10-Q 1 sal0510form10q.htm FORM 10-Q

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

 

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

 

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2019

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 0-24751

SALISBURY BANCORP, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Connecticut 06-1514263
(State or other jurisdiction (I.R.S. Employer
of incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
   
5 Bissell Street, Lakeville, CT 6039
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code) 

(860) 435-9801

(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

 

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

Yes No

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).

Yes No

 

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

Large accelerated filer Accelerated filer
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 ☑

 

The number of shares of Common Stock outstanding as of May 10, 2019 is 2,808,706.

 
 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

  PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION Page
Item 1. Financial Statements (unaudited)  
  CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS AS OF MARCH 31, 2019 (unaudited) and DECEMBER 31, 2018 3
  CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME FOR THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2019 and 2018 (unaudited) 4
  CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2019 and 2018 (unaudited) 5
  CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2019 and 2018 (unaudited) 5
  CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2019 and 2018 (unaudited) 6
  NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 8
Item 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 26
Item 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK 41
Item 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES 42
     
  PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS 43
Item 1A. RISK FACTORS 43
Item 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS 43
Item 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES 43
Item 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES 43
Item 5. OTHER INFORMATION 43
Item 6. EXHIBITS 43
SIGNATURES 44

 

 2 

 

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Salisbury Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiary

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(dollars in thousands, except share data)    March 31, 2019      December 31, 2018  
ASSETS         (unaudited)      
Cash and due from banks  $6,944   $7,238 
Interest bearing demand deposits with other banks   41,685    51,207 
Total cash and cash equivalents   48,629    58,445 
Securities          
Available-for-sale at fair value   98,255    91,818 
CRA mutual fund at fair value   852    836 
Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston stock at cost   3,372    4,496 
Loans receivable, net (allowance for loan losses: $8,750 and $7,831)   911,188    909,279 
Other real estate owned   741    1,810 
Bank premises and equipment, net   17,812    18,175 
Goodwill   13,815    13,815 
Intangible assets (net of accumulated amortization: $4,601 and $4,497)   1,279    1,383 
Accrued interest receivable   3,411    3,148 
Cash surrender value of life insurance policies   15,267    14,438 
Deferred taxes   766    1,276 
Other assets   3,538    2,635 
Total Assets  $1,118,925   $1,121,554 
LIABILITIES and SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY          
Deposits          
Demand (non-interest bearing)  $219,168   $228,448 
Demand (interest bearing)   157,123    153,586 
Money market   203,309    204,219 
Savings and other   190,011    178,807 
Certificates of deposit   172,358    161,679 
Total deposits   941,969    926,739 
Repurchase agreements   2,951    4,104 
Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston advances   47,712    67,154 
Subordinated debt   9,841    9,835 
Note payable   272    280 
Finance lease obligations   3,046    3,081 
Accrued interest and other liabilities   7,025    6,902 
Total Liabilities   1,012,816    1,018,095 
Shareholders' Equity          
Common stock - $0.10 per share par value          
Authorized: 5,000,000;          
Issued: 2,884,888 and 2,884,988          
Outstanding: 2,806,681 and 2,806,781   281    281 
Unearned compensation - restricted stock awards   (606)   (711)
Paid-in capital   43,765    43,770 
Retained earnings   61,989    60,339 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net   680    (220)
Total Shareholders' Equity   106,109    103,459 
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity  $1,118,925   $1,121,554 

 

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

 

 3 

 

Salisbury Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiary

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (unaudited)

Three months ended March 31, (in thousands except per share amounts)    2019      2018  
Interest and dividend income          
Interest and fees on loans  $9,934   $8,649 
Interest on debt securities          
Taxable   621    460 
Tax exempt   72    32 
Other interest and dividends   227    159 
Total interest and dividend income   10,854    9,300 
Interest expense          
Deposits   1,796    777 
Repurchase agreements   3    1 
Finance lease   46    35 
Note payable   4    5 
Subordinated debt   156    156 
Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston advances   412    332 
Total interest expense   2,417    1,306 
Net interest and dividend income   8,437    7,994 
Provision for loan losses   294    326 
Net interest and dividend income after provision for loan losses   8,143    7,668 
Non-interest income          
Trust and wealth advisory   906    894 
Service charges and fees   920    868 
Gains on sales of mortgage loans, net   7    18 
Mortgage servicing, net   76    83 
Gains (losses) on CRA mutual fund   11    (13)
Losses on available-for-sale securities, net   (9)   (2)
Other   116    126 
Total non-interest income   2,027    1,974 
Non-interest expense          
Salaries   2,993    2,846 
Employee benefits   1,185    1,159 
Premises and equipment   972    1,024 
Data processing   509    486 
Professional fees   535    619 
OREO gains, losses and write-downs   52    52 
Collections and other real estate owned   130    82 
FDIC insurance   163    130 
Marketing and community support   156    242 
Amortization of core deposit intangibles   104    120 
Other   412    422 
Total non-interest expense   7,211    7,182 
Income before income taxes   2,959    2,460 
Income tax provision   525    445 
Net income  $2,434   $2,015 
Net income allocated to common stock  $2,408   $1,995 
           
Basic earnings per common share  $0.87   $0.72 
Weighted average common shares outstanding,  to calculate basic earnings per share   2,777    2,759 
Diluted earnings per common share  $0.86   $0.72 
Weighted average common shares outstanding, to calculate diluted earnings per share   2,789    2,780 
Common dividends per share  $0.28   $0.28 

 

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

 4 

 

Salisbury Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiary

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (unaudited)

Three months ended March 31, (in thousands)    2019      2018  
Net income  $2,434   $2,015 
Other comprehensive income          
Net unrealized gains (losses) on securities available-for-sale   1,130    (1,019)
Reclassification of net realized losses in net income(1)   9    2 
Unrealized gains (losses) on securities available-for-sale   1,139    (1,017)
Income tax (expense) benefit   (239)   210 
Unrealized gains (losses) on securities available-for-sale, net of tax   900    (807)
Comprehensive income  $3,334   $1,208 

(1) Reclassification adjustments include realized security gains and losses. The gains and losses have been reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and have affected certain lines in the consolidated statements of income as follows: The pre-tax amount is reflected as gains on sales and calls of available-for-sale securities, net, the tax effect, which is immaterial to Salisbury's consolidated results, is included in the income tax provision and the after tax amount is included in net income.

 

Salisbury Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiary

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (unaudited)

(dollars in thousands)  Common Stock  Paid-in  Retained  Unearned compensation restricted stock  Accumulated other comprehensive  Total shareholders'
   Shares  Amount  Capital  Earnings  awards  (loss) income  equity
Balances at December 31, 2017   2,785,216   $279   $42,998   $54,664   $(606)  $179   $97,514 
Net income               2,015            2,015 
Adoption of ASU 2016-01               (16)       16     
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax                       (807)   (807)
Common stock dividends declared               (780)           (780)
Stock options exercised   1,350        42                42 
Stock based compensation- restricted stock awards                   113        113 
Balances at March 31, 2018   2,786,566   $279   $43,040   $55,883   $(493)  $(612)  $98,097 
Balances at December 31, 2018   2,806,781   $281   $43,770   $60,339   $(711)  $(220)  $103,459 
Net income               2,434            2,434 
Other comprehensive income, net of tax                       900    900 
Common stock dividends declared               (784)           (784)
Forfeiture of restricted stock shares   (100)       (5)       5         
Stock based compensation- restricted stock awards                   100        100 
Balances at March 31, 2019   2,806,681   $281   $43,765   $61,989   $(606)  $680   $106,109 

 

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

 

 5 

 

Salisbury Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiary

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (unaudited)

Three months ended March 31, (in thousands)    2019      2018  
Operating Activities          
Net income  $2,434   $2,015 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:          
(Accretion), amortization and depreciation:          
Securities   12    19 
Bank premises and equipment   410    371 
Core deposit intangible   104    120 
Modification fees on Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston advances   58    58 
Subordinated debt issuance costs   6    6 
Mortgage servicing rights   11    11 
Fair value adjustment on loans   (64)   (285)
Fair value adjustment on deposits   (2)   (11)
(Gains) and losses, including write-downs          
(Gain) loss on CRA mutual fund   (11)   13 
Loss on securities available-for-sale, net   9    2 
Gain on sales of loans, excluding capitalized servicing rights   (5)   (10)
Write-downs of other real estate owned   52    52 
Provision for loan losses   294    326 
Proceeds from loans sold   368    679 
Loans originated for sale   (363)    
Decrease (increase) in deferred loan origination fees and costs, net   88    (92)
Mortgage servicing rights originated   (4)   (6)
Increase in interest receivable   (263)   (39)
Deferred tax expense (benefit)   271    (18)
Increase in prepaid expenses   (143)   (170)
Increase in cash surrender value of life insurance policies   (79)   (81)
Decrease in income tax receivable   137    625 
Decrease in other assets   649    70 
Decrease in accrued expenses   (1,628)   (821)
Increase in interest payable   341    208 
Decrease in other liabilities   (142)   (55)
Stock based compensation- restricted stock awards   100    113 
Net cash provided by operating activities   2,640    3,100 
Investing Activities          
Redemption (purchase) of Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston stock   1,124    (333)
Purchases of securities available-for-sale   (9,391)   (7,999)
Proceeds from sale of securities   965     
Reinvestment of CRA mutual fund   (5)   (4)
Proceeds from calls of securities available-for-sale       500 
Proceeds from maturities/principal payments of securities available-for-sale   3,107    4,767 
Loan originations and principal collections, net   (2,235)   (28,630)
Recoveries of loans previously charged off   7    14 
Proceeds from sale of OREO   1,017     
Purchase of life insurance (BOLI)   (750)    
Capital expenditures   (47)   (794)
Net cash utilized provided by investing activities   (6,208)   (32,479)

 6 

 

Salisbury Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiary

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (unaudited) (Continued)

Three months ended March 31, (in thousands)    2019      2018  
Financing Activities          
Increase in deposit transaction accounts, net   4,551    10,029 
Increase in time deposits, net   10,681    6,324 
(Decrease) increase in securities sold under agreements to repurchase, net   (1,153)   2,294 
Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston advances, net change in advances with maturity dates less than three months   (9,500)   35,000 
Principal payments on Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston long term advances   (10,000)   (27,000)
Principal payments on note payable   (8)   (8)
Principal payments on finance lease obligations   (35)   (29)
Stock options exercised       42 
Common stock dividends paid   (784)   (780)
Net cash (utilized) provided by financing activities   (6,248)   25,872 
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents   (9,816)   (3,507)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period   58,445    48,486 
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period  $48,629   $44,979 
Cash paid(received) during period          
Interest  $2,014   $1,045 
Income taxes   81    (162)
Non-cash investing and financing activities          
Finance lease obligation       1,373 
Adoption of ASU 2016-02- Other assets   1,552     
Adoption of ASU 2016-02- Other liabilities   (1,552)    
Adoption of ASU 2016-01 – Recognition and measurement of financial assets and liabilities       16 

 

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

 

 7 

 

Salisbury Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiary

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 1 - BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The interim (unaudited) consolidated financial statements of Salisbury Bancorp, Inc. ("Salisbury") include those of Salisbury and its wholly owned subsidiary, Salisbury Bank and Trust Company (the "Bank"). In the opinion of management, the interim unaudited consolidated financial statements include all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly the consolidated financial position of Salisbury and the consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in shareholders' equity and cash flows for the interim periods presented.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP). In preparing the financial statements, management is required to make extensive use of estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the balance sheet, and revenues and expenses for the period. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates. Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change in the near term relate to the determination of the allowance for loan losses, other-than-temporary impairment of securities and impairment of goodwill and intangibles.

Certain financial information, which is normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, but which is not required for interim reporting purposes, has been condensed or omitted. Operating results for the interim period ended March 31, 2019 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2019. The accompanying condensed financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in Salisbury's 2018 Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018.

The allowance for loan losses is a significant accounting policy and is presented in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements and in Management's Discussion and Analysis, which provides information on how significant assets are valued in the financial statements and how those values are determined. Based on the valuation techniques used and the sensitivity of financial statement amounts to the methods, assumptions and estimates underlying those amounts, management has identified the determination of the allowance for loan losses to be the accounting area that requires the most subjective judgments, and as such could be most subject to revision as new information becomes available.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, "Leases (Topic 842)”. Under the new guidance, lessees are required to recognize the following for all leases (with the exception of short-term leases): (1) a lease liability, which is the present value of a lessee's obligation to make lease payments, and (2) a right-of-use asset, which is an asset that represents the lessee's right to use, or control the use of, a specified asset for the lease term. Lessor accounting under the new guidance remains largely unchanged as it is substantially equivalent to existing guidance for sales-type leases, direct financing leases, and operating leases. Leveraged leases have been eliminated, although lessors can continue to account for existing leveraged leases using the current accounting guidance. Other limited changes were made to align lessor accounting with the lessee accounting model and the new revenue recognition standard. All entities will classify leases to determine how to recognize lease-related revenue and expense. Quantitative and qualitative disclosures are required by lessees and lessors to meet the objective of enabling users of financial statements to assess the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. The intention is to require enough information to supplement the amounts recorded in the financial statements so that users can understand more about the nature of an entity's leasing activities. In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-10 which provided technical corrections to the new lease standard. In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-11 Leases – Targeted Improvements, to provide entities with relief from the costs of implementing certain aspects of the new leasing standard. Specifically, under the amendments in ASU 2018-11, entities may elect not to recast the comparative periods presented when transitioning to the new lease standard. ASU 2018-11 has the same effective date as ASU 2016-02 (January 1, 2019 for the Company). Salisbury adopted ASU 2018-11 and elected the transition option. In March 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-01, the transition guidance related to certain interim disclosures provided in the year of adoption. To coincide with the adoption of AU 2016-02, Salisbury elected to early adopt ASU 2019-01 on January 1, 2019. Salisbury's consolidated assets and liabilities increased by approximately $1.6 million due to the recording of operating leases as a result of adopting ASU 2016-02 effective January 1, 2019. See also note 4 for further information.

