate swaps are designated as cash flow hedges and involve the receipt of variable
rate amounts from a counterparty in exchange for our making fixed payments.
For
derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, the changes in the fair value of the derivative is initially reported in other comprehensive
income (outside of earnings), net of tax, and subsequently reclassified to earnings when the hedged transaction affects earnings.
We are hedging our exposure to the variability in future cash flows for forecasted transactions over a maximum period of six years
(excluding forecasted payment of variable interest on existing financial instruments).
Non-hedging
Derivatives.
Derivatives
not designated as hedges are not speculative, but rather result from a service the Company provides to certain customers. The
Company executes loan level derivative products such as interest-rate swap agreements with commercial banking customers to aid
them in managing their interest-rate risk by converting floating-rate loan payments to fixed-rate loan payments. The Company concurrently
enters into offsetting swaps with a third party financial institution, effectively minimizing its net risk exposure resulting
from such transactions. The third-party financial institution exchanges the customer's fixed-rate loan payments for floating-rate
loan payments. As the interest-rate swap agreements associated with this program do not meet hedge accounting requirements, changes
in the fair value are recognized directly in earnings.
Fair
Values of Derivative Instruments on the Balance Sheet.
The
table below presents the fair value of our derivative financial instruments not designated as hedging instruments as well as our
classification on the balance sheet as of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021.
March 31, 2022
Asset Derivatives
Liability Derivatives
Balance Sheet Location
Fair Value
Balance Sheet Location
Fair Value
(In thousands)
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
Interest rate swap – with borrower counterparties
$ 0
$ 2,812
Interest rate swap – with dealer counterparties
2,812
0
Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Other Assets
$ 2,812
Other Liabilities
$ 2,812
December 31, 2021
Asset Derivatives
Liability Derivatives
Balance Sheet Location
Fair Value
Balance Sheet Location
Fair Value
(In thousands)
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
Interest rate swap – with borrower counterparties
$ 662
$ 1,030
Interest rate swap – with dealer counterparties
1,030
662
Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Other Assets
$ 1,692
Other Liabilities
$ 1,692
26
Effect
of Derivative Instruments in the Consolidated Statements of Net Income and Changes in Shareholders’ Equity.
There
were gains or losses recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income during the three months ended March 31, 2021 or 2020.
Amounts
reported in accumulated other comprehensive loss related to cash flow hedge derivatives are reclassified to interest expense as
interest payments are made on our designated rate sensitive liabilities. The table below presents the amount reclassified from
accumulated other comprehensive loss into net income for interest rate swaps and termination fees:
Amount of Loss Reclassified from OCI into Expense (Effective Portion)
Three Months Ended March 31,
2022
2021
Interest rate swaps
$ 0
$ 140
As
of December 31, 2021, the Company no longer has any outstanding cash flow hedges.
Credit-risk-related
Contingent Features
By
using derivative financial instruments, we expose ourselves to credit risk. Credit risk is the risk of failure by the counterparty
to perform under the terms of the derivative contract. When the fair value of a derivative contract is positive, the counterparty
owes us, which creates credit risk for us. When the fair value of a derivative is negative, we owe the counterparty and, therefore,
it does not possess credit risk. The credit risk in derivative instruments is mitigated by entering into transactions with highly-rated
counterparties that we believe to be creditworthy and by limiting the amount of exposure to each counterparty.
We
have agreements with our derivative counterparties that contain a provision where if we default on any of our indebtedness, including default
where repayment of the indebtedness has not been accelerated by the lender, then we could also be declared in default
on our derivative obligations. We also have agreements with certain of our derivative counterparties that contain a provision
where if we fail to maintain our status as well capitalized, then the counterparty could terminate the derivative positions and
we would be required to settle our obligations under the agreements. Certain of our agreements with our derivative counterparties
contain provisions where if a formal administrative action by a federal or state regulatory agency occurs that materially changes
our creditworthiness in an adverse manner, we may be required to fully collateralize our obligations under the derivative instrument.
At
March 31, 2022, we had minimum collateral posting thresholds with certain of our derivative counterparties. As of March 31, 2022,
we were not required to post collateral under these agreements because we did not have any derivatives in a liability position
with those counterparties.
12.
FAIR VALUE OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
Determination
of Fair Value.
We
use fair value measurements to record fair value adjustments to certain assets and liabilities and to determine fair value disclosures.
The fair value of a financial instrument is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability
in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Fair value is best determined based upon quoted
market prices. However, in many instances, there are no quoted market prices for our various financial instruments. In cases where
quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on estimates using present value or other valuation techniques.
Those techniques are significantly affected by the assumptions used, including the discount rate and estimates of future cash
flows. Accordingly, the fair value estimates may not be realized in an immediate settlement of the instrument.
27
Fair
Value Hierarchy.
We
group our assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value in three levels, based on the markets in which the assets are
traded and the reliability of the assumptions used to determine fair value.
Level
1 : Valuation is based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets. Level 1 assets generally include debt and equity
securities that are traded in an active exchange market. Valuations are obtained from readily available pricing sources for market
transactions involving identical assets.
Level
2 : Valuation is based on observable inputs other than Level 1 prices, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities;
quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market
data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.
Level
3 : Valuation is based on unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to
the fair value of the assets. Level 3 assets include financial instruments whose value is determined using pricing models, discounted
cash flow methodologies, or similar techniques, as well as instruments for which the determination of fair value requires significant
management judgment or estimation.
Methods
and assumptions for valuing our financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis are set forth below. Estimated
fair values are calculated based on the value without regard to any premium or discount that may result from concentrations of
ownership of a financial instrument, possible tax ramifications or estimated transaction cost.
Securities
Available-for-Sale.
The
securities measured at fair value in Level 1 are based on quoted market prices in an active exchange market. These securities
include marketable equity securities and U.S. Treasury securities. All other securities are measured at fair value in Level 2
and are based on pricing models that consider standard input factors such as observable market data, benchmark yields, interest
rate volatilities, broker/dealer quotes, credit spreads and new issue data. These securities include government-sponsored enterprise
obligations, state and municipal obligations, residential mortgage-backed securities guaranteed and sponsored by the U.S. government
or an agency thereof. Fair value measurements are obtained from a third-party pricing service and are not adjusted by management.
Interest
Rate Swaps.
The
valuation of our interest rate swaps is obtained from a third-party pricing service and is determined using a discounted cash
flow analysis on the expected cash flows of each derivative. The pricing analysis is based on observable inputs for the contractual
terms of the derivatives, including the period to maturity and interest rate curves. We have determined that the majority of the
inputs used to value our interest rate derivatives fall within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
Assets
and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis.