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In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, “Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments,” which adds a new Topic 326 to the Codification and removes the thresholds that companies apply to measure credit losses on financial instruments measured at amortized cost, such as loans, receivables, and held-to-maturity debt securities. Under current U.S. GAAP, companies generally recognize credit losses when it is probable that the loss has been incurred. The revised guidance will remove all recognition thresholds and will require companies to recognize an allowance for credit losses for the difference between the amortized cost basis of a financial instrument and the amount of amortized cost that the company expects to collect over the instrument's contractual life. ASU 2016-13 also amends the credit loss measurement guidance for available-for-sale debt securities and beneficial interests in securitized financial assets. The guidance in ASU 2016-13 is effective for “public business entities,” as defined, that are SEC filers for fiscal years and for interim periods with those fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. Salisbury will adopt the standard in the first quarter of 2020. Salisbury will apply the standard's provisions as a cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the first reporting period in which the guidance is effective. Salisbury has been working with a third-party vendor and is in the process of finalizing the methodologies that will be utilized. Salisbury anticipates that adoption of ASU 2016-13 will impact the consolidated financial statements as it relates to the balance in the allowance for loan losses and the Bank continues to evaluate the extent of potential impact.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, “Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments." This ASU is intended to reduce diversity in practice in how eight particular transactions are classified in the statement of cash flows. Salisbury adopted ASU 2016-15 on January 1, 2018. ASU 2016-15 did not have a material impact on Salisbury's Consolidated Financial Statements.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, “Intangibles—Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment.” This ASU is intended to allow companies to simplify how an entity is required to test goodwill for impairment by eliminating Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. Step 2 measures a goodwill impairment loss by comparing the implied fair value of a reporting unit's goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. The FASB is researching whether similar amendments should be considered for other entities, including public business entities. ASU 2017-04 is effective for public business entities that are SEC filers for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019 and interim periods within those years. Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. Entities should apply the guidance prospectively. Salisbury is currently evaluating the provisions of ASU 2017-04 to determine the potential impact the new standard will have on Salisbury's Consolidated Financial Statements.

In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-08, “Receivables—Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (Subtopic 310-20): Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities.” This ASU will amend the amortization period for certain purchased callable debt securities held at a premium. The Board is shortening the amortization period for the premium to the earliest call date. Under previous generally accepted accounting principles, entities generally amortized the premium as an adjustment of yield over the contractual life of the instrument. On January 1, 2019, the Bank adopted the new standard, which did not have a material impact on Salisbury's Consolidated Financial Statements.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-03, “Disclosure Framework – Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement.” This ASU eliminates, adds and modifies certain disclosure requirements for fair value measurements. Among the changes, entities will no longer be required to disclose the amount of and reasons for transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, but will be required to disclose the range and weighted average used to develop significant unobservable inputs for Level 3 fair value measurements. ASU 2018-03 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019; early adoption is permitted. As ASU 2018-13 only revises disclosure requirements, it will not have a material impact on the Bank's Consolidated Financial Statements.

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NOTE 2 - SECURITIES

The composition of securities is as follows:

(in thousands)   Amortized cost basis (1)    Gross un-realized gains    Gross un-realized losses    Fair value 
March 31, 2019                    
Available-for-sale                    
U.S. Government Agency notes  $7,391   $124   $2   $7,513 
Municipal bonds   9,251    240        9,491 
Mortgage-backed securities:                    
U.S. Government agencies and U.S. Government- sponsored enterprises   56,009    503    153    56,359 
Collateralized mortgage obligations:                    
U.S. Government agencies   20,493    186    74    20,605 
Corporate bonds   4,250    37        4,287 
Total securities available-for-sale  $97,394   $1,090   $229   $98,255 
CRA mutual fund  $852   $   $   $852 
Non-marketable securities                    
Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston stock  $3,372   $   $   $3,372 
(in thousands)   Amortized cost basis (1)    Gross un-realized gains    Gross un-realized losses    Fair value 
December 31, 2018                    
Available-for-sale                    
U.S. Government Agency notes  $7,590   $83   $3   $7,670 
Municipal bonds   5,334    45        5,379 
Mortgage-backed securities:                    
U.S. Government agencies and U.S. Government sponsored enterprises   57,837    170    561    57,446 
Collateralized mortgage obligations:                    
U.S. Government agencies   17,835    85    173    17,747 
Corporate bonds   3,500    76        3,576 
Total securities available-for-sale  $92,096   $459   $737   $91,818 
CRA mutual fund  $836   $   $   $836 
Non-marketable securities                    
Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston stock  $4,496   $   $   $4,496 

Salisbury sold $1.0 million in securities available-for-sale during the three month period ended March 31, 2019 realizing a pre-tax loss of $9 thousand and related tax benefit of $2 thousand. Salisbury did not sell any available-for-sale securities during the three month period ended March 31, 2018.

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The following table summarizes the aggregate fair value and gross unrealized loss of securities that have been in a continuous unrealized loss position as of the date presented:

   Less than 12 Months  12 Months or Longer  Total
March 31, 2019 (in thousands)  Fair value  Unrealized losses  Fair value  Unrealized losses  Fair value  Unrealized losses
Available-for-sale                  
U.S. Government Agency notes  $   $   $448   $2   $448   $2 
Mortgage- backed securities:                              
U.S. Government agencies and U.S. Government- sponsored enterprises   1,060    13    22,957    140    24,017    153 
Collateralized mortgage obligations:                              
U.S. Government Agencies           8,159    74    8,159    74 
Total temporarily impaired securities  $1,060   $13   $31,564   $216   $32,624   $229 
                               
    Less than 12 Months    12 Months or Longer    Total 
December 31, 2018 (in thousands)   Fair value    Unrealized losses    Fair value    Unrealized losses    Fair value    Unrealized losses 
Available-for-sale                              
U.S. Government Agency notes  $34   $   $532   $3   $566   $3 
Mortgage-backed securities:                              
U.S. Government agencies and U.S. Government –sponsored enterprises   13,063    175    26,777    386    39,840    561 
Collateralized mortgage obligations:                              
U.S. Government Agencies           8,281    173    8,281    173 
Total temporarily impaired securities  $13,097   $175   $35,590   $562   $48,687   $737 

The amortized cost, fair value and tax equivalent yield of securities, by maturity, are as follows:

March 31, 2019 (in thousands)  Maturity  Amortized cost  Fair value  Yield(1)
U.S. Government Agency notes  After 1 year but within 5 years  $505   $503    3.63%
   After 5 year but within 10 years   6,886    7,010    3.48 
   Total   7,391    7,513    3.49 
Municipal bonds  Within 1 year   257    257    2.44 
   After 10 years   8,994    9,234    4.06 
   Total   9,251    9,491    4.02 
Mortgage-backed securities and Collateralized mortgage obligations  U.S. Government agencies   76,502    76,964    2.92 
                   
Corporate bonds  After 5 years but within 10 years   4,250    4,287    5.43 
Securities available-for-sale     $97,394   $98,255    3.04%

(1)       Yield is based on amortized cost.

Salisbury evaluates securities for OTTI where the fair value of a security is less than its amortized cost basis at the balance sheet date. As part of this process, Salisbury considers whether it has the intent to sell each debt security and whether it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell the security before its anticipated recovery. If either of these conditions is met, Salisbury recognizes an OTTI charge to earnings equal to the entire difference between the security's amortized cost basis and its fair value at the balance sheet date. For securities that meet neither of these conditions, an analysis is performed to determine if any of these securities are at risk for OTTI.

The following summarizes, by security type, the basis for evaluating if the applicable securities were OTTI at March 31, 2019.

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U.S. Government Agency notes: The contractual cash flows are guaranteed by the U.S. government. Four securities had unrealized losses at March 31, 2019, which approximated 0.44% of their amortized cost. Changes in fair values are a function of changes in investment spreads and interest rate movements and not changes in credit quality since time of purchase. Management expects to recover the entire amortized cost basis of these securities. Furthermore, Salisbury evaluates these securities for strategic fit and may reduce its position in these securities, although it is not more likely than not that Salisbury will be required to sell these securities before recovery of their cost basis, which may be maturity, and does not intend to sell these securities. Management evaluated the impairment status of these debt securities, and concluded that the gross unrealized losses were temporary in nature. Therefore, management does not consider these investments to be other-than temporarily impaired at March 31, 2019.

U.S. Government agency and U.S. Government-sponsored mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations: The contractual cash flows are guaranteed by U.S. government agencies and U.S. government-sponsored enterprises. Twenty-eight securities had unrealized losses at March 31, 2019, which approximated 0.70% of their amortized cost. Changes in fair values are a function of changes in investment spreads and interest rate movements and not changes in credit quality. Management expects to recover the entire amortized cost basis of these securities. Furthermore, Salisbury evaluates these securities for strategic fit and may reduce its position in these securities, although it is not more likely than not that Salisbury will be required to sell these securities before recovery of their cost basis, which may be maturity, and does not intend to sell these securities. Therefore, management does not consider these investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired at March 31, 2019.

The Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston (FHLBB) is a cooperative that provides services, including funding in the form of advances, to its member banking institutions. As a requirement of membership, the Bank must own a minimum amount of FHLBB stock, calculated periodically based primarily on its level of borrowings from the FHLBB. No market exists for shares of the FHLBB and therefore, they are carried at par value. FHLBB stock may be redeemed at par value five years following termination of FHLBB membership, subject to limitations which may be imposed by the FHLBB or its regulator, the Federal Housing Finance Board, to maintain capital adequacy of the FHLBB. While the Bank currently has no intentions to terminate its FHLBB membership, the ability to redeem its investment in FHLBB stock would be subject to the conditions imposed by the FHLBB. Based on the capital adequacy and the liquidity position of the FHLBB, management believes there is no impairment related to the carrying amount of the Bank's FHLBB stock as of March 31, 2019. Deterioration of the FHLBB's capital levels may require the Bank to deem its restricted investment in FHLBB stock to be OTTI. If evidence of impairment exists in the future, the FHLBB stock would reflect fair value using either observable or unobservable inputs. The Bank will continue to monitor its investment in FHLBB stock.

NOTE 3 - LOANS

The composition of loans receivable is as follows:

(In thousands)    March 31, 2019      December 31, 2018  
Residential 1-4 family  $334,357   $345,862 
Residential 5+ multifamily   37,427    36,510 
Construction of residential 1-4 family   11,272    12,041 
Home equity credit   35,022    34,433 
Residential real estate   418,078    428,846 
Commercial   289,267    283,599 
Construction of commercial   11,359    8,976 
Commercial real estate   300,626    292,575 
Farm land   4,155    4,185 
Vacant land   8,164    8,322 
Real estate secured   731,023    733,928 
Commercial and industrial   167,503    162,905 
Municipal   15,702    14,344 
Consumer   4,377    4,512 
Loans receivable, gross   918,605    915,689 
Deferred loan origination fees and costs, net   1,333    1,421 
Allowance for loan losses   (8,750)   (7,831)
Loans receivable, net  $911,188   $909,279 

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Concentrations of Credit Risk

Salisbury's loans consist primarily of residential and commercial real estate loans located principally in Litchfield County, Connecticut; Dutchess, Orange and Ulster Counties, New York; and Berkshire County, Massachusetts, which constitute Salisbury's service area. Salisbury offers a broad range of loan and credit facilities to borrowers in its service area, including residential mortgage loans, commercial real estate loans, construction loans, working capital loans, equipment loans, and a variety of consumer loans, including home equity lines of credit, installment loans and collateral loans. All residential and commercial mortgage loans are collateralized by first or second mortgages on real estate. The ability of single family residential and consumer borrowers to honor their repayment commitments is generally dependent on the level of overall economic activity within the market area and real estate values. The ability of commercial borrowers to honor their repayment commitments is dependent on the general economy as well as the health of the real estate economic sector in Salisbury's market area.

Credit Quality

Salisbury uses credit risk ratings as part of its determination of the allowance for loan losses. Credit risk ratings categorize loans by common financial and structural characteristics that measure the credit strength of a borrower. The rating model has eight risk rating grades, with each grade corresponding to a progressively greater risk of default. Grades 1 through 4 are pass ratings and 5 through 8 are criticized as defined by the regulatory agencies. Risk ratings are assigned to differentiate risk within the portfolio and are reviewed on an ongoing basis and revised, if needed, to reflect changes in the borrowers' current financial position and outlook, risk profiles and the related collateral and structural positions.

Loans rated as "special mention" possess credit deficiencies or potential weaknesses deserving management's close attention that if left uncorrected may result in deterioration of the repayment prospects for the loans at some future date.

Loans rated as "substandard" are loans where the Bank's position is clearly not protected adequately by borrower current net worth or payment capacity. These loans have well defined weaknesses based on objective evidence and include loans where future losses to the Bank may result if deficiencies are not corrected, and loans where the primary source of repayment such as income is diminished and the Bank must rely on sale of collateral or other secondary sources of collection.

Loans rated "doubtful" have the same weaknesses as substandard loans with the added characteristic that the weakness makes collection or liquidation in full, given current facts, conditions, and values, to be highly improbable. The possibility of loss is high, but due to certain important and reasonably specific pending factors, which may work to strengthen the loan, its reclassification as an estimated loss is deferred until its exact status can be determined.

Loans classified as "loss" are considered uncollectible and of such little value that continuance as Bank assets is unwarranted. This classification does not mean that the loan has absolutely no recovery or salvage value, but rather, it is not practical or desirable to defer writing off this loan even though partial recovery may be made in the future.

Management actively reviews and tests its credit risk ratings against actual experience and engages an independent third-party to annually validate its assignment of credit risk ratings. In addition, the Bank's loan portfolio is examined periodically by its regulatory agencies, the FDIC and the CTDOB.

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The composition of loans receivable by risk rating grade is as follows:

  (in thousands)  Pass  Special mention  Substandard  Doubtful  Loss  Total
March 31, 2019                              
Residential 1-4 family  $325,934   $4,235   $4,188   $   $   $334,357 
Residential 5+ multifamily   35,941    492    994            37,427 
Construction of residential 1-4 family   11,272                    11,272 
Home equity lines of credit   34,351    264    407            35,022 
Residential real estate   407,498    4,991    5,589            418,078 
Commercial   274,021    5,485    9,761            289,267 
Construction of commercial   11,010        349            11,359 
Commercial real estate   285,031    5,485    10,110            300,626 
Farm land   2,400        1,755            4,155 
Vacant land   8,097    67                8,164 
Real estate secured   703,026    10,543    17,454            731,023 
Commercial and industrial   163,607    2,346    1,550            167,503 
Municipal   15,702                    15,702 
Consumer   4,370    6    1            4,377 
Loans receivable, gross  $886,705   $12,895   $19,005   $   $   $918,605 
  (in thousands)  Pass  Special mention  Substandard  Doubtful  Loss  Total
December 31, 2018                              
Residential 1-4 family  $337,520   $4,281   $4,061   $   $   $345,862 
Residential 5+ multifamily   34,726    784    1,000            36,510 
Construction of residential 1-4 family   12,041                    12,041 
Home equity lines of credit   33,728    265    440            34,433 
Residential real estate   418,015    5,330    5,501            428,846 
Commercial   270,461    4,530    8,608            283,599 
Construction of commercial   8,482        494            8,976 
Commercial real estate   278,943    4,530    9,102            292,575 
Farm land   3,969        216            4,185 
Vacant land   8,253    69                8,322 
Real estate secured   709,180    9,929    14,819            733,928 
Commercial and industrial   159,127    2,672    1,106            162,905 
Municipal   14,344                    14,344 
Consumer   4,502    10                4,512 
Loans receivable, gross  $887,153   $12,611   $15,925   $   $   $915,689 

 

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The composition of loans receivable by delinquency status is as follows:

      Past due   
                         
               180  30  Accruing   
(in thousands)          days  days  90 days 
      30-59  60-89  90-179  and  and  and  Non-
    Current  days  days  days  over  over  over  accrual
March 31, 2019                        
Residential 1-4 family  $331,427   $1,120   $1,283   $   $527   $2,930   $   $2,040 
Residential 5+ multifamily   36,566                861    861        994 
Construction of residential 1-4 family   11,272                             
Home equity lines of credit   34,511        152        359    511        407 
Residential real estate   413,776    1,120    1,435        1,747    4,302        3,441 
Commercial   287,436    245        192    1,394    1,831        2,107 
Construction of commercial   11,359                            249 
Commercial real estate   298,795    245        192    1,394    1,831        2,356 
Farm land   3,536    212    407            619        212 
Vacant land   8,122    42                42         
Real estate secured   724,229    1,619    1,842    192    3,141    6,794        6,009 
Commercial and industrial   167,099    3    21    20    360    404    20    360 
Municipal   15,702                             
Consumer   4,362    6    8    1        15    1     
Loans receivable, gross  $911,392   $1,628   $1,871   $213   $3,501   $7,213   $21   $6,369 

 

 

      Past due   
                         
               180  30  Accruing   
(in thousands)          days  days  90 days 
      30-59  60-89  90-179  and  and  and  Non-
    Current  days  days  days  over  over  over  accrual
December 31, 2018                        
Residential 1-4 family  $342,881   $1,100   $521   $   $1,360   $2,981   $   $2,092 
Residential 5+ multifamily   35,648            633    229    862        1,000 
Construction of residential 1-4 family   12,041                             
Home equity lines of credit   33,806    235    33        359    627        411 
Residential real estate   424,376    1,335    554    633    1,948    4,470        3,503 
Commercial   281,053    264    240    833    1,209    2,546    654    1,388 
Construction of commercial   8,835            141        141    141    252 
Commercial real estate   289,888    264    240    974    1,209    2,687    795    1,640 
Farm land   4,185                            216 
Vacant land   8,280    42                42         
Real estate secured   726,729    1,641    794    1,607    3,157    7,199    795    5,359 
Commercial and industrial   162,507        38        360    398        360 
Municipal   14,344                             
Consumer   4,504    2    6            8         
Loans receivable, gross  $908,084   $1,643   $838   $1,607   $3,517   $7,605   $795   $5,719 

There were no troubled debt restructurings in the first quarter of 2019 or 2018.

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Allowance for Loan Losses

In first quarter 2019, Salisbury transferred the remaining unearned credit-related discount on loans acquired in its 2014 acquisition of Riverside Bank to the allowance for loan loss reserves. As a result of this transfer, which is reflected in the table below as the “acquisition discount transfer, gross loans receivable and the allowance for loan losses increased by $663 thousand. The balance of net loans receivable did not change as a result of this transfer.

   Three Months ended March 31, 2019  Three Months ended March 31, 2018
(in thousands)  Beginning balance  Acquisition Discount Transfer  Provision  Charge- offs  Recoveries  Ending Balance  Beginning balance  Provision  Charge- offs  Recoveries  Ending balance
Residential 1-4 family  $2,149   $10   $(180)  $   $1   $1,980   $1,862   $129   $(10)  $1   $1,982 
Residential 5+ multifamily   413        53            466    155    61            216 
Construction of residential 1-4 family   83        (6)           77    75    (1)           74 
Home equity lines of credit   219    1    (11)           209    236    (3)           233 
Residential real estate   2,864    11    (144)       1    2,732    2,328    186    (10)   1    2,505 
Commercial   3,048    488    276    (9)       3,803    2,547    119            2,666 
Construction of commercial   122        21            143    80    13            93 
Commercial real estate   3,170    488    297    (9)       3,946    2,627    132            2,759 
Farm land   33        14            47    32    1            33 
Vacant land   100        (11)           89    131                131 
Real estate secured   6,167    499    156    (9)   1    6,814    5,118    319    (10)   1    5,428 
Commercial and industrial   1,158    164    (61)   (30)   2    1,233    984    (42)   (9)   5    938 
Municipal   12        2            14    30                30 
Consumer   56        (3)   (6)   4    51    81    12    (40)   8    61 
Unallocated   438        200            638    563    38            601 
Totals  $7,831   $663   $294   $(45)  $7   $8,750   $6,776   $327   $(59)  $14   $7,058 

 

 16 

 

The composition of loans receivable and the allowance for loan losses is as follows:

  (in thousands)  Collectively evaluated 1  Individually evaluated  Total portfolio
    Loans    Allowance    Loans    Allowance    Loans    Allowance 
March 31, 2019                              
Residential 1-4 family  $329,513   $1,867   $4,844   $113   $334,357   $1,980 
Residential 5+ multifamily   36,048    466    1,379        37,427    466 
Construction of residential 1-4 family   11,272    77            11,272    77 
Home equity lines of credit   34,570    207    452    2    35,022    209 
Residential real estate   411,403    2,617    6,675    115    418,078    2,732 
Commercial   284,272    3,617    4,995    186    289,267    3,803 
Construction of commercial   11,010    129    349    14    11,359    143 
Commercial real estate   295,282    3,746    5,344    200    300,626    3,946 
Farm land   3,943    47    212        4,155    47 
Vacant land   7,977    87    187    2    8,164    89 
Real estate secured   718,605    6,497    12,418    317    731,023    6,814 
Commercial and industrial   167,005    1,233    498        167,503    1,233 
Municipal   15,702    14            15,702    14 
Consumer   4,377    51            4,377    51 
Unallocated allowance       638                638 
Totals  $905,689   $8,433   $12,916   $317   $918,605   $8,750 

  

 

  (in thousands)  Collectively evaluated  Individually evaluated  Total portfolio
    Loans    Allowance    Loans    Allowance    Loans    Allowance 
December 31, 2018                              
Residential 1-4 family  $340,946   $2,042   $4,916   $107   $345,862   $2,149 
Residential 5+ multifamily   34,835    413    1,675        36,510    413 
Construction of residential 1-4 family   12,041    83            12,041    83 
Home equity lines of credit   33,975    213    458    6    34,433    219 
Residential real estate   421,797    2,751    7,049    113    428,846    2,864 
Commercial   279,389    2,907    4,210    141    283,599    3,048 
Construction of commercial   8,622    106    354    16    8,976    122 
Commercial real estate   288,011    3,013    4,564    157    292,575    3,170 
Farm land   3,969    33    216        4,185    33 
Vacant land   8,132    98    190    2    8,322    100 
Real estate secured   721,909    5,895    12,019    272    733,928    6,167 
Commercial and industrial   162,404    1,158    501        162,905    1,158 
Municipal   14,344    12            14,344    12 
Consumer   4,512    56            4,512    56 
Unallocated allowance       438                438 
Totals  $903,169   $7,559   $12,520   $272   $915,689   $7,831 

The credit quality segments of loans receivable and the allowance for loan losses are as follows:

March 31, 2019 (in thousands) Collectively evaluated  Individually evaluated  Total portfolio
    Loans    Allowance    Loans    Allowance    Loans   Allowance 
Performing loans  $895,685   $7,373   $   $   $895,685   $7,373 
Potential problem loans 1   10,004    422            10,004    422 
Impaired loans           12,916    317    12,916    317 
Unallocated allowance       638                638 
Totals  $905,689   $8,433   $12,916   $317   $918,605   $8,750 

 

December 31, 2018 (in thousands) Collectively evaluated  Individually evaluated  Total portfolio
    Loans    Allowance    Loans    Allowance    Loans   Allowance 
Performing loans  $895,527   $6,989   $   $   $895,527   $6,989 
Potential problem loans 1   7,642    132            7,642    132 
Impaired loans           12,520    272    12,520    272 
Unallocated allowance       438                438 
Totals  $903,169   $7,559   $12,520   $272   $915,689   $7,831 

1 Potential problem loans consist of performing loans that have been assigned a substandard credit risk rating and are not classified as impaired.

 17 

 

A specific valuation allowance is established for the impairment amount of each impaired loan, calculated using the fair value of expected cash flows or collateral, in accordance with the most likely means of recovery. Certain data with respect to loans individually evaluated for impairment is as follows as of and for the three months ended:

   Impaired loans with specific allowance   Impaired loans with no specific allowance
(in thousands)  Loan balance    Specific    Income   Loan balance    Income 
    Book    Note    Average    allowance    recognized    Book    Note    Average    recognized 
March 31, 2019                           
Residential  $2,769   $2,823   $2,780   $113   $27   $3,454   $4,758   $3,620   $16 
Home equity lines of credit   45    45    46    2    1    407    495    409     
Residential real estate   2,814    2,868    2,826    115    28    3,861    5,253    4,029    16 
Commercial   2,568    2,568    1,993    186    24    2,427    3,912    2,748    14 
Construction of commercial   249    249    251    14        100    108    101    2 
Farm land                       212    430    215     
Vacant land   42    42    42    2    1    145    165    146    3 
Real estate secured   5,673    5,727    5,112    317    53    6,745    9,868    7,239    35 
Commercial and industrial                       498    620    500    2 
Consumer                           1         
Totals  $5,673   $5,727   $5,112   $317   $53   $7,243   $10,489   $7,739   $37 

 

 

   Impaired loans with specific allowance   Impaired loans with no specific allowance
(in thousands)  Loan balance    Specific    Income   Loan balance    Income 
    Book    Note    Average    allowance    recognized    Book    Note    Average    recognized 
March 31, 2018                           
Residential  $4,724   $5,008   $3,884   $162   $30   $2,270   $3,020   $3,015   $28 
Home equity lines of credit   47    47    47    1    1    63    116    64     
Residential real estate   4,771    5,055    3,931    163    31    2,333    3,136    3,079    28 
Commercial   1,847    2,080    2,258    100    40    2,355    3,447    3,138    47 
Construction of commercial           27            364    386    338    2 
Farm land                       241    447    244     
Vacant land   44    44    44    3    1    153    176    154    3 
Real estate secured   6,662    7,179    6,260    266    72    5,446    7,592    6,953    80 
Commercial and industrial   106    115    108    7        407    498    408    1 
Consumer                           5         
Totals  $6,768   $7,294   $6,368   $273   $72   $5,853   $8,095   $7,361   $81 

Certain data with respect to loans individually evaluated for impairment is as follows as of and for the year ended December 31, 2018: 

   Impaired loans with specific allowance   Impaired loans with no specific allowance
(in thousands)  Loan balance    Specific    Income   Loan balance    Income 
    Book    Note    Average    allowance    recognized    Book    Note    Average    recognized 
December 31, 2018                           
Residential  $2,792   $2,842   $3,429   $107   $101   $3,799   $5,140   $3,726   $102 
Home equity lines of credit   47    47    158    6    2    411    498    114    2 
Residential real estate   2,839    2,889    3,587    113    103    4,210    5,638    3,840    104 
Commercial   1,808    1,808    2,001    141    88    2,403    3,989    2,992    75 
Construction of commercial   252    252    67    16        102    110    295    7 
Farm land                       216    432    232     
Vacant land   42    42    43    2    3    147    168    151    10 
Real estate secured   4,941    4,991    5,698    272    194    7,078    10,337    7,510    196 
Commercial and industrial           40            501    596    469    5 
Totals  $4,941   $4,991   $5,738   $272   $194   $7,579   $10,933   $7,979   $201 

 18 

 

NOTE 4 - LEASES

On January 1, 2019, the Bank adopted ASU 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842) and all subsequent ASUs that modified Topic 842. The Bank leases facilities and equipment with various expiration dates through 2036. The facilities leases have varying renewal options, generally require fixed annual rent, and provide that real estate taxes, insurance, and maintenance are to be paid by Salisbury. The leases for three Bank facilities are accounted for as finance leases (previously referred to as capital leases). The remaining leases are classified as operating leases, and therefore, were previously not recognized on the Bank's Consolidated Balance Sheets. Effective January 1, 2019, the Bank recorded approximately $1.6 million of right-of-use assets and corresponding lease liability related to these operating leases. The Bank does not have any leases with related parties and equipment leases are not material to Salisbury's consolidated financial statements.

The following table provides the assets and liabilities as well as the costs of operating and financial leases which are included in the Bank's consolidated income statement for the three months ended March 31, 2019.

Three months ended (in thousands, except lease term and discount rate)   Classification    March 31, 2019  
Assets      
Operating  Other assets  $1,505 
Finance  Bank premises and equipment 1   2,801 
Total Leased Assets     $4,306 
Liabilities        
Operating  Other liabilities  $1,505 
Finance  Finance lease   3,046 
Total lease liabilities     $4,551 
1 Net of accumulated depreciation of $472 thousand.
        
         
Lease cost  Classification   March 31, 2019 
Operating leases  Premises and equipment  $61 
Finance leases:        
Amortization of leased assets  Premises and equipment   47 
Interest on finance leases  Interest expense   46 
Total lease cost     $154 
         
Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term        
Operating leases      8.7 years 
Financing leases      13.2 years 
Weighted Average Discount Rate 1        
Operating leases      3.7%
Financing leases      7.5%
1 Salisbury uses the FHLB five year Advance rate as the discount rate, as our leases do not provide an implicit rate.
         

The following is a schedule by years of the present value of the net minimum lease payments as of March 31, 2019.

  Future minimum lease payments (in thousands)    Operating Leases      Finance Leases  
 2019   $185   $254 
 2020    246    336 
 2021    228    342 
 2022    199    345 
 2023    148    347 
 Thereafter    782    2,956 
 Total future minimum lease payments    1,788    4,580 
 Less amount representing interest    (283)   (1,534)
 Total present value of net future minimum lease payments   $1,505   $3,046 

 

 19 

 

NOTE 5 - MORTGAGE SERVICING RIGHTS

(in thousands)    March 31, 2019      December 31, 2018  
Residential mortgage loans serviced for others  $109,848   $111,378 
Fair value of mortgage servicing rights   903    951 

Changes in mortgage servicing rights are as follows:

Three months ended March 31, (in thousands)    2019      2018  
Mortgage Servicing Rights          
Balance, beginning of period  $228   $233 
Originated   4    6 
Amortization (1)   (11)   (11)
Balance, end of period  $221   $228 

(1)Amortization expense and changes in the impairment reserve are recorded in mortgage servicing, net. There were no increases in the impairment reserve for the three months ended March 31, 2019 or March 31, 2018.

NOTE 6 - PLEDGED ASSETS

The following securities and loans were pledged to secure public and trust deposits, securities sold under agreements to repurchase, FHLBB advances and credit facilities available.

(in thousands)    March 31, 2019      December 31, 2018  
Securities available-for-sale (at fair value)  $78,963   $80,991 
Loans receivable   330,202    328,674 
Total pledged assets  $409,165   $409,665 

At March 31, 2019, securities were pledged as follows: $91.5 million to secure public deposits, $11.2 million to secure repurchase agreements and $0.05 million to secure FHLBB advances. Additionally, loans receivable were pledged to secure FHLBB advances and credit facilities.