Assets
and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized below:
March 31, 2022
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Total
Assets:
(In thousands)
Securities available-for-sale
$ —
$ 173,910
$ —
$ 173,910
Marketable equity securities
11,643
—
—
11,643
Interest rate swaps
—
2,812
—
2,812
Total assets
$ 11,643
$ 176,722
$ —
$ 188,365
Liabilities:
Interest rate swaps
$ —
$ 2,812
$ —
$ 2,812
28
December 31, 2021
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Total
Assets:
(In thousands)
Securities available-for-sale
$ —
$ 194,352
$ —
$ 194,352
Marketable equity securities
11,896
—
—
11,896
Interest rate swaps
—
1,692
—
1,692
Total assets
$ 11,896
$ 196,044
$ —
$ 207,940
Liabilities:
Interest rate swaps
$ —
$ 1,692
$ —
$ 1,692
Assets
Measured at Fair Value on a Non-recurring Basis.
We
may also be required, from time to time, to measure certain other assets at fair value on a non-recurring basis in accordance
with U.S. GAAP. These adjustments to fair value usually result from application of lower-of-cost-or-market accounting or write-downs
of individual assets. There were no assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis at March 31, 2022 or 2021.
Summary
of Fair Values of Financial Instruments.
The
estimated fair values of our financial instruments are as follows:
March 31, 2022
Carrying
Value
Fair Value
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Total
(In thousands)
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
$ 62,898
$ 62,898
$ —
$ —
$ 62,898
Securities held-to-maturity
237,575
9,520
210,759
—
220,279
Securities available-for-sale
173,910
—
173,910
—
173,910
Marketable equity securities
11,643
11,643
—
—
11,643
Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston and other restricted stock
2,594
—
—
2,594
2,594
Loans - net
1,906,977
—
—
1,882,419
1,882,419
Accrued interest receivable
7,723
—
—
7,723
7,723
Mortgage servicing rights
659
—
813
—
813
Derivative asset
2,812
—
2,812
—
2,812
Liabilities:
Deposits
2,278,164
—
—
2,275,572
2,275,572
Long-term debt
21,329
—
21,835
—
21,835
Accrued interest payable
168
—
—
168
168
Derivative liabilities
2,812
—
2,812
—
2,812
29
December 31, 2021
Carrying Value
Fair Value
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Total
(In thousands)
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
$ 103,456
$ 103,456
$ —
$ —
$ 103,456
Securities held-to-maturity
222,272
9,973
209,775
—
219,748
Securities available-for-sale
194,352
—
194,352
—
194,352
Marketable equity securities
11,896
11,896
—
—
11,896
Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston and other restricted stock
2,594
—
—
2,594
2,594
Loans - net
1,844,929
—
—
1,838,045
1,838,045
Accrued interest receivable
7,775
—
—
7,775
7,775
Mortgage servicing rights
693
—
739
—
739
Derivative asset
1,692
—
1,692
—
1,692
Liabilities:
Deposits
2,256,898
—
—
2,256,834
2,256,834
Long-term debt
22,286
—
23,099
—
23,099
Accrued interest payable
191
—
—
191
191
Derivative liabilities
1,692
—
1,692
—
1,692
13. RECENT
ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
In
June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”)
2016-13, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326), which requires entities to measure all expected credit
losses for financial assets held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and
supportable forecasts. The ASU also requires enhanced disclosures to help financial statement users better understand significant
estimates and judgments used in estimating credit losses, as well as the credit quality and underwriting standards of an entity’s
portfolio. These disclosures include qualitative and quantitative requirements that provide additional information about the amounts
recorded in the financial statements. This ASU, as amended, is effective for the Company in fiscal years beginning after December
15, 2022. The Company is in the process of implementing the standard. We have put together a project team that has begun
to identify appropriate loan segments along with related historical losses for each segment and potential models that would be
most appropriate for each individual segment. We have not quantified the effects of any models, but do expect the standard
to significantly change the approach to calculating our allowance for loan losses.
30
ITEM
2: MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
Overview.
We
strive to remain a leader in meeting the financial service needs of the local community and to provide quality service to the
individuals and businesses in the market areas that we have served since 1853. Historically, we have been a community-oriented
provider of traditional banking products and services to business organizations and individuals, including products such as residential
and commercial real estate loans, commercial and industrial loans, consumer loans and a variety of deposit products. We meet the
needs of our local community through a community-based and service-oriented approach to banking.
We
have adopted a growth-oriented strategy that continues to focus on increasing commercial lending and residential lending. Our
strategy also calls for increasing deposit relationships, specifically core deposits, and broadening our product lines and services.
We believe that this business strategy is best for our long-term success and viability, and complements our existing commitment
to high-quality customer service.
In
connection with our overall growth strategy, we seek to:
● Grow
the Company’s commercial loan portfolio and related commercial deposits by targeting
businesses in our primary market area of Hampden County and Hampshire County in western
Massachusetts and Hartford and Tolland Counties in northern Connecticut to increase the
net interest margin and loan income;
● Supplement
the commercial portfolio by growing the residential real estate portfolio to diversify
the loan portfolio and deepen customer relationships;
● Focus
on expanding our retail banking deposit franchise and increase the number of households
served within our designated market area;
● Invest
in people, systems and technology to grow revenue, improve efficiency and enhance the
overall customer experience;
● Grow
revenues, increase book value and tangible book value per share, continue to pay competitive dividends to shareholders
and utilize the Company’s stock repurchase plan to leverage our capital and enhance
franchise value; and
● Consider
growth through acquisitions. We may pursue expansion opportunities in existing or adjacent
strategic locations with companies that add complementary products to our existing business
and at terms that add value to our existing shareholders.
You
should read the following financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2022 in the context of this strategy.
● Net
income was $5.3 million, or $0.24 per diluted share, for the three months ended March
31, 2022, compared to $5.8 million, or $0.24 per diluted share, for the same period in
2021.
● The
provision for loan losses decreased $500,000, from a provision for loan losses of $75,000
for the three months ended March 31, 2021 to a credit for loan losses of $425,000 for
the three months ended March 31, 2022. The Company recorded net charge-offs of $54,000
for the three months ended March 31, 2022, as compared to net charge-offs of $5,000
for the three months ended March 31, 2021. The decrease in the provision versus comparative
periods reflects management’s current assessment of the impact of the COVID-19
pandemic on the Bank’s loan portfolio.
● Net
interest income increased $672,000, or 3.7%, to $18.7 million, for the three months ended
March 31, 2022, from $18.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021. The increase
in net interest income was due to a decrease in interest expense of $762,000, or 38.0%,
primary due to a $742,000, or 42.8%, decrease in interest expense on deposits.
31
CRITICAL
ACCOUNTING POLICIES.
Our
consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP and practices within the banking industry. Application
of these principles requires management to make estimates, assumptions, and judgments that affect the amounts reported in the
financial statements and accompanying notes. These estimates, assumptions, and judgments are based on information available as
of the date of the financial statements; accordingly, as this information changes, the financial statements could reflect different
estimates, assumptions, and judgments. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Critical
accounting estimates are necessary in the application of certain accounting policies and procedures, and are particularly susceptible
to significant change. Critical accounting policies are defined as those that are reflective of significant judgments and uncertainties,
and could potentially result in materially different results under different assumptions and conditions. There have been no material
changes to our critical accounting policies during the three months ended March 31, 2022. For additional information on our critical
accounting policies, please refer to the information contained in Note 1 of the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial
statements and Note 1 of the consolidated financial statements included in our 2021 Annual Report.