NOTE 7 - EARNINGS PER SHARE

Salisbury defines unvested share-based payment awards that contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends as participating securities that are included in computing earnings per share (EPS) using the two-class method.

The two-class method is an earnings allocation formula that determines earnings per share for each share of common stock and participating securities according to dividends declared and participation rights in undistributed earnings. Under this method, all earnings (distributed and undistributed) are allocated to common shares and participating securities based on their respective rights to receive dividends. Basic EPS excludes dilution and is computed by dividing income allocated to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock or resulted in the issuance of common stock that then shared in the earnings of the entity.

The following table sets forth the computation of earnings per share (basic and diluted) for the periods indicated:

Three months ended March 31, (in thousands, except per share data)    2019      2018  
Net income  $2,434   $2,015 
Less: Undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities   (26)   (20)
Net income allocated to common stock  $2,408   $1,995 
Weighted-average common shares issued   2,806    2,786 
Less: Unvested restricted stock awards   (29)   (27)
Weighted average common shares outstanding used to calculate basic earnings per common share   2,777    2,759 
Add: Dilutive effect of stock options   12    21 
Weighted-average common shares outstanding used to calculate diluted earnings per common share   2,789    2,780 
Earnings per common share (basic)  $0.87   $0.72 
Earnings per common share (diluted)  $0.86   $0.72 

 20 

 

NOTE 8 - SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

Capital Requirements

Salisbury and the Bank are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the federal banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory and possibly additional and discretionary actions by the regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on Salisbury's and the Bank's financial statements. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, Salisbury and the Bank must meet specific guidelines that involve quantitative measures of their assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. Salisbury and the Bank's capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings, and other factors.

The requirements of the final rules approved by the Federal Reserve Bank (“FRB”) and FDIC, include a common equity Tier 1 capital risk-weighted assets minimum ratio of 4.5%, minimum ratio of Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets of 6.0%, require a minimum ratio of Total capital to risk-weighted assets of 8.0%, and require a minimum Tier 1 leverage ratio of 4.0%. A capital conservation buffer, comprised of common equity Tier 1 capital, is also established above the regulatory minimum capital requirements. The initial implementation of the capital conservation buffer began phasing in January 1, 2016 at 0.625% of risk-weighted assets and increased each subsequent January 1, by an additional 0.625% until reaching its final level of 2.5% on January 1, 2019. As of March 31, 2019, the Bank exceeded the fully phased in regulatory requirement for the capital conservation buffer. Strict eligibility criteria for regulatory capital instruments were also implemented under the final rules. A bank can be considered “well-capitalized” even if it does not maintain the capital conservation buffer as long as it meets the “well-capitalized” levels set forth below (and provided it is not subject to any written order, agreement, capital directive, etc.). A bank with a capital conservation buffer of at least 2.5% means that it generally will not be subject to certain limitations regarding capital distributions, such as dividend payments, discretionary payments on tier 1 instruments, share buybacks, and certain discretionary bonus payments to executive officers.

Salisbury's risk-weighted assets at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 were $865.2 million and $860.6 million, respectively. Actual regulatory capital position and minimum capital requirements as defined "To Be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action Provisions" and "For Capital Adequacy Purposes" for Salisbury and the Bank are as follows:

   Actual  Minimum Capital Required For Capital Adequacy  Minimum Capital Required For Capital Adequacy Plus Required Capital Conservation Buffer  Minimum To Be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action Provisions
(dollars in thousands)  Amount  Ratio  Amount  Ratio  Amount  Ratio  Amount  Ratio
March 31, 2019                                        
Total Capital (to risk-weighted assets)                                        
Salisbury  $109,676    12.68%  $69,213    8.00%  $90,842    10.50%   n/a     
Bank   106,847    12.35    69,213    8.0    90,842    10.5   $86,516    10.00%
Tier 1 Capital (to risk-weighted assets)                                        
Salisbury   90,833    10.50    51,910    6.0    73,539    8.5    n/a     
Bank   98,004    11.33    51,910    6.0    73,539    8.5    69,213    8.0 
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital (to risk-weighted assets)                                        
Salisbury   90,833    10.50    38,932    4.5    60,561    7.0    n/a     
Bank   98,004    11.33    38,932    4.5    60,561    7.0    56,235    6.5 
Tier 1 Capital (to average assets)                                        
Salisbury   90,833    8.32    43,688    4.0    43,688    4.0    n/a     
Bank   98,004    8.97    43,688    4.0    43,688    4.0    54,610    5.0 

 

 21 

 

   Actual  Minimum Capital Required For Capital Adequacy  Minimum Capital Required For Capital Adequacy Plus Required Capital Conservation Buffer  Minimum To Be Well Capitalized Under
Prompt Corrective
Action Provisions
(dollars in thousands)  Amount  Ratio  Amount  Ratio  Amount  Ratio  Amount  Ratio
December 31, 2018                        
Total Capital (to risk-weighted assets)                                        
Salisbury  $107,659    12.51%  $68,848    8.00%  $90,362    10.50%   n/a    n/a 
Bank   104,013    12.09    68,848    8.0    90,362    10.5   $86,059    10.00%
Tier 1 Capital (to risk-weighted assets)                                        
Salisbury   89,738    10.43    51,636    6.0    73,150    8.5    n/a    n/a 
Bank   96,092    11.17    51,636    6.0    73,150    8.5    68,848    8.0 
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital (to risk-weighted assets)                                        
Salisbury   89,738    10.43    38,727    4.5    60,242    7.0    n/a    n/a 
Bank   96,092    11.17    38,727    4.5    60,242    7.0    55,939    6.5 
Tier 1 Capital (to average assets)                                        
Salisbury   89,738    8.25    43,527    4.0    43,527    4.0    n/a    n/a 
Bank   96,092    8.83    43,527    4.0    43,527    4.0    54,409    5.0 

 

Cash Dividends to Common Shareholders

Salisbury's ability to pay cash dividends is substantially dependent on the Bank's ability to pay cash dividends to Salisbury. There are certain restrictions on the payment of cash dividends and other payments by the Bank to Salisbury. Under Connecticut law, the Bank cannot declare a cash dividend except from net profits, defined as the remainder of all earnings from current operations. The total of all cash dividends declared by the Bank in any calendar year shall not, unless specifically approved by the Banking Commissioner, exceed the total of its net profits of that year combined with its retained net profits of the preceding two years.

FRB Supervisory Letter SR 09-4, February 24, 2009, revised March 30, 2009, notes that, as a general matter, the Board of Directors of a Bank Holding Company (“BHC”) should inform the Federal Reserve and should eliminate, defer, or significantly reduce dividends if (1) net income available to shareholders for the past four quarters, net of dividends previously paid during that period, is not sufficient to fully fund the dividends; (2) the prospective rate of earnings retention is not consistent with capital needs and overall current and prospective financial condition; or (3) the BHC will not meet, or is in danger of not meeting, its minimum regulatory capital adequacy ratios. Moreover, a BHC should inform the Federal Reserve reasonably in advance of declaring or paying a dividend that exceeds earnings for the period (e.g., quarter) for which the dividend is being paid or that could result in a material adverse change to the BHC capital structure.

NOTE 9 - BENEFITS

Salisbury's 401(k) Plan expense was $239 thousand and $282 thousand, respectively, for the three month periods ended March 31, 2019 and 2018. The decrease in the expense reflected a reduction in the Bank's safe-harbor and employer match percentages. Other post-retirement benefit obligation expense for endorsement split-dollar life insurance arrangements was $21 thousand and $26 thousand for the three month periods ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

ESOP

Salisbury offers an ESOP to eligible employees.  Under the Plan, Salisbury may make discretionary contributions to the Plan, which generally vests in full upon six years of qualified service. Salisbury's ESOP expense was $49 thousand and $60 thousand, respectively, for the three month periods ended March 31, 2019 and 2018.

 22 

 

Other Retirement Plans

A Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan (the "Plan") was adopted effective January 1, 2013. This Plan was adopted by the Bank for the benefit of certain key employees ("Executive" or "Executives") who have been selected and approved by the Bank to participate in this Plan and who have evidenced their participation by execution of a Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan Participation Agreement ("Participation Agreement") in a form provided by the Bank. This Plan is intended to comply with Internal Revenue Code ("Code") Section 409A and any regulatory or other guidance issued under such Section. Salisbury's expense for this plan was $29 thousand and $28 thousand, respectively, for the three month periods ended March 31, 2019 and 2018.

Grants of Restricted Stock, Performance Based Restricted Stock Units and Options

Restricted stock

Expense in first quarter 2019 and 2018 related to stock based compensation totaled $100 thousand and $113 thousand, respectively. Unrecognized compensation cost relating to the awards as of March 31, 2019 and 2018 totaled $606 thousand and $493 thousand, respectively. Forfeitures in the first quarter 2019 and 2018 totaled 100 and 0 shares, respectively.

Performance-based restricted stock units

On March 29, 2019, the Compensation Committee granted performance-based restricted stock units (RSU) pursuant to the 2017 Long-Term Incentive Plan to further align compensation with the Bank's performance. This RSU plan replaced the Bank's Phantom Stock Appreciation Units plan. The performance goal is based on the increase in the Bank's tangible book value by $3.50 per share over the performance period for threshold performance. Vesting will range from 75% of target for achieving threshold performance, to 100% of target for achieving target payout performance ($5.00 increase in tangible book value per share) to 150% of target for achieving in excess of target payout performance and, if the performance goals are achieved, vesting will occur no later than March 29, 2022. A total of 6,800 performance-based restricted stock units were granted, including 3,500 units to three Named Executive Officers. Mr. Cantele received 1,500 units, Mr. Davies received 1,000 units and Mr. Albero received 1,000 units. No compensation expense was recorded with respect to these RSUs in the three month period ending March 31, 2019.

Options

Salisbury issued stock options in conjunction with its acquisition of Riverside Bank in 2014. In the first quarter 2019, 0 stock options were exercised. In the first quarter 2018, 1,350 stock options were exercised at $31.11 per share by one former Riverside Bank executive, who is currently a Named Executive Officer of Salisbury.

NOTE 10 - ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

The components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are as follows:

(in thousands)    March 31, 2019      December 31, 2018  
Unrealized gains (losses) on securities available-for-sale, net of tax  $680   $(220)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net  $680   $(220)

NOTE 11 - FAIR VALUE OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

Salisbury uses fair value measurements to record fair value adjustments to certain assets and liabilities and to determine fair value disclosures. Securities available-for-sale are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. Additionally, from time to time, other assets are recorded at fair value on a nonrecurring basis, such as loans held for sale, collateral dependent impaired loans, property acquired through foreclosure or repossession and mortgage servicing rights. These nonrecurring fair value adjustments typically involve the application of lower-of-cost-or-market accounting or write-downs of individual assets.

 23 

 

Salisbury adopted ASC 820-10, “Fair Value Measurement - Overall,” which provides a framework for measuring fair value under generally accepted accounting principles. In accordance with ASC 820-10, Salisbury groups its financial assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value in three levels based on the markets in which the assets and liabilities are traded and the reliability of the assumptions used to determine fair value. GAAP specifies a hierarchy of valuation techniques based on whether the types of valuation information (“inputs”) are observable or unobservable. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect Salisbury's market assumptions. These two types of inputs have created the following fair value hierarchy:

Level 1. Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets. Valuations for assets and liabilities traded in active exchange markets, such as the New York Stock Exchange. Level 1 may also include U.S. Treasury, other U.S. Government and agency mortgage-backed securities that are traded by dealers or brokers in active markets. Valuations are obtained from readily available pricing sources for market transactions involving identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2. Significant other observable inputs. Valuations for assets and liabilities traded in less active dealer or broker markets. Valuations are obtained from third party pricing services for identical or comparable assets or liabilities.
Level 3. Significant unobservable inputs. Valuations for assets and liabilities that are derived from other methodologies, including option pricing models, discounted cash flow models and similar techniques, are not based on market exchange, dealer, or broker traded transactions. Level 3 valuations incorporate certain assumptions and projections in determining the fair value assigned to such assets and liabilities.

Salisbury adopted ASC 2016-01, “Financial Instruments – overall (subtopic 825-10) Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities”, which requires the exit price notion to be used when measuring the fair value of financial instruments for disclosure. Salisbury estimated the fair value of its loan portfolio based on a loan-level assessment that incorporated probabilities of default by loan type and internal risk rating, product-level loss given defaults and prepayment rates as well as discount rates.

A financial instrument's level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Salisbury did not have any significant transfers of assets between levels 1 and 2 of the fair value hierarchy during the three month period ended March 31, 2019.

Assets measured at fair value are as follows:

   Fair Value Measurements Using  Assets at
(in thousands)  Level 1  Level 2  Level 3  fair
            value
March 31, 2019                    
Assets at fair value on a recurring basis                    
U.S. Government Agency notes  $   $7,513   $   $7,513 
Municipal bonds       9,491        9,491 
Mortgage-backed securities:                    
U.S. Government agencies and U.S. Government-sponsored enterprises       56,359        56,359 
Collateralized mortgage obligations:                    
U.S. Government agencies       20,605        20,605 
Corporate bonds       4,287        4,287 
Securities available-for-sale  $   $98,255   $   $98,255 
CRA mutual funds   852            852 
Assets at fair value on a non-recurring basis                    
Collateral dependent impaired loans  $   $   $4,599   $4,599 
Other real estate owned  $   $   $741   $741 
December 31, 2018                    
Assets at fair value on a recurring basis                    
U.S. Government Agency notes  $   $7,670   $   $7,670 
Municipal bonds       5,379        5,379 
Mortgage-backed securities:                    
U.S. Government agencies and U.S. Government-sponsored enterprises       57,446        57,446 
Collateralized mortgage obligations:                    
U.S. Government agencies       17,747        17,747 
Corporate bonds       3,576        3,576 
Securities available-for-sale  $   $91,818   $   $91,818 
CRA mutual funds   836            836 
Assets at fair value on a non-recurring basis                    
Collateral dependent impaired loans  $   $   $4,238   $4,238 
Other real estate owned  $   $   $1,810   $1,810 

 24 

 

Carrying values and estimated fair values of financial instruments are as follows:

(in thousands)  Carrying  Estimated  Fair value measurements using
   value  fair value  Level 1  Level 2  Level 3
March 31, 2019                         
Financial Assets                         
Cash and cash equivalents  $48,629   $48,629   $48,629   $   $ 
Securities available-for-sale, net   98,255    98,255        98,255     
CRA mutual fund   852    852    852         
Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston stock   3,372    3,372            3,372 
Loans held-for-sale                    
Loans receivable, net   911,188    902,084            902,084 
Accrued interest receivable   3,411    3,411            3,411 
Cash surrender value of life insurance policies   15,267    15,267    15,267         
Financial Liabilities                         
Demand (non-interest-bearing)  $219,168   $219,168   $   $   $219,168 
Demand (interest-bearing)   157,123    157,123            157,123 
Money market   203,309    203,309            203,309 
Savings and other   190,011    190,011            190,011 
Certificates of deposit   172,358    172,895            172,895 
Deposits   941,969    942,506            942,506 
Repurchase agreements   2,951    2,951            2,951 
FHLBB advances   47,712    47,925            47,925 
Subordinated debt   9,841    10,115            10,115 
Note payable   272    279            279 
Finance lease obligation   3,046    3,282            3,282 
Accrued interest payable   578    578            578 

 

December 31, 2018               
Financial Assets                         
Cash and cash equivalents  $58,445   $58,445   $58,445   $   $ 
Securities available-for-sale   91,818    91,818        91,818     
CRA mutual fund   836    836    836         
Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston stock   4,496    4,496            4,496 
Loans receivable, net   909,279    886,222            886,222 
Accrued interest receivable   3,148    3,148            3,148 
Cash surrender value of life insurance policies   14,438    14,438    14,438         
Financial Liabilities                         
Demand (non-interest-bearing)  $228,448   $228,448   $   $   $228,448 
Demand (interest-bearing)   153,586    153,586            153,586 
Money market   204,219    204,219            204,219 
Savings and other   178,807    178,807            178,807 
Certificates of deposit   161,679    162,013            162,013 
Deposits   926,739    927,073            927,073 
Repurchase agreements   4,104    4,104            4,104 
FHLBB advances   67,154    67,231            67,231 
Subordinated debt   9,835    10,006            10,006 
Note payable   280    288            288 
Capital lease liability   3,081    3,339            3,339 
Accrued interest payable   237    237            237 

The carrying amounts of financial instruments shown in the above table are included in the consolidated balance sheets under the indicated captions or are included in accrued interest and other liabilities.

NOTE 12 - SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

On April 26, 2019 the Board of Directors declared a dividend of $0.28 per common share payable on May 31, 2019 to shareholders of record as of May 17, 2019. In April 2019, the Bank executed a purchase and sale agreement to purchase its New Paltz, New York branch premises for $1.6 million. This transaction is expected to close in September, 2019.

 

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Item 2.MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of Salisbury Bancorp, Inc. (“Salisbury” or the “Company”) and its subsidiary should be read in conjunction with Salisbury's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018. Readers should also review other disclosures Salisbury files from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).

BUSINESS

Salisbury Bancorp, Inc., a Connecticut corporation, formed in 1998, is the bank holding company for Salisbury Bank and Trust Company (the "Bank"), a Connecticut-chartered and Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the "FDIC") insured commercial bank headquartered in Lakeville, Connecticut. Salisbury's common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbol “SAL.” Salisbury's principal business consists of its operation and control of the business of the Bank.

The Bank, formed in 1848, currently provides commercial banking, consumer financing, retail banking and trust and wealth advisory services through a network of fourteen banking offices and ten ATMs located in: Litchfield County, Connecticut; Dutchess, Orange and Ulster Counties, New York; and Berkshire County, Massachusetts and through its internet website (salisburybank.com).

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Salisbury's consolidated financial statements follow GAAP as applied to the banking industry in which it operates. Application of these principles requires management to make estimates, assumptions and judgments that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements. 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 and as such have a greater possibility of producing results that could be materially different than originally reported. Estimates, assumptions and judgments are necessary when assets and liabilities are required to be recorded at fair value, when a decline in the value of an asset not carried at fair value warrants an impairment write-down or valuation reserve to be established, or when an asset or liability needs to be recorded contingent upon a future event.

Salisbury's significant accounting policies are presented in Note 1 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, which, along with this Management's Discussion and Analysis, provide information on how significant assets are valued in the financial statements and how those values are determined. Management believes that the following accounting estimates are the most critical to aid in fully understanding and evaluating Salisbury's reported financial results, and they require management's most difficult, subjective or complex judgments, resulting from the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain.

Allowance for Loan Losses

The allowance for loan losses represents management's estimate of credit losses inherent in the loan portfolio. Determining the amount of the allowance for loan losses is considered a critical accounting estimate because it requires significant judgment and the use of estimates related to the amount and timing of expected future cash flows on impaired loans, estimated losses on pools of homogeneous loans based on historical loss experience, and consideration of current economic trends and conditions, all of which may be susceptible to significant change. The loan portfolio also represents the largest asset type on the balance sheet. A discussion of the factors driving changes in the amount of the allowance for loan losses is included in the “Provision and Allowance for Loan Losses” section of Management's Discussion and Analysis.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Management evaluates goodwill and identifiable intangible assets for impairment annually using valuation techniques that involve estimates for discount rates, projected future cash flows and time period calculations, all of which are susceptible to change based on changes in economic conditions and other factors. Future events or changes in the estimates, which are used to determine the carrying value of goodwill and identifiable intangible assets or which otherwise adversely affect their value or estimated lives could have a material adverse impact on the results of operations.

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Available-For-Sale Securities

Management evaluates securities for other-than-temporary impairment giving consideration to the extent to which the fair value has been less than cost, estimates of future cash flows, delinquencies and default severity, and the intent and ability of Salisbury to retain its investment in the issuer for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value. The consideration of the above factors is subjective and involves estimates and assumptions about matters that are inherently uncertain. Should actual factors and conditions differ materially from those used by management, the actual realization of gains or losses on investment securities could differ materially from the amounts recorded in the financial statements.

Revenue Recognition

Topic 606 does not apply to revenue associated with financial instruments, including loans and securities that are accounted for under other GAAP. Thus, the new guidance, which was effective January 1, 2018, did not have a material impact on revenue most closely associated with financial instruments, including interest income and expense. Management evaluated its revenue streams and reviewed related contracts potentially affected by the ASU including trust and asset management fees, deposit related fees, interchange fees, and merchant income.

Revenue is recognized when, or as, obligations under the terms of a contract are satisfied, which occurs when control of the promised products or services is transferred to customers. Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration Salisbury expects to receive in exchange for transferring products or services to a customer (“transaction price”). To the extent the transaction price includes variable consideration, Salisbury estimates the amount of variable consideration that should be included in the transaction price utilizing the most likely amount to which Salisbury expects to be entitled. Variable consideration is included in the transaction price if, in Salisbury's judgment, it is probable that a significant future reversal of cumulative revenue under the contract will not occur. Estimates of variable consideration and determination of whether to include estimated amounts in the transaction price are based largely on an assessment of Salisbury's anticipated performance and all information (historical, current, and forecasted) that is reasonably available. Sales, value add, and other taxes collected on behalf of third parties are excluded from revenue.

When determining the transaction price of a contract, an adjustment is made if payment from a customer occurs either significantly before or significantly after performance, resulting in a significant financing component. Applying the practical expedient in paragraph 606-10-32-18, Salisbury does not assess whether a significant financing component exists if the period between when Salisbury performs its obligations under the contract and when the customer pays is one year or less. None of the Salisbury's contracts contained a significant financing component as of March 31, 2019.

Contracts with customers may contain multiple performance obligations. For such arrangements, the transaction price is allocated to each performance obligation based on the estimated relative standalone selling prices of the promised products or services underlying each performance obligation. Salisbury determines standalone selling prices based on the price at which the performance obligation is sold separately. If the standalone selling price is not observable through fee schedules provided to its customers or through past transactions, Salisbury estimates the standalone selling price taking into account available information such as market conditions and internally approved pricing guidelines related to the performance obligations.

Contracts are often modified to account for changes in contract specifications and requirements. Contract modifications exist when the modification either creates new or changes the existing enforceable rights and obligations. Generally, contract modifications are for products or services that are distinct from the existing contract and are accounted for as if they were a new and separate contract. The original contract is still accounted for according to its original terms.

Product revenue is generally recognized when the customer obtains control of Salisbury's product, which occurs at a point in time, and are generally upon completion of the service based on the terms of a contract. Service revenue is generally recognized over time as the services are delivered to the customer. The selection of the method to measure progress towards completion requires judgment and is based on the nature of the products or services to be provided. Salisbury generally measures its progress based on the right to invoice. Salisbury uses the right to invoice measure of progress when Salisbury has a right to invoice the customer for an amount that corresponds directly with the value to the customer of Salisbury's performance to date. Under the right to invoice measure of progress, revenues are recorded equal to the amount Salisbury could invoice the customer. The right to invoice is generally determined by the passage of time during which the service is performed.

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Trust and Wealth Advisory

The Trust and Wealth Advisory business generates revenue through a range of fiduciary services including trust and estate administration, wealth advisory, and investment management to individuals, families, businesses and institutions. Revenue from these services are generally recognized over time and is typically based on a right to invoice measure of progress (output method). Certain fees, such as real estate sale fees, asset liquidation fees, special asset fees, and daily money management fees, are recorded as revenue at a point in time at the completion of the service.

Customer Deposit Fees

The Customer Deposit business offers a variety of deposit accounts with a range of interest rates and other terms, which are designed to meet customer financial needs. Additional depositor related services provided to customers include Landlord/Tenant Lease Security Accounts and Services, Payroll Services, Cash Management (Remote Deposit Capture, ACH Origination, Wire Transfers and Positive Pay), ATM, Bank-by-Phone, Internet Banking, Internet Bill Pay, Person to Person Payments, Bank to Bank Transfers, Mobile Banking with remote deposit, and Online Financial Management with Account Aggregation Services. Monthly deposit account fees and account research fees are recognized over time using the right to invoice measure of progress. Overdraft protection, ATM services, cash management, bill pay, money transfers, among others, are generally recognized at point in time at the completion of the service.

Interchange Fees

Salisbury earns interchange fee revenue through customers' use of the Bank's debit cards. Interchange fees are generally recognized as revenue at a point in time when customers make a purchase using their debit card.

Transaction Price Allocated to Future Performance Obligations

ASC 606 requires that Salisbury disclose the aggregate amount of transaction price that is allocated to performance obligations that have not yet been satisfied as of March 31, 2019. The guidance provides certain practical expedients that limit this requirement and, therefore, Salisbury does not disclose the value of unsatisfied performance obligations for (1) contracts with an original expected length of one year or less and (2) contracts for which revenue is recognized at the amount to which Salisbury has the right to invoice for services performed. All revenue accounted for under the scope of ASC 606 meets one of these two criteria.

FINANCIAL CONDITION

Securities and Short Term Funds

During the first quarter of 2019, securities increased $5.3 million to $102.5 million. The net increase reflected purchases of $4.1 million of municipal securities, $3.5 million of collateralized mortgage obligations, $1.0 million of mortgage-backed securities and $0.8 million of corporate subordinated debt, which were partly offset by $3.1million in maturities/principal payments of securities, sales of $1.0 million of mortgage-backed securities and $1.1 million in FHLB stock redemptions. Cash and cash equivalents (non-time interest-bearing deposits with other banks, money market funds and federal funds sold) decreased $9.8 million to $48.6 million.

Salisbury evaluates securities for OTTI where the fair value of a security is less than its amortized cost basis at the balance sheet date. As part of this process, Salisbury considers its intent to sell each debt security and whether it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell the security before its anticipated recovery. If either of these conditions is met, Salisbury recognizes an OTTI charge to earnings equal to the entire difference between the security's amortized cost basis and its fair value at the balance sheet date. For securities that meet neither of these conditions, an analysis is performed to determine if any of these securities are at risk for OTTI. Salisbury evaluates securities for strategic fit and may reduce its position in securities, although it is not more likely than not that Salisbury will be required to sell securities before recovery of their cost basis, which may be maturity. Management does not consider any of its securities to be OTTI at March 31, 2019.

Loans

Net loans receivable increased $1.9 million to $911.2 million at March 31, 2019, compared with $909.3 million at December 31, 2018.

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Asset Quality

During the first three months of 2019, non-performing assets decreased $1.2 million primarily from the sale of other real estate owned. During the first quarter of 2019, total impaired and potential problem loans increased by $2.8 million to $22.9 million, or 2.5% of gross loans receivable at March 31, 2019, from $20.1 million, compared to 2.20% of gross loans receivable at December 31, 2018.

Salisbury has cooperative relationships with the vast majority of its non-performing loan customers. Substantially all non-performing loans are collateralized with real estate and the repayment of such loans is largely dependent on the return of such loans to performing status or the liquidation of the underlying real estate collateral. Salisbury pursues the resolution of all non-performing loans through collections, restructures, voluntary liquidation of collateral by the borrower and, where necessary, legal action. When attempts to work with a customer to return a loan to performing status, including restructuring the loan, are unsuccessful, Salisbury will initiate appropriate legal action seeking to acquire property by deed in lieu of foreclosure or through foreclosure, or to liquidate business assets.

Past Due Loans

Loans past due 30 days or more decreased $0.4 million during first quarter 2019 to $7.2 million, or 0.79% of gross loans receivable at March 31, 2019 compared with $7.6 million, or 0.83% of gross loans receivable at December 31, 2018.

The components of loans past due 30 days or greater are as follows:

(in thousands)    March 31, 2019      December 31, 2018  
Past due 30-59 days  $1,344   $1,435 
Past due 60-89 days   885    730 
Past due 90-179 days   21    795 
Accruing loans   2,250    2,960 
Past due 30-59 days   284    208 
Past due 60-89 days   986    108 
Past due 90-179 days   192    812 
Past due 180 days and over   3,501    3,517 
Non-accrual loans   4,963    4,645 
Total loans past due 30 days or greater  $7,213   $7,605 

 

Credit Risk Ratings

Salisbury assigns credit risk ratings to loans receivable in order to manage credit risk and to determine the allowance for loan losses. Credit risk ratings categorize loans by common financial and structural characteristics that measure the credit strength of a borrower. Salisbury's rating model has eight risk rating grades, with each grade corresponding to a progressively greater risk of default. Grades 1 through 4 are pass ratings and 5 through 8 are ratings (special mention, substandard, doubtful, and loss) defined by the bank's regulatory agencies, the FDIC and CTDOB. Risk ratings are assigned to differentiate risk within the portfolio and are reviewed on an ongoing basis and revised, if needed, to reflect changes in the borrowers' current financial position and outlook, risk profiles and the related collateral and structural positions.

·Loans risk rated as "special mention" possess credit deficiencies or potential weaknesses deserving management's close attention that if left uncorrected may result in deterioration of the repayment prospects for the loans at some future date.
·Loans risk rated as "substandard" are loans where the Bank's position is clearly not protected adequately by borrower current net worth or payment capacity. These loans have well defined weaknesses based on objective evidence and include loans where future losses to the Bank may result if deficiencies are not corrected, and loans where the primary source of repayment such as income is diminished and the Bank must rely on sale of collateral or other secondary sources of collection.
·Loans risk rated as "doubtful" have the same weaknesses as substandard loans with the added characteristic that the weakness makes collection or liquidation in full, given current facts, conditions, and values, to be highly improbable. The possibility of loss is high, but due to certain important and reasonably specific pending factors, which may work to strengthen the loan, its reclassification as an estimated loss is deferred until its exact status can be determined.
·Loans risk rated as "loss" are considered uncollectible and of such little value that continuance as Bank assets is unwarranted. This classification does not mean that the loan has absolutely no recovery or salvage value, but rather, it is not practical or desirable to defer writing off this loan even though partial recovery may be made in the future.