RECENT
DEVELOPMENTS: CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC RESPONSE AND ACTIONS.
The
Company continues to monitor COVID-19’s impact on its business and customers, however, the extent to which COVID-19 will
continue to impact its results and operations will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted
with confidence, including the scope, severity and duration of the pandemic, the actions taken to contain the pandemic or mitigate
its impact, and the direct and indirect economic effects of the pandemic and containment measures.
Our
business is dependent upon the willingness and ability of our employees and customers to conduct banking and other financial transactions.
The COVID-19 global public health crisis and the resulting “stay-at-home” orders resulted in widespread volatility,
severe disruptions in the U.S. economy at large, and for small businesses in particular, deterioration in household, business,
economic and market conditions.
Paycheck
Protection Program.
As
a Preferred Lender with the Small Business Administration (“SBA”), the Company was in a position to react quickly
to the PPP component of the March 27, 2020 $2.2 trillion fiscal stimulus bill known as the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic
Security Act (the “CARES Act”) launched by the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the SBA. An eligible business was
able to apply for a PPP loan up to the lesser of: (1) 2.5 times its average monthly “payroll costs,” or (2) $10.0
million. PPP loans have: (a) an interest rate of 1.0%, (b) a two-year loan term to maturity, subsequently extended to a five-year
loan term maturity for loans granted on or after June 5, 2020 and (c) principal and interest payments deferred from six months
to ten months from the date of disbursement. The SBA will guarantee 100% of the PPP loans made to eligible borrowers. The entire
principal amount of the borrower’s PPP loan, including any accrued interest, is eligible to be reduced by the loan forgiveness
amount under the PPP so long as employee and compensation levels of the business are maintained and 60% of the loan proceeds are
used for payroll expenses, with the remaining 40% of the loan proceeds used for other qualifying expenses. As of March 31, 2022,
the Company received funding approval from the SBA for 2,146 applications totaling $302.2 million. As of March 31, 2022, the Company
processed 2,093 PPP loan forgiveness applications totaling $296.1 million. Total PPP loans decreased $19.3 million, or 76.3%,
from $25.3 million at December 31, 2021 to $6.1 million at March 31, 2022.
During
the three months ended March 31, 2022, the Company recognized $562,000 in PPP income, compared to $2.4 million during the three
months ended March 31, 2021. As of March 31, 2022, the Company had $255,000 in remaining deferred PPP loan processing fees.
32
The
table below breaks out the PPP income recognized for the periods noted:
For the Three Months Ended
March 31, 2022
December 31, 2021
September
30,
2021
June 30, 2021
March 31, 2021
($ in thousands)
PPP origination fee income
$ 526
$ 868
$ 1,556
$ 1,240
$ 1,999
PPP interest income
36
105
201
387
412
Total PPP Income
$ 562
$ 973
$ 1,757
$ 1,627
$ 2,411
Loan
Modifications/Troubled Debt Restructurings.
The
banking regulatory agencies, through an Interagency Statement dated April 7, 2020, have encouraged financial institutions to work
“prudently” with borrowers who request loan modifications or deferrals as a result of the economic impacts of COVID-19.
Pursuant to Section 4013 of the CARES Act, loans less than 30 days past due as of December 31, 2019 will be considered current
for COVID-19 modifications. Financial institutions can then suspend the requirements under U.S. GAAP for loan modifications related
to COVID-19 that would otherwise be categorized as a TDR, and suspend any determination of a loan modified as a result of COVID-19
as being a TDR, including the requirement to determine impairment for accounting under U.S. GAAP. The Company has adopted this
policy election to address COVID-19 loan modification requests that have been received from the earlier of either January 1, 2022
or the 60 th day after the end of the COVID-19 national emergency.
The
Company implemented a modification deferral program under the CARES Act, which allowed residential, commercial and consumer borrowers
who were adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, to defer loan payments for a set period of time. As of March 31, 2022, the
Company had two remaining commercial real estate loans, with an outstanding principal balance of $12.1 million, under CARES Act
modification. The two borrowers were granted a principal deferral under the Company’s modification deferral program, but
continue to make their interest and real estate tax payments. There were no outstanding deferrals related to residential and consumer
loans under CARES modification as of March 31, 2022.
Allowance
for Loan Losses.
In
determining the allowance for loan losses, the Company considers quantitative loss factors and a number of qualitative factors,
such as underwriting policies, current economic conditions, delinquency statistics, the adequacy of the underlying collateral
and the financial strength of the borrower. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic could cause us to experience higher credit losses in
our lending portfolio, reduce demand for our products and services and other negative impacts on our financial position, results
of operations and prospects. As of March 31, 2022, the Company’s delinquency and nonperforming assets have not been materially
impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and therefore, have not resulted in material credit losses within the lending portfolio.
The
Company is continuing to monitor COVID-19’s impact on its business and its customers, however, the extent to which COVID-19
will further impact its results and operations will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted
with confidence, including the scope, severity and duration of the pandemic, the actions taken to contain the pandemic or mitigate
its impact and the direct and indirect economic effects of the pandemic and containment measures.
COMPARISON
OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AT MARCH 31, 2022 AND DECEMBER 31, 2021
At
March 31, 2022, total assets were $2.6 billion, an increase of $17.0 million, or 0.7%, from December 31, 2021. During the three
months ended March 31, 2022, cash and cash equivalents decreased $40.6 million, or 39.2%, to $62.9 million, investment securities
decreased $5.4 million, or 1.3%, to $423.1 million and total loans, excluding PPP loans, increased $80.8 million, or 4.4%, to
$1.9 billion.
At
March 31, 2022, the Company’s available-for-sale securities portfolio decreased $20.4 million, or 10.5%, from $194.4 million
at December 31, 2021 to $173.9 million at March 31, 2022. The held-to-maturity securities portfolio, recorded at amortized cost,
increased $15.3 million, or 6.9%, from $222.3 million at December 31, 2021 to $237.6 million at March 31, 2022. The Company allocated
a portion of its excess liquidity to the investment portfolio as an alternative to cash and cash equivalents. This shift from
overnight investments to held-to-maturity securities will assist the Company with managing the yield on interest-earning assets
in the low interest rate environment that we are experiencing while providing ongoing cash flows from payments and pay downs.
The primary objective of the investment portfolio is to provide liquidity and maximize income while preserving the safety of principal.