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Management actively reviews and tests its credit risk ratings against actual experience and engages an independent third-party to annually validate its assignment of credit risk ratings. In addition, the Bank's loan portfolio and risk ratings are examined annually on a rotating basis by its two primary regulatory agencies, the FDIC and CTDOB.

Credit Quality Segments

Salisbury categorizes loans receivable into the following credit quality segments:

·Impaired loans consist of all non-accrual loans and troubled debt restructured loans, and represent loans for which it is probable that Salisbury will not be able to collect all principal and interest amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreements.
·Non-accrual loans, a sub-set of impaired loans, are loans for which the accrual of interest has been discontinued because, in the opinion of management, full collection of principal or interest is unlikely.
·Non-performing loans consist of non-accrual loans, and accruing loans past due 90 days and over that are well collateralized, in the process of collection and where full collection of principal and interest is reasonably assured. Non-performing assets consist of non-performing loans plus real estate acquired in settlement of loans.
·Troubled debt restructured loans are loans for which concessions such as reduction of interest rates, other than normal market rate adjustments, or deferral of principal or interest payments, extension of maturity dates, or reduction of principal balance or accrued interest, have been granted due to a borrower's financial condition. Loan restructuring is employed when management believes the granting of a concession will increase the probability of the full or partial collection of principal and interest.
·Potential problem loans consist of performing loans that have been assigned a substandard credit risk rating and are not classified as impaired.

Impaired Loans

Impaired loans include all modified loans classified as troubled debt restructurings (TDRs) and loans on non-accrual status. The components of impaired loans are as follows:

(in thousands)    March 31, 2019      December 31, 2018  
Non-accrual loans, excluding troubled debt restructured loans  $5,091   $4,430 
Non-accrual troubled debt restructured loans   1,278    1,289 
Accruing troubled debt restructured loans   6,547    6,801 
Total impaired loans  $12,916   $12,520 
Commitments to lend additional amounts to impaired borrowers  $   $ 

Non-Performing Assets

Non-performing assets decreased $1.2 million to $7.1 million, or 0.64% of assets at March 31, 2019, from $8.3 million, or 0.74% of assets at December 31, 2018, and increased $1.3 million from $5.8 million, or 0.57% of assets at March 31, 2018.

The 9.3% decrease in non-performing assets in the first quarter 2019 resulted primarily from loan payoff of $1.0 million of bank acquired real estate property sold.

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The components of non-performing assets are as follows:

(in thousands)    March 31, 2019      December 31, 2018  
Residential 1-4 family  $2,040   $2,092 
Residential 5+ multifamily   994    1,000 
Home equity lines of credit   407    411 
Commercial   2,356    1,640 
Farm land   212    216 
Real estate secured   6,009    5,359 
Commercial and industrial   360    360 
Non-accruing loans   6,369    5,719 
Accruing loans past due 90 days and over   21    795 
Non-performing loans   6,390    6,514 
Other Real Estate Owned (OREO)   741    1,810 
Non-performing assets  $7,131   $8,324 

The past due status of non-performing loans is as follows:

(in thousands)    March 31, 2019      December 31, 2018  
Current  $1,405   $1,074 
Past due 30-59 days   284    208 
Past due 60-89 days   986    108 
Past due 90-179 days   213    1,607 
Past due 180 days and over   3,502    3,517 
Total non-performing loans  $6,390   $6,514 

At March 31, 2019, 21.99% of non-performing loans were current with respect to loan payments, compared with 16.49% at December 31, 2018.

Troubled Debt Restructured Loans

Troubled debt restructured loans improved slightly during first quarter 2019 to $7.8 million, or 0.85% of gross loans receivable at March 31, 2019, compared to $8.1 million, or 0.88% of gross loans receivable at December 31, 2018.

The components of troubled debt restructured loans are as follows:

(in thousands)    March 31, 2019      December 31, 2018  
Residential 1-4 family  $2,804   $2,824 
Residential 5+ multifamily   385    675 
Home equity lines of credit   45    47 
Vacant land   187    190 
Commercial   2,988    2,924 
Real estate secured   6,409    6,660 
Commercial and industrial   138    141 
Accruing troubled debt restructured loans   6,547    6,801 
Residential 1-4 family   284    289 
Residential 5+ multifamily   994    1,000 
Commercial        
Real estate secured   1,278    1,289 
Commercial and Industrial        
Non-accrual troubled debt restructured loans   1,278    1,289 
Troubled debt restructured loans  $7,825   $8,090 

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The past due status of troubled debt restructured loans is as follows:

(in thousands)    March 31, 2019      December 31, 2018  
Current  $6,089   $6,340 
Past due 30-59 days   458    461 
Past due 60-89 days        
Accruing troubled debt restructured loans   6,547    6,801 
Current   417    359 
Past due 30-59 days       67 
Past due 60-89 days        
Past due 90-179 days       634 
Past due 180 days and over   861    229 
Non-accrual troubled debt restructured loans   1,278    1,289 
Total troubled debt restructured loans  $7,825   $8,090 

At March 31, 2019, 83.14% of troubled debt restructured loans were current with respect to loan payments, as compared with 82.82% at December 31, 2018.

Potential Problem Loans

Potential problem loans consist of performing loans that have been assigned a substandard credit risk rating and are not classified as impaired. Potential problem loans increased $2.4 million during the first quarter of 2019 to $10.0 million, or 1.09% of gross loans receivable at March 31, 2019, compared with $7.6 million, or 0.83% of gross loans receivable at December 31, 2018.

The components of potential problem loans are as follows:

(in thousands)    March 31, 2019      December 31, 2018  
Residential 1-4 family  $1,485   $1,300 
Residential 5+ multifamily        
Construction of residential 1-4 family        
Home equity lines of credit       29 
Residential real estate   1,485    1,329 
Commercial   5,922    5,567 
Construction of commercial       141 
Commercial real estate   5,922    5,708 
Farm land   1,543     
Vacant land        
Real estate secured   8,950    7,037 
Commercial and industrial   1,053    605 
Consumer   1     
Total potential problem loans  $10,004   $7,642 

The past due status of potential problem loans is as follows:

(in thousands)    March 31, 2019      December 31, 2018  
Current  $9,659   $6,543 
Past due 30-59 days   219    78 
Past due 60-89 days   105    226 
Past due 90-179 days   21    795 
Total potential problem loans  $10,004   $7,642 

At March 31, 2019, 96.55% of potential problem loans were current with respect to loan payments, as compared with 85.62% at December 31, 2018. Management cannot predict the extent to which economic or other factors may impact such borrowers' future payment capacity, and there can be no assurance that such loans will not be placed on nonaccrual status, restructured, or require increased provisions for loan losses.

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Deposits and Borrowings

Deposits increased $15.2 million during the first quarter of 2019, or 1.6%, to $942.0 million at March 31, 2019, compared with $926.7 million at December 31, 2018. Retail repurchase agreements decreased $1.2 million during 2019 to $2.9 million at March 31, 2019, compared with $4.1 million at December 31, 2018.

The distribution of average total deposits by account type is as follows:

   March 31, 2019  December 31, 2018
(in thousands)  Average Balance  Percent  Weighted
Interest Rate
  Average Balance  Percent  Weighted
Interest Rate
Demand deposits  $218,650    23.80%   0.00%  $223,356    25.61%   0.00%
Interest-bearing checking accounts   151,193    16.45    0.38    147,751    16.93    0.31 
Regular savings accounts   184,184    20.05    0.98    171,662    19.67    0.71 
Money market savings   199,741    21.74    0.95    195,741    22.43    0.64 
Certificates of deposit (CD's) 1   165,067    17.96    1.76    134,057    15.36    1.27 
Total deposits  $918,835    100.00%           0.78%   $872,567    100.00%   0.31%

1CD's included Certificate of Deposit Account Registry Service (“CDARS”) one-way buys of $20.7 million at March 31, 2019 and $19.4 million at December 31, 2018. CDARS is a product offered by Promontory Interfinancial Network that enables participating financial institutions to buy or sell excess funds to other members to manage liquidity. CD's also include brokered certificates of deposits of $29.0 million at March 31, 2019 and $20.0 million at December 31, 2018.

The classification of certificates of deposit by interest rates is as follows:

Interest rates    March 31, 2019      December 31, 2018  
Less than 1.00%  $36,730   $38,992 
1.00% to 1.99%   44,741    47,175 
2.00% to 2.99%   90,389    75,512 
3.00% to 3.99%   498     
Total  $172,358   $161,679 

The distribution of certificates of deposit by interest rate and maturity is as follows:

   At March 31, 2019
  Interest rates  Less Than or Equal to One Year  More Than One to Two Years  More Than Two to Three Years  More Than Three Years  Total  Percent of Total
Less than 1.00%  $30,018   $6,711   $1   $   $36,730    21.31%
1.00% to 1.99%   21,076    9,617    6,939    7,109    44,741    25.96 
2.00% to 2.99%   70,518    8,643    5,546    5,682    90,389    52.44 
3.00% to 3.99%           498        498    0.29 
Total  $121,612   $24,971   $12,984   $12,791   $172,358    100.00%

Scheduled maturities of time certificates of deposit in denominations of $100,000 or more are as follows:

March 31, 2019 (in thousands)  Within
3 months
 
3-6 months
 
6-12 months
  Over
1 year
  Total
Certificates of deposit $100,000 and over  $28,652   $23,688   $34,698   $26,975   $114,012 

FHLBB advances decreased $19.4 million during the first quarter of 2019 to $47.7 million at March 31, 2019, compared with $67.2 million at December 31, 2018. The decrease was primarily due to the maturity of overnight borrowings of $9.5 million and the maturity of a long term advance of $10.0 million during first quarter 2019. Salisbury has an Irrevocable Letter of Credit Reimbursement Agreement with the FHLBB, whereby upon the Bank's request an irrevocable letter of credit is issued to secure municipal and certain other transactional deposit accounts.  These letters of credit are secured primarily by residential mortgage loans.  The amount of funds available from the FHLBB to the Bank is reduced by any letters of credit outstanding.  At March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, $33.0 million of letters of credit were outstanding. Salisbury's borrowing capacity at the FHLB was $166.4 million at March 31, 2019.

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Liquidity

Salisbury manages its liquidity position to ensure that there is sufficient funding availability at all times to meet both anticipated and unanticipated deposit withdrawals, loan originations and advances, securities purchases and other operating cash outflows. Salisbury's primary sources of liquidity are principal payments and maturities of securities and loans, short-term borrowings through repurchase agreements and FHLBB advances, net deposit growth and funds provided by operations. Liquidity can also be provided through sales of loans and available-for-sale securities.

Salisbury manages its liquidity in accordance with a liquidity funding policy, and also maintains a contingency funding plan that provides for the prompt and comprehensive response to unexpected demands for liquidity. Management believes Salisbury's funding sources will meet anticipated funding needs.

Operating activities for the three-month period ended March 31, 2019 provided net cash of $2.6 million. Investing activities utilized net cash of $6.2 million, due to the purchase of securities available-for-sale of $9.4 million, net loan originations of $2.2 million and $0.8 million for the purchase of a BOLI policy for a named executive officer, partly offset by $3.1 million from the maturities/principle paydowns of available-for-sale (AFS) securities, proceeds of $1.0 million from the sale of AFS securities, proceeds of $1.1 million from the redemption of FHLBB stock and proceeds of $1.0 million from the sale of an OREO property. Financing activities utilized net cash of $6.2 million, primarily due to the maturity of $10 million in long term FHLBB borrowings, the maturity of $9.5 million in overnight FHLBB borrowings, and a decrease of $1.2 million in securities sold under agreements to repurchase, partly offset by an increase of $10.7 million in time deposits and an increase of $4.6 million in deposit transaction accounts.

At March 31, 2019, Salisbury had outstanding commitments to fund new loan originations of $23.3 million and unused lines of credit of $125.5 million. Salisbury believes that these commitments can be met in the normal course of business. Salisbury believes that its liquidity sources will continue to provide funding sufficient to support operating activities, loan originations and commitments, and deposit withdrawals.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

For the three month periods ended March 31, 2019 and 2018

OVERVIEW

Net income allocated to common stock was $2.4 million, or $0.87 per common share, for the first quarter ended March 31, 2019 (first quarter 2019), compared with $2.5 million, or $0.91 per common share, for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2018 (fourth quarter 2018), and $2.0 million, or $0.72 per common share, for the first quarter ended March 31, 2018 (first quarter 2018).

Net Interest Income

Tax equivalent net interest income for first quarter 2019 increased $450 thousand, or 5.6%, versus first quarter 2018. Average earning assets increased $109 million versus first quarter 2018. Average total interest bearing deposits increased $93.3 million versus first quarter 2018. The net interest margin of 3.28% decreased 23 basis points versus 3.51% for the first quarter 2018.

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The following table sets forth the components of Salisbury's fully tax-equivalent (“FTE”) net interest income and yields on average interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities.

Three months ended March 31,  Average Balance  Income / Expense  Average Yield / Rate
(dollars in thousands)    2019      2018      2019      2018      2019      2018  
Loans (a)(d)(e)  $918,290   $820,809   $10,036   $8,758    4.37%   4.27%
Securities (c)(d)   96,648    80,433    716    501    2.96    2.49 
FHLBB stock   4,192    3,888    72    39    6.87    4.01 
Short term funds (b)   30,936    35,073    155    120    2.00    1.37 
Total interest-earning assets   1,050,066    940,203    10,979    9,418    4.18    4.01 
Other assets   57,027    52,735                     
Total assets  $1,107,093   $992,938                     
Interest-bearing demand deposits  $151,193   $144,999    144    91    0.38    0.25 
Money market accounts   199,741    188,588    474    228    0.95    0.48 
Savings and other   184,184    151,180    451    150    0.98    0.40 
Certificates of deposit   165,067    122,100    727    308    1.76    1.01 
Total interest-bearing deposits   700,185    606,867    1,796    777    1.03    0.51 
Repurchase agreements   2,740    2,629    3    1    0.44    0.15 
Capital lease   4,075    1,958    46    35    4.52    7.15 
Note payable   275    308    4    5    5.82    6.49 
Subordinated debt   9,837    9,814    156    156    6.34    6.36 
FHLBB advances   59,675    50,756    412    332    2.76    2.62 
Total interest-bearing liabilities   776,787    672,332    2,417    1,306    1.24    0.78 
Demand deposits   218,625    216,788                     
Other liabilities   7,150    5,883                     
Shareholders' equity   104,531    97,935                     
Total liabilities & shareholders' equity  $1,107,093   $992,938                     
Net interest income            $8,562   $8,112           
Spread on interest-bearing funds                       2.94    3.23 
Net interest margin (e)                       3.28    3.51 

 (a)Includes non-accrual loans.
(b)Includes interest-bearing deposits in other banks and federal funds sold.
 (c)Average balances of securities are based on historical cost.
 (d)Includes tax exempt income benefit of $126,000 and $118,000, respectively, for 2019 and 2018 on tax-exempt securities and loans whose income and yields are calculated on a tax-equivalent basis.
 (e)Net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets.