33
At
March 31, 2022, total loans were $1.9 billion, an increase of $61.6 million, or 3.3%, from December 31, 2021. Excluding PPP loans,
total loans increased $80.8 million, or 4.4%, driven by an increase in commercial real estate loans of $59.5 million, or 6.1%,
partially offset by a decrease in total commercial and industrial loans of $10.7 million, or 4.7%. Excluding a decrease of $19.3
million in PPP loans from December 31, 2021, commercial and industrial loans increased $8.6 million, or 4.2%, at March 31, 2022.
Residential real estate loans, which include home equity loans, increased $12.4 million, or 1.9%. In accordance with the Company’s
asset/liability management strategy, during the three months ended March 31, 2022, the Company sold $277,000 of fixed rate, low
coupon residential real estate loans to the secondary market. As of March 31, 2022, the Company serviced $85.5 million in loans
sold to the secondary market, compared to $88.2 million at December 31, 2021. Servicing rights will continue to be retained on
all loans written and sold to the secondary market.
All
loans where the payments are 90 days or more in arrears as of the closing date of each month are placed on nonaccrual status.
If all nonaccrual loans had been performing in accordance with their terms, we would have earned additional interest income of
$60,000 and $80,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
At
March 31, 2022, nonperforming loans totaled $4.0 million, or 0.21% of total loans, compared to $5.0 million, or 0.27% of total
loans, at December 31, 2021. At March 31, 2022, there were no loans 90 or more days past due and still accruing interest. Nonperforming
assets to total assets, was 0.16% at March 31, 2022, compared to 0.20% at December 31, 2021. The allowance for loan losses as
a percentage of total loans, was 1.00% at March 31, 2022, compared to 1.06% at December 31, 2021. At March 31, 2022, the allowance
for loan losses as a percentage of nonperforming loans was 484.2%, compared to 398.6%, at December 31, 2021. A summary of our
past due and nonaccrual loans by class are listed in Note 5 of the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements.
At
March 31, 2022, total deposits were $2.3 billion, an increase of $21.3 million, or 0.9%, from December 31, 2021, primarily due
to an increase in core deposits of $44.2 million, or 2.4%. Core deposits, which the Company defines as all deposits except time
deposits, increased to $1.9 billion and were 83.4% and 82.2% of total deposits at March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively.
Non-interest-bearing deposits decreased $11.1 million, or 1.7%, to $630.2 million, interest-bearing checking accounts decreased
$6.4 million, or 4.4%, to $139.3 million, savings accounts increased $7.0 million, or 3.2%, to $224.6 million, and money market
accounts increased $54.7 million, or 6.4%, to $905.1 million. Time deposits decreased $23.0 million, or 5.7%, from $402.0 million
at December 31, 2021 to $379.0 million at March 31, 2022. The Company did not have any brokered deposits at March 31, 2022 or
December 31, 2021.
At
March 31, 2022, total borrowings decreased $1.0 million, or 4.5%, from $22.3 million at December 31, 2021, to $21.3 million. FHLB
advances decreased $1.0 million, or 36.5%, to $1.7 million and subordinated debt outstanding totaled $19.6 million at March 31,
2022 and at December 31, 2021.
At
March 31, 2022, shareholders’ equity was $219.1 million, or 8.6% of total assets, compared to $223.7 million, or 8.8% of
total assets, at December 31, 2021. The decrease in shareholders’ equity reflects $1.2 million for the repurchase of the
Company’s common stock, the payment of regular cash dividends of $1.3 million and an increase in accumulated other comprehensive
loss of $8.4 million, partially offset by net income of $5.3 million. Total shares outstanding as of March 31, 2022 were 22,742,189.
The
Company’s book value per share was $9.63 at March 31, 2022 compared to $9.87 at December 31, 2021, while tangible book value
per share, a non-GAAP financial measurement, decreased $0.24, or 2.6%, from $9.21 at December 31, 2021 to $8.97 at March 31, 2022.
AOCI reduced the tangible book value per common share by $0.37 as of March 31, 2022, primarily due to the impact
of higher interest rates on the fair value of available-for-sale securities. As of March 31, 2022, the Company’s and
the Bank’s regulatory capital ratios continued to exceed the levels required to be considered “well-capitalized”
under federal banking regulations. See “Explanation of Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measurements” for more information
regarding our uses of non-GAAP financial measurements.
34
The
Company’s regulatory capital ratios remain in compliance with regulatory “well capitalized” requirements and
internal target minimal levels. At March 31, 2022, the Company’s Tier 1 leverage, common equity tier 1 capital, and total
risk-based capital ratios were 8.9%, 11.9%, and 14.0%, respectively, and the Bank’s Tier 1 leverage, common equity tier
1 capital, and total risk-based capital ratios were 9.1%, 12.1%, and 13.1%, respectively, compared with regulatory “well
capitalized” minimums of 5.00%, 6.5%, and 10.00%, respectively.
COMPARISON
OF OPERATING RESULTS FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2022 AND MARCH 31, 2021
General.
Net
income was $5.3 million, or $0.24 per diluted share, for the three months ended March 31, 2022, compared to $5.8 million, or $0.24
per diluted share, for the same period in 2021. Net interest income was $18.7 million and $18.0 million for the three months ended
March 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
Net
Interest and Dividend Income.
The
following tables set forth the information relating to our average balance and net interest income for the three months ended
March 31, 2022 and 2021, and reflect the average yield on interest-earning assets and average cost of interest-bearing liabilities
for the periods indicated. Yields and costs are derived by dividing annualized interest income by the average balance of interest-earning
assets and annualized interest expense by the average balance of interest-bearing liabilities for the periods shown. The interest
rate spread is the difference between the total average yield on interest-earning assets and the cost of interest-bearing liabilities.
Net interest margin represents tax-equivalent net interest and dividend income as a percentage of average interest-earning assets.
Average balances are derived from actual daily balances over the periods indicated. Interest income includes fees earned when
the real estate loans are prepaid or refinanced. For analytical purposes, the interest earned on tax-exempt assets is adjusted
to a tax-equivalent basis to recognize the income tax savings which facilitates comparison between taxable and tax-exempt assets.