 

The following table sets forth the changes in FTE interest due to volume and rate.

Three months ended March 31, (in thousands) 2019 versus 2018
Change in interest due to   Volume    Rate    Net 
Interest-earning assets               
Loans  $1,053   $225   $1,278 
Securities   111    104    215 
FHLBB stock   4    29    33 
Short term funds   (17)   52    35 
Interest-earning assets   1,151    410    1,561 
Interest-bearing liabilities               
Deposits   179    840    1,019 
Repurchase agreements       2    2 
Capital lease   31    (20)   11 
Note payable   (1)       (1)
Subordinated debt            
FHLBB advances   60    20    80 
Interest-bearing liabilities   269    842    1,111 
Net change in net interest income  $882   $(432)  $450 

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Interest Income

Tax equivalent interest income increased $1.5 million to $11.0 million for first quarter 2019 as compared with first quarter 2018. Loan income as compared to first quarter 2019 increased $1.3 million, or 15%, primarily due to a $89.5 million, or 12%, increase in average loans and a 10 basis point increase in the average loan yield. Tax equivalent securities income increased $215 thousand, or 43%, for first quarter 2019 as compared with first quarter 2018, primarily due to a 47 basis point increase in average yield and a $16 million, or 20%, increase in average volume. Income on short-term funds as compared to first quarter 2018 increased $35 thousand, or 29%, primarily due to a 63 basis point increase in the average short-term funds yields.

Interest Expense

Interest expense increased $1.1 million, or 85%, to $2.4 million for first quarter 2019 as compared with first quarter 2018. Interest on deposit accounts increased $1.0 million, or 131%, as a result of a $93.3 million increase in the average balances and a 52 basis point increase in average deposit rates as compared with first quarter 2018. Interest expense on FHLBB borrowings increased $80 thousand as a result of an average balance increase of $8.9 million as compared with first quarter 2018, and a 14 basis point increase in the average borrowings rate. Interest expense on subordinated debt totaled $156 thousand for the first quarter in both 2019 and 2018.

Provision and Allowance for Loan Losses

During the first quarter 2019, the allowance for loan losses activity included reduced charge-offs, quarterly provisions, and the transfer of the remaining unearned credit-related discount on the loans acquired in the 2014 Riverside Bank acquisition. The transfer of the unearned credit-related discount increased gross loans receivable and the allowance for loan losses by $664 thousand without changing net loans receivable. The allowance for loan losses was further increased by the provision for loan loss expense of $294 thousand for first quarter 2019 compared with $558 thousand for fourth quarter 2018 and $326 thousand for the first quarter 2018. Net loan charge-offs were $38 thousand for the first quarter 2019, $471 thousand for fourth quarter 2018 and $43 thousand for the first quarter 2018.

As a result of these factors, reserve coverage, as measured by the ratio of the allowance for loan losses to gross loans, was 0.95% for the first quarter 2019, versus 0.85% for the fourth quarter 2018 and 0.84% for the first quarter 2018. Similarly, reserve coverage, as measured by the ratio of the allowance for loan losses to non-performing loans was 137% for the first quarter of 2019, versus 120% for the fourth quarter of 2018 and 139% for the first quarter of 2018.

The following table details the principal categories of credit quality ratios:

Three months ended March 31,    2019      2018  
Net charge-offs (recoveries) to average loans receivable, gross   0.00%   0.01%
Non-performing loans to loans receivable, gross   0.69    0.61 
Accruing loans past due 30-89 days to loans receivable, gross   0.24    0.40 
Allowance for loan losses to loans receivable, gross   0.95    0.84 
Allowance for loan losses to non-performing loans   136.95    138.56 
Non-performing assets to total assets   0.64    0.57 

Non-performing loans (non-accrual loans plus accruing loans past-due 90 days or more) were $6.4 million, or 0.69% of gross loans receivable at March 31, 2019 as compared to $6.5 million, or 0.71% at December 31, 2018 and $5.1 million, or 0.61%, at March 31, 2018. Accruing loans past due 30-89 days were $2.2 million, or 0.24% of gross loans receivable compared with $2.2 million, or 0.24% of gross loans receivable at December 31, 2018 and $3.4 million, or 0.40% of gross loans receivable, at March 31, 2018. See “Financial Condition – Asset Quality” above for further discussion and analysis.

The allowance for loan losses represents management's estimate of the probable credit losses inherent in the loan portfolio as of the reporting date. The allowance is increased by provisions charged to earnings and by recoveries of amounts previously charged off, and is reduced by loan charge-offs. Loan charge-offs are recognized when management determines a loan, or portion of a loan, is uncollectible. The allowance for loan losses is computed by segregating the portfolio into three components: (1) loans collectively evaluated for impairment: general loss allocation factors for non-impaired loans are segmented into pools of loans based on similar risk characteristics such as loan product, collateral type and loan-to-value, loan risk rating, historical loss experience, delinquency factors and other similar economic indicators, (2) loans individually evaluated for impairment: individual loss allocations for loans deemed to be impaired based on discounted cash flows or collateral value, and (3) unallocated: general loss allocations for other environmental factors.

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Impaired loans and certain potential problem loans, when warranted, are individually evaluated for impairment. Impairment is measured for each individual loan, or for a borrower's aggregate loan exposure, using either the fair value of the collateral, less estimated costs to sell if the loan is collateral dependent, or the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan's effective interest rate. A specific allowance is generally established when the collateral value or discounted cash flows of the loan is lower than the carrying value of that loan.

The component of the allowance for loan losses for loans collectively evaluated for impairment is estimated by stratifying loans into segments and credit risk ratings and then applying management's general loss allocation factors. The general loss allocation factors are based on expected loss experience adjusted for historical loss experience and other qualitative factors, including levels or trends in delinquencies; 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; experience/ability/depth of lending management and staff; and national and local economic trends and conditions. The qualitative factors are determined based on the various risk characteristics of each loan segment. There were no significant changes in Salisbury's policies or methodology pertaining to the general component of the allowance for loan losses during first quarter 2019.

The unallocated component of the allowance is maintained to cover uncertainties that could affect management's estimate of probable losses. It reflects the margin of imprecision inherent in the underlying assumptions used in the methodologies for estimating allocated and general reserves in the portfolio. Additionally reserves are established for off balance sheet exposures.

Determining the adequacy of the allowance and reserves at any given period is difficult, particularly during deteriorating or uncertain economic periods, and management must make estimates using assumptions and information that are often subjective and changing rapidly. The review of credit exposure related to loans is a continuing event in light of a changing economy and the dynamics of the banking and regulatory environment. Should the economic climate deteriorate, borrowers could experience difficulty and the level of non-performing loans, charge-offs and delinquencies could rise, requiring increased provisions and reserves. In management's judgment, Salisbury remains adequately reserved both against total loans and non-performing loans at March 31, 2019.

Management's loan risk rating assignments, loss percentages and specific reserves are subjected annually to an independent credit review by an external firm. In addition, the Bank is examined annually on a rotational basis by one of its two primary regulatory agencies, the FDIC and CTDOB. As an integral part of their examination process, the FDIC and CTDOB review the adequacy and methodology of the Bank's credit risk ratings and allowance for loan losses.

Non-Interest Income

The following table details the principal categories of non-interest income.

Three months ended March 31, (dollars in thousands) 2019      2018      2019 vs. 2018  
Trust and wealth advisory  $906   $894   $12    1%
Service charges and fees   920    868    52    6 
Gains on sales of mortgage loans, net   7    18    (11)   (61)
Mortgage servicing, net   76    83    (7)   (8)
Gain on CRA mutual fund   11    (13)   24    (185)
Gain (losses) on available-for-sale securities, net   (9)   (2)   (7)   350 
Other   116    126    (10)   (8)
Total non-interest income  $2,027   $1,974   $53    3%

Non-interest income increased $53 thousand, or 3% in the first quarter of 2019 versus the first quarter of 2018. Trust and wealth advisory revenues increased $12 thousand versus first quarter 2018 primarily due to higher asset based fees. Service charges and fees increased $52 thousand versus first quarter 2018 primarily due to higher deposit and interchange fees as well as higher loan prepayment penalties. First quarter 2019 gains on mortgage loans declined $11 thousand on lower volume. Mortgage sales in first quarter 2019 were $0.4 million compared with $0.7 million for first quarter 2018. Net mortgage servicing fees declined from first quarter 2018 on lower mortgage volume. The first quarter 2019 included net gains of $11 thousand on investments in CRA Funds compared with net losses of $13 thousand in first quarter 2018.  Other income primarily includes income on bank-owned life insurance policies and rental property income.

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Non-Interest Expense

The following table details the principal categories of non-interest expense.

Three months ended March 31, (dollars in thousands) 2019      2018      2019 vs. 2018  
Salaries  $2,993   $2,846   $147    5%
Employee benefits   1,185    1,159    26    2 
Premises and equipment   972    1,024    (52)   (5)
Data processing   509    486    23    5 
Professional fees   535    619    (84)   (14)
OREO gains, losses and write-downs   52    52         
Collections, OREO, and loan related   130    82    48    59 
FDIC insurance   163    130    33    25 
Marketing and community support   156    242    (86)   (36)
Amortization of core deposit  intangibles   104    120    (16)   (13)
Other   412    422    (10)   (2)
Non-interest expense  $7,211   $7,182   $29      

Non-interest expense for first quarter 2019 increased $29 thousand versus first quarter 2018. Salaries expense increased $147 thousand versus first quarter 2018. The increase primarily reflected the mix and levels of staff, the impact of annual merit increases and higher production accruals. Employee benefits expense increased $26 thousand versus first quarter 2018 primarily due to higher costs for medical insurance, which was partly offset by lower accruals for ESOP and 401k plans. Professional fees decreased $84 thousand versus first quarter 2018 primarily as a result of lower consulting and investment management fees partly offset by higher audit and exam fees. Loan and OREO related expenses increased $48 thousand versus first quarter 2018, mainly due higher carrying costs on OREO properties. Marketing and community support expense decreased $86 thousand versus first quarter 2018 primarily due to marketing costs incurred in first quarter 2018 related to the relocation of the Bank's Newburgh and Fishkill, New York branches as well as the timing of general marketing campaigns and donations.

Income Taxes

The effective income tax rates for first quarter 2019 and first quarter 2018 were 17.75% and 18.09%, respectively. Generally, fluctuations in the effective tax rate result from changes in the mix of taxable and tax exempt income. Additionally, Salisbury's effective tax rate is generally less than the federal statutory rate due to holdings of tax-exempt municipal bonds and loans as well as bank owned life insurance.

Salisbury did not incur Connecticut income tax in 2019 (to date) or 2018, other than minimum state income tax, as a result of a Connecticut law that permits banks to shelter certain mortgage income from the Connecticut corporation business tax through the use of a special purpose entity called a Passive Investment Company or PIC. In 2004, Salisbury availed itself of this benefit by forming a PIC, SBT Mortgage Service Corporation. Salisbury's income tax provision reflects the full impact of the Connecticut legislation. Salisbury does not expect to pay other than minimum Connecticut state income tax in the foreseeable future unless there is a change in Connecticut tax law.

CAPITAL RESOURCES

Shareholders' equity was $106.1 million at March 31, 2019, up $2.7 million from December 31, 2018. Book value and tangible book value per common share were $37.81 and $32.43, respectively, compared with $36.86 and $31.45, respectively, at December 31, 2018. Contributing to the increase in shareholders' equity for year-to-date 2019 was net income of $2.4 million, partially offset by common stock dividends of $0.8 million. The increase in accumulated other comprehensive income consisted of unrealized gains on securities available-for-sale, net of tax, of $0.9 million for the three month period ending March 31, 2019.

Capital Requirements

Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory and possibly additional and discretionary actions by the regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on Salisbury's and the Bank's financial statements. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, Salisbury and the Bank must meet specific guidelines that involve quantitative measures of their assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. Salisbury and the Bank's capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings, and other factors.

Salisbury and the Bank are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the federal banking agencies. Salisbury and the Bank must meet specific guidelines that involve quantitative measures of their assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices.

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Under current regulatory definitions, Salisbury and the Bank meet all capital adequacy requirements to which they are subject and the Bank is considered to be well-capitalized. As a result, the Bank pays lower federal deposit insurance premiums than those banks that are not “well- capitalized.” Requirements for classification as a well-capitalized institution and for minimum capital adequacy along with Salisbury's and the Bank's regulatory capital ratios are as follows:

    March 31, 2019  December 31, 2018
     Salisbury   Bank   Salisbury   Bank
Total Capital (to risk-weighted assets)   12.68%   12.35%   12.51%   12.09%
Tier 1 Capital (to risk-weighted assets)   10.50    11.33    10.43    11.17 
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital (to risk-weighted assets)   10.50    11.33    10.43    11.17 
Tier 1 Capital (to average assets)   8.32    8.97    8.25    8.83 

A well-capitalized institution, which is the highest capital category for an institution as defined by the Prompt Corrective Action regulations issued by the FDIC and the FRB, is one which maintains a Total Risk-Based ratio of 10% or above, a Tier 1 Risk-Based ratio of 8% or above, a Common Equity Tier 1 ratio of 6.5% or above, and a Leverage ratio of 5% or above, and is not subject to any written order, written agreement, capital directive, or prompt corrective action directive to meet and maintain a specific capital level. Maintaining strong capital is essential to Salisbury and the Bank's safety and soundness. However, the effective management of capital resources requires generating attractive returns on equity to build value for shareholders while maintaining appropriate levels of capital to fund growth, meet regulatory requirements and be consistent with prudent industry practices.

The FRB's final rules implementing the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision's capital guidelines for bank holding companies and their bank subsidiaries include a common equity Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets minimum ratio of 4.5%, a minimum ratio of Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets of 6.0%, require a minimum ratio of Total capital to risk-weighted assets of 8.0%, and require a minimum Tier 1 leverage ratio of 4.0%. A capital conservation buffer, comprised of common equity Tier 1 capital, is also established above the regulatory minimum capital requirements. This capital conservation buffer began phasing in January 1, 2016 at 0.625% of risk-weighted assets and increases each subsequent year by an additional 0.625% until reaching its final level of 2.50% on January 1, 2019. Strict eligibility criteria for regulatory capital instruments were also implemented under the final rules.

As of March 31, 2019, the Company and the Bank met each of their capital requirements and the most recent notification from the FDIC categorized the Bank as “well-capitalized.” There are no conditions or events since that notification that management believes have changed the Bank's category.