35
Three Months Ended March 31,
2022
2021
Average
Average Yield/
Average
Average Yield/
Balance
Interest
Cost
Balance
Interest
Cost
(Dollars in thousands)
ASSETS:
Interest-earning assets
Loans (1)(2)
$ 1,894,870
$ 18,067
3.87 %
$ 1,923,477
$ 19,220
4.05 %
Securities (2)
423,437
1,950
1.87
227,330
854
1.52
Other investments - at cost
10,595
25
0.96
9,663
35
1.47
Short-term investments (3)
57,030
21
0.15
95,004
24
0.10
Total interest-earning assets
2,385,932
20,063
3.41
2,255,474
20,133
3.62
Total non-interest-earning assets
143,635
144,588
Total assets
$ 2,529,567
$ 2,400,062
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY:
Interest-bearing liabilities
Interest-bearing checking accounts
$ 132,192
95
0.29 %
$ 90,503
$ 105
0.47 %
Savings accounts
218,448
36
0.07
187,217
37
0.08
Money market accounts
878,393
521
0.24
675,662
653
0.39
Time deposits
389,063
340
0.35
567,102
939
0.67
Total interest-bearing deposits
1,618,096
992
0.25
1,520,484
1,734
0.46
Short-term borrowings and long-term debt
21,975
253
4.67
52,670
273
2.10
Interest-bearing liabilities
1,640,071
1,245
0.31
1,573,154
2,007
0.52
Non-interest-bearing deposits
633,082
561,581
Other non-interest-bearing liabilities
32,857
38,360
Total non-interest-bearing liabilities
665,939
599,941
Total liabilities
2,306,010
2,173,095
Total equity
223,557
226,967
Total liabilities and equity
$ 2,529,567
$ 2,400,062
Less: Tax-equivalent adjustment (2)
(120 )
(100 )
Net interest and dividend income
$ 18,698
$ 18,026
Net interest rate spread (4)
3.08 %
3.08 %
Net interest rate spread, on a tax equivalent basis (5)
3.10 %
3.10 %
Net interest margin (6)
3.18 %
3.24 %
Net interest margin, on a tax equivalent basis (7)
3.20 %
3.26 %
Ratio of average interest-earning assets to
average interest-bearing liabilities
145.48 %
143.37 %
(1) Loans,
including nonaccrual loans, are net of deferred loan origination costs and unadvanced
funds.
(2) Loan
and securities income are presented on a tax-equivalent basis using a tax rate of 21%.
The tax-equivalent adjustment is deducted from tax-equivalent net interest and dividend
income to agree to the amount reported on the consolidated statements of net income.
(3) Short-term
investments include federal funds sold.
(4) Net
interest rate spread represents the difference between the weighted average yield on
interest-earning assets and the weighted average cost of interest-bearing liabilities.
(5) Net
interest rate spread, on a tax-equivalent basis, represents the difference between the
tax-equivalent weighted average yield on interest-earning assets and the tax-equivalent
weighted average cost of interest-bearing liabilities.
(6) Net
interest margin represents net interest and dividend income as a percentage of average
interest-earning assets.
(7) Net
interest margin, on a tax-equivalent basis, represents tax-equivalent net interest and
dividend income as a percentage of average interest-earning assets. See “Explanation
of Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measurements”.
36
Rate/Volume
Analysis .
The
following table shows how changes in interest rates and changes in the volume of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing
liabilities have affected our interest and dividend income and interest expense during the periods indicated. Information is provided
in each category with respect to: (1) interest income changes attributable to changes in volume (changes in volume multiplied
by prior rate); (2) interest income changes attributable to changes in rate (changes in rate multiplied by prior volume); and
(3) the net change.
The
changes attributable to the combined impact of volume and rate have been allocated proportionately to the changes due to volume
and the changes due to rate.
Three Months Ended March 31, 2022 compared to Three Months Ended March 31, 2021
Increase (Decrease) Due to
Volume
Rate
Net
Interest-earning assets
(In thousands)
Loans (1)
$ (286 )
$ (867 )
$ (1,153 )
Securities (1)
737
359
1,096
Other investments - at cost
3
(13 )
(10 )
Short-term investments
(10 )
7
(3 )
Total interest-earning assets
444
(514 )
(70 )
Interest-bearing liabilities
Interest-bearing checking accounts
48
(58 )
(10 )
Savings accounts
6
(7 )
(1 )
Money market accounts
196
(328 )
(132 )
Time deposits
(295 )
(304 )
(599 )
Short-term borrowing and long-time debt
(159 )
139
(20 )
Total interest-bearing liabilities
(204 )
(558 )
(762 )
Change in net interest and dividend income (1)
$ 648
$ 44
$ 692
(1) Securities,
loan income and change in net interest and dividend income are presented on a tax-equivalent
basis using a tax rate of 21%. The tax-equivalent adjustment is deducted from tax-equivalent
net interest income.
Net
interest income increased $672,000, or 3.7%, to $18.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022, from $18.0 million for
the three months ended March 31, 2021. The increase in net interest income was due to a decrease in interest expense of $762,000,
or 38.0%, primary due to a $742,000, or 42.8%, decrease in interest expense on deposits. Excluding PPP income, interest income
increased $1.8 million, or 10.0%, from the three months ended March 31, 2021 to the three months ended March 31, 2022 primarily
due to higher investment and loan income.
Net
interest income for the three months ended March 31, 2022 included PPP income of $562,000, compared to $2.4 million for the three
months ended March 31, 2021. During the three months ended March 31, 2022 interest income included $39,000 in positive purchase
accounting adjustments, compared to $45,000 in negative purchase accounting adjustments during the three months ended March 31,
2021. Net interest income as adjusted for the preceding items increased $2.4 million, or 15.6%, from $15.7 million during the
three months ended March 31, 2021, to $18.1 million during the three months ended March 31, 2022.
The
net interest margin was 3.18% for the three months ended March 31, 2022, compared to 3.24%, for the three months ended March 31,
2021. The net interest margin, on a tax-equivalent basis, was 3.20% for the three months ended March 31, 2022, compared to 3.26%
for the three months ended March 31, 2021. Excluding the adjustments discussed above, the net interest margin increased six basis
points from 3.04% for the three months ended March 31, 2021 to 3.10% for the three months ended March 31, 2022. The Company’s
net interest margin was positively impacted by higher average balances for loans and securities and a decrease in lower yielding
interest-earning assets.
37
The
loan yield decreased 19 basis points from 4.03% for the three months ended March 31, 2021 to 3.84% for the three months ended
March 31, 2022. Excluding PPP loans and purchase accounting adjustments, the average loan yield decreased 13 basis points from
3.87% for the three months ended March 31, 2021 to 3.74% for the three months ended March 31, 2022. The average yield on interest-earning
assets decreased 21 basis points from 3.60% for the three months ended March 31, 2021 to 3.39% for the three months ended March
31, 2022.
During
the three months ended March 31, 2022, average interest-earning assets increased $130.5 million, or 5.8%, to $2.4 billion compared
to the three months ended March 31, 2021. The increase was primarily due to an increase in average securities of $197.0 million,
or 83.1%. Excluding the $151 million decrease in average PPP loans, average loans increased $122.9 million, or 7.0%, from the
three months ended March 31, 2021 to the three months ended March 31, 2022. Total average loans, excluding average PPP loans,
were 78.8% of total average interest-earning assets for the three months ended March 31, 2022, compared to 77.9% for the three
months ended March 31, 2021.
During
the three months ended March 31, 2022, the average cost of funds, including non-interest bearing demand accounts and borrowings,
decreased 16 basis points, from 0.38% for the three months ended March 31, 2021 to 0.22% for the three months ended March 31,
2022. The average cost of core deposits, including non-interest bearing demand deposits, decreased 7 basis points from 0.21% for
the three months ended March 31, 2021 to 0.14% for the three months ended March 31, 2022. The average cost of time deposits decreased
32 basis points from 0.67% for the three months ended March 31, 2021 to 0.35% for the three months ended March 31, 2022, while
the average cost of borrowings increased from 2.10% for the three months ended March 31, 2021 to 4.67% for the three months ended
March 31, 2022. Average demand deposits, an interest-free source of funds, increased $71.5 million, or 12.7%, from $561.6 million,
or 27.0% of total average deposits, for the three months ended March 31, 2021 to $633.1 million, or 28.1%, of total average deposits,
for the three months ended March 31, 2022.
Provision
for Loan Losses.
The
provision for loan losses is reviewed by management based upon our evaluation of then-existing economic and business conditions
affecting our key lending areas and other conditions, such as new loan products, credit quality trends (including trends in nonperforming
loans expected to result from existing conditions), collateral values, loan volumes and concentrations, specific industry conditions
within portfolio segments that existed as of the balance sheet date and the impact that such conditions were believed to have
had on the collectability of the loan portfolio.
The
provision for loan losses decreased $500,000, from a provision for loan losses of $75,000 for the three months ended March 31,
2021 to a credit for loan losses of $425,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2022. The Company recorded net charge-offs of
$54,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2022, as compared to net charge-offs of $5,000 for the three months ended March 31,
2021. The decrease in the provision versus comparative periods reflected management’s current assessment of the impact of
the COVID-19 pandemic on the Bank’s loan portfolio. Management continues to assess the exposure of the Company’s loan
portfolio to the COVID-19 pandemic, economic trends and their potential effect on asset quality. As of March 31, 2022, the Company’s
delinquencies and nonperforming assets had not been materially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Although
we believe that we have established and maintained the allowance for loan losses at adequate levels, future adjustments may be
necessary if economic, real estate and other conditions differ substantially from the current operating environment. If the COVID-19
pandemic has an adverse effect on the ability of our borrowers to satisfy their obligations to us, the demand for our loans or
our other products and services, other aspects of our business operations, or on financial markets, real estate markets, or economic
growth, this could, depending on the extent of the loan defaults, materially and adversely affect our liquidity and financial
condition and our results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.
Non-Interest
Income.
Non-interest
income decreased $656,000, or 21.8%, to $2.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022, from $3.0 million for the three
months ended March 31, 2021. The three months ended March 31, 2021, included a gain on non-marketable equity investments of $546,000.
Service charges and fees on deposits increased $291,000, or 15.5%, and income from bank-owned life insurance increased $7,000,
or 1.6%, from $441,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2021 to $448,000, for the three months ended March 31, 2022. Income
from mortgage banking activities decreased $225,000, or 99.1%, and other income decreased $54,000. During the three months ended
March 31, 2022, unrealized losses on marketable equity securities were $276,000, compared to unrealized losses of $89,000 during
the three months ended March 31, 2021. During the three months ended March 31, 2022, the Company reported realized losses on the
sale of securities of $4,000, compared to realized losses of $62,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2021.
38
Non-Interest
Expense.
For
the three months ended March 31, 2022, non-interest expense increased $1.1 million, or 8.5%, to $14.5 million from $13.3 million,
for the three months ended March 31, 2021. Salaries and employee benefits expense increased $638,000, or 8.4%, to $8.2 million,
primarily due to annual merit increases and benefit costs. Other non-interest expense increased $280,000, or 13.7%, occupancy
expense increased $74,000, or 5.7%, furniture and equipment increased $53,000, or 10.8%, professional fees increased $33,000,
or 6.1%, advertising expenses increased $61,000, or 18.0%, and data processing related expenses increased $2,000, or 0.3%. FDIC
insurance expense decreased $12,000, or 4.0%. The efficiency ratio was 68.7% for the three months ended March 31, 2022, compared
to 63.4% for the three months ended March 31, 2021. The adjusted efficiency ratio, a non-GAAP financial measure, was 67.8% for
the three months ended March 31, 2022, compared to 64.6% for the three months ended March 31, 2021. The adjusted efficiency ratio
is a non-GAAP measure. See “Explanation of Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measurements” for the related efficiency ratio calculation
and a reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP financial measures.
Income
Taxes.
Income
tax expense for the three months ended March 31, 2022 was $1.7 million, or an effective tax rate of 24.2%, compared to $1.8 million,
or an effective tax rate of 24.1%, for the three months ended March 31, 2021.
Explanation
of Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measurements.
We
believe that it is common practice in the banking industry to present interest income and related yield information on tax-exempt
loans and securities on a tax-equivalent basis, as well as presenting tangible book value per share and adjusted efficiency ratio,
and that such information is useful to investors because it facilitates comparisons among financial institutions. However, the
adjustment of interest income and yields on tax-exempt loans and securities to a tax-equivalent amount, as well as the presentation
of tangible book value per share and adjusted efficiency ratio, may be considered to include financial information that is not
in compliance with GAAP. A reconciliation from GAAP to non-GAAP is provided below.
39
Three
Months Ended
March
31, 2022
December
31, 2021
March
31, 2021
(Dollars in thousands)
Average
Yield
Average
Yield
Average
Yield
Loans
(no tax adjustment)
$ 17,947
3.84 %
$ 18,089
3.88 %
$ 19,120
4.03 %
Tax-equivalent
adjustment (1)
120
108
100
Loans
(tax-equivalent basis)
$ 18,067
3.87 %
$ 18,197
3.90 %
$ 19,220
4.05 %
Securities
(no tax adjustment)
$ 1,950
1.87 %
$ 1,763
$ 854
1.52 %
Tax-equivalent
adjustment (1)
—
1
—
Securities
(tax-equivalent basis)
$ 1,950
1.87 %
$ 1,764
1.74 %
$ 854
1.52 %
Net interest
income (no tax adjustment)
$ 18,698
$ 18,582
$ 18,026
Tax-equivalent
adjustment (1)
120
109
100
Net
interest income (tax-equivalent basis)
$ 18,818
$ 18,691
$ 18,126
Interest
rate spread (no tax adjustment)
3.08 %
2.97 %
3.08 %
Net
interest margin (no tax adjustment)
3.18 %
3.08 %
3.24 %
Net interest
margin (tax-equivalent)
3.20 %
3.10 %
3.26 %
Net interest
income (no tax adjustment)
$ 18,698
$ 18,582
$ 18,026
Less:
Purchase
accounting adjustments
39
(31 )
(45 )
Prepayment
penalties and fees
21
21
35
PPP
fee income
562
973
2,411
Adjusted
net interest income (non-GAAP)
$ 18,076
$ 17,619
$ 15,625
Average interest-earning assets
$ 2,385,932
$ 2,394,397
$ 2,255,474
Average
interest-earnings asset, excluding average PPP loans
$ 2,370,852
$ 2,352,858
$ 2,088,910
Adjusted
net interest margin, excluding purchase accounting adjustments, PPP fee income, prepayment penalties and average PPP loans (non-GAAP)
3.10 %
2.97 %
3.04 %
Book Value per Share (GAAP)
$ 9.63
$ 9.87
$ 9.07
Non-GAAP
adjustments:
Goodwill
(0.55 )
(0.55 )
(0.51 )
Core
deposit intangible
(0.11 )
(0.11 )
(0.12 )
Tangible
Book Value per Share (non-GAAP)
$ 8.97
$ 9.21
$ 8.44
Income Before
Income Taxes (GAAP)
$ 7,015
$ 8,215
$ 7,628
(Credit)
provision for loan losses
(425 )
300
75
Income
Before Taxes and Provision (non-GAAP)
$ 6,590
$ 8,515
$ 7,703
40
Three
Months Ended
March
31,
2022
December
31,
2021
March
31,
2021
(Dollars in thousands)
Efficiency
Ratio:
Non-interest
Expense (GAAP)
$ 14,456
$ 13,923
$ 13,327
Net Interest
Income (GAAP)
$ 18,698
$ 18,582
$ 18,026
Non-interest
Income (GAAP)
$ 2,348
$ 3,856
$ 3,004
Non-GAAP
adjustments:
Bank-owned
life insurance death benefit
—
(555 )
—
Loss on securities,
net
4
—
62
Unrealized
loss on marketable equity securities
276
96
89
Gain
on non-marketable equity investments
—
(352 )
(546 )
Non-interest
Income for Adjusted Efficiency Ratio (non-GAAP)
$ 2,628
$ 3,045
$ 2,609
Total
Revenue for Adjusted Efficiency Ratio (non-GAAP)
$ 21,326
$ 21,627
$ 20,635
Efficiency
Ratio (GAAP)
68.69 %
62.05 %
63.37 %
Adjusted
Efficiency Ratio (Non-interest Expense (GAAP)/Total Revenue for Adjusted Efficiency Ratio (non-GAAP))
67.79 %
64.38 %
64.58 %
(1) The
tax equivalent adjustment is based upon a 21% tax rate.