On February 8, 2019, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, the FRB and the FDIC published a proposal that would simplify capital requirements for certain community banking organizations with less than $10 billion in total consolidated assets (such as the Bank), consistent with Section 201 of the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act of 2018 (“EGRRCPA”). Section 201 of EGRRCPA requires the banking agencies to promulgate a rule establishing a new “Community Bank Leverage Ratio” of 8%-10% for qualifying banking organizations. Under the proposal, depository institutions and their holding companies that meet certain criteria (generally, those with limited amounts of off-balance sheet exposures, trading assets and liabilities, mortgage servicing assets, and temporary difference deferred tax assets) (“qualifying community banking organizations”) would be eligible to use a simple on-balance sheet leverage ratio as the measure of their capital adequacy. A qualifying community banking organization with a community bank leverage ratio (“CBLR”) of greater than 9% that “elects to use the CBLR framework” would not be subject to other risk-based and leverage capital requirements and would be considered to have met the well-capitalized ratio requirements for purposes of the agencies' Prompt Corrective Action (“PCA”) framework. The proposal also “incorporates CBLR levels as proxies for the following PCA categories: adequately capitalized, undercapitalized and significantly undercapitalized,” under each of which a CBLR banking organization would be subject to the same restrictions that currently apply to any other insured depository institution in the same PCA category. As a result, the proposal would establish three CBLR proxies for the following PCA capital categories: (a) Adequately capitalized: CBLR of 7.5% or greater; (b) Undercapitalized: CBLR of less than 7.5%; (c) and significantly undercapitalized: CBLR of less than 6%. Comments on the proposal were due by April 9, 2019. Salisbury and the Bank are evaluating the potential benefits of the additional flexibility offered by EGRRCPA and will monitor the proposed regulations.

Dividends

During the three month period ended March 31, 2019, Salisbury paid $784,000 in dividends on common stock.

On April 26, 2019, the Board of Directors of Salisbury declared a dividend of $0.28 per common share payable on May 31, 2019 to shareholders of record on May 17, 2019. Common stock dividends, when declared, will generally be paid the last Friday of February, May, August and November, although Salisbury is not obligated to pay dividends on those dates or at any other time.

Salisbury's ability to pay cash dividends is dependent on the Bank's ability to pay cash dividends to Salisbury. There are certain restrictions on the payment of cash dividends and other payments by the Bank to Salisbury. Under Connecticut law, the Bank cannot declare a cash dividend except from net profits, defined as the remainder of all earnings from current operations. The total of all cash dividends declared by the Bank in any calendar year shall not, unless specifically approved by the Banking Commissioner, exceed the total of its net profits of that year combined with its retained net profits of the preceding two years.

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FRB Supervisory Letter SR 09-4, February 24, 2009, revised December 31, 2015, states that, as a general matter, the Board of Directors of a Bank Holding Company (“BHC”) should inform the Federal Reserve and should eliminate, defer, or significantly reduce dividends if (1) net income available to shareholders for the past four quarters, net of dividends previously paid during that period, is not sufficient to fully fund the dividends; (2) the prospective rate of earnings retention is not consistent with capital needs and overall current and prospective financial condition; or (3) the BHC will not meet, or is in danger of not meeting, its minimum regulatory capital adequacy ratios. Moreover, a BHC should inform the Federal Reserve reasonably in advance of declaring or paying a dividend that exceeds earnings for the period (e.g., quarter) for which the dividend is being paid or that could result in a material adverse change to the BHC capital position.

Salisbury believes that the payment of common stock cash dividends is appropriate, provided that such payment considers Salisbury's capital needs, asset quality, and overall financial condition and does not adversely affect the financial stability of Salisbury or the Bank. The continued payment of common stock cash dividends by Salisbury will be dependent on Salisbury's future core earnings, financial condition and capital needs, regulatory restrictions, and other factors deemed relevant by the Board of Directors of Salisbury.

IMPACT OF INFLATION AND CHANGING PRICES

Salisbury's consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto presented elsewhere in this Form 10-Q are prepared in conformity with GAAP, which require the measurement of financial condition and operating results in terms of historical dollars without considering changes in the relative purchasing power of money, over time, due to inflation. Unlike some other types of companies, the financial nature of Salisbury's consolidated financial statements is more clearly affected by changes in interest rates than by inflation. Interest rates do not necessarily fluctuate in the same direction or in the same magnitude as the prices of goods and services. However, inflation does affect Salisbury to some extent because, as prices increase, the money supply grows and interest rates are affected by inflationary expectations. There is no precise method, however, to measure the effects of inflation on Salisbury's consolidated financial statements. Accordingly, any examination or analysis of the financial statements should take into consideration the possible effects of inflation. Although not a material factor in recent years, inflation could impact earnings in future periods.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Form 10-Q and future filings made by Salisbury with the Securities and Exchange Commission, as well as other filings, reports and press releases made or issued by Salisbury and the Bank, and oral statements made by executive officers of Salisbury and the Bank, may include forward-looking statements relating to such matters as:

(a)assumptions concerning future economic and business conditions and their effect on the economy in general and on the markets in which Salisbury and the Bank do business; and
(b)expectations for revenues and earnings for Salisbury and the Bank.

Such forward-looking statements are based on assumptions rather than historical or current facts and, therefore, are inherently uncertain and subject to risk. For those statements, Salisbury claims the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

Salisbury notes that a variety of factors could cause the actual results or experience to differ materially from the anticipated results or other expectations described or implied by such forward-looking statements. The risks and uncertainties that may affect the operation, performance, development and results of Salisbury's and the Bank's business include the following:

(a)the risk of adverse changes in business conditions in the banking industry generally and in the specific markets in which the Bank operates;
(b)changes in the legislative and regulatory environment that negatively impacts Salisbury and the Bank through increased operating expenses;
(c)increased competition from other financial and non-financial institutions;
(d)the impact of technological advances and cybersecurity matters;
(e)interest rate fluctuations; and
(f)other risks identified from time to time in Salisbury's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Such developments could have an adverse impact on Salisbury's and the Bank's financial position and results of operations.

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Item 3.QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Salisbury manages its exposure to interest rate risk through its Asset/Liability Management Committee (“ALCO”) using risk limits and policy guidelines to manage assets and funding liabilities to produce financial results that are consistent with Salisbury's liquidity, capital adequacy, growth, risk and profitability targets. Interest rate risk is the risk of a negative impact to future earnings due to changes in interest rates.

The ALCO manages interest rate risk using income simulation to measure interest rate risk inherent in Salisbury's financial instruments at a given point in time by showing the effect of interest rate shifts on net interest income over a 24-month horizon. In management's March 31, 2019 analysis, the simulations incorporate static growth assumptions over the simulation horizons for regulatory compliance and interest rate risk measurement purposes. In the dynamic growth scenarios, allowances are made for loan, deposit and security product mix shifts in selected interest rate scenarios, such as movements between lower rate savings and money market deposit accounts and higher rate time deposits, and changes in the reinvestment of loan and securities cash flows. Additionally, the simulations take into account the specific re-pricing, maturity and prepayment characteristics of differing financial instruments that may vary under different interest rate scenarios.

The ALCO reviews the simulation results to determine whether Salisbury's exposure to change in net interest income remains within established tolerance levels over the simulation horizons and to develop appropriate strategies to manage this exposure. Salisbury's tolerance levels for changes in net interest income in its income simulations varies depending on the magnitude of interest rate changes and level of risk-based capital. All changes are measured in comparison to the projected net interest income that would result from an “unchanged” rate scenario where interest rates remain stable over the forecast horizon. The ALCO also evaluates the directional trends of net interest income, net interest margin and other financial measures over the forecast horizon for consistency with its liquidity, capital adequacy, growth, risk and profitability targets.

ALCO uses four interest rate scenarios to evaluate interest risk exposure and may vary these interest rate scenarios to show the effect of steepening or flattening changes in yield curves as well as parallel changes in interest rates. At March 31, 2019, ALCO used the following interest rate scenarios: (1) unchanged interest rates; (2) immediately rising interest rates – immediate parallel upward shift in market interest rates of 300 basis points across the yield curve; (3) immediately falling interest rates – immediate parallel downward shift in market interest rates of 100 basis points across the yield curve; and (4) gradual and non-parallel declines in interest rates – a gradual decline in market interest rates ranging from 65 basis points for the 2-year Treasury rates to 87 basis points for the 10-year Treasury in year one and then a further decline in market interest rates ranging from 65 basis points for the 2 year treasury rate to 17 basis points for the 10-year Treasury in year two. In this scenario, the yield curve inverts in the second and third quarter of 2019 and flattens in the fourth quarter of 2019 before normalizing in 2020 as short-term rates decline more than longer term rates. Ultimately, the yield curve slopes upward but at very low overall market interest rates. Deposit rates are assumed to shift by lessor amounts due to their relative historical insensitivity to market interest rate movements. Further, deposits are assumed to have certain minimum rate levels below which they will not fall. Income simulations do not reflect adjustments in strategy that the ALCO could implement in response to rate shifts.

As of March 31, 2019, net interest income simulations indicated that Salisbury's exposure to changing interest rates over the simulation horizons remained within its tolerance levels.

The following table sets forth the estimated change in net interest income from an unchanged interest rate scenario over the periods indicated for changes in market interest rates using Salisbury's financial instruments as of March 31, 2019.

As of March 31, 2019  Months 1-12    Months 13-24  
Immediately rising interest rates + 300bp (static growth assumptions)   (6.87)%   (1.76)%
Immediately falling interest rates - 100bp (static growth assumptions)   (1.80)   (4.70)
Immediately rising interest rates + 400bp (static growth assumptions)   (9.42)   (2.85)

The negative exposure of net interest income to immediately and gradually rising rates as compared to the unchanged rate scenario results from a faster projected rise in the cost of funds versus income from earning assets, as relatively rate-sensitive money market and time deposits re-price faster than longer duration earning assets. The negative exposure of net interest income to immediately falling rates as compared to an unchanged rate scenario results from a greater decline in earning asset yields compared to rates paid on funding liabilities, as a result of faster prepayments on existing assets and lower reinvestment rates on future loans originated and securities purchased.

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While the ALCO reviews simulation assumptions and back-tests simulation results to ensure that they are reasonable and current, income simulation may not always prove to be an accurate indicator of interest rate risk or future net interest margin. Over time, the re-pricing, maturity and prepayment characteristics of financial instruments and the composition of Salisbury's balance sheet may change to a different degree than estimated. Simulation modeling assumes Salisbury's expectation for future balance sheet growth, which is a function of the business environment and customer behavior. Another significant simulation assumption is the sensitivity of core savings deposits to fluctuations in interest rates. Income simulation results assume that changes in both core savings deposit rates and balances are related to changes in short-term interest rates. The assumed relationship between short-term interest rate changes and core deposit rate and balance changes used in income simulation may differ from the ALCO's estimates. Lastly, mortgage-backed securities and mortgage loans involve a level of risk that unforeseen changes in prepayment speeds may cause related cash flows to vary significantly in differing rate environments. Such changes could affect the level of reinvestment risk associated with cash flow from these instruments, as well as their market value. Changes in prepayment speeds could also increase or decrease the amortization of premium or accretion of discounts related to such instruments, thereby affecting interest income.

Salisbury also monitors the potential change in market value of its available-for-sale debt securities in changing interest rate environments. The purpose is to determine market value exposure that may not be captured by income simulation, but which might result in changes to Salisbury's capital and liquidity position. Results are calculated using industry-standard analytical techniques and securities data. Available-for-sale equity securities are excluded from this analysis because the market value of such securities cannot be directly correlated with changes in interest rates.

The following table summarizes the potential change in market value of available-for-sale debt securities resulting from immediate parallel rate shifts:

As of March 31, 2019 (in thousands)    Rates up 100bp      Rates up 200bp  
U.S. Government Agency notes   (194)   (561)
Municipal bonds   (339)   (874)
Mortgage backed securities:          
U.S. Government agencies and U.S. Government-sponsored enterprises   (1,456)   (3,293)
Collateralized mortgage obligations:          
U.S. Government agencies   (761)   (1,755)
Corporate bonds   (113)   (205)
Total available-for-sale debt securities  $(2,863)  $(6,688)
Item 4.CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Salisbury's management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of Salisbury's disclosure controls and procedures as of March 31, 2019. Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures are effective as of March 31, 2019.

Disclosure controls and procedures are controls and other procedures that are designed to ensure that the information required to be disclosed in reports filed or submitted under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in our reports filed under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to management, including the principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. 

Changes in Internal Controls

In addition, based on an evaluation of its internal controls over financial reporting, no change in Salisbury's internal control over financial reporting occurred during the quarter ended March 31, 2019 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, Salisbury's internal control over financial reporting.

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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

The Bank is involved in various claims and legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business, which management currently believes are not material, individually or in the aggregate, to the business, financial condition or operating results of Salisbury or any of its subsidiaries. There are no material pending legal proceedings, other than ordinary routine litigation incidental to the registrant's business, to which Salisbury is a party or of which any of its property is subject.

Item 1A.RISK FACTORS

During the three months ended March 31, 2019, there were no material changes to the risk factors previously disclosed in Salisbury's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018.

Item 2.UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

None

Item 3.DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None

Item 4.MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not Applicable

Item 5.OTHER INFORMATION

None

Item 6.EXHIBITS
Exhibit No. Description
3.1 Certificate of Incorporation of Salisbury Bancorp, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of Registrant’s 1998 Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed April 23, 1998, File No.: 33-50857).
3.1.1 Amendment to Article Third of Certificate of Incorporation of Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of Registrant’s Form 8-K filed March 11, 2009).
3.1.2 Certificate of Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation of Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of Registrant’s Form 8-K filed March 19, 2009).
3.1.3 Certificate of Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation for the Series B Preferred Stock (incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on August 25, 2011).
3.1.4 Certificate of Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation of Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of Registrant’s Form 8-K filed October 30, 2014).
3.2 Amended and Restated Bylaws (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of Form 8-K filed November 25, 2014).
4.1 Form of Subordinated Note, dated as of December 10, 2015, issued by Salisbury Bancorp, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of Registrant’s Form 8-K filed December 10, 2015).
10.1 2017 Long Term Incentive Plan adopted by the Board on February 24, 2017 and approved by shareholders at Salisbury’s 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (incorporated by reference to Appendix A of the Registrant’s definitive proxy statement filed April 10, 2017).
10.2 Amendment Number Three to 2011 Long Term Incentive Plan dated as of April 28, 2017 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of Form 10-Q filed May 15, 2017).
21.1 Subsidiaries of the Registrant.
31.1 Chief Executive Officer Certification Pursuant to 17 CFR 240.13a-14, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2 Chief Financial Officer Certification Pursuant to 17 CF 240.13a-14, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1 Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

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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.

 

 

    SALISBURY BANCORP, INC.
     
May 10, 2019 By:   /s/ Richard J. Cantele, Jr.  
    Richard J. Cantele, Jr.,
    President and Chief Executive Officer
     
May 10, 2019 By:   /s/ Peter Albero  
    Peter Albero,
    Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 

 

 

 

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