Liquidity
and Capital Resources.
The
term “liquidity” refers to our ability to generate adequate amounts of cash to fund loan originations, loan purchases,
deposit withdrawals and operating expenses. Our primary sources of liquidity are deposits, scheduled amortization and prepayments
of loan principal and mortgage-backed securities, maturities and calls of investment securities and funds provided by our operations.
We also can borrow funds from the FHLB based on eligible collateral of loans and securities. Our material cash commitments include
funding loan originations, fulfilling contractual obligations with third-party service providers, maintaining operating leases
for certain of our Bank properties and satisfying repayment of our long-term debt obligations.
Primary
Sources of Liquidity
At
March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, outstanding borrowings from the FHLB were $1.7 million and $2.7 million, respectively. At
March 31, 2022, we had $464.1 million in available borrowing capacity with the FHLB. We have the ability to increase our borrowing
capacity with the FHLB by pledging investment securities or additional loans.
In
addition, we have available lines of credit of $15.0 million and $50.0 million with other correspondent banks. Interest rates
on these lines are determined and reset on a daily basis by each respective bank. At March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, we
did not have an outstanding balance under either of these lines of credit. In addition, we may enter into reverse repurchase agreements
with approved broker-dealers. Reverse repurchase agreements are agreements that allow us to borrow money using our securities
as collateral.
We
also have outstanding at any time, a significant number of commitments to extend credit and provide financial guarantees to third
parties. These arrangements are subject to strict credit control assessments. Guarantees specify limits to our obligations. Because
many commitments and almost all guarantees expire without being funded in whole or in part, the contract amounts are not estimates
of future cash flows. We are also obligated under agreements with the FHLB to repay borrowed funds and are obligated under leases
for certain of our branches and equipment.
Maturing
investment securities are a relatively predictable source of funds. However, deposit flows, calls of securities and prepayments
of loans and mortgage-backed securities are strongly influenced by interest rates, general and local economic conditions and competition
in the marketplace. These factors reduce the predictability of the timing of these sources of funds.
41
The
Company’s primary activities are the origination of commercial real estate loans, commercial and industrial loans and residential
real estate loans, as well as and the purchase of mortgage-backed and other investment securities. During the three months ended
March 31, 2022 and 2021, we originated $149.4 million and $108.3 million in loans, respectively. We purchased securities totaling
$20.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and $79.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021. At March
31, 2022, the Company had approximately $206.8 million in loan commitments and letters of credit to borrowers and approximately
$320.8 million in available home equity and other unadvanced lines of credit.
Deposit
in flows and out flows are affected by the level of interest rates, the products and interest rates offered by competitors and
by other factors. At March 31, 2022, time deposit accounts scheduled to mature within one year totaled $330.7 million. Based on
the Company’s deposit retention experience and current pricing strategy, we anticipate that a significant portion of these
time deposits will remain on deposit. We monitor our liquidity position frequently and anticipate that it will have sufficient
funds to meet our current funding commitments for the next 12 months and beyond.
Material
Cash Commitments
The
Company entered into a long-term contractual obligation with a vendor for use of its core provider and ancillary services beginning
in 2016. Total remaining contractual obligations outstanding with this vendor as of March 31, 2022 were estimated to be $13.1
million, with $4.5 million expected to be paid within one year and the remaining $8.6 million to be paid within the next five
years. Further, the Company has operating leases for certain of its banking offices and ATMs. Our leases have remaining lease
terms of less than one year to seventeen years, some of which include options to extend the leases for additional five-year terms
up to fifteen years. Lease liabilities totaled $10.1 million as of March 31, 2022. Principal payments expected to be made on our
lease liabilities during the twelve months ended March 31, 2023 are $1.4 million. The remaining lease liability payments totaled
$8.7 million and are expected to be made after March 31, 2023.
In
addition, the Company completed an offering of $20 million in aggregate principal amount of its 4.875% fixed-to-floating rate
subordinated Notes to certain qualified institutional buyers in a private placement transaction on April 20, 2021. Unless earlier
redeemed, the Notes mature on May 1, 2031. The Notes will bear interest from the initial issue date to, but excluding, May 1,
2026, or the earlier redemption date, at a fixed rate of 4.875% per annum, payable quarterly in arrears on May 1, August 1, November
1 and February 1 of each year, beginning August 1, 2021, and from and including May 1, 2026, but excluding the maturity date or
earlier redemption date, equal to the benchmark rate, which is the 90-day average secured overnight financing rate, plus 412 basis
points, determined on the determination date of the applicable interest period, payable quarterly in arrears on May 1, August
1, November 1 and February 1 of each year. The Company may also redeem the Notes, in whole or in part, on or after May 1, 2026,
and at any time upon the occurrence of certain events, subject in each case to the approval of the Board of Governors of the Federal
Reserve.
We
do not anticipate any material capital expenditures during the calendar year 2022, except in pursuance of the Company’s
strategic initiatives. The Company does not have any balloon or other payments due on any long-term obligations or any off-balance
sheet items other than the commitments and unused lines of credit noted above.
At
March 31, 2022, we exceeded each of the applicable regulatory capital requirements. As of March 31, 2022, the most recent notification
from the Office of Comptroller of the Currency categorized the Bank as “well-capitalized” under the regulatory framework
for prompt corrective action. To be categorized as “well-capitalized,” the Bank must maintain minimum total risk-based,
Tier 1 risk-based, Common Equity Tier 1 risk-based, and Tier 1 leverage ratios as set forth in the following table. There are
no conditions or events since that notification that management believes would change our category.
42
Actual
Minimum For Capital Adequacy Purpose
Minimum To Be Well Capitalized
Amount
Ratio
Amount
Ratio
Amount
Ratio
(Dollars in thousands)
March 31, 2022
Total Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets ):
Consolidated
$ 264,483
13.97 %
$ 151,486
8.00 %
N/A
N/A
Bank
247,643
13.09
151,340
8.00
$ 189,175
10.00 %
Tier 1 Capital ( to Risk Weighted Assets ):
Consolidated
225,532
11.91
113,614
6.00
N/A
N/A
Bank
228,335
12.07
113,505
6.00
151,340
8.00
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital ( to Risk Weighted Assets )
Consolidated
225,532
11.91
85,211
4.50
N/A
N/A
Bank
228,335
12.07
85,129
4.50
122,964
6.50
Tier 1 Leverage Ratio ( to Adjusted Average Assets ):
Consolidated
225,532
8.94
100,931
4.00
N/A
N/A
Bank
228,335
9.07
100,720
4.00
125,900
5.00
December 31, 2021
Total Capital ( to Risk Weighted Assets ):
Consolidated
$ 261,093
14.27 %
$ 146,347
8.00 %
N/A
N/A
Bank
243,788
13.35
146,135
8.00
$ 182,669
10.00 %
Tier 1 Capital ( to Risk Weighted Assets ):
Consolidated
221,673
12.12
109,761
6.00
N/A
N/A
Bank
224,001
12.26
109,601
6.00
146,135
8.00
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital ( to Risk Weighted Assets ):
Consolidated
221,673
12.12
82,320
4.50
N/A
N/A
Bank
224,001
12.26
82,201
4.50
118,735
6.50
Tier 1 Leverage Ratio ( to Adjusted Average Assets ):
Consolidated
221,673
8.75
101,320
4.00
N/A
N/A
Bank
224,001
8.86
101,101
4.00
126,377
5.00
We
also have outstanding, at any time, a significant number of commitments to extend credit and provide financial guarantees to third
parties. These arrangements are subject to strict credit control assessments. Guarantees specify limits to our obligations. Because
many commitments and almost all guarantees expire without being funded in whole or in part, the contract amounts are not estimates
of future cash flows.
OFF-BALANCE
SHEET ARRANGEMENTS.
The
Company does not have any off-balance sheet arrangements, other than noted above under Material Cash Commitments, that have or
are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues
or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources that is material to investors.
ITEM
3: QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
There
have been no material changes in our assessment of our sensitivity to market risk since our presentation in our 2021 Annual Report.
Please refer to Item 7A of the 2021 Annual Report for additional information.
43
ITEM
4: CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Disclosure
Controls and Procedures.
Management,
including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls
and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)), as of the end of the period covered by this report.
Based upon the evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the disclosure controls and
procedures were effective, to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports we file and submit under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is (i) recorded, processed, summarized and reported as and when required and (ii) accumulated
and communicated to our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow
timely discussion regarding required disclosure.
Changes
in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting.
There
have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation that occurred
during our last fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or that are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal
control over financial reporting.
PART
II – OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM
1. LEGAL
PROCEEDINGS.
We
are subject to claims and legal actions in the ordinary course of business. We believe that all such claims and actions currently
pending against us, if any, are either adequately covered by insurance or would not have a material adverse effect on us
if decided in a manner unfavorable to us.
ITEM
1A. RISK
FACTORS.
For
a summary of risk factors relevant to our operations, see Part 1, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” in our 2021 Annual Report.
There are no material changes in the risk factors relevant to our operations since December 31, 2021.
ITEM
2. UNREGISTERED
SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS.
The
following table sets forth information with respect to purchases made by us of our common stock during the three months ended
March 31, 2022.
Period
Total Number of Shares Purchased
Average Price Paid per Share ($)
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Programs
Maximum Number of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Program (1)(2)
January 1 - 31, 2022
46,640
8.57
46,640
630,679
February 1 - 28, 2022
23,878
9.13
4,194
626,485
March 1 - 31, 2022
61,840
9.08
61,840
564,645
Total
132,358
8.91
112,674
564,645
(1) On
April 27, 2021, the Board of Directors authorized an additional stock repurchase plan
under which the Company may purchase up to 2,400,000 shares, or 10%, of its outstanding
common stock.
(2) Repurchase
of 19,684 shares related to tax obligations for shares of restricted stock that vested
on February 24, 2022 under our 2019 LTI Recognition & Retention Plan. These repurchases
were reported by each reporting person on February 28, 2022.
There
were no sales by us of unregistered securities during the three months ended March 31, 2022.
44
ITEM
3. DEFAULTS
UPON SENIOR SECURITIES.
None.
ITEM
4. MINE
SAFETY DISCLOSURE.
Not
applicable.
ITEM
5. OTHER
INFORMATION.
None.
ITEM
6. EXHIBITS.
Exhibit
Number
Exhibit
Description
3.2
Restated Articles of Organization of Western New England Bancorp, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Form 8-K filed with the SEC on October 26, 2016).
3.3
Amended and Restated Bylaws of Western New England Bancorp, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Form 8-K filed with the SEC on February 2, 2017).
4.1
Form of Stock Certificate of Western New England Bancorp, Inc. (f/k/a Westfield Financial, Inc.) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Registration Statement No. 333-137024 on Form S-1 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 31, 2006).
31.1*
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2*
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1*
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2*
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101**
Financial
statements from the quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Western New England Bancorp, Inc. for the quarter ended March 31, 2022,
formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) the Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) the Consolidated Statements
of Net Income, (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’
Equity, (v) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and (vi) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
104
Cover
Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101).
* Filed
herewith.
** Pursuant
to Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, the Interactive Data Files on Exhibit 101 hereto are
deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Sections
11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, are deemed not filed for purposes
of Section 18 of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and otherwise are
not subject to liability under those sections.
45
SIGNATURES
Pursuant
to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf
by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized on May 6, 2022.
Western
New England Bancorp, Inc.
By:
/s/ James C. Hagan
James C. Hagan
President and Chief
Executive Officer
By:
/s/ Guida R. Sajdak
Guida R. Sajdak
Executive Vice President
and Chief Financial Officer
Text extracted from the filing as submitted to EDGAR. Formatting, tables and exhibits are simplified for reading; the original document is authoritative for anything you rely on